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Why I Take AP English Literature and Composition

Writer's picture: Leah SongLeah Song

The Class Deviates from Conventional English Education, but It Is Worth Taking It


Photo by Leah Song/Maclay Andalusian


After a semester in AP English Literature and Composition (AP Lit), I’m excited to share my opinions for the class. A college-level English course taught by Craig Beaven to selected seniors, the course challenges students to approach the meaning of life, tackling not only literary techniques but also philosophical theories. In addition to common texts, students are randomly assigned a distinct work of literature to analyze independently each semester. The course diverges from conventional English or high school classes in content and style, but it pushes students to find a deep purpose in education and, more broadly, human life. I have learned that literature is about more than the quality of writing—it is a form of art that represents the heart of humanity.


AP Lit has introduced some of the most striking writings I’ve ever read, such as “Allegory of the Cave,” “The Sound and the Fury” and “Metamorphosis,” but T.S. Elliot’s “The Waste Land” stands at the top of my list—and for mixed reasons. Through deep layers of symbols and allusions across multiple religions, mythologies and works of literature, the poem depicts human struggles to survive a fragmented world. Though the text may be too challenging for high school students, it delivers various literary styles and themes, such as the postlapsarian world, social injustice, the passage of time and human mind. AP Lit’s wide collection of texts all tie back to the meaning-making of the world, and they enrich the readers’ knowledge on what makes humans human—an important intellectual discussion beyond academics.


AP Lit’s relaxed class setting also helps students engage in deep reflections. Beaven prioritizes content and depth over format or structure in writing essays, encouraging students to be creative and authentic. This contributes to an ideal learning environment for seniors who have studied the foundations of English writing for three years. The class also involves open discussions on text analysis, inviting all students to contribute any idea at any time. The absence of strict expectations enables students to explore their inner selves and produce unique essays. This freedom in AP Lit truly inspires and empowers students who thrive in a flexible learning space.


Finally, AP Lit’s focus on the meaning-making of life sparks deep philosophical discussions that most students won’t experience in any other class in high school. These discussions, involving the concept of absurdity in existentialism, free will and creation, help students explore diverse viewpoints on human nature, which help deepen their knowledge of history, morality and society. Applying these concepts to literature, students can find artistic ways to express their inner thoughts.


Although my favorite part of AP Lit is that it emphasizes an open dialogue, this may be a downside for students who don’t feel comfortable speaking about their beliefs in public. Students may also face disagreements in philosophical and religious interpretations that might challenge their original belief systems. However, in the long term, practicing civil discourse will help students develop interpersonal skills and expand their worldview. AP Lit inspires students to grow as scholars, citizens and human beings. Not only have I enhanced my writing and critical thinking skills, but I’ve also started questioning why I do what I do, making meaning out of my education and life. It has been by far one of the most meaningful classes I’ve taken at Maclay, and I highly recommend it to students who are prepared to embrace this opportunity.

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