Posted by Kathy on May 12 2008 at 09:34:16:
In Reply to: AP on line courses posted by Louise on May 09 2008 at 10:36:48:
Hi!
I donīt have answers to your specific questions, but I do have some insight into AP US History that might be helpful as you make your decision.
My son, who like your daughter is also "very conscientious," was a student in Susan Richmanīs challenging but fabulous APUSH class last year. As the course got underway and I looked over the syllabus, I realized two things: first, the writing requirements were extensive and would more than fulfill the composition requirements for English credit in PHAA; and second, it would be an ideal fit to study American literature (not British Lit)concurrently with APUSH.
So, mid-October we adjusted our English objectives a bit. We let Danielīs APUSH writings (MANY modest essays, several moderate-sized projects, and two extensively researched and written "bio essay" papers)fulfill his composition requirements. He then worked through a good anthology of American Lit and also read numerous "classic" novels of American Lit as the history class hit the corresponding time period in history.
This approach really worked well. Daniel understood the historical context of the novels, which made them much more interesting, and he was also well-prepared for the literature questions that appeared on the APUSH exam.
If your daughter read the appropriate amount of novels (and an anthology counts as 10 in and of itself), did a speech, and saved her first drafts of writing projects to show the editing that went into the final drafts, it seems that she would fulfill her PHAA English credit without the necessity of a separate English course. Then you could save English Lit for when she studies AP Euro HIstory. (We havenīt done that yet--maybe in next year!)
I hope that helps. I know I always appreciate the experiences of those that have been in the trenches before me!
Kathy