Are you considering taking Advanced Placement (AP) World History but not sure if it’s worth the challenge? Or are you currently enrolled in the course and struggling to keep up with the workload?
Regardless of your situation, understanding the difficulty level of AP World History can help you make informed decisions about your academic path. So, let’s explore how difficult AP World History really is.
What Is AP World History?
Before we dive into the difficulty level, let’s first establish what AP World History is. AP World History is a college-level course that covers the history of the world from prehistory to the present day.
The curriculum is divided into six different periods, each with a particular theme and time frame. Students are expected to analyze primary and secondary sources, develop historical arguments, and write essays that demonstrate their understanding of historical events.
What Makes AP World History Difficult?
Now that we understand what AP World History is let’s take a closer look at why it’s considered one of the most challenging courses offered by the College Board.
1. Content Volume
One of the most significant challenges in AP World History is the sheer amount of content that students are required to learn. The course covers over 10,000 years of human history across six different periods, which means there’s a lot of information to absorb.
2. Historical Analysis
In addition to learning extensive content, students also need to develop critical thinking skills necessary for analyzing historical events and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
3. Writing Skills
The ability to write clear and concise essays is essential in any history course, but it’s especially important in AP World History. Students must be able to express complex ideas coherently and persuasively while using specific evidence from multiple sources.
How Can You Succeed in AP World History?
Although AP World History is challenging, it’s not impossible to succeed. Here are some tips that can help you navigate the course and earn a passing score on the AP exam. Stay Organized
With so much content to cover, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But staying organized can help you stay on top of your workload and prevent falling behind. Focus on Historical Thinking
Instead of simply memorizing facts, focus on developing your historical thinking skills. Practice analyzing primary and secondary sources while considering context, bias, and perspective. Practice Writing Essays
Writing is an essential part of AP World History, so it’s crucial to practice writing essays frequently. Review sample essays from previous exams to understand what the College Board is looking for in a high-scoring essay.
Final Thoughts
AP World History is undoubtedly one of the most challenging courses offered by the College Board, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. By learning how to analyze historical events critically and express complex ideas coherently, you’ll develop valuable skills that will serve you well both academically and professionally. So don’t be intimidated by the challenge – embrace it!