Are you confused about whether AP World History and AP Modern World History are the same thing? It’s a common question among high school students who are planning to take an Advanced Placement (AP) course. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two courses and help you understand which one might be right for you.
What is AP World History?
AP World History is a course that covers world history from the prehistoric era to the present day. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments that have shaped human history. The curriculum is divided into six chronological periods, each of which covers a different era in world history.
What topics does AP World History cover?
The topics covered in AP World History include:
- The emergence of early human societies
- The rise of ancient civilizations
- The development of classical empires
- The spread of religions
- The growth of trade networks
- The age of exploration and colonization
- The rise of industrialization and globalization
What is AP Modern World History?
AP Modern World History is a more specific course that focuses on world history from the late 15th century to the present day. The course covers major events and developments that have occurred since the dawn of modernity, including political revolutions, economic transformations, and cultural changes.
What topics does AP Modern World History cover?
The topics covered in AP Modern World History include:
- The age of exploration and colonization
- The Enlightenment and scientific revolution
- The French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign
- The Industrial Revolution and its impacts
- The World Wars and their aftermaths
- The rise of totalitarianism and the Cold War
- Globalization and its challenges
What are the differences between AP World History and AP Modern World History?
While both courses cover world history, there are several key differences between AP World History and AP Modern World History. The main difference is that AP Modern World History is more focused on the period from the late 15th century to the present day, while AP World History covers a broader chronological range.
Another difference is that AP Modern World History goes into greater depth on specific topics, such as the Industrial Revolution or the Cold War, while AP World History covers these topics more broadly. Additionally, AP Modern World History places greater emphasis on analyzing primary sources and developing historical thinking skills.
Which course should you take?
The choice of whether to take AP World History or AP Modern World History depends on your interests and goals. If you’re interested in a broad survey of world history from prehistory to present-day events, then AP World History might be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in studying specific events or developments in greater depth, then AP Modern World History might be a better choice.
In Conclusion
In summary, while both courses cover world history, there are important differences between them. APWorldHistory provides a broader survey of human history while APMWorldHistory focuses on modern developments with greater depth. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which course aligns best with your academic interests and goals.