If you’re a high school student, you may be wondering if you should take AP World History. It’s a challenging course that requires a lot of reading and critical thinking, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are some things to consider before making your decision.
What is AP World History?
AP World History is a college-level course that covers the history of human civilization from prehistoric times to the present day. The course is divided into six chronological periods, each with its own themes and concepts. It covers everything from the rise of agriculture and early civilizations to globalization and modern conflicts.
Why Take AP World History?
There are several reasons why you might want to take AP World History:
- College Credit: If you do well on the AP exam, you can earn college credit for the course.
- College Preparation: Taking an AP course can help prepare you for the rigors of college coursework.
- Breadth of Knowledge: The course covers a wide range of topics, giving you a broad understanding of world history.
- Critical Thinking Skills: The course requires you to analyze historical events and draw connections between them, which can help develop critical thinking skills.
What Are the Challenges?
While there are many benefits to taking AP World History, there are also some challenges:
- Heavy Reading Load: The course requires a lot of reading, often from dense historical texts.
- Critical Thinking Required: You’ll need to be able to analyze historical events and draw connections between them.
- Time Management: With so much reading and writing required, time management is crucial for success in the course.
Should You Take AP World History?
Ultimately, whether you should take AP World History depends on your interests, strengths, and goals. If you’re interested in history and enjoy reading and critical thinking, this course may be a good fit for you. If you’re planning to major in a field that requires a strong understanding of history, such as political science or international relations, taking this course could be a valuable investment in your future.
On the other hand, if you struggle with reading or writing or have little interest in history, this course may not be the best fit for you. It’s important to consider your strengths and weaknesses before committing to an AP course.
In Conclusion
AP World History is a challenging but rewarding course that can help prepare you for college and develop critical thinking skills. Whether it’s the right fit for you depends on your interests and goals. If you do decide to take the course, be prepared for a lot of reading and critical thinking, but also know that the benefits can be significant.