If you are interested in studying world history, then you might have come across the term AP World History. But what exactly is AP World History, and what does it entail? In this article, we will dive into the basics of AP World History.
What is AP World History?
AP World History is a college-level course offered by the College Board. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of world history from prehistory to the present day. The course covers a wide range of topics and themes, including political systems, economic systems, social structures, cultural developments, and more.
What are the benefits of taking AP World History?
There are several benefits to taking AP World History. Firstly, it can help prepare you for college-level coursework by giving you a taste of what to expect in terms of reading assignments and critical thinking skills.
Secondly, it can demonstrate to college admissions officers that you are capable of handling challenging coursework. Finally, it can potentially earn you college credit if you pass the AP exam at the end of the course.
What does the course cover?
AP World History covers a vast amount of material. The course begins with prehistory and moves through ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt before examining classical civilizations such as Greece and Rome. It then moves on to explore medieval Europe, Islamic empires, East Asia (including China and Japan), Africa before European colonization, early modern Europe, colonialism and imperialism in Africa and Asia, revolutions in Europe and Latin America, global conflicts like WWI & WWII and finally ends with globalization in modern times.
Course Structure
The course is typically divided into six chronological periods:
- Period 1 – Prehistory to 600 BCE
- Period 2 – 600 BCE to 600 CE
- Period 3 – 600 CE to 1450 CE
- Period 4 – 1450 CE to 1750 CE
- Period 5 – 1750 CE to 1900 CE
- Period 6 -1900 CE to present day
How is the course assessed?
At the end of the course, students take an AP exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions and essays. The multiple-choice questions cover all six periods of world history and test students’ knowledge and understanding of various historical events, concepts, and themes. The essay section requires students to analyze primary and secondary sources, develop arguments, and respond to prompts.
In conclusion
AP World History is a challenging but rewarding course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of world history. It covers a wide range of topics and themes, from prehistory to modern times.
By taking this course, students can prepare for college-level coursework, demonstrate their academic abilities to college admissions officers, and potentially earn college credit. If you are interested in studying world history in-depth, then AP World History might be the right course for you!