If you’re planning to take the AP World History exam, you may be wondering which textbook to use. The AP World History course covers a broad range of topics, from ancient civilizations to contemporary issues. Therefore, it’s important to choose a comprehensive and reliable textbook that covers all the necessary material.
What Is the Textbook for AP World History?
One of the most popular textbooks for AP World History is “World Civilizations: The Global Experience” by Peter N. Stearns. This textbook has been widely used by students and teachers alike since its first publication in 1992. It’s now in its seventh edition and has been updated to reflect recent historical developments.
What Does the Textbook Cover?
The textbook covers the entire scope of world history, from prehistoric times to the present day. It’s divided into six parts, each of which covers a specific period in history:
Part I: The Early Complex Societies
This part covers the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China. It explores their political systems, social structures, religions, and cultural achievements.
Part II: The Formation of Classical Societies
This part covers Greece and Rome in Europe; Han China and Gupta India in Asia; and Mesoamerica and Andean South America in the Americas.
Part III: An Age of Accelerating Connections
This part covers the period from 500 to 1500 CE when many societies became more interconnected due to trade, migration, and conquest. It explores topics such as the spread of Islam, the Mongol Empire, and Europe’s Renaissance.
Part IV: The Early Modern World
This part focuses on European expansion overseas during the 15th-18th centuries. It also examines developments in Asia and Africa during this time period.
Part V: The Age of Revolution
This part covers the late 18th to mid-19th centuries, a period characterized by political revolutions, industrialization, and nationalism. It explores topics such as the American and French Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of imperialism.
Part VI: The Most Recent Century
This part covers the 20th century up to the present day. It examines topics such as World War I and II, the Cold War, decolonization, globalization, and contemporary issues.
Why Choose “World Civilizations: The Global Experience”?
“World Civilizations: The Global Experience” is a comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of world history in a clear and engaging manner. It’s written by renowned historian Peter N. Stearns who has extensive experience teaching AP World History. Moreover, the textbook includes numerous features that make it useful for students preparing for the AP exam:
- Key Concepts: At the beginning of each chapter, there is a list of key concepts that students should understand.
- Primary Sources: Throughout the book, there are excerpts from primary sources such as speeches, letters, and documents that provide firsthand accounts of historical events.
- Maps and Timelines: The book includes numerous maps and timelines that help students visualize historical processes and events.
- Review Questions: At the end of each chapter, there are review questions that test students’ understanding of key concepts.
In Conclusion
Choosing a reliable textbook is essential for success in AP World History. “World Civilizations: The Global Experience” by Peter N. Stearns is an excellent choice due to its comprehensive coverage of world history and its helpful features designed specifically for AP students. With this book as a guide, you’ll be well-prepared for the AP World History exam and for your future studies in history.