AP World History: A Comprehensive Guide
AP World History is a college-level course commonly taken by high school students. The course explores the complexities of human history from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Through in-depth study of different historical periods, students analyze how societies have evolved over time, examining key events, movements, and cultural developments that have shaped the world we live in today.
Course Overview
Throughout AP World History, you will examine cultural, economic, political, and social changes that have influenced global development. Through analysis of texts, visual materials, and historical evidence, you will develop the skills to construct historical arguments and express your insights through essay writing.
Course Structure
The course is divided into nine chronological periods:
| Unit | Time Periods | Subjects Covered | On The Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: The Global Tapestry | c. 1200 – c. 1450 | – How states formed, expanded, and declined in areas of the world – The related political, social, and cultural developments of that time. | 8% – 10% of exam score |
| Unit 2: Networks of Exchange | c. 1200 – c. 1450 | – How areas of the world were linked through trade – How these connections affected people, cultures, and environments | 8% – 10% of exam score |
| Unit 3: Land-Based Empires | c. 1450 – c. 1750 | – The empires that held power over large contiguous areas of land | 12% – 15% of exam score |
| Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections | c. 1450 – c. 1750 | – Advances in ocean exploration, the development of new maritime empires – The effects of new cross-cultural encounters | 12% – 15% of exam score |
| Unit 5: Revolution | c. 1750 – c. 1900 | – New political ideas and developments in technology that led to large-scale changes in governments, society, and economies | 12% – 15% of exam score |
| Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization | c. 1750 – c. 1900 | – How the different states acquired and expanded control over colonies and territories | 12% – 15% of exam score |
| Unit 7: Global Conflict | c. 1900 – present | – Global conflicts that dominated this era | 12% – 15% of exam score |
| Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization | c. 1900 – present | – Colonies’ pursuits of independence – The global power struggle between capitalism and communism | 8% – 10% of exam score |
| Unit 9: Globalization | c. 1900 – present | – The causes and effects of the unprecedented connectivity of the modern world | 8% – 10% of exam score |
Exam Structure and Scoring
The AP World History exam is scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score and 1 being the lowest. Once all raw scores are calculated, they are converted into scaled scores on the 1 to 5 scale. A score of 5 indicates that the student is extremely well qualified to receive college credit or advanced placement in college-level courses, while a score of 1 indicates that the student’s performance is not qualified for college credit or advanced placement.
Score Distribution
| Score | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 5 | 15.3% |
| 4 | 21.9% |
| 3 | 27.4% |
| 2 | 22.3% |
| 1 | 64.7% |
Preparing for Success
Navigating the rigorous AP World History course and exam can be challenging without the proper tools. However, by arming yourself with effective preparation strategies and resources, you can excel in this course. From grasping the exam structure and scoring to accessing practice materials and seeking tutoring support, you’ll be empowered to approach this AP course and exam with confidence.
Personalized Tutoring
For personalized online tutoring assistance with AP World History and other subjects, explore Crimson’s AP online tutoring services. Our team of AP tutors comprises graduates from various prestigious universities, including the Ivy League. With expertise in their respective subject areas and achieving top scores of 5 in their own exams, our tutors provide personalized, one-on-one tutoring tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.
Conclusion
AP World History is a comprehensive course that requires a deep understanding of human history. By following the course structure, understanding the exam format, and utilizing effective preparation strategies, you can excel in this course and achieve success in the exam.
