AP+World+History

(Class of 2009, 2010)
Prerequisite: Any student who wishes to enroll in AP Modern World History must have completed U.S. History 2. S/he must also have earned a grade of 85 or better in history during the previous year or receive the recommendation of two of the following: a teacher, administrator or guidance counselor.

The Advanced placement World History course is part of a national program that allows students to earn the opportunity for college credit upon successful completion of the class by receiving a grade of 3 or better on the College Board exam in May of each school year. The course is a challenging political and social survey of world history from 8000 B.C.E to the present, spotlighting five major historical periods (8000B.C.E. – 600 C.E.; 600 C.E. – 1450; 1450 - 1750; 1750-1914; 1914 – Present.) The course focuses on six overriding themes: the dynamics of change and continuity; patterns of effects and interaction among societies and religions; the effects of technology, economics and demography on people and the environment; systems of social structure and gender structure; cultural, intellectual and religious developments; and finally, the changes in functions and structures of states and political entities. This is a rigorous and demanding course requiring students to have a strong work ethic, to read at a rigorous pace, and to complete a variety of writing assignments. Students are expected to demonstrate strong writing and analytical skills and independent work habits. All students must take the A.P. World History exam in the spring.

A summer reading assignment is mandatory.