Syllabus

AP Art History Syllabus (2025–2026 – Period 4)

Instructor: Ms. April Arnold
Email: aarnold@djusd.net
Class Period: 4th – AP Art History Location: Da Vinci Charter Academy

Course Overview

AP Art History is a year-long college-level course that explores 250 required works of art from around the globe. Students will learn to analyze art through Form, Function, Content, and Context. The course is writing-intensive and prepares all students for the AP Exam in May.

Expectations & Rules
- No Phones: Phones must remain in backpacks unless specifically permitted.
- AP Exam Required: All students must take the AP Art History exam in May.
- No AI Writing: All writing must be original. AI-generated work will result in a zero.

 - Respect: Value all voices, participate fully, and remain professional.
- Preparedness: Arrive on time and bring required materials daily.

Grading Policy

- Essays & Writing Assignments – 40% 

- Quizzes & Exams – 30%

- Homework & Participation – 20%

- Projects/Presentations – 10%

Required Materials

- Sketchbook/Journal
- Google Drive Portfolio
- Access to Khan Academy AP Art History

- Access to Smart History

- Access to AP Classroom via College Board
- Class textbook, for some reference use only

Course Timeline
- Quarter 1: Global Prehistory & Ancient Mediterranean (Mesopotamia, Egypt, Aegean, Greece) 

- Quarter 2: Rome, Early Europe, Islamic Art, South & Southeast Asia

- Quarter 3: East Asia, Africa, Indigenous Americas, Pacific

- Quarter 4: Global Contemporary, AP Exam Review, Mock Exam

Assessments

- Weekly Reading Reflections
- Unit Exams & Timed Essays (AP style) - Quarterly Exams (cumulative)
- Mock AP Exam & Review Sessions

- Group Presentations

■ This is a challenging but rewarding course. By the end of the year, you will be prepared for the AP Exam and will have developed the ability to think critically about how art reflects and shapes human history.