Course Description:

AP World History is a college-level course divided into two years and is designed to give students the opportunity to become familiar with the past so as to have a better understanding of contemporary society. This course will cover these major themes in historical eras from approximately 4,000 B.C. to around 1600 A.D. This is achieved through the study of common themes that endure throughout history including the struggle for power and conflict, the inequalities faced by people in civilizations, technological innovation, belief systems, environmental impact, and cultural diffusion. In order to make these connections among past civilizations, students will analyze and interpret “cultural artifacts” such as myths, literature, primary and secondary source documents, art, and architecture. Additionally, students will develop their skills in critical thinking, statistical data and map interpretation, cooperative group work, and class debates and discussions. Students then have the opportunity to show mastery of the course goals through the NYS Regents Exam and the College Board AP World History Examination taken at the end of 10th grade.