AP World History: Modern Course and Exam Description

AP® World History: Modern Course and Exam Description

Course Framework and Exam Overview

The AP® World History: Modern course and exam description provides a framework effective from Fall 2023, which includes course content, instructional sections, and sample exam questions. The AP course and exam descriptions are periodically updated—students are encouraged to check the AP Central website for the most current version.

Principles of Advanced Placement (AP)

The AP program, shaped by contributions from numerous educators, is founded on key principles:

  1. Clarity and Transparency: Clear expectations for teachers and students are essential. This includes making course frameworks and assessments public.
  2. Evidence and the Scientific Method: Courses promote independent thinking by enabling students to draw conclusions based on evidence.
  3. Opposition to Censorship: Courses must include unfiltered topics that are integral to educational integrity. Censorship results in removal of AP designation for non-compliant courses.
  4. Rejection of Indoctrination: Students analyze multiple perspectives without prejudice towards any specific viewpoint. No credit is given for agreement with a particular stance.
  5. Cultural and Historical Inclusivity: Teaching must recognize diverse cultures, nationalities, and experiences through primary sources that cultivate evaluative skills.
  6. Respect for Student Voice: All student contributions matter in AP classrooms. Diverse backgrounds enhance learning.
  7. Voluntary Participation: Enrollment in AP courses is a choice for families and students, supported by informed access to course details.

Course Structure

The curriculum consists of various components designed to prepare students for historical thinking through content and skills. The course content is organized into thematic units including:

  • Unit 1: The Global Tapestry
  • Unit 2: Networks of Exchange
  • Unit 3: Land-Based Empires
  • Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections
  • Unit 5: Revolutions
  • Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization
  • Unit 7: Global Conflict
  • Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization
  • Unit 9: Globalization

Historical Thinking Skills

Students will engage in several historical thinking skills and reasoning processes while studying:

  1. Identification and Explanation: Students will identify and explain historical developments and processes.
  2. Sourcing and Situation Analysis: Students will analyze the sourcing and situations of primary and secondary sources.
  3. Argument Analysis: Students will evaluate arguments presented in sources.
  4. Contextualization: The importance of contextual factors will be highlighted.
  5. Patterns and Connections: Connections between historical developments will be assessed through various reasoning processes.
  6. Argumentation: Development of historical arguments based on evidence will be emphasized.

Exam Information

The AP World History exam consists of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, and free-response questions:

  • Multiple Choice: 55 questions (40% of total grade)
  • Short Answer: 3 questions (20% of total grade)
  • Document-Based Question (DBQ): 1 question (25% of total grade)
  • Long Essay Question (LEQ): 1 question (15% of total grade)

Unit Weightings

The exam assesses the following distributions

  • Unit 1: The Global Tapestry - 8–10%
  • Unit 2: Networks of Exchange - 8–10%
  • Unit 3: Land-Based Empires - 12–15%
  • Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections - 12–15%
  • Unit 5: Revolutions - 12–15%
  • Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization - 12–15%
  • Unit 7: Global Conflict - 8–10%
  • Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization - 8–10%
  • Unit 9: Globalization - 8–10%

Instructional Model

Integrating AP resources effectively can help students develop skills and conceptual understandings. Planning and teaching should involve:

  • Selecting related topics for unit pacing.
  • Employing instructional strategies in skill instruction.
  • Assessing student understanding at the end of each unit with Personal Progress Checks.

Using AP Resources

AP resources available include:

  • Unit Guides: These outline significant course content and skills.
  • AP Classroom: An online platform that enhances learning through assessments.
  • Personal Progress Checks: Formative assessments helping students track their understanding.

Conclusion

The AP World History: Modern course presents a comprehensive framework that prepares students for advanced historical thinking. Engaging with diverse source material and understanding global history will equip students with skills applicable beyond the classroom.