Exam Preparation Strategies

Exam Structure

  • 40%40\% of the exam is based on provided stimuli (reading comprehension).
  • 15%15\% is the LEQ portion.
  • Understanding reading and writing can help you almost pass without specific prior knowledge.

Connecting Interests to Historical Periods

  • Use personal interests (e.g., music, baseball) to relate to different time periods.
  • Apply "conspiracy theory logic" to connect familiar topics to historical events.
  • Music as an example:
    • Modern Day (1900s): Cultural diffusion, Westernization, global spread of genres like K-pop and J-pop.
    • 1750-1900: Music as a tool for revolutionary action and identity among slaves (e.g., Africa, Haiti).

Example: Baseball and Historical Periods

  • 1-1450: Relate baseball to the concept of "bread and circus" in ancient Rome (Justinian), where sports and entertainment prevented revolts.
  • 1450-1750: Compare baseball to similar sports in other cultures, like the Aztecs.

General Strategy

  • Always find something to talk about for each time period, no matter how unconventional.
  • Use societal pressures, exploitation, and racism to connect ideas.