A.P. World History
Course Overview
Gary D. Scott
gdscott@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
336.727.8181
The A.P. World Course is based on a global perspective of the world from 8000
B.C.E. to the Present Day. A.P. World is designed for the motivated high school
student. This course will challenge the student to develop an understanding of
historical global processes on a broad perspective. A.P. World will examine the
traits of humanity which occur over time such as trade, religion, politics social
structure, technology and conflict. Students will be challenged to hone their
analytical and critical thinking skills on a daily basis. They will utilize a variety of
source materials to assist them in better understanding the historical and
geographic contents they will be studying in A.P. World History.
Six A.P. World History themes will serve as guidelines to identify patterns and
processes that explain change and continuity over time.
The Six AP World History Themes:
1. The relationship of change and continuity from 8,000 BCE to the
present.
2. Impact of interaction among and within major societies.
3. Impact of technology, economics, and demography on people and the
environment.
4. Systems of social structure and gender structure.
5. Cultural, religious, and intellectual developments.
6. Changes in functions and structures of states and in attitudes toward
states and political identities, including the emergence of the nationstate.
Main Textbook:
World History, Fifth Edition 2007. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning (Duiker,
Spielvogel)
Supplementary Text Readings:
World Civilizations: The global experience 4th edition A.P. edition 2006 Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey. Prentice Hall.
Michael Adas, Mark J. Gilbert, Peter N. Stearns, and Stuart B. Schwartz
The Earth and its People. 3rd A.P. Edition 2004, Houghton Mufflin.
Richard Bullit, et. al.

A number of primary and secondary sources will be assigned throughout
the course. Assigned in class and accessed via the Internet.
Course Requirements:
 Attend class daily and please be prompt.
 Arrive prepared with a notebook and pen.
 Complete assignments on time.
 Participate in class.
 Make up work when absent (within 2 class periods)
 Make prior arrangements for assignments regarding planned absences.
 Maintain an organized comprehensive and chronological notebook.
 Use classroom and reading notes to prepare for quizzes.
 Challenge yourself to work hard.
 Ask for help whenever you need it.
(I will support your efforts whenever possible)
Grading Policy:



-
Tests comprise 50% of your grade for each quarter.
Three tests will be given each quarter on average.
One test will always be a combination of essay and multiple
choices.
 Quizzes account for 30% of your grade each quarter. Four or five
quizzes are given each quarter.
 Free response is emphasized for quizzes.
 Homework assignments and projects account for 20% of your
grade each quarter. Three to four HW based assignments are
given per quarter.
 Individually assigned research based topics are usually 3-5 pages
in length.
 Projects may also be presented orally in class as assigned.
Informal classroom seminars are designed to enrich student
understanding of the similarities and differences of diverse cultures
through analytical and comparative study.
Notes:
A.P. World History is the equivalent of a freshman college level survey course in
history. Therefore students are expected to read the textbook pages as assigned
and take copious notes in an organized fashion. The development of higher
orders thinking skills are an integral element of this course. Reading and
organizing your classroom material is excellent preparation for essential success
in this course as well as in your future college experience.
Outside Readings and Resources used in the course:
2003-2007 AP World History Essay Questions, Rubrics and Student Samples
(AP Central)
Archaeology magazine http://www.archaeology.org
The Columbian Exchange (Crosby, Praeger, 2003)
Cracking the AP World History Exam: Student Study Guide. Princeton Review,
2004.
DBQ Practice: 10 AP-Style DBQs (Williams, ed Social Studies School Services,
2004)
Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces (1997)
Rand McNally Historical Atlas of the World (2003)
Readings in Ancient History: From Gilgamesh to Diocletian by Bailkey (DC
Heath, 1992)
Tastes of Paradise: A Social History of Spices, Stimulants and Intoxicants by
Schivelbusch (Vintage Books, 1993)
Technology in World Civilizations by Pacy (M.I.T. Press, 1998)
The World That Trace Created by Pomeranz and Topik (A.E. Sharpe, 1999)
*Additional readings and resources may be assigned at the discretion of the
instructor.
Course Outline (General Text Content)
I.
II.
III.
Classical Foundation- 8000 B.C.E. to 600 C. E. (Chapters 1-5)
Post Classical Era 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E. (Chapters 6-15)
The World Shrinks 1450C.E. to 1750 C.E. (Chapters 16-22)
IV.
V.
Industrialization and Western Global Harmony 1750-1914 (Chapters
22-27)
20th Century in World History 1914-Present (Chapters 28-36)

Instructor retains the right to adjust or modify the course content in
order to maintain pace and promote effective teaching of the A.P.
World History curriculum.
A.P. World History will conclude with extensive review and exam preparation
during the last two weeks of the course. We will practice DBQ’s, COT’s , and
comparative essays. Also, each student will complete a “rehearsal” A.P. exam in
preparation for his or her A.P. World exam. The exam is scheduled for May 17th.
Thanks.