Note cards
The purpose of note cards, or any other learning aid, is to gain a familiarity with the subject and
keep it fresh over a long period of time. History is a subject, not unlike foreign language, which
must be relearned and used in order to be understood. Do not try to memorize everything; it will
not be helpful on the AP Exam. Create connections with note cards.
Students who do well on note cards, keep up with them, take them seriously, and consistently study
with them do well on the AP Exam.
Steps
1.
Use terms from the study guides. They can be any size, but should be uniform.
2. The front of the card should have the term/phrase, where to find it in the text, and
the historical theme category (Listed on back)
3. The back of the card should have a complete thought that corresponds to the concept
or phrase on the front that
a) Basic definition
b) Analyzes. Look for general significance and historical significance.
4. You should never use the note cards for more than 15 minutes at a time. Take a break
and do something different for at least 30 minutes before you go back to studying note
cards. Eat, get a drink, go to the bathroom, do other homework, watch TV, listen to the
radio, or read. You will be more successful if you limit your time with the cards.
Theme: Economics/trade
Samarkand
pg. 432
a. Capital of Tamerlane’s empire
b. Gave Tamerlane control over
large area without military emphasis
7 Historical Themes
Belief Systems (Ideas/Ideologies, beliefs and culture)
America in the World: Global Context
Geography and Environment-Physical and Human
Peopling: Movement/ Migrations
Identity: Gender, class, racial, ethnic indemnities
Politics and Power
Economy: Work, exchange/ trade and technology