AP WORLD HISTORY
Syllabus 2015-2016
Instructor: Lori Gahr
Contact: lgahr@tanq.org
Overview of the AP World History course:
The AP World History course is intended to prepare students to pass the Advanced Placement exam in
World History. The course covers world history from approximately 8000 BCE to present, focusing
on:
 The exchanges among major societies through history
 The relationship of change and continuity across the world
 The impact of technology and demography on people and environment
 Systems of social and gender structure
 Cultural and intellectual developments among and within societies
 Changes in functions and structures of states
 Attitudes towards states and political identities, including the emergence of the nation state
Generally speaking, the AP World History course is too wide in both time and geography to focus on
the tiny details. We will be approaching the study of world history thematically, identifying trends,
and making comparisons across time and place.
AP Related Issues:
The students in this course are expected to do a considerable amount of reading in both the major text
and supplementary sources. Evidence of their learning is demonstrated through chapter quizzes and
unit exams, class discussion, critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, oral presentations,
essays, and projects. The course will be rigorous. However, it is understood that this is most likely the
first AP course taken by these particular students. We will work together to get ready for the AP exam
in May.
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It is expected that students are planning to take the AP World History exam in May.
Although the College Board has approved this course and will administer an AP exam at the
conclusion of the year, some individual colleges and universities have not deemed the test to be
equivalent to college credit. Students taking this class may be able to receive college credits for
passing the test. However, as with all AP courses, each individual college and university makes
the determination whether or not to accept the passing test score in lieu of college coursework.
Colleges and universities do look carefully at transcripts. AP coursework and attempting to
pass the test rank high in admissions consideration at competitive institutions.
AP course grades are weighted to reflect a greater level of achievement in terms of GPA.
Please visit the following website to learn more about the AP World History Course and Exam:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
Time Periods for AP World History:
Five Overarching AP Themes:
Students will trace the following themes throughout each period. Students will relate the themes to
the content and will complete assignments related to these themes.
1.
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Interactions between humans and the environment.
Development and interaction of cultures.
State-building, expansion, and conflict.
Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems.
Development and transformation of social structures.
Historical Thinking Skills for AP Students:
AP students should be able to demonstrate that they know how to perform the four historical thinking
skills listed below. The various learning experiences throughout the course will provide students with
several opportunities to demonstrate these critical skills.
1.
2.
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4.
Crafting historical arguments from historical evidence.
Chronological reasoning.
Comparison and contextualization.
Historical interpretation and synthesis.
Assessments:
Quizzes:
Textbook chapters and vocabulary from Traditions and Encounters.
Exams:
AP-style multiple-choice exams for each time period.
Homework:
Primary and secondary source readings with questions, internet assignments,
historical maps, essay-writing practice, charts, worksheets.
Class Discussions:
Seminars, debates, reading checks.
Essays:
Compare/Contrast essays, Change Over Time essays, Document-based Question
essays…all modeled on the scoring guidelines of the College Board
Projects:
Individual and group projects related to AP themes.
Rules and Procedures:
1. Students will show respect for the teacher, each other, themselves, and their environment.
2. Students will come to class prepared for the day’s lesson, which includes bringing necessary
supplies and materials, as well as choosing a positive attitude.
3. If you are absent, consult other students and your teacher as soon as possible. It is your
responsibility to contact the teacher for make-ups upon return to school.
4. Cheating, copying, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Cheating in class, copying homework
assignments, or plagiarism, will result in zero credit for the assignment AND parental
notification. Plagiarism involves taking the words or ideas of another (including material on
the internet) and presenting them without giving credit to the source. Work containing ANY
plagiarized material will result in zero credit.
5. Late assignments will be accepted until a week after the due date, unless you have an excused
absence. Major assignments are accepted at a deduction of 10% per school day.
6. Cell phones may be used in class for instructional purposes throughout the course. However,
they must remain out of sight and silent during all other times. Cell phones might be collected
during the administration of larger assessments.
Supplies:
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Traditions and Encounters textbook
Pencils
1 one-inch binder with package of dividers
Notebook paper
Blue or black pens
Markers
Colored pencils
Highlighters
USB flash drive
Please review the course syllabus with your parent/guardian. Sign in the spaces below, and return
this sheet to your teacher by Monday, August 10, 2015.
I have read the course syllabus and am aware of my responsibilities in AP World History.
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