AP World History
Curriculum Night Overview Handout
AP World History Teachers:
Matthew Mough – Matthew.Mough@fcps.edu
Levi Brown – Levi.Brown@fcps.edu
Tara Cook – Tara.Cook@fcps.edu
Social Studies Department Chair:
Ken Halla – Ken.Halla@fcps.edu
Textbook
Tignor, Robert, et. al. Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the World from the Beginnings of
Humankind to the Present. W.W. Norton, New York, 2010
Course Description
AP World History is a college level world history course that covers prehistory through modern times, covering
all regions of the world. However, the course does not attempt to cover all parts of history of all parts of the
world. Instead, the course addresses world history through the lens of four historical thinking skills, five course
themes, and six chronological periods. Essential historical content is studied by focusing on these items and
using historically relevant events to illustrate these concepts and to practice the mastery of important
historical skills. AP World History is a rigorous course that will require students to not just memorize historical
events but develop a true understanding of history and of the world around them through making connections
and analyzing historical data.
Period
1
2
3
4
5
6
Periodization
Title
Technological and Environmental Transformations
Organization and Reorganization of Human
Societies
Regional and Transregional Interactions
Global Interactions
Industrialization and Global Integration
Accelerating Global Change and Realignments
Date Range
To c. 600 B.C.E.
c. 600 B.C.E. to c. 600
C.E.
c. 600 C.E. to 1450
c. 1450 to c. 1750
c. 1750 to c. 1900
c. 1900 to the Present
Weight on AP Exam
5%
15%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Historical Thinking Skills
The goals of the AP World History course are to provide skills, information, and tools for historical analysis of
the world historical experiences of humanity. This is represented by the four historical thinking skills below.
1
Crafting Historical Arguments from Historical Evidence
2
Chronological Reasoning
3
Comparison and Contextualization
4
Historical Interpretation and Synthesis
Course Themes
The AP World History curriculum requires students to view history thematically, and is therefore organized
around the five overarching themes below designed to serve as unifying threads throughout the course. The
goal is for students to be able to relate what is particular about each time period or society to a larger
understanding of history and the world.
1
Interaction Between Humans and the Environment
2
Development and Interaction of Cultures
3
State-Building, Expansion, and Conflict
4
Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems
5
Development and Transformation of Social Structures
AP Exam
At the end of the AP World History course all students will take the AP World History Exam, which is taken by
all AP World History students across the country and the globe. The AP World History exam is made up of the
elements listed below:
Question Type
Number of Questions
Timing
Multiple-Choice
70 Questions
55 Minutes
Document-based Question essay (DBQ)
1 question
50 minutes (includes 10-minute
reading period)
Continuity and Change-over-time essay
1 question
40 minutes
question (CCOT)
Comparative essay
1 question
40 minutes
All AP Exams are scored on a 5 point scale. These scores are used to assess student success in the course but
are NOT tied to student course letter grades. Students take the AP Exam in early to mid-May and receive their
scores from College Board in July.
Student Expectations
Much will be expected of students in AP World History. This course is equivalent to a sophomore level college
class. Unlike any other class students have taken thus far, this course demands a great deal of independent
learning and considerable critical thinking skills. Student expectations include the following:
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All tests will be timed
All tests include a writing portion that will be carefully graded for content, structure, and writing skill
Textbook readings are a necessary part of the course (and the textbook is college-level)
Consistent attendance is absolutely necessary. Students who are frequently absent will fall behind very
easily as the class operates at a rapid pace.
Students will need to develop and hone quality note-taking, organizational, and study skills.
Students will need to think globally, not locally (see the “big picture” of history, not memorize names
& dates)
Students will have significant homework every night. Although the amount of time it takes varies from
student to student, typically this is around 1 ½ to 2 hours of homework/reading between each class
meeting.
Most students will initially struggle with the adjustment to a college-level course, but will improve
rapidly as the year continues
Students must be able to work independently, but ask for help when needed
A key element of academic success is approaching the work with a positive attitude and actively
participating in class.