Understanding AP World History: Modern
What Is the AP Program?
The AP, or Advanced Placement, program is a part of the U.S. education system and is available to students attending American international schools. The AP program allows high school students to take college level courses and exams, offering them the opportunity to earn college credits before beginning tertiary education. The ability to earn college credits before matriculation is an obvious selling point, but AP classes also benefit students in that they prepare them for the type of work expected at college-level. Moreover, the presence of AP courses on transcripts marks students as high achievers with a keen interest in education, thereby making their applications attractive to college admissions officers.
AP World History: Modern at a Glance
AP World History: Modern is a dynamic and engaging course that explores significant historical events and examines the lives of unique individuals from 1200 through to the present. There are no prerequisites for students interested in taking AP World History: Modern. What’s more, the skills acquired through the course will benefit learners far beyond their high school classroom. Those taking AP World History: Modern will learn how to evaluate both primary and secondary sources, analysing the claims, evidence and reasoning present in these documents. Additionally, students will learn to contextualise and connect historical developments while also refining their critical thinking and essay writing skills.
AP World History: Modern Course Components
The AP World History: Modern course covers the years 1200 CE to the present and is divided into four historical periods and 9 units.
Period 1 – c. 1200 to c. 1450
Unit 1: The Global Tapestry
Unit 2: Networks of Exchange
Period 2 – c. 1450 to c. 1750
Unit 3: Land-Based Empires
Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections
Period 3 – c. 1750 to c. 1900
Unit 5: Revolutions
Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization
Period 4 – c. 1900 to the present
Unit 7: Global Conflict
Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization
Unit 9: Globalization
How the Course Is Assessed
The units within AP World History: Modern are not weighted equally when it comes to the examination. Units 1 and 2 and Units 7, 8 and 9 are accorded between 8% and 10% of the exam score, while Units 3 to 6 and weighted at between 12% and 15%. The exam itself is split into two Sections, Section I and Section II. Section I, Part A consists of 55 multiple choice questions while Section I, B is made up of 3 short answer questions. With regard to Section II, AP World History: Modern students must complete one document based question and one long answer questions. The total duration of the AP World History: Modern exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Strategies to Excel
The AP World History: Modern course is, indeed, a challenge. It covers an enormous time period and the exam, which shifts from multiple choice questions to document analysis, pushes students. However, there are a number of strategies to excel in the course. For example, start revising as early as possible. It is no use beginning only a few weeks out from the exams. The earlier a student starts to revise, the better. Moreover, set targets with regard to revision. Be clear about what you want to achieve and by when. Another tip is to keep the revision varied. The exam covered source analysis, essay writing, and multiple choice and short answer questions. So, address each of these across the revision sessions, giving equal attention to each question type. Lastly, students should be clear in their understanding of the command words as these dictate the type of answer required for a given question.
BartyED and AP Support
AP courses, as they represent college-level studies, are tough for even the most adept high school students. At BartyED, our experienced AP tutors have supported countless students as they navigate the challenges of the Advanced Placement program, whether they are taking AP World History: Modern or any of the myriad courses offered. Our tutors work closely with students, develop bespoke lesson plans that speak to the unique requirements of the learner. So, if you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of a BartyED AP tutor, contact us today by phone, email, or via our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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As AP World History: Modern represents a college-level course, it is difficult. However, it is not insurmountable and with correct guidance from an experienced tutor, students can excel.
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Students will explore major historical events across the years 1200 CE to the present day.
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Yes, the AP World History: Modern is assessed via an examination.
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Students must complete multiple choice and short answer questions, as well as tackle a document-based question and compose an essay.