AP World History: Modern is an Advanced Placement (AP) history course offered in the United States, designed for high school students interested in gaining a deep understanding of global history from 1200 CE to the present day. This course emphasizes key historical events, influential figures, major transformations, and global interactions. It also helps students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and essay writing abilities, laying a strong foundation for future academic research and college studies.

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AP World History: Modern Course Overview

The curriculum covers global history from 1200 to the modern era, focusing on significant events, global interactions, and the historical development of various regions. Key topics include:

1. Global Interactions

• Trade and Exchange Networks: Study major trade routes like the Silk Road, Indian Ocean trade, and transatlantic exchanges, and understand their historical impact.
• Cultural and Intellectual Movements: Learn about the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Scientific Revolution, and how these movements influenced societies worldwide.

2. Empires Rise and Fall

• Early Empires: Explore the influence of empires such as the Mongols and Ottomans on global politics and economics.
• Colonialism and Imperialism: Examine European colonial expansion and its effects on local societies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
• Revolutions and Anti-Colonial Movements: Analyze political revolutions and independence movements shaping the modern world.

3. Wars and Revolutions

• World Wars: Understand the causes and effects of World War I and World War II, and their reshaping of global power structures.
• Cold War and Bipolar World: Study the ideological conflict between the US and the USSR and its impact on global politics.
• Modern Revolutions: Investigate revolutions like the French and Russian Revolutions and their global implications.

4. Modernization and Global Issues

• Modernization Movements: Learn about industrialization, urbanization, and social changes affecting the global economy and culture.
• Technology and Environmental Changes: Explore the role of technological advancements and global environmental challenges such as climate change.

5. Social and Cultural Transformations

• Social Structures and Class Systems: Analyze how race, gender, and class have influenced societies worldwide.
• Religions and Ideologies: Study the impact of major religions and philosophies, including Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Marxism, on global cultures.

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AP World History: Modern Exam Structure

The exam consists of two main sections designed to assess historical knowledge and analytical skills:

1. Multiple Choice Section

• Approximately 55 questions covering all course topics.
• Tests comprehension, application, and historical reasoning.

2. Free Response Section

• Three essay questions including:
  • Document-Based Question (DBQ): Analyze historical evidence and construct an argument.
  • Comparative Essay: Compare different historical events or processes.
  • Continuity and Change Over Time Essay: Discuss historical developments over time with supporting evidence.

3. Scoring

• Scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating college-level mastery.

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Benefits of Taking AP World History: Modern

• Global Perspective: Gain a comprehensive understanding of world history from a global viewpoint.
• Critical Thinking: Enhance skills in analysis, comparison, and argumentation.
• College Preparation: Build a strong foundation for higher education in history, political science, international relations, and related fields.
• Understanding Global Issues: Develop insight into current global challenges through historical context.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is AP World History: Modern difficult?
A: It is challenging due to the breadth of material and the need for strong analytical and writing skills. Success requires good memorization and critical thinking.

Q2: Are there any prerequisites?
A: No mandatory prerequisites, but prior exposure to history or social studies is helpful.

Q3: How does AP World History: Modern differ from other AP history courses?
A: AP World History: Modern focuses on global history from 1200 to today, emphasizing worldwide interactions. Other courses like AP European History or AP U.S. History focus on regional histories.

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Summary

AP World History: Modern is a vital course that covers global history from 1200 CE to the present, helping students understand significant historical events and their impacts on the modern world. It not only builds historical knowledge but also sharpens critical thinking and writing skills, preparing students for academic and career success.