Is AP History of Art worth taking?

I've always had a keen interest in historical art, and I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience with the AP History of Art class? Like how heavy is the coursework? Was it helpful to increase your understanding of art history? Basically, is it worth adding to a packed junior year schedule?

Taking AP Art History can be a valuable experience, especially if you have a marked interest in the subject. However, as with any AP course, the workload is higher compared to standard high-school classes.

The content you tackle in AP Art History is comprehensive. You'll explore 250 required artworks spanning different periods and geographical areas. You'll dive into different cultures, techniques, and impacts of art on society. In essence, it provides a global perspective on art, as compared to a typical high school art class.

You would be expected to build strong analytical skills as you’ll often analyze and compare works, styles, and movements, similar to other humanities courses like AP History or English.

Because it's an art class, there may be an assumption that the workload will be lighter; however, it can be deceptively intense. There is a good amount of memorization needed, but it also requires comprehension and analysis, as well as writing. Students often need to write essays connecting art pieces to their cultural, historical, and societal contexts.

Yet, if you have a passion for Art History, the workload may not feel as heavy and it can be deeply rewarding. By studying Art History, you get to deepen your appreciation for art and understand the connection between art and the world around us. It could also potentially help in related career paths, if that's a consideration.

However, you mentioned your junior year schedule is already packed. Remember, it's not just about enrolling in as many AP classes as possible; quality over quantity matters. Colleges prefer seeing students excel in a few well-chosen AP classes related to their interests, rather than struggling to keep up with a lot of them.

In conclusion, if you genuinely enjoy art and history and are ready to commit to the workload, AP Art History could be an enriching experience. Just make sure it aligns with your other commitments and responsibilities.