What should I expect from the AP World History class?

Hey everyone, I'm considering taking AP World History next year but I'm not quite sure what to expect. Could anyone who has taken the class before share their experiences? Will it be super time-consuming or manageable with other extracurricular activities? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It sounds like you're doing your homework on AP World History – good on you! The course content is pretty broad, covering about 8000 years of human history. The curriculum is set out so that you learn about different periods of world history in themes rather than in linear order.

In terms of workload, it's definitely more substantial than your average high school history class, as you'll work with a wide variety of sources and documents. However, the level of difficulty really depends on the teacher and how well you're able to handle rigorous coursework. There will certainly be ongoing homework, such as nightly readings and various essay assignments. Time management is key in this course as there can be a lot of content to absorb.

Another key aspect of the course is it also helps to develop your writing and critical thinking skills. Essays and document-based questions (DBQs) are a significant component, so get ready to hone your writing skills. You'll learn how to extract useful information from multiple sources quickly, analyze it, and craft well-substantiated arguments.

Just remember, AP World History is a very enriching class, despite its challenges. It sounds daunting, but once you get into the rhythm of keeping on top of things, it becomes much more manageable. Surely, you'll be juggling your extracurriculars, but with efficient organization and a consistent study habit, it should be doable.

If you're passionate about history in general, I think you'll find this course rewarding. If you're just wanting an AP course on your transcript, you might want to consider whether you're willing to take on the level of workload that comes with it - as it is not a course to take lightly. Best of luck with your decision!