The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) World History course is a rigorous survey of the history of the world from approximately 8000 BCE to the present. The course is divided into seven units, each of which focuses on a different time period or region of the world.

Unit 1: The Global Tapestry
This unit covers the period from approximately 8000 BCE to 600 CE. It examines the origins of agriculture, the development of early civilizations, and the spread of major religions.
Unit 2: The Classical World
This unit covers the period from approximately 600 BCE to 600 CE. It examines the rise of the Greek and Roman empires, as well as the development of major philosophical and religious traditions.
Unit 3: The Post-Classical World
This unit covers the period from approximately 600 CE to 1450 CE. It examines the rise of Islam, the spread of Buddhism, and the development of new trade networks.
Unit 4: The Age of Exploration
This unit covers the period from approximately 1450 CE to 1750 CE. It examines the European exploration of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, as well as the development of new technologies and ideas.
Unit 5: The Industrial Revolution
This unit covers the period from approximately 1750 CE to 1914 CE. It examines the development of new industrial technologies, the rise of capitalism, and the growth of global trade.
Unit 6: The Global Conflict
This unit covers the period from approximately 1914 CE to 1945 CE. It examines the causes and consequences of World War I and World War II.
Unit 7: The Contemporary World
This unit covers the period from approximately 1945 CE to the present. It examines the development of the Cold War, the rise of new global powers, and the challenges of the 21st century.
How to Do Well on the AP World History Exam
The AP World History exam is a challenging but rewarding experience. Students who want to do well on the exam should start preparing early and focus on developing a strong understanding of the course content. There are a number of resources available to help students prepare for the exam, including textbooks, review courses, and online resources.
Here are some tips for doing well on the AP World History exam:
- Start preparing early. The AP World History course is a large and complex body of knowledge. Students who start preparing early will have more time to absorb the material and develop a strong understanding of the course content.
- Develop a strong foundation in the material. Students should make sure that they have a solid understanding of the basic concepts and facts of AP World History. This will help them to do well on the multiple-choice section of the exam.
- Practice writing essays. The essay section of the AP World History exam is worth 50% of the total score. Students should practice writing essays on a variety of topics to improve their writing skills.
- Take practice exams. Practice exams are a great way to identify areas where students need to improve their understanding of the course content. Students should take several practice exams before the actual exam to improve their chances of success.
Conclusion
The AP World History course is a challenging but rewarding experience. Students who are willing to put in the time and effort can learn a great deal about the history of the world and develop the skills that they need to succeed in college and beyond.
