AP World History: Modern
Analyze Global Historical Developments from c. 1200 to the Present
AP World History: Modern explores the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. Students analyze texts, visual sources, and historical evidence while developing critical historical thinking skills.
Academic Level
College-Level
Subject Area
History and Social Sciences
Course Rigor
Advanced
Governed By
College Board
Course Overview
What You Will Learn in This Course
Students learn to evaluate historical evidence, make global connections, and construct arguments. The course prepares students for college-level reading and comparative historical analysis by examining global developments from c. 1200 CE to the present. Participants explore the expansion of networks of exchange and the resulting cultural and technological transfers between diverse societies. The curriculum focuses on the rise and fall of empires, the impact of revolutions, and the complexities of modern globalization. Students develop the ability to analyze how different societies have interacted over time and the long-term consequences of these encounters. By engaging with a wide variety of primary sources, students learn to synthesize information and craft sophisticated historical arguments. This global perspective fosters a deeper understanding of current international affairs and diverse cultural identities. It is an essential foundation for students interested in diplomacy.
Course Overview
Why Choose This AP Course
This course builds essential critical reading and writing skills, preparing students for careers in international relations, history, law, and global studies. By examining the broad sweep of human history, students learn to identify the patterns that drive global change and cross-cultural interaction. The course emphasizes a macro-perspective that is crucial for understanding contemporary geopolitical shifts and international conflicts. Participants develop high-level synthesis skills, enabling them to connect disparate events across different continents and eras. This mental agility is a key asset for success in journalism, foreign service, and global non-profit work. Students graduate with the ability to communicate complex global narratives to diverse audiences. It provides the intellectual framework needed to operate effectively in a multicultural and rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Critical Thinking
Technical Skills
Problem Solving
Academic Growth
Colaboration
Career Readiness
Prerequisites
Analytical Thinking
Ability to evaluate historical claims and synthesize broad global contexts
Recommended
Writing Proficiency
Basic mastery of essay structure, thesis development, and argumentation
Required
Prior History Experience
Previous history or geography coursework is helpful but not mandatory
Optional
Reading Comprehension
Ability to read and understand complex historical texts and primary sources
Required
Key Learning Outcomes
Build chronological reasoning skills
Analyze global cultural and political shifts
Evaluate differing historical interpretations
Prepare for advanced humanities coursework
Develop proficiency in analyzing primary sources
Master historical essay writing
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Course Framework
Structure & Assessment
Unit 1–9 covering global history from c. 1200 to the present
1
Multiple-choice questions based on historical texts and stimuli
2
Free-response questions including short-answer, DBQ, and LEQ
3
Emphasis on analyzing historical evidence and writing cohesive arguments
4
Duration
Full academic year (150+ hours)
Scoring
Scale of 1–5 (3+ generally considered passing)
Grading Basis
Combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay sections
Strategies for Success
Syllabus
You'll explore how states formed, expanded, and declined in areas of the world during the period c. 1200–c. 1450 and the related political, social, and cultural developments of that time.
Unit 1
The Global Tapestry
As you continue your study of the period c. 1200–c. 1450, you'll learn how areas of the world were linked through trade and how these connections affected people, cultures, and environments.
Unit 2
Networks of Exchange
You'll begin your study of the period c. 1450–c. 1750 with an exploration of the empires that held power over large contiguous areas of land.
Unit 3
Land-Based Empires
Continuing your study of the period c. 1450–c. 1750, you'll learn about advances in ocean exploration, the development of new maritime empires, and the effects of new cross-cultural encounters.
Unit 4
Transoceanic Interconnections
You'll start your study of the period c. 1750–c. 1900 by exploring the new political ideas and developments in technology that led to large-scale changes in governments, society, and economies.
Unit 5
Revolutions
You'll continue to investigate the period c. 1750–c. 1900 and learn how the different states acquired and expanded control over colonies and territories.
Unit 6
Consequences of Industrialization
You'll begin your study of the period c. 1900–present by learning about the global conflicts that dominated this era.
Unit 7
Global Conflict
As you continue exploring the period c. 1900–present, you'll learn about colonies' pursuits of independence and the global power struggle between capitalism and communism.
Unit 8
Cold War and Decolonization
You'll continue your study of the period c. 1900–present by investigating the causes and effects of the unprecedented connectivity of the modern world.
Unit 9
Globalization
Strategies for Success
Study & Success Tips
Build chronological reasoning skills
Tip 4
Analyze global cultural and political shifts
Tip 3
Master historical essay writing
Tip 2
Develop proficiency in analyzing primary sources
Tip 1
Prepare for advanced humanities coursework
Tip 6
Evaluate differing historical interpretations
Tip 5
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