AP World History

Discover the rich tapestry of human history with AP World History: Modern at SAA. This course invites students to explore global events, ideas, and connections from 1200 CE to the present, uncovering the forces that have shaped the modern world.

Through engaging lessons, in-depth analysis, and collaborative projects, students will gain critical thinking and historical reasoning skills essential for college and beyond.

Learn more about our full AP Program at Sacramento Adventist Academy.

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Details
Course Content	Covers global history from 1200 CE to the present.
Skills Developed	Analytical thinking, historical reasoning, and evidence-based writing.
Exam Structure	Includes multiple-choice, short-answer, document-based, and long-essay questions.
College Credit Opportunity	Potential to earn college credit or advanced placement with a qualifying AP exam score.
Real-World Relevance	Develops critical thinking and global awareness, preparing students for a wide range of fields.

What Is AP World History: Modern?

AP World History: Modern is a college-level course designed to provide students with a global perspective on history. It covers key themes like governance, culture, trade, conflict, and technological innovation, encouraging students to connect historical trends across time and place.

Topics Covered:

The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–1450): Societies, economies, and cultures in regions like East Asia, South Asia, and the Americas.
Networks of Exchange (c. 1200–1450): Trade routes like the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean, and trans-Saharan networks.
Land-Based Empires (c. 1450–1750): Expansion and governance of empires such as the Ottoman, Mughal, and Qing.
Transoceanic Interconnections (c. 1450–1750): Maritime empires and the Columbian Exchange.
Revolutions (c. 1750–1900): Political, social, and economic revolutions and their global impact.
Industrialization (c. 1750–1900): Technological advances and their consequences.
Global Conflict (c. 1900–Present): World Wars, Cold War tensions, and their outcomes.
Globalization (c. 1900–Present): Cultural, economic, and technological connections across the globe.

Students engage with primary and secondary sources, build arguments, and analyze how historical processes connect to modern issues.

Learn more about AP World History: Modern on AP Central.

Why Choose AP World History: Modern at SAA?

Comprehensive Curriculum
Explore diverse cultures, regions, and historical connections in a way that fosters global understanding.
Interactive Learning
Engage in debates, simulations, and collaborative projects that bring history to life.
Skill Building
Develop writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are invaluable for college and career success.
Supportive Environment
With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, students receive the personalized attention they need to excel.

AP World History: Modern Exam Details

The AP World History: Modern Exam evaluates your understanding of historical themes, your ability to think critically, and your writing skills.

Exam Format:

Multiple-Choice Questions: Assess comprehension and analysis of historical themes and documents.
Short-Answer Questions: Test your ability to identify and explain historical evidence.
Document-Based Question (DBQ): Use primary sources to build an evidence-based argument.
Long Essay Question (LEQ): Craft a well-supported essay exploring a specific historical theme.

Exams are scored on a scale of 1–5, with many colleges granting credit for scores of 3 or higher.

Learn more about the AP World History: Modern Exam on AP Central.

FAQs

Is AP World History difficult?

While challenging, AP World History is highly rewarding. The skills you develop will benefit you throughout college and beyond.

Do I need a strong history background to succeed?

A basic understanding of world history is helpful, but the course is designed to guide you through complex concepts step by step.

Can I earn college credit for this course?

Yes, many colleges offer credit or advanced placement for scores of 3 or higher on the AP exam.

How does AP World History prepare me for college and beyond?

This course builds skills in writing, analysis, and critical thinking that are valuable in any field.

What Students Say

“AP World History expanded my understanding of how connected our world is. It’s a course that makes you think on a global scale.”

“The debates and discussions in this class were my favorite. I feel much more prepared for college-level history now.”

Take the Next Step

At Sacramento Adventist Academy, AP World History: Modern isn’t just a class—it’s a chance to see the world through a broader lens and develop skills that will last a lifetime.