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This is an intensive, highly challenging course, with much of the work being accomplished independently by the student. Students are expected to be willing and able to complete much of the basic work of this course on their own. Chronologically, this course will mirror the current Global History curriculum. A summer reading assignment, reviewing the major themes covered in the 9th grade curriculum (8000 B.C.E.- 1700 C.E.) will lead to a 2 week review of this material and major test worth 300 points at the very start of the first quarter. Then, we will begin the 10th grade phase of the course with the year 1700 C.E. and ending with the current time period. Students will take the AP World History exam in May and will also be required to take the Global History Regents exam in June . AP World History is designed to cover the major developments that link the "six themes" (see below) of civilizations in Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacifica and the Americas. Knowledge of year-to-year political events is not required. No more than 30% of the total course will cover European History. Some United States history will be included in relation to its interaction with other societies and early history as a British colonial possession . THE EXAM The AP Exam consists of 70 multiple choice questions and three essays: One Document Based Question (DBQ), one Change-Over-Time essay and one Comparative Essay. The fee for the exam is $82. This year (2007-2008) the AP World History exam will be administered on May 15th (Thursday) from 8 AM to 12 Noon. Please refer to the course description and exam description you were given along with your Summer Assignment. THE SIX THEMES 1. Impact of interaction among major societies (trade, systems of international exchange, war and diplomacy). Habits of Mind or Skills The AP World History course addresses habits of mind or skills in two categories: those addressed by any rigorous history course, and those addressed by a world history course. Our major focus, along with the course content, will be to develop fully these Habits of Mind Four Habits of Mind are in the first category: 1) Constructing and evaluating arguments: using evidence to make plausible arguments. 2) Using documents and other primary data: developing the skills necessary to analyze point of view, context, and bias, and to understand and interpret information. 3) Developing the ability to assess issues of change and continuity over time. 4) Enhancing the capacity to handle diversity of interpretations through analysis of context, bias, and frame of reference. Three Habits of Mind are in the second category: 1) Seeing global patterns over time and space while also acquiring the ability to connect local developments to global ones and to move through levels of generalizations from the global to the particular. 2) Developing the ability to compare within and among societies, including comparing societies' reactions to global processes. 3) Developing the ability to assess claims of universal standards yet remaining aware of human commonalities and differences; putting culturally diverse ideas and values in historical context, not suspending judgment but developing understanding. Every part of the AP World History Examination assesses habits of mind as well as content. For example, in the multiple-choice section, maps, graphs, artwork, and quotations are used to judge students' ability to assess primary data, while other questions focus on evaluating arguments, handling diversity of interpretation and making comparisons among societies, drawing generalizations and understanding historical context. In the essay section of the examination, the document-based question (DBQ) focuses on assessing students' ability to construct arguments; use primary documents; analyze point of view, context and bias; and understand the global context. The remaining two essay questions focus on global patterns over time and space and comparisons within and among societies. GRADING PROTOCOL There will be at least 1000 total points available each quarter. The total scored by the student divided by the total possible will be a percentage that will represent the student's grade. TESTS and Quizzes (85%) These will vary in point value. There will be "5x8" essays, which will involve writing a full introduction to a question on one side of a 5x8 index card and an outline of the body on the back. As a general rule, 5x8 s will be worth 50 points each. You can expect at least 4 5x8 s per quarter. There will be regular quizzes on assigned reading, worth 100 points each for which you may use any HAND WRITTEN chapter outline notes. There will only be one multiple choice exam per quarter. This will include primarily AP exam questions, with a smattering of SAT II exam questions. These will be worth 200 total points. There will be one full essay test (DBQ or FRQ) each quarter, also worth 200 points Absence on a test day will necessitate a makeup the very next time the student is in school--NO EXCEPTIONS. Cutting class on a test day will result in a score of zero ASSIGNMENTS (15%) Approximately 20% of the points available will come from assignments. Assignments will vary, usually involving some internet research performed by students in preparation for class discussion. Late work is not accepted under any circumstances. If you are absent on the due date of an assignment, you are expected to hand the assignment in on the day of your return to school. MID TERM and FINAL EXAMS There is a MID-TERM EXAM, which is worth 400 points (200 point multiple choice section is part of the 2nd quarter grade, while the 200 point DBQ is part of the third quarter grade) The REGENTS EXAM is the final exam grade in this course. More detailed information regarding the course content and expectations, as mandated by the College Board can be found at the College Board site: When you arrive, got to the box labeled "more" and click on the AP World course description link. |
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A. P. WORLD HISTORY |
