Preparing for the AP World History Exam
In a recent informal survey of school districts, the requirements
to take Advanced Placement World History ranged widely. On one end were juniors
and seniors who carry at least a 3.5 gpa and have successfully completed a honors
level World History course or other AP class. On the other end are districts
that have no requirements and allow freshmen to take the course. Many are open
enrollment. Regardless of the grade level an AP class is offered, it is important
to remember all AP classes are a college course taken in high school.
Do you have the time to spend at least two hours a day in pursuit of the AP
credit? Locate the Here is the official APWH course description from AP central. This document is a must have if you
plan to take the AP exam
The diligent student will weigh the $80 (est.) cost of the College Board AP
exam against the potential benefits of saving
college tuition and time. Cost of semester credit varies greatly from community
to private colleges. And remember, there is no guarantee that a student completing
this course will pass the rigorous AP exam. Nationally, the 2002 and 2003 test
results showed only about 60% of those who attempted the AP exam scored 3 or
higher. (3 = minimum college acceptance score, some credit standards are higher)
Here are some questions to consider to evaluate your potential for success:
Do you like to study history?
How is your background in world geography?
Are you known to demonstrate...
- Dedication, Perseverance, Self-Initiative, Desire, Accuracy, Organization, and Guts
Any sort of World History textbook will generally
suffice for a reference. However, "World history textbooks have two major
drawbacks: they obscure the story of history with mind-numbing detail, and they
eat up the curriculum." (quoted from from Student's
Friend)
If these materials can't be found at your local bookstore, please search through
the links below.
- The college board site suggests the SATII Prep Workbook for World History
(approx. $15.00).ISBN: 0764113852
- Text books (secular) recommended by many APWH teachers are
- Jerry H. Bentley, Herbert F. Ziegler, Traditions and Encounters, v. I, (New York: McGraw Hill, 1999)
- Wiesner, et. al., Discovering the Global Past: A Look at the Evidence, v. I, (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1997)
- Howard Spodek, The World's History: Volume II-Since 1100.
- Stearns, (et al) World Civilizations: The Global Experience
- Supplemental readers: Andrea and Overfield's: The Human Record
Those of you expecting to take the AP exam might consider reading some of the following books found in your local library. Try asking them about inter library loan if they don't have a copy. Reading just one will give a sense of historical perspective. One book well read is better than a multitude browsed. Although these are not from a Biblical perspective, they are quality works that come highly recommended by several AP World History teachers. A few book reviews have been submitted. Please e-mail your other suggestions.
Pomerantz, "The World that Trade Created"
Lewis, "What Went Wrong"
Sobel, "Galileo's Daughter"
Hesse,"Siddhartha"
Achebe, "Things Fall Apart" (the most popular African novel in English)
Dunn, "The Adventures of Ibn Battuta" (a Muslim geographer who was the most traveled person of 1350, having visited Spain, Africa, China...)
Diamond, "Guns, Germs, and Steel" (an evolutionist describes the influence of environment in determining the development of societies)
Linda Sue Park, "A Single Shard" (2002 Newbery winner, about an orphan in 12th century Korea who tries to apprentice himself to a potter)
Stephan Grundy, 'Rhinegold' and/or 'Attila's Treasure' (the age of migrations and the clash between paganism and Christianity)
Material from a Christian Perspective: - Turning the World Upside Down: The coming of global Christianity, by Mark A. Noll (see the review in Christianity Today)
- Vincent Carroll and David Shiflett, Christianity on Trial: Arguments Against Anti-Religious Bigotry (Encounter Books, 2002). (see review at boundless.org)
- Ancient Civilizations and the Bible, by Diana Waring, is a study from Creation to Jesus Christ, all ages.
- Andrew, Brother God's Smugglers (35th). Chosen Books ISBN:0800793013
- Olson, Bruce(1996). Bruchko. Creation House ISBN:0884191338 (review)
- The 1911 Encyclopedia
avoids postmodern political bias.
If these are not available in your library or your local, family-owned bookstore, you may browse for used world history books or search below for something particular at Powells.