Download World History (Two Terms) AP European History (Terms 1

10th Grade Social Studies Options
World History ​or​ AP European History ​or​ AP World History
At the 10​th​ grade level, World History is the required course that meets the MN graduation standards for
the social studies. Students have the option of enrolling in a college level course, AP Euro or AP World
History, as an alternative pathway to meeting this graduation requirement. The chart below offers
parents and students conversation points regarding the best choice for their 10​th​ grade social studies
course selection.
World History (Two Terms)
The World History course explores human history starting with the beginnings of human society and
early civilization (approximately 1000 BCE) to the present. The course is thematically organized
around the Big Eras of world history. These are:
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Big Eras 1 and 2 – Humans in the Universe (Up to 1000 BCE)
Big Era 3 – Farming and the Emergence of Complex Societies (Up to 1000 BCE)
Big Era 4 – Expanding Networks of Exchange and Encounter (1200 BCE – 500 CE)
Big Era 5 – Patterns of Interregional Unity (300 – 1500 CE)
Big Era 6 – The Great Global Convergence (1400 – 1800 CE)
Big Era 7 – Industrialization and its Consequences (1750 – 1914 CE)
Big Era 8 – A Half-Century of Crisis (1900 – 1945 CE)
Big Era 9 – Paradoxes of Global Acceleration (1945 – Present)
AP European History (Terms 1-3)
AP World History (Terms 2-4)
Can I be successful in this class?​ ​Yes!​ Students will develop the skills they need to be successful in a college-level
course. In addition, students learn course content in an engaging and supportive atmosphere. The majority of high
schools that offer AP European History and/or AP World History offer these courses to high school sophomores.
Who should take this class?​ This course is appropriate for
a student who enjoys social studies, is interested in learning
more about modern history (Renaissance to the Present)
and is seeking an opportunity to stretch or challenge
themselves with a college-level experience.
This course focuses on ​developments in Europe and
Europe’s impact on the world from 1450 to the present​.
Who should take this class?​ This course is appropriate
for a student who enjoys social studies, is interested in
learning more about ancient, medievil and modern world
history and is seeking an opportunity to stretch or
challenge themselves with a college-level experience.
This course focuses on ​developments throughout world
history from 8,000 BCE to the present.
Prep for AP World​ also is an ​optional elective course
offered during Term 1.
Which course is easier? ​They are ​BOTH​ college level courses administered by the College Board. ​Both AP European
History and AP World History develop historical thinking skills and an understanding of key concepts taught in
introductory college level history courses. As a result, the academic rigor of each course is statistically similar.
Is there any data that could help make my decision?
The NMSC Selection Index from the PSAT Student score report can serve as a singular data
point to predict success on the AP European History exam. ​Please note the exam used to
collect this data was revised in 2015-16. Actual results may differ based on the 2015-16
exam revisions and corresponding test results. Scan the QR Code for more information.
Freshmen who took the Fall 2016 PSAT exam can also access their AP Potential by following
the directions on the front of their Student Score Report.
AP European History
AP World History
Can I handle the reading level?
Yes!​ Learning effective and efficient reading, note-taking, and study habits are a big part of both classes. Both classes
use college-level textbooks and supplemental materials. On average, students will spend 75 minutes per night on
homework (reading, taking notes, and reviewing). Some will take longer, some will do the work in less time. As
students develop their skills, most are able to get their study and review time close to 60 minutes. ​See the next pages for
textbook samples.
Readings fall at or above the 1220 Lexile range. Lexile is an indicator of readability. Looking at the corresponding 7​th
grade Spring MAP data, available on family access, you can locate your student’s approximate Lexile range. Just
because your readability falls outside of this range does not mean that texts in this range are inaccessible. Other factors
that impact readability include prior knowledge, interest and motivation. ​We are here to help you succeed!
Time Period:​ Covers historical events from 1450 to the
Time Period:​ Covers historical world events from 8,000
present
B.C.E. to the present
Geographical Regions:​ Europe and its interactions with
Geographical Regions:​ Africa, the Americas, The
the world
Mediterranean, South Asia, East Asia, Europe and
Oceania
Course Description:​ Students will ​learn about the
Course Description:​ Students will ​explore key themes
cultural, economic, political and social developments that
of world history, including interaction with the
have shaped today’s world through the study of European
environment, cultures, state-building, economic systems,
history from the year 1450 to the present. Students will
and social structures, from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to
analyze primary and secondary sources, make historical
the present. ​Students will analyze primary and secondary
comparisons, and use chronological reasoning and
sources, make historical comparisons, and use
argumentation. The course is also organized around five
chronological reasoning and argumentation. The course
themes (interaction of Europe and the world; poverty and
is also organized around five themes (interaction between
prosperity; objective knowledge and subjective visions;
humans and the environment; development and
states and other institutions of power; and individual and
interaction of cultures; state building; expansion and
society).
conflict; creation, expansion and interaction of economic
systems; and development and transformation of social
structures).
When is this course offered at WHS?​ AP European
When is this course offered at WHS? ​AP World
History is offered as a 3-term course, and will be scheduled History is a 3-term course, scheduled for Terms 2, 3 & 4.
Terms 1, 2, & 3. Students who register for AP European
Students who register for AP World History are
History are encouraged to take the AP European History
encouraged to take the AP World History exam in early
exam in early May.
May.
An ​OPTIONAL​ one term Pre-AP course is offered
during Term 1 for students seeking additional skill
development in preparation for taking a college-level
course as a sophomore.
Do colleges give credit for AP European History or AP World History?​ It depends on
the college or university. The College Board does provide a search tool that provides this
information. Use the QR Code or the shortened URL to access this feature.
http://bit.ly/1UYNUlI
AP European History textbook sample (usually 6-10 pages per night)
AP World History textbook sample (usually 10-12 pages per night)