AP World History: Modern Course Outline

This unit explores how various societies developed and interacted in the period before intensified global interactions. You'll study diverse political, social, economic, cultural, and religious systems across different regions of the world.

This unit explores the networks of communication and exchange that connected various parts of the world. You'll learn about the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade, trans-Saharan networks, and the influence of the Mongol Empire on global connections.

This unit explores the formation and characteristics of large land-based empires in various regions. You'll study how these empires were administered, the role of belief systems in legitimizing rule, and the economic foundations of imperial power.

This unit explores the increasing interconnectedness of the world through maritime exploration, colonization, and the development of global trade networks. You'll study how European exploration transformed existing networks and the effects of the Columbian Exchange.

This unit explores the Age of Revolutions, both political and industrial. You'll study how Enlightenment ideas inspired political transformations, while technological innovations dramatically changed economies and societies around the world.

This unit explores the global consequences of industrialization, particularly the growth of imperialism and colonization. You'll study how industrialized powers extended their political and economic control over much of the world and how indigenous societies responded.

This unit explores the causes and consequences of the world wars and other conflicts in the 20th century. You'll study how global competition for resources and markets, nationalism, and ideological differences led to unprecedented destruction and transformation.

This unit explores the global ideological struggle between capitalism and communism, alongside the movement for decolonization. You'll study how the superpowers competed for influence, while former colonies gained independence and navigated the challenges of nation-building.

This unit explores the accelerating process of globalization in the contemporary world. You'll study technological innovations that have transformed communication and commerce, global challenges like climate change and pandemics, and debates about the benefits and drawbacks of increased global integration.