AP-World History: Modern
Section outline
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AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
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Read this page to see recommendations for choosing course materials, teaching strategies, developing historical thinking skills, and developing reasoning skills, taken from the College Board's booklet Course and Exam Description. Throughout this course, we have tried to incorporate these elements, but it is ultimately up to the teacher to revise, modify, and incorporate materials and skills practice as they see fit for their students.
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You may download and use this booklet, provided by the College Board, to help you prepare for the exam.
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c. 1200 to c. 1450
Activities: 15 -
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES IN THIS TOPIC
New Islamic political entities:
§ Seljuk Empire
§ Mamluk sultanate of Egypt
§ Delhi sultanates Innovations:
§ Advances in mathematics (Nasir al-Din al-Tusi)
§ Advances in literature ('A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah)
§ Advances in medicineTransfers:
§ Preservation and commentaries on Greek moral and natural philosophy
§ House of Wisdom in Abbasid Bagdad
§ Scholarly and cultural transfers in Muslim and Christian SpainPart 1
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 1: Learning Objective D
Explain how systems of belief and their practices affected society in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.III.D.iii
Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the core beliefs and practices of these religions continued to shape societies in Africa and Asia.
Part 2
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 1: Learning Objective E
Explain the causes and effects of the rise of Islamic states over time.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.2.I
As the Abbasid Caliphate fragmented, new Islamic political entities emerged, most of which were dominated by Turkic peoples. These states demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity.
KC-3.1.III.A
Muslim rule continued to expand to many parts of Afro-Eurasia due to military expansion, and Islam subsequently expanded through the activities of merchants, missionaries, and Sufis.
Part 3
THEMATIC FOCUS
Technology and Innovation TEC
Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 1: Learning Objective F
Explain the effects of intellectual innovation in Dar al-Islam.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.2.II.A.i
Muslim states and empires encouraged significant intellectual innovations and transfers.
Activities: 22 -
Part 1
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective G
Explain how the various belief systems and practices of South and Southeast Asia affected society over time.
KC-3.1.III.D.iv
Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, and their core beliefs and practices, continued to shape societies in South and Southeast Asia.
Part 2
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective H
Explain how and why various states of South and Southeast Asia developed and maintained power over time.
KC-3.2.I.B.i
State formation and development demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, including the new Hindu and Buddhist states that emerged in South and Southeast Asia.
Activities: 0 -
In Part 1 of Topic 1.3, we will focus our lessons on the following:
Part 1
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective G
Explain how the various belief systems and practices of South and Southeast Asia affected society over time.
KC-3.1.III.D.iv
Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, and their core beliefs and practices, continued to shape societies in South and Southeast Asia.
Activities: 2 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective H
Explain how and why various states of South and Southeast Asia developed and maintained power over time.
KC-3.2.I.B.i
State formation and development demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, including the new Hindu and Buddhist states that emerged in South and Southeast Asia.
Activities: 2 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Explain how and why states in the Americas developed and changed over time.
KC-3.2.I.D.i
In the Americas, as in Afro-Eurasia, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach.
Activities: 4 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective J
Explain how and why states in Africa developed and changed over time.
KC-3.2.I.D.ii
In Africa, as in Eurasia and the Americas, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity and expanded in scope and reach.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
State systems in Africa:
- Great Zimbabwe
- Ethiopia
- Hausa kingdoms
Activities: 4 -
This topic has 3 Parts.
Part 1
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective K
Explain how the beliefs and practices of the predominant religions in Europe affected European society.
KC-3.1.III.D.v
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the core beliefs and practices of these religions continued to shape societies in Europe.
Part 2
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective L
Explain the causes and consequences of political decentralization in Europe from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
KC-3.2.I.B.ii
Europe was politically fragmented and characterized by decentralized monarchies, feudalism, and the manorial system.
Part 3
THEMATIC FOCUS
Social Interactions and Organization SIO
The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective M
Explain the effects of agriculture on social organization in Europe from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
KC-3.3.III.C
Europe was largely an agricultural society dependent on free and coerced labor, including serfdom.
Activities: 0 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective K
Explain how the beliefs and practices of the predominant religions in Europe affected European society.
KC-3.1.III.D.v
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the core beliefs and practices of these religions continued to shape societies in Europe.
Activities: 5 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective L
Explain the causes and consequences of political decentralization in Europe from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
KC-3.2.I.B.ii
Europe was politically fragmented and characterized by decentralized monarchies, feudalism, and the manorial system.
Activities: 3 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Social Interactions and Organization SIO
The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Unit 1: Learning Objective M
Explain the effects of agriculture on social organization in Europe from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
KC-3.3.III.C
Europe was largely an agricultural society dependent on free and coerced labor, including serfdom.
Activities: 3 -
The final topic in this unit focuses on the skill of argumentation and so provides an opportunity for your students to draw upon the key concepts and historical developments they have studied in this unit. Using evidence relevant to this unit’s key concepts, students should practice the suggested skill for this topic.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 1: Learning Objective N
Explain the similarities and differences in the processes of state formation from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
REVIEW: UNIT 1 KEY CONCEPTS
KC-3.2
State formation and development demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity in various regions.KC-3.2.I
As the Abbasid Caliphate fragmented, new Islamic political entities emerged, most of which were dominated by Turkic peoples. These states demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity.KC-3.2.I.A
Empires and states in Afro-Eurasia and the Americas demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity in the 13th century. This included the Song Dynasty of China, which utilized traditional methods of Confucianism and an imperial bureaucracy to maintain and justify its rule.KC-3.2.I.B.i
State formation and development demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, including the new Hindu and Buddhist states that emerged in South and Southeast Asia.KC-3.2.I.D.i
In the Americas, as in Afro-Eurasia, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach.KC-3.2.I.D.ii
In Africa, as in Eurasia and the Americas, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach.Activities: 4 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Economics Systems ECN
As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective A
Explain the causes and effects of growth of networks of exchange after 1200.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.I.A.i
Improved commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the
geographical range of existing trade routes—including the Silk Roads—promoting the growth of powerful new trading cities.KC-3.1.I.C.i
The growth of interregional trade in luxury goods was encouraged by innovations in previously existing transportation and commercial technologies, including the caravanserai, forms of credit, and the development of money economies.KC-3.3.I.B
Demand for luxury goods increased in Afro-Eurasia. Chinese, Persian, and Indian artisans and merchants expanded their production of textiles and porcelains for export; manufacture of iron and steel expanded in China.Activities: 4 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective B
Explain the process of state building and decline in Eurasia over time.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.2.I.B.iii
Empires collapsed in different regions of the world and in some areas were replaced by new imperial states, including the Mongol khanates.Activities: 4 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Economics Systems ECN
As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective C
Explain how the expansion of empires influenced trade and communication over time.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.I.E.i
The expansion of empires—including the Mongols—facilitated Afro-Eurasian trade and communication as new people were drawn into their conquerors’ economies and trade networks.Activities: 4 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective D
Explain the significance of the Mongol Empire in larger patterns of continuity and change.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.2.II.A.ii
Interregional contacts and conflicts between states and empires, including the Mongols, encouraged significant technological and cultural transfers.Activities: 4 -
Activities: 11
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THEMATIC FOCUS
Economics Systems ECN
As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective E
Explain the causes of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.I.A.ii
Improved transportation technologies and commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes,
including the Indian Ocean, promoting the growth of powerful new trading cities.KC-3.1.I.C.ii
The growth of interregional trade in luxury goods was encouraged by significant innovations in previously existing transportation and commercial technologies, including the use of the compass, the astrolabe, and larger ship designs.KC-3.1.I.A.iii
The Indian Ocean trading network fostered the growth of states.Activities: 4 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Cultural Developments and Interactions CDI
The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies and their beliefs often have political, social, and cultural implications.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective F
Explain the effects of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.III.B
In key places along important trade routes, merchants set up diasporic communities where they introduced their own cultural traditions into the indigenous cultures and, in turn, indigenous cultures influenced merchant cultures.KC-3.2.II.A.iii
Interregional contacts and conflicts between states and empires encouraged significant technological and cultural transfers, including during Chinese maritime activity led by Ming Admiral Zheng He.Activities: 3 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Humans and the Environments ENV
The environment shapes human societies, and as populations grow and change, these populations in turn shape their environments.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective G
Explain the role of environmental factors in the development of networks of exchange in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.II.A.i
The expansion and intensification of long distance trade routes often depended on environmental knowledge, including advanced knowledge of the monsoon winds.Activities: 5 -
THEMATIC FOCUS
Technology and Innovation TEC
Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective H
Explain the causes and effects of the growth of trans-Saharan trade.HISTORICAL DIFFERENCES
KC-3.1.II.A.ii
The growth of interregional trade was encouraged by innovations in existing transportation technologies.KC-3.1.I.A.iv
Improved transportation technologies and commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes, including the trans-Saharan trade network.Activities: 5 -
Activities: 5
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THEMATIC FOCUS
Governance GOV
A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Unit 2: Learning Objective I
Explain how the expansion of empires influenced trade and communication over time.HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS
KC-3.1.I.E.ii
The expansion of empires—including Mali in West Africa–facilitated Afro-Eurasian trade and communication as new people were drawn into the economies and trade networks.Activities: 4