AP World History: Modern is a challenging year-long course equivalent to an introductory college survey course. The course is structured around the investigation of six themes woven into nine key concepts covering four historical periods ranging from ca. 1200 CE to the present. The key concepts support the investigation of historical developments within a chronological framework, while the themes allow students to make crucial connections across the time periods and across geographical regions. One purpose of the class is to prepare students for successful placement into higher-level college and university courses. The course is also designed to develop skills of analysis and thinking in order to prepare students for success in the twenty-first century. Students will analyze historical developments, analyze primary and secondary sources, and develop an argument supported by textual evidence. All students are encouraged to demonstrate their mastery of the course goals by taking part in the College Board AP World History: Modern Examination in May.