AP World History: Modern
Course Information
AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level world history course. Students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1200 to the present while learning to make historical connections and reason through comparison, causation, continuity, and change over time.
Subject Area: History
UC A-G Area: A – History / Social Science
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/15/2026
Course End: 5/4/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This Course provides useful preparation for many humanities and social science college pathways, including::
History / International Relations / Global Studies / Political Science / Anthropology / Geography / Sociology / Economics / Pre-Law
Prerequisites
Students should meet the following recommendations:
- 3.5 GPA or higher
- A grade in English or B grade in Honors or AP English; or Pre-AP English
Students should also be able to read college-level texts and communicate ideas clearly in complete, grammatically correct written responses.
Course Units
- The Global Tapestry
- Networks of Exchange
- Land-Based Empires
- Transoceanic Interconnections
- Revolutions
- Consequences of Industrialization
- Global Conflict
- Cold War and Decolonization
- Globalization
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 6, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Section I
Part A: Multiple Choice
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55 questions
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55 minutes
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40% of Score
Questions typically appear in sets based on historical sources such as primary and secondary texts, images, maps, charts, and graphs.
Part B: Short Answer
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3 questions
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40 minutes
-
20% of Score
Students answer all three short-answer questions. Beginning with the 2027 exam, each SAQ includes source material, with questions drawing on secondary texts, primary texts, and non-text historical sources.
Section II
Part A: Document-Based Question (DBQ)
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1 question
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60 minutes, including a recommended 15-minute reading period
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25% of Score
Students analyze a set of historical documents and develop an argument supported by evidence from the sources and their knowledge of world history.
Part B: Long Essay Question (LEQ)
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1 required question
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40 minutes
-
15% of Score
Students respond to one broad historical prompt and develop a defensible argument using relevant evidence from the specified time period.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Macroeconomics
Study national income, economic growth, inflation, financial systems, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international economics.
AP U.S. History
Explore the development of the United States from 1491 to the present through historical sources, evidence, and argumentation.
AP European History
Explore major political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual developments in Europe from approximately 1450 to the present.
AP Human Geography
Analyze population, political organization, urbanization, economic development, and human interactions across geographic space.
Questions About AP World History: Modern
Where can I find official AP World History: Modern resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, and student resources, visit the College Board AP World History: Modern page.
What grade level is this course for?
AP World History: Modern is commonly taken in 10th grade, although placement should be based primarily on academic readiness. Franklin Academy students should meet the course’s GPA and English preparation requirements before enrolling.
What themes does AP World History: Modern focus on?
The course connects content through major themes including humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
Is AP World History harder than AP U.S. History?
The courses are challenging in different ways. AP World History covers a broader geographic scope and emphasizes patterns and comparisons across multiple regions, while AP U.S. History studies one country in greater depth. Both require source analysis, historical reasoning, and evidence-based writing.
Will I receive high school credit for taking this course?
Yes. Franklin Academy is a WASC-accredited private school. Upon completion of the course, Franklin Academy issues an official transcript with the WASC seal. Students may choose to transfer credits to their school of record or submit the Franklin Academy transcript as part of their college application materials.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.