Why take AP European History and the
Exam?
- Exposure to university level standards and expectations is the major
benefit of AP.
- European History is also known on many college campuses as Western
Civilization.
- In AP European History you will learn the skills needed for an entry
level history class in college.
- Essays written in a timed situation are integral in university history
classes.
- Scores of 3 or better on the national exam can result in college credit
or exemptions from college course work depending on the college.
- The AP test demonstrates a degree of mastery that the student can
show to the college.
- Ultimately students are challenged in a way they have not previously
been challenged. They experience historical thinking and writing with
the use of primary source documents and develop skills that will prove
to be useful later in life.
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What is expected of students in the
AP European History class?
AP European History is
a more in depth look at the history of Europe from 1450 to the present
day. Study focuses not only on the politics of Europe but also the cultural
and social aspects of European life. Art and music will be brought into
the class as much as possible. The focus is on the major powers in Europe
during this period-England, Spain, France, Russia, The Holy Roman Empire,
Germany, and Austria/Hapsburgs. Students will be analyzing primary source
documents such as paintings, maps, and written sources. In AP European
History students will work to improve written skills in a variety of essays.
Students will also be responsible to participate in many interactive activities
like the Trial of Martin Luther, creating a puppet show about the French
Revolution, and reenacting the Nuremberg Trials. Students also will be
required to participate in discussion and debate about different issues
throughout European History.
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AP
European History Exam
Part I:
There are 80 multiple choice questions on the first section of the exam.
Approximately half of the questions deal with the time period 1450 through
the French Revolution/Napoleonic era, and the second half of the questions
cover the from the French Revolution/Napoleonic era to present day (2001).
The questions are to test the student's knowledge of European History
and cover concepts, major historical facts and personalities, and historical
analysis. This section is worth 50% of the exam score.
Part II:
Free Response (Essays)
All students must answer three essay questions, one is a document-based
question and the other two are thematic questions. The thematic questions
are grouped to have a range of historical periods and approaches. The three
essays together are worth 50% of the exam score. Within that 50% the DBQ
is weighted 45% and the two thematic essays are weighted at 55%.
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