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AP Art History

AP Art History is designed to provide students with an understanding of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts.

Course Overview

AP Art History offers a dynamic blend of art and history that goes beyond memorizing dates and names. Spanning cultures across all continents from prehistoric to contemporary times, students explore how social and cultural beliefs, political and economic systems, and scientific and technological advancements have shaped works of art, including sculptures, paintings, buildings, and other artistic expressions.

Skills You’ll Learn

Students will develop the ability to:

  • Evaluate works of art from different eras and cultures

  • Identify connections to artistic traditions, styles, and practices

  • Develop and support interpretations about the meaning of works of art

Expectations & Support

The course content is organized into commonly taught units that provide one possible sequence for instruction. Teachers may organize content differently based on local priorities and preferences.

Course Units

Unit 1: Global Prehistory (30,000–500 BCE)
Explore the origins of human art across the globe during the Stone Ages.

Unit 2: Ancient Mediterranean (3500 BCE–300 CE)
Study artistic traditions from the ancient Near East and Egypt, as well as Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures.

Unit 3: Early Europe and Colonial Americas (200–1750 CE)
Examine the evolution of art from the early Middle Ages through the mid-18th century in Europe and the Americas.

Unit 4: Later Europe and Americas (1750–1980 CE)
Analyze the impact of rapid societal change on art during the modern period.

Unit 5: Indigenous Americas (1000 BCE–1980 CE)
Understand the roots and development of Indigenous art from Central and South America to Native North American societies.

Unit 6: Africa (1100–1980 CE)
Explore the diversity of African art and its role across varied societies on the continent.

Unit 7: West and Central Asia (500 BCE–1980 CE)
Study the techniques, materials, and evolution of art throughout West and Central Asia.

Unit 8: South, East, and Southeast Asia (300 BCE–1980 CE)
Examine Asian artistic traditions from prehistoric times to modern works.

Unit 9: The Pacific (700–1980 CE)
Study the wide range of art forms from Pacific Island cultures, from Australia to Hawaii.

Unit 10: Global Contemporary (1980 CE–Present)
Explore contemporary art from around the world and its diverse forms and perspectives.

Recommended Prerequisites

None

Exams & Assessment

The AP Art History Exam assesses students’ understanding of art historical concepts and their ability to analyze, compare, and contextualize works of art.

  • Exam Format: Fully digital

  • Exam Length: 3 hours

  • Platform: Bluebook testing app

Section 1: Multiple Choice: 80 questions, 50% of total score

Section 2: Free Response: 6 questions, 50% of total score

Materials & Resources

  • AP Classroom resources

  • AP Art History Course and Exam Description

  • Khan Academy

Time Commitment

  • This course is currently offered online

  • Students should expect to complete work outside of class