AP Art History explores a journey through the global art history, spanning from ancient times to the contemporary era. Click through our free AP Art History Study Guides and Art History flashcards below:
Questions & AnswersIf you have any other questions - please get in touch
What is the AP Art History exam format?
The exam format includes 80 multiple-choice questions, and 6 free-response questions. The exam is weighted equally between the multiple choice questions versus the FRQs with both being 50% of the total exam weight. Students are allotted 60 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section, 120 minutes to compose their responses to the free response questions. To make sure you’re prepared enough to finish in time, take a look through our free AP Art History study guide that covers the most important material you should know.
How do I study for AP Art History?
You’ve likely covered a lot of material during your course this year, but to get a 5 on the AP exam, it’s important you understand how often each topic shows up. This course entails a thorough examination of artistic creations, employing methods such as observation, discussion, reading, and research to dissect and interpret various artworks. Once you take a look through the breakdown below, make sure to read through the AP Art History study guide above with all the key points you should know for each unit.
What units are on AP Art History?
Unit 1: Worldwide Prehistoric Art, 30,000–500 BCE
In this unit, you will delve into the beginnings of artistic expression among humans across different regions during the stone ages.
Unit 2: Ancient Mediterranean Art, 3500 BCE–300 CE
During this unit, you will immerse yourself in the exploration of diverse artistic creations originating from the civilizations of the ancient Near East and Egypt, as well as the cultural contributions of the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman societies.
Unit 3: Early Europe and Colonial Americas Art, 200–1750 CE
In this unit, you will embark on an exploration of the artistic progression spanning from the early Middle Ages to the mid-18th century, encompassing both Europe and the Americas.
Unit 4: Later Europe and the Americas, 1750–1980 CE
Within this unit, you will engage in an in-depth study of the profound influence of rapid societal transformations on the artistic landscape during the modern era, both in Europe and the Americas. Diving into this complex period, you will gain insights into how evolving cultural, technological, and ideological shifts have shaped and reshaped the creative expressions that emerged during these times.
Unit 5: Indigenous American Art, 1000 BCE–1980 CE
In this unit, you will attain a grasp of the origins and progression of art within indigenous American cultures, spanning from the ancient civilizations of Central and South America to the artistic traditions of Native North American societies. Through this exploration, you will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse creative expressions that have shaped the visual narrative of these rich and diverse cultural landscapes.
Unit 6: Exploring African Art, 1100–1980 CE
During this unit, you will delve into the intricate realm of African art, uncovering its remarkable diversity and the pivotal role it has played within the multifaceted societies across the continent. Through this exploration, you will gain insights into the rich cultural tapestry woven by the artistic expressions that have flourished across various African communities.
Unit 7: West and Central Asia, 500 BCE–1980 CE
Within this unit, you will acquire knowledge regarding the methodologies, materials, and the dynamic evolution that has characterized art across the regions of West and Central Asia. Through comprehensive exploration, you will uncover the diverse creative expressions that have emerged from these cultural landscapes, providing insights into the rich artistic heritage of this area.
Unit 8: South, East, and Southeast Asia, 300 BCE–1980 CE
During this unit, you will engage in a comprehensive study of the rich tradition of Asian art, spanning from its prehistoric origins to the creation of contemporary works. Through this exploration, you will gain insights into the diverse artistic expressions that have flourished across the dynamic cultural landscapes of South, East, and Southeast Asia.
Unit 9: Pacific Artistry, 700-1980 CE
In this unit, you will embark on a study of the diverse array of artistic forms that have emerged from the expansive network of islands spanning the Pacific Ocean, extending from Australia to Hawaii.
Unit 10: Exploring Contemporary Global Art, 1980 CE to Present
Within this unit, you will dive into an in-depth study of the multifaceted realm of contemporary art on a global scale, spanning from 1980 CE to the present day. Through this exploration, you will gain insights into the diverse and evolving forms of artistic expression that have emerged from various corners of the world during this dynamic period.
What are the video resources?
We’ve handpicked some of our favorite youtube channels and videos that align with the key topics and themes covered in our AP Art History study guides. These channels can be a great way to get a better understanding of the history of Art by investigating how the world of art has progressed from the stone age to current day, evaluating how art has been influenced by political and cultural changes through history.
Where can I ask AP Art History questions?
Connect with like-minded students who are also preparing for the exam and delve into the world of AP Art History review together. By joining our Discord community, you can collaborate, exchange questions, discuss AP Art History notes, and discuss any tricky problems with fellow AP Art History students. Together, you can better understand challenging concepts, share helpful resources, and support each other on your way to getting a 5!
What is AP Art History?
AP Art History explores Art history by delving into the evolution of artistic developments, tracing the journey from the Stone Age to the present day. This investigation will involve assessing the profound impact of political and cultural shifts throughout history on the realm of art.On this page, you’ll find AP Art History resources to help you with your AP Art History review.