African American Studies, AP

AP African American Studies in an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora. Throughout the course, students will develop and apply academic skills including primary source analysis, data analysis, visual source analysis, and developing an argument using a line of reasoning to connect claims and evidence. The major units of study include: Origins of the African Diaspora, Freedom, Enslavement, and Resistance, The Practice of Freedom, Movements and Debates.

This course is part of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board which makes demands on students equivalent to those of an introductory college course. Students who complete this course will take the associated Advanced Placement examination and may earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved.

The course is an elective and does not fulfill a World History or VA/US History graduation requirement.