Hey guys! I was wondering if anyone can give me some insight on whether AP European History is harder than AP US History? I'm trying to plan out my course schedule.
While the difficulty of a course can be somewhat subjective and may vary depending on your teacher, most students find that AP European History (AP Euro) is slightly more challenging than AP US History (APUSH). Here's a quick comparison to help you understand the differences:
Content: AP Euro covers a longer time frame (from around 1450 to the present) and multiple regional contexts (such as England, France, and Germany). This makes the content more extensive and diverse when compared to APUSH, which focuses specifically on the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to the present. As a result, AP Euro may require more memorization and understanding of different historical perspectives and contexts.
Essay Questions: Both courses have similar essay components, including the Document Based Question (DBQ) and the Long Essay Question (LEQ). However, in AP Euro, you may have to juggle a broader range of historical themes and complexities due to the diverse nature of European history.
Skills: Both courses require similar skills in critical thinking, analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical connections, and writing argumentative essays. If you have a strong foundation in these skills or have taken AP World History previously, you might find both AP Euro and APUSH manageable.
Ultimately, your preference for one course over the other may come down to personal interests and learning style. If you enjoy learning about a variety of cultures and historical contexts, you may prefer AP Euro. On the other hand, if you're more interested in the history of the United States and prefer a narrower focus, APUSH might be a better option for you.
In any case, it's essential to consider your overall course load, balancing your time and energy among all subjects, and factoring in any extracurricular activities or commitments you have. Hope this helps you make an informed decision!
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