Master AP Art History
Explore 250 works of art from prehistory to the present. Gain critical visual literacy and comprehensive preparation for a 5 on the AP Exam.
Why Study AP Art History with Times Edu?
Embark on a global journey through human creativity. This is more than just memorizing dates and titles; it’s about understanding the human story through visual expression. Our comprehensive course prepares you to confidently analyze form, function, content, and context across 250 diverse works from prehistory to the contemporary era.
Achieve a Top Score
Our structured curriculum is designed to help you secure a 4 or 5, with 90% of our students achieving these top scores last year.
Earn College Credit
Successful completion offers potential course credit or placement at thousands of colleges and universities worldwide.
Develop Visual Literacy
Gain sophisticated analytical skills to interpret visual media, a crucial competency in our increasingly image-saturated world.
Specific Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have mastered the following core competencies required for the AP Exam.
Visual Analysis
Identify and explain formal elements (line, shape, color) and design principles in unknown works.
Contextual Understanding
Connect works of art to their specific historical, political, religious, and socio-economic contexts.
Comparative Analysis
Compare two works from different cultures or periods to explain artistic traditions and changes.
Argumentative Writing
Construct evidenced-based claims about works of art in clear, structured essays (FRQs).
The AP Exam Structure
Understanding the format is half the battle. The exam is 3 hours long and consists of two sections, each accounting for 50% of your total score.
Section I: Multiple Choice
50% of Score- checkQuestions based on images of required works.
- checkQuestions based on images of unknown works (attribution).
- checkText-based questions relying on art historical knowledge.
Section II: Free Response
50% of Score- check2 Long Essays (30 min each): Visual/Contextual Analysis & Comparison.
- check4 Short Essays (15 min each): Describe, Explain, and Attribute works.
Course Outline
A chronological journey through human creativity.
Unit 1 & 2 (Weeks 1-4)
Global Prehistory & Ancient Mediterranean
From the earliest cave paintings to the glories of Rome. Exploring how early humans interacted with the spiritual world and established power structures.
- arrow_rightStonehenge & Apollo 11 Stones
- arrow_rightThe Parthenon & The Pantheon
- arrow_rightStandard of Ur
Unit 3 & 4 (Weeks 5-10)
Early Europe, Colonial Americas & Later Europe
The evolution of Christian art, the Renaissance explosion of humanism, and the dramatic shifts of the Baroque and Romantic periods.
- arrow_rightSistine Chapel Ceiling
- arrow_rightSchool of Athens
- arrow_rightLas Meninas
Unit 5-9 (Weeks 11-18)
Indigenous Americas, Africa, Asia & The Pacific
A truly global perspective covering diverse artistic traditions, sacred spaces, and the cultural significance of materials.
- arrow_rightGreat Wave off Kanagawa
- arrow_rightMachu Picchu
- arrow_rightPower Figure (Nkisi n’kondi)
Unit 10 (Weeks 19-24)
Global Contemporary
Art in the modern world. Challenging definitions, new media, and global identity.
A Proven Methodology
Our unique “Look, Discuss, Write” framework transforms passive viewing into active analysis. We bridge the gap between simple observation and the complex written arguments required for the AP exam.
Deep-Dive Visual Analysis
Interactive lectures that dissect the 250 works using high-res imagery, focusing on Form, Function, Content, and Context.
Comparative Seminars
Collaborative discussions where students practice comparing works across differing cultures and time periods—a key exam skill.
FRQ Writing Labs
Weekly drills on writing clear, defensible art historical arguments under timed conditions, with personalized feedback.
Sample Class Exercises
Attribution Drill
“Look at this unknown African mask. Based on its stylized features and materials, identify the likely culture and explain your reasoning.”
Try a Sample arrow_forwardComparison Essay
“Compare the representation of power in the ‘Augustus of Prima Porta’ and the ‘Ndop (portrait figure)’. How do both use idealized forms?”
See Model Answer arrow_forwardContextual Analysis
“Analyze how the architectural design of the Great Mosque of Isfahan reflects the political and religious history of the Seljuk dynasty.”
View Rubric arrow_forwardStrategies for Success
Master the 250
Know the 250 required works inside and out. Flashcards are essential for memorizing identifiers (Artist, Date, Material, Location).
Context is King
Don’t just describe what you see. Focus on WHY it was made. Use the acronym P.E.R.S.I.A. (Political, Economic, Religious, Social, Intellectual, Artistic).
Sketch to Learn
Drawing the plans of architecture or compositions of paintings helps commit the formal elements to memory much better than reading alone.
Practice Timing
The Free Response section is a race against the clock. Practice writing short essays in 15 minutes to build stamina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course suitable for students with no art background?expand_more
How much homework should I expect per week?expand_more
Do you provide the textbook?expand_more
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join the next cohort and start mastering the visual history of the world today.
Next cohort starts September 15th • Limited seats available