According to the High School Course Selection Guide for Grand Prairie Independent School District 2007-2008, AP World History Studies "is an accelerated course designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement World History exam. The course offers global coverage of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe through a combination of factual knowledge and analytical skills. Focused primarily on the past the course includes the empires of China and Mesoamerica, the expansion of Islam, Mongol dominance, the period of new political units in Africa and Europe, cultural and social aspects, and long distance trade. Students are expected to take the AP exam. Additional outside reading for this course will be required." In short, we will cover the entire history of the world in two semesters while learning the skills needed to pass the AP exam. This is a very fast paced course which demands perseverance from its students, however, the rewards can be great with the potential of earning college credit while still in high school.