AP Art History Units: Full Course Breakdown

Key Takeaways

• AP Art History has 10 units covering art from 30,000 BCE to today.

• You’ll study 250 important artworks from different cultures around the world.

• Each unit focuses on specific time periods, places, and cultural themes.

• Knowing how the course is organized makes studying a lot easier.

• You’ll learn about why art was made, how it was made, and what it means.

Introduction: How Is AP Art History Organized?

AP Art History (opens in a new tab) is like taking a time machine through thousands of years of human creativity. You’ll explore paintings, sculptures, and buildings from all around the world. The course covers art from ancient cave drawings to modern art expressions and creations.

The AP Art History class is split into 10 units. Each unit focuses on a specific era or region. You’ll study 250 unique works of art. They’re identified and grouped by time period and culture, so it’s easy to keep track. The College Board (opens in a new tab) selected the 250 pieces of art because they represent the foundational ideals and traditions of artistic tradition on a global level.

In the course, you’ll look at five main ideas:

1. Cultural context: Where and why the art was made.

2. Materials and techniques: What the artist used.

3. Artistic style: What makes it look the way it does.

4. Function: What the art was meant to do.

5. Meaning: What it represents or symbolizes.

The 10 AP Art History Units

Unit 1: Global Prehistory (30,000–500 BCE)

You’ll start with the earliest human art, like cave paintings and carvings made thousands of years ago. These art pieces are from the Stone Age.  Famous examples include the Apollo 11 Stones and Stonehenge. These artworks were often used in rituals or to tell stories.

Main themes: early tools, symbols, and spiritual or ritual purposes.

Unit 2: Ancient Mediterranean (3500 BCE–300 CE)

Next, you’ll dive into the art of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These are some of the most famous civilizations in history. Think about the Parthenon or the statue of Augustus of Prima Porta. These works show power, religion, and exceptional technical skill.

Main themes: political power, religion, and new architecture.

Unit 3: Early Europe and Colonial Americas (200–1750 CE)

This unit covers early Christian art (opens in a new tab), medieval churches, and colonial art in the Americas. You’ll learn how religion influenced almost everything artists made during this time. This includes important works like the Lindisfarne Gospels and Chartres Cathedral.

Main themes: Christianity, pilgrimages, and the spread of European art to the Americas.

Unit 4: Later Europe and Americas (1750–1980 CE)

In this period, artists began questioning old traditions and creating new styles. You’ll see Fragonard’s “The Swing” and Picasso’s “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” These pieces show how art started to express emotion, freedom, and more modern ideas.

Main themes: revolutions, identity, and artistic experimentation.

Unit 5: Indigenous Americas (1000 BCE–1980 CE)

Unit 5 focuses on the incredible art of Native cultures in North and South America.
You’ll study things like the Templo Mayor in Mexico and beautiful feather headdresses that show outstanding craftsmanship.

Main themes: spiritual beliefs, sacred architecture, and cultural identity.

Unit 6: Africa (1100–1980 CE)

African art is full of symbolism and meaning. Art played a role in the different societies on the continent of Africa. You’ll study works such as Nkisi n’kondi figures and Benin Plaques, which showcase skill, history, and deep spiritual beliefs.

Main themes: ancestors, rituals, and the preservation of memory through art.

Unit 7: West and Central Asia (500 BCE–1980 CE)

You’ll explore the powerful art of ancient Persia, Islamic cultures, and more from West and Central Asia. Famous sites include Persepolis and the Dome of the Rock. These works show how art was used to express religion and the reigning empire.

Main themes: power, architecture, and cultural exchange through trade.

Unit 8: South, East, and Southeast Asia (300 BCE–1980 CE)

Get ready to see beautiful art inspired by Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions. You’ll study the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the “Night Attack on the Sanjō Palace” scroll. Works like these reflect deep traditions across Asia, both religious and philosophical.

Main themes: time, nature, political and spiritual power.

Unit 9: The Pacific (700–1980 CE)

This unit focuses on island art from across the Pacific Ocean, from small islands to massive stone cities. The most famous examples are the Moai statues on Easter Island and Nan Madol in Micronesia.

Main themes: ancestors, rituals, and navigation traditions.

Unit 10: Global Contemporary (1980–Present)

Now we’re in modern times! Artists from around the world use art to talk about today’s social and political issues. You’ll study works like Doris Salcedo’s “Shibboleth” and Ai Weiwei’s “Sunflower Seeds.”

Main themes: globalization, identity, and social commentary.

How the Units Relate to the AP Art History Exam

The AP Art History Exam includes questions about all 10 units, so you’ll need to know works from every time period and culture.

Multiple-Choice Questions

The multiple-choice portion of the AP Art History Exam will assess how well you recognize and analyze various pieces of art. You’ll see images or short descriptions of artworks and answer questions about their time periods, cultures, or meanings. 

Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

Free-response questions will ask you to make a deeper analysis of the various pieces of art. You’ll be asked to compare and analyze artwork, then write an answer as an essay. 

You might have to explain how two pieces from different times or cultures show similar ideas. You’ll need to write two long essays and four short essays for this part of the exam.

Example: Compare a Greek statue with a modern sculpture. How are they alike or different in style and meaning?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 10 AP Art History units?

Global Prehistory, Ancient Mediterranean, Early Europe & Colonial Americas, Later Europe & Americas, Indigenous Americas, Africa, West & Central Asia, South/East/Southeast Asia, The Pacific, and Global Contemporary.

How many artworks do I have to learn?

250. It sounds like a lot, but they’re divided into 10 organized units, so it’s very manageable.

Which units are the hardest?

Many students find Units 8 and 9 tough because the cultures might be less familiar. But with practice and review, they become easier to understand.

Final Thoughts

AP Art History is like taking a grand tour of human creativity, from ancient stone carvings to modern art installations. Each piece tells a story about the people who made it and the time they lived in.

To study well:

• Use flashcards to remember artworks.

• Make timelines to keep track of the different eras.

• Practice sample questions to get used to exam formats.

With steady studying and curiosity, you’ll do great. Every artwork you learn connects you to thousands of years of imagination and culture. Enjoy the journey!

Looking for study resources for AP exams? Check out the study guides, past questions, and more at Save My Exams.

Resources

College Board AP Art History (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Art History Overview (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Art History Course and Exam Description (opens in a new tab)