The AP offering in Art History is designed to provide the same benefits to secondary school students as those provided by an introductory college course in art history: an understanding and knowledge of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within diverse historical and cultural contexts. It also provides an opportunity for schools to strengthen an area neglected in most curricula. In the course, students examine major forms of artistic expression from the past and the present from a variety of cultures. They learn to look at works of art critically, with intelligence and sensitivity, and to analyze what they see. Many colleges and universities offer advanced placement and/or credit to students who have performed successfully on the AP Art History Examination.

An understanding of the elements of art, fundamental art historical terminology, and technical processes used in the production of art is basic to both college and AP courses. Art history increasingly emphasizes understanding works in con-text, considering such issues as patronage, gender, and the functions and effects of works of art. The essay questions often reflect these changing emphases. In addition, one of the two long essays asks students to select and discuss a specific example of art from beyond the European tradition.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005