What class at Campo incorporates multiple subjects, field trips, art projects, and baked goods? The answer: AP Art History. It’s an option for sophomores, juniors, and seniors but should be taken by everyone. The class prepares sophomores for future APs, teaches critical learning skills, is applicable to your daily life, and is very engaging.
According to Fiveable, “the critical thinking and the analytical, comparison, and argumentative skills used in AP Art History translate into a plethora of future college majors and professions. Occupations such as scientists, lawyers, economists, and engineers use such skills in their day-to-day work.” So, an AP about what is assumed to be just art will have lasting benefits.
Junior Gracie Walburg explained how she can apply APAH to her life, “It is interesting because now I can go to different landmarks and countries and notice little things about the art.”
Senior Arjun Krishnan felt similarly, “My favorite part of APAH was the way it develops your appreaction for art. Ever since taking the I’ve been more observant about art all around me. It fascinates me how every art work comes with a story.”
Furthermore, the learning path of the class is straightforward. Students are required to learn the content, context, form, and function of 250 art pieces from 30,0000 BCE to present day. The art pieces range from paintings and sculptures to multimedia and photographs. The homework includes notes, occasional group projects, or individual art projects.
Teacher Molly Kerr explained what makes AP Art History different from a regular history class: “It’s more cultural based in terms of you look at art sculpture and painting and artifacts through a cultural lens. It’s like an artifact that brings us to a time and place to understand that civilization.”
The origins of APAH at Campo are pretty unique. Kerr reminisced on why she teaches the class in the first place: “I love the course. And it was students that brought it to Campo and lobbied for it to be taught and it’s the only course that Campo offers that was brought about by student advocacy.”
After finishing APAH, people were content with the class for many reasons. Walburg recalled “My favorite part of AP Art History was Mrs. Kerr. She did a really good job incorporating fun activities such as art projects into the curriculum that helped us learn.” Projects included a Renaissance film, a recreation of an art piece, and food made to mimic a work.
When asked why she enjoyed teaching AP Art History, Kerr responded “I like going on a journey with students to explore the world through art and architecture.”
For many, APAH is their first College Board test. But, it is the best AP test for first-timers. Being familiar with information about each artwork prepares students for the 80-question multiple choice and 6 essays. Teacher Molly Kerr works hard throughout the year so students feel comfortable and ready for the AP test.
Krishnan agreed, “APAH was a great intro to APs, it wasn’t too difficult but it also prepared me for the workload of my future classes, while also equipping me with important organizing, studying, and test-taking strategies that I definitely now use all the time.”
Even though there are many AP options available at Campo, art history should be taken by everyone. The class is unlike any other history class but still provides a plethora of information that informs students about civilizations and places around the world. Students gain knowledge from many different fields while still being entertained.
Senior Lexie Tucker compared her experience in AP Euro (another popular choice for sophomores) to her current experience in AP Art History, “I feel like in comparison to other APs the work is more fun and it is more creative and less homework dense.”
Whether you’re a freshman deciding between classes for your sophomore year, a junior wanting to squeeze in another AP, or anything in between, AP Art History should be at the top of your list. The diverse class has an engaging curriculum and a passionate teacher that guarantees to make you excited for school.
