How To Figure out what AP Art History Teachers need
The past few months have been a whirlwind as I’ve immersed myself in creating a new AP Art History product line. As someone who majored in foreign languages with a focus on French, I never pictured myself developing curriculum for AP Art History. My background includes a few advanced art courses as part of my French degree, countless hours spent in museums worldwide, and an extended stay in France. I’ve visited awe-inspiring sites, from the Strasbourg Cathedral to the Mexico City Cathedral, built atop Aztec ruins, and even traveled to Istanbul three times. But was this enough to create resources that AP Art History teachers would find valuable? I wasn’t sure, but I dove in with everything I had.
My journey began with studying the College Board’s standards, particularly the 250 required artworks that students need to master for the AP exam. This felt manageable, as my French studies wove art history into the curriculum. I’d also taken a course on Greek art and architecture, where I wrote a final essay comparing ancient Egyptian and Greek statues’ posture, hair, and garments, exploring their cultural connections. My travels to historic cathedrals and museums gave me a personal connection to many of these works, which inspired me to take on this challenge.
To make my products stand out, I decided to create narrated Google Slides lessons, offering teachers and students an engaging way to explore art history. I ensured every image is public domain, with proper MLA citations on the slides or in speaker notes. My resources span all 10 AP Art History content areas, from Global Prehistory to Global Contemporary, with lessons like those focusing on Colonial America or Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work. I’ve crafted thematic bundles, such as one centered on Colonial American art and history, and another tying together seasonal themes like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Recognizing that Free Response Questions (FRQs) are a major hurdle for students, I developed targeted lessons on thesis writing, visual analysis, and contextual analysis. By studying past College Board standards, I anticipated that essay writing would be particularly challenging, so I created resources to guide students through crafting strong responses. I also included culturally rich content, like lessons on Indian art, African art, and Black History Month themes, alongside accessible entry points like free lessons on Indigenous American art and what makes good art.
This project has been a massive undertaking, blending my love for art, my academic background, and my global experiences. From lessons on Baroque and Renaissance art to modern movements like Cubism and Pop Art, each resource is designed to align with College Board standards and make AP Art History approachable and inspiring. I may not have taught the course myself, but I’m passionate about creating tools that help teachers and students succeed. Check out my full range of resources at ANTHROPOLOGIST I.H, and let me know your thoughts!
Thanks to:
