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Course: World History Project AP® > Unit 1
Lesson 1: 1.0—History Stories- BEFORE YOU WATCH: What Makes History Usable?
- WATCH: What Makes History Usable?
- BEFORE YOU WATCH: The Danger of a Single Story
- WATCH: Chimamanda Adichie — The Danger of a Single Story
- READ: AP Themes and the Course Narrative
- BEFORE YOU WATCH: Meet the Themes
- WATCH: Historical Themes in World History
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BEFORE YOU WATCH: Meet the Themes
Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below.
Use the “Three Close Reads” approach as you watch the video below (next in the lineup!). If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.
First read: preview and skimming for gist
Before you watch, you should skim the transcript first. The skim should be very quick and give you the gist (general idea) of what the video is about. You should be looking at the title, thumbnails, pictures, and first few seconds of the video for the gist.
Second read: key ideas and understanding content
Now that you’ve skimmed the video transcript and taken a quick peek at the video, you should preview the questions you will be answering. These questions will help you get a better understanding of the concepts and arguments that are presented in the video. Keep in mind that when you watch the video, it is a good idea to write down any vocab you read or hear that is unfamiliar to you.
By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- According to this video, how do historians use themes?
- According to this video, what’s one way that our environments shape human societies?
- How does Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage connect to the theme of cultural developments and interactions? What other themes does the story of Mansa Musa connect to?
- Why did Japanese merchants anger the aristocracy, and what was the result of this relationship?
- According to this video, who do we have to thank for eyeglasses and contact lenses?
- To which theme does Rachel’s example of the Aztec pochteca belong?
Third read: evaluating and corroborating
Finally, here are some questions that will help you focus on why this video matters and how it connects to other content you’ve studied.
At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:
- This video introduces the six themes used on the AP exam. But that doesn’t mean there are only six possible themes. Suggest a seventh theme that you’d propose introducing to the AP® World History exam. Why is the theme important? What’s one example you’d use to explain the theme? What are some key terms to watch for in exam questions about your theme? You don’t have to know anything about history to do this. Feel free to pick a theme that tells you something about your own life!
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to watch! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished watching.