Aug. 7, 2007
Should AP Add African-American History?


The Advanced Placement program offers curriculums and testing in 37 areas — chemistry and calculus, art history and Latin literature, Chinese language and culture and European history, to name just a few. But there is no AP in African-American history.

Some school district officials have recently suggested that such an AP program be created — but the College Board is skeptical. College Board officials say their doubts have nothing to do with the significance of African-American history, but with the reactions they have received from college educators they have consulted. officials say.

http://insidehighered.com/news/2007/08/07/ap

I believe AP classes should involve African American History...folks of all races need to recognize and know about our rich heritage and history...it will assist in breaking stereotypes, and will enhance an appreciation for different cultures.

True, but we all know why that caged bird still sings.

No it should be added to the regular curriculum.

There is no way that the AP people could justify not offering AAHistory, given the some of the narrow interest courses they sanction.

I don't think it should. Learning African American history should be a lifelong lesson so if colleges offer it for 16 wks, then it should be a required course...particularly at HBCUs.

Thanks Goodness it's a required course, regardless of your major, at FAMU

quote:

Packer stressed that the College Board would “absolutely support the notion of an AP course in African-American history,” but that colleges don’t want it. Packer said that new AP offerings tend to come from colleges, which ask the College Board to develop tests that will allow students to place out of introductory courses.