AP

African American amplified

New college-level course added to curriculum

Alicia Mainjeni

AP African American studies has been in development for 10 years and College Board recently approved the course to be piloted in high schools across the United States for the 2023–24 school year. Park is one of the many high schools implementing this course next year.

Social studies teacher Emma Engebretson said that this course provides an opportunity for students to engage in material focused on BIPOC experiences.

“It’s a really great opportunity. AP has never offered a course that’s focused on BIPOC experiences,” Engebretson said. “AP African American studies is new, it’s a pilot and it’s giving an opportunity for all students, especially students of color, the opportunity to participate and be a part of an AP class.”

Sophomore Paige Descarpentrie said participating in this course would be valuable to her education, allowing her to learn new material.

“It is beneficial for everybody because the material is important to learn and we haven’t had it before,” Descarpentrie said. “It’s important for the curriculum to be added.”

Senior Maecee Alexander, said that expanding knowledge on a personal level by taking the course will allow her to inform her peers.

“I want to educate myself more so that I can educate other people who may not be as educated,” Alexander said.

According to Engebreton, AP African American studies marks the start of diversifying the curriculum and she hopes that College Board continues to expand their curriculum.

“Students can start getting college credit for a more diverse array of classes within College Board,” Engebretson said. “It’s a really great opportunity with a lot of positives.”

Principal LaNisha Paddock said the name “studies” holds significance in regard to what educators teach the course and the curriculum offered.

“It’s not history, it’s studies, which opens it up to more opportunities (such as), what the content will be and who could potentially teach the course,” Paddock said.

Descarpentrie said informing students about course material is one way of encouraging students to participate.

“Telling students what (courses) are about is encouraging,” Descarpentrie said. “Not many people will take it if they don’t know what it’s going to be like and what the curriculum will be or what they will be doing.”

According to Engebretson, diversity within the classroom has potential in AP African American studies.

“Typically, most of our AP classes are predominantly white students, and I’m hoping that this class will look different racially,” Engebretson said.

According to Alexander, she hopes the class offers an open area for students.

“I hope it offers a space where students can pick what they want to learn about and allows people to use their voice,” Alexander said.

Paddock said she has high hopes for student interest in the new school year.

“We’re going to pilot it, we’re going to see how it goes,” Paddock said. “We’re hoping that there’s a lot of interest this upcoming school year.”

AP African American Studies is a course offered to seniors starting in the 2023–24 school year. After monitoring interest in the course, Park will look to expand during the 2024–25 school year.

AP African American Studies FAQ

What type of class is it?

What requirements does it have?

Can I get college credit for it?

What topics does the class cover?

The class is a two-semester history credit.

It is available to all seniors. There are no prerequisites.

Yes — it is through College Board, so college credit can be earned through the AP exam at the end of the year.

The course offers multiple perspectives on the history of African societies, resistance movements and important historical developments that shaped African American experience

Source College Board course guide Infographic by Alex Geretz