I was originally just going to go with APUSH and AP Lang, but now I hear AP Comparative Government is going to be offered every other year, starting next year. I’ll be a junior, so this is my only chance to take it. Is it worth it? How does it differ from AP U.S. Government? I’m interested in social studies/sciences and have taken AP Human Geography, but in order to take it, I’ll have to drop a different class.
I’d say go for it. I’ve never taken it, but I’ve heard from lots of people as long as the you have common since about how government works you should be fine. Also it would stand to reason that US History (since it deals with government to some extent) would help you a little with the class. You’d also need to take into consideration how much time homework for AP classes would take and ensure you have enough time. If you you’re interested in social studies the information will come easier. I find I don’t really like English that much so AP Lang next year for me will be a pain, but I like history so AP World was a breeze. I think it would be a good idea, provided you’d have the time.
The workload will vary according to the teacher, but IMO, AP Comparative Government will be much less time-consuming than either AP Lang or APUSH. Since the class is only offered every other year and you have an interest in social sciences, I say go for it.
Well, US Govt focuses on US Govt (obviously) including, but not limited to: branches of federal gov’t, public policy, special interest group, constitutional powers, individual rights and liberties. Comp Govt does not cover any US topics, but looks at the politics of six foreign governments (China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and UK).