The inevitable has come. It’s time to choose your courses for next year, and as an upcoming sophomore, there are more possibilities with what you can take. From fine arts to business, there are many options to take, but out of all, many students struggle with the pick for history: Regulars, Honors, or AP World Civ.

AP World History is the first college level course offered to students at PLHS. And for many students, even one of the teachers who teach the class, AP World History is a more challenging course than any previous class for students, but why so? To AP World History teacher Gretta Hubert–who has taught the course for six years–the class is much more demanding on students.

“AP World History is much more rigorous,” said Hubert. “It is not content based, it’s skill based, so it kind of assumes students already have a knowledge base.”

However, sophomore Evelyn Brilz enjoys the challenge and the consequences that are dealt from the class, even with the large workload.

“AP World History is a very challenging course, and it allows me to challenge and push my limits,” said Brilz. “There is a lot of work inside and outside of the classroom, which helps me become more independent.”

As a college course, there are many lessons, especially with the timeframe the course covers.

“The class goes through all historical events from 1200 to the modern era, which is different because the class used to start at 600 BCE,” Hubert said.

Hubert also believes there are some skills that should be expected by students to learn throughout the time in class.

“Students can expect reading, critical thinking, and a lot of engagement,” said Hubert. “The class is fast-paced and much more challenging.”

However, the class does have its critics.

“AP World History is much harder than first thought,” said Brilz. “The class is much more demanding and is more about analysis and thinking rather than memory.”

Although a large shift, Hubert believes taking AP World History is a good class to take.

“It’s a really good way to self-check where you are academically,” said Hubert. “When they [students] do choose to challenge themselves, the teacher understands it’s a huge leap, and teachers are really working to support them instead of assuming that students already know how to do it.”

Some students in the class also agree taking the class is a smart choice.

“Lots of other classes are more laid-back, while AP History is an appreciated challenge,” said Brilz. “The class brings lots of new skills that aid with other courses, too.”

The inevitable can never be avoided, especially with the possibilities of history classes. Whether a brainiac or a student looking for a challenge, students should contemplate the advice of Hubert, “Students rarely ever regret taking a more challenging class. You have to know that the payoff is big down the road, and so even though you’re uncomfortable, it’s worth doing.”