A.P. EUROPEAN HISTORY
MARK DEWEY
PHONE # 435-760-1608
E-MAIL mdewey@intechchs.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. This is the description found on the AP Central College Board homepage located on the web at apcentral.collegeboard.com/homepage, which I recommend you visit for more information on the AP process.
This course is designed to give students an overview of European history and its relevance to today’s world events. Students will also develop an understanding of ‘western tradition” which is the basis for much of America’s cultural heritage. History, art and literature, are not simply records of past events but also of the human condition and the contemporary views of that condition. In addition to politics and war we will be studying social and economic elements in human relationships, changing composition of the family, population growth and decline, and causes and effects of different economic structures.
Advanced Placement prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands on them equivalent to a full-year introductory college course.
PREREQUISTES
The College Board is committed to the principle that all students deserve an opportunity to participate in rigorous and academically challenging courses and programs. All students who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum should be considered for admission to AP courses. There is no GPA requirement for enrollment. However, students who enroll in this course must have the drive and commitment to participate in rigorous course work. This course will make large demands on reading and writing skills. Proficiency isn’t necessary, but the desire and effort to improve is necessary.
COURSE GOALS
TEXTBOOK
Kagan Donald, et al. The Western Heritage
10th edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall 2001
COURSE WORK
Many assignments will be given throughout the year. Late work will be accepted with a penalty unless previous arrangements have been made with the instructor. The following is a general list of what can be expected.
Chapter Assignments
Students will be required to read each chapter in the textbook, identify important people and places and answer all review questions at the end of each chapter and be prepared to write an *essay based on the reading material.
* The essays will be written in class using the standard AP test time limits and will be scored using the AP rubrics. Some essays will be scored and recorded. Others will be scored by classmates and given general participation points.
Class Lectures & Discussions
In order to cover the necessary material efficiently, lecturing will be the primary mode of content delivery. Although, students may break up the monotony of lecture through their own comments and discussion.
Students should take a detailed set o class notes. If you are absent, get the missed notes from a friend in the class.
Quizzes & Tests
Quizzes will be given periodically with little or no warring. These will be done to reinforce recent lecture and assignments. Format will range from multiple choice, true/false, and short answer.
Tests will be given covering LARGE sections of European History. Expect at least one every 12 week period, with a variable format of multiple choice, true/false, ID and essay questions.
DBQ Project
Document Based Questions, which are derived from primary source documents, are an important part of the AP test and measure how well students interpret and use historical evidence. In *teams, students will create their own DBQ, rubric and then answer their own question.
GRADING SCALE
100 -93% = A 86 – 83% = B 76 – 73% = C 66 – 63% = D
92 – 90% = A- 82 – 80% = B- 72 – 70% = C- 62 – 60% = D-
89 – 87% = B+ 79 – 77% = C+ 69 – 67% = D+ 59% - 0 = F
MATERIALS
^In addition to the textbook provided by InTech, students will need to purchase AP Test Prep book for European history exam. The book entitled Cracking the European History Exam published by the Princeton Review. A handout is included in this syllabus to assist students with ordering.
^Students need to have a 3-ring binder to keep all assignments identified in the syllabus under Course Work with thee exception of Chapter Assignments and Class Lecture/Discussion notes. Those components of course work should be recorded in some type of a spiral notebook.
AP TEST INFORMATION
The AP test is an integral part of the curriculum for this class as specific preparation will occur during the year. ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE THE AP TEST IN THE SPRING. Those not wishing to take the test should drop the class. The AP TEST WILL BE GIVEN FRIDAY, MAY 8TH. The cost of the test will probably be $84.
The AP Test will assess what you learned from our year together. It is approximately a 3 hour test consisting of a multiple choice section (80 questions), a free-response, essay section (3 essay total). Both sections cover the time period we cover in class. Both sections cover political, social, economic, cultural and intellectual developments in European History. There will also be a DBQ. Students earning a 3 or better on the test may earn up to 8 university credits. They will also get the satisfaction of conquering on of the most difficult test they will ever take.
Sample of Potential AP Savings (AS of 2004)
Utah State University (8 credits)……………………………………………….$1188.02
University of Utah (8 credits)…………………………………………………..$1268.22
Brigham Young University (6 credits)…………………………………………$1008.00
Gonzaga University (3 credits for a score of 5)………………………………..$2716.15
Duke University (2 classes for a score of 4 or 5)……………………………….$5954.00
Stanford University (10 credits for a score of 4 or5)………………………….$9521.00
________________________________________________________________________________________
As the parent/guardian of ________________________________________________,
I have read and discussed the contents of this syllabus with my student and am aware of the demands and expectations of AP European History.
Student Signature
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian
Signature_______________________________________________________________