Instructor: 
Lillian Love Kennedy
Purpose
The Advanced Placement program in European History is designed as a college-level survey course that introduces students to the rich political, cultural, social, and intellectual heritage of Europe. It is designed to prepare students to be successful on the AP European History exam while providing them the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that will form a useful foundation for their continuing educational endeavors.

Description
AP European History is a challenging course designed to be the equivalent of a freshman college course but placed in the high school setting.  Obtaining in-depth knowledge of historical events, facts, figures, and ideas assists us in understanding our world of today.  History is the “path taken” and foundation on which our world of today has evolved and the “key” to explain “Why?” History also provides insight or a “glimpse” into what our future may hold.   

We will begin in the late Middle Ages to present.  The Renaissance, Reformation, Religious Wars, Constitutionalism & Absolutism, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, Romanticism, Nationalism, Imperialism, World War I & II, Cold War and Modern Thought are the major units to be explored.

Instructional methods will include ID’s, Notes, Power Point Presentations, Scrapbook Biographies, Socratic questioning and debate, Writing FRQs and DBQs, timelines, maps, quizzes, practice exam, unit exams, primary sources, lecture, storytelling, and nightly required readings.

Course Objectives

1. To provide a basic exposure to the factual narrative.
2. To develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history.
3. To develop an ability to read and analyze historical evidence and express that understanding in writing.
4. To acquire the knowledge of the repercussions of European history to the present time.
5. To gain an appreciation, insight, respect and love of history.

                                                                                                                 
Rules for Success

1. Regular attendance is required to keep pace with the material covered.
2. Reading is assigned every class period and it is imperative that you keep up.  Assignments are always given for a purpose and reason.
3. Studying, whether by yourself or in a group, is required to be successful.  Self discipline and establishing a routine will also assist you in maintaining your grade and keeping up with the class.
4. Writing (essays, FRQs & DBQs) is vital to your success in passing the AP exam and this course.
5. Suspend previous rules and regulations from other AP courses, so you may learn and incorporate conditions specific to AP European History course and exam.

Grades
Major Grades (75%) - quizzes, tests, essays,
Minor Grades (25%) – may include some or all of the following:  essay worksheets, journals, movie critiques, reading checks, document analysis, class discussions, maps, identifications, debate and Socratic question/answer.

Required Reading:
Kagan, Donald. The Western Heritage, Combined Volume, 7th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall (Pearson Education), 2001.