AP European History CGS - Riverbend High School Site 2010-2011 Mr. Letellier
Course Description
AP European History is designed to provide students with an understanding of the major trends and problems in European history from the Renaissance to the present. As students master course content they will focus upon the development of such skills as writing, critical thinking, and oral presentation and argumentation. Problem-solving strategies are utilized to teach basic social science skills such as map-reading, document interpretation, comparison-making, and the assessment of cause and effect. The course is a challenging one and requires rigorous, diligent study. Students will be prepared for the College Board’s AP European History Exam (see below).
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course it is expected that students will be able to… 1. Identify the most significant persons, events, terms, and concepts pertaining to modern European history. 2. Describe the major political, economic, social, intellectual, technological, and religious trends and developments in Europe from the Renaissance to the present. 3. Write an effective historical argument, using evidence to support a thesis. 4. Identify bias and explain the effects of such bias on interpretations of history. 5. Interpret primary source documents and evaluate the unique perspectives of their authors. 6. Analyze cause and effect relationships in history. 7. Make comparisons between two juxtaposed historical topics. 8. Utilize technology as a tool for historical research and presentation.
Text
Spielvogel, Jackson. Western Civilization Since 1300, Belmont, California: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning, 2002.
Materials
3-Ring Binder with Dividers – This binder is for class notes, reading notes, handouts, and graded tests and assignments. A thorough, organized notebook will be invaluable when studying for the AP Exam. More than one binder may be needed by the end of the year.
Daily Expectations
AP European History is a demanding course that requires students to digest large amounts of factual information, master difficult concepts, and develop excellent analytical and communication skills. Students are expected to bring their notebooks and textbooks to class every day, to keep up with their reading assignments, and to complete written assignments and projects as they are given. Grading
Student grades will be based upon their performance in a variety of categories:
In-Class Assignments (x1) Tests (x5) Essays (x3) Quizzes (x2) Enrichment Projects (x4) Notebook Grade (x2)
All assignments and exams will be graded on a 100-pt. scale and assigned a weight as indicated above. An enrichment project, for example, will count for twice as much as a quiz when determining a student’s 9-weeks grade. The course will adhere to the Spotsylvania County grading scale.
Make Up Work Policy
Students unable to complete an assignment or test due to an absence will have an opportunity to make up the work and should do so as expeditiously as possible. It is solely the student’s responsibility to obtain any missed handouts and notes and to arrange to make up quizzes and tests.
Late Work Policy
All assignments are expected on the day they are due. A 15% reduction in the grade will be taken for each day an assignment is late. If there are special circumstances that prevent a student from completing an assignment on time, he or she must see Mr. Letellier for an extension.
Extra-Credit Films
Students will periodically have the opportunity to receive extra credit for viewing films that address events or themes from European history. These films will be shown after school, or may be viewed at home.
The AP Exam
The College Board Advanced Placement program offers high school students the opportunity to earn potential college credit by scoring well on exams offered each May. One of the goals of our course is to help prepare interested students for the Advanced Placement European History Exam to be administered on Friday, May 6, 2011. Optional after school AP Exam review sessions will begin during the second semester.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Please sign and return this section to Mr. Letellier. Student: I have read the contents of the AP European History syllabus and understand the requirements of the course.
______Student Name (Printed) Student Signature Date
Parent/Guardian: I have read the contents of the AP European History syllabus and understand the requirements of the course.
______Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent E-mail Address