AP European History
Ms. Leahy 2015-16
sleahy@bhpsnj.org
Goal:
The objective of this course is to increase the student's understanding of European history with
the goal of having each student pass the AP European Examination in May. The areas of
concentration include historical, political and economic history coupled with an intense study of
cultural and intellectual institutions and their development. These areas will be studied from a
variety of perspectives with the hope of providing a balanced view of history.
What will I really get out of it?
The AP European History course is challenging and requires time and effort. However, the
rewards include:
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Mastering a broad body of knowledge
Demonstrating an understanding of historical chronology and connections
Using historical evidence to support an argument or position
Interpreting and analyzing evidence from primary and secondary sources
Effectively using analytical skills
Working effectively with others to produce products and solve problems
Preparing for and successfully passing the AP Exam:
Friday, May 6th 2016: 12:00 PM
Textbook and study aids: McKay, Hill and Buckler, A History of Western Society Advanced
Placement Edition (9th edition)
The publisher offers many online tools such as outlines, practice test questions, flash cards,
downloads, etc to assist you with the book. The website is listed below. However, this website
should not be used as a substitute for reading the book and does not provide essential details for
which you will be held accountable.
http://college.cengage.com/history/west/mckay/western_society/9e/student_home.html
Course Outline: the course breaks down as follows
Period 1: 1400-1648: Late Middle Ages to the Peace of Westphalia: The worldview of European
intellectuals shifts from one based on ecclesiastical and classical authority to one based primarily
on inquiry and observation of the natural world.
Period 2: 1648-1815: Peace of Westphalia to the Congress of Vienna: Different models of
political sovereignty affected the relationship among states and between states and individuals
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Period 3: 1815-1914: Industrial Revolution to WWI: The Industrial Revolution spread from
Great Britain to the continent, where the state played a greater role in promoting industry.
Period 4: 1914-Present: WWI-Today: Total war and political instability in the first half of the
20th century gave way to a polarized state order during the Cold War, and eventually to efforts at
transnational union.
Grading: All grading will be based on a points system. Usually, tests and DBQ’s are 100 points,
projects, essays, discussions, debates, blogs and participation vary from 10-50 points, quizzes are
20 points ( generally 10-15 multiple choice questions and 1-2 short answers). The questions are
chapter specific but some questions may be based off primary and/or secondary sources. Tests
are cumulative and consist of 20 multiple choice questions and one Long Essay Question or
Short Answers. Some questions may be based off primary and/or secondary sources. However,
it is expected that all discussions, debates etc will draw on cumulative knowledge. The multiple
choice section on tests are worth 50 points and the scale ( AP Curve) is as follows:
Number Correct
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
Points
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
Percentage
100
96
92
88
84
80
76
72
68
64
60
56
52
Reading Assignments: Diligent and focused completion of all reading assignments, as and
when assigned, is the foundation for understanding and success in every Social Studies course.
Students are responsible for all information in reading assignments and should be aware that not
all information in the reading is covered during class time. Valuable class time is used to expand
upon and deepen student understanding beyond the simple foundation provided for in the reading
assignments. Perusal of on-line digital or another student’s notes is not a substitute.
Reading Checks – students should be aware that all reading assignments are eligible for reading
checks. Reading checks require students to demonstrate mastery of the reading assignment by
demonstrating higher order thinking skills and the ability to make connections between the
reading and broader topics and themes.
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Participation: Your positive participation is expected. Students are expected to contribute in
class discussions and effectively participate in class activities. Many of the class sessions will be
discussion-based seminars. Participation and preparation is critical and will be included in your
grade. If preparation and participation are not adequate pop quizzes and/or notebook checks will
be implemented. A personal iPad problem or technology issues (wifi, etc.) are not acceptable
reasons to be unprepared for class. You will be expected to participate and contribute in class.
Notebooks ( paper or digital notebook): Notebooks are strongly recommended and suggested.
You will be held accountable for all information (class work, readings and textbook).
Participation in class discussions or assignments will often be based on the reading. Some
suggestions for a digital notebook: evernote, one note or google docs.
iPads:
Students will be expected to bring their iPads to class, charged, on a daily basis. Not having your
iPad is to be unprepared for the day. Student use of iPads in the classroom is restricted to topics
and materials which, per the instructor, further the implementation of the day’s lesson. Students
who are off topic with their iPads risk negatively impacting their grade for the assignment and
potentially face disciplinary consequences.
Google and Power School: class code: 81tygwe
Using gmail and google classroom is essential in this class. Assignments, due dates, reading
schedule, blogs, emails, etc will all be posted through google. Students are expected to check
their email and the classroom at least once daily as this is the primary mode of disseminating
information.
Grades will be posted in Power School regularly. Use your login to access grades.
Extra Help: I am always available for extra help- please ask. It is often best to schedule an
appointment.
Class expectations:
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Respect: Students should be respectful to all persons and property in the room.
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Students should be seated and ready to work when the bell rings. Appropriate measures
will be taken if lateness becomes a chronic problem.
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In general, you need a pass to leave the room. Bathroom usage shall be limited to time
which remains after the conclusion of the lesson.
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All school policies and procedures apply in this classroom. Please be aware of all school
policies regarding electronic equipment, cell phones, hats, food, dress code, fire drills,
security drills, etc.
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Substitutes should be treated with respect. Inappropriate behavior will result in detention
for individuals or the entire class.
Student Absence and Lateness: Students are responsible for making up missed work. Students
should be prepared to make up missed work on the day they return to school. However, missed
assignments or make up work will generally not be accepted after three days. Students that miss
work due to field trips should be prepared to make up work within a one-day period or prior to
the field trip. Students that are late to school or class will not provided with extra time for work
and students that are late to school and miss class should make be prepared to make up work that
same day. Exceptions will be made for extended illness or other circumstances that arise.
Students with unexcused absence will receive a zero on any missed work.
Late policy: In general, assignments, projects, papers will drop one full grade for every late day.
Academic Integrity: Cheating, copying, plagiarism (using someone else’s words or ideas
without citation), fabrication (the invention or falsification of sources or data) , and other
unauthorized use of materials is dishonest and will not be tolerated. Most universities will expel
a student who is caught cheating. Violations of the above infractions will result in a zero for the
assignment and will be reported to the Assistant Principal. It is expected that you are familiar and
will use MLA citation style for all papers, projects, etc. If this policy needs clarification please
be sure to ask for further information. In this class we will use an honor code similar to that
found in many universities. Any major assignments, (not submitted through Turnitin.com) you
turn in must contain the following statement handwritten and signed by you at the top of the first
page before it will be accepted or graded.
“On my honor I certify that this assignment is my own work and that I have neither given nor
received unauthorized aid on this (test, exam, paper)”
Turnitin.com
The issue of academic integrity has been identified as a serious issue by both the teachers and
students of Governor Livingston. As part of the school’s efforts to maintain high standards of
academic integrity among the student body and avoid instances of plagiarism, the high school
utilizes a plagiarism detection database called Turnitin.com. This database serves as an online
resource which can be used to educate students and assist faculty members with issues related to
plagiarism. Turnitin.com is primarily a sorting machine that does not evaluate ideas but rather
compares a student’s work against its archived documents. The use of Turnitin.com respects the
fact that student ideas remain the intellectual property of the student who generated the original
ideas.
There are several important functions for Turnitin.com. The primary goal for the use of
this site would be to educate students as to the appropriate use of source materials. Teachers will
use the site as a tool to more efficiently and effectively check for the correct citation and use of
student sources. The site can be utilized to allow students to check their own work. Students
will be encouraged to submit their own work through an account that will be generated by their
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teachers. Teachers may require their students to submit the originality reports generated by
Turnitin.com along with their papers.
Turnitin.com: AP Euro account number 9959444
Password: euro
Some tips, suggestions and comments from students:
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Buy an AP review book in September because it helps with themes and the essay
questions.
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In regards to my advice for incoming students: Study hard, study often, and don’t fall
behind on your readings and projects Most importantly, enjoy the class
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I would also advise students to make the most of time in class, ask questions, and to not
be afraid to voice an unpopular opinion. Active participation in class makes Euro so
much more enjoyable, and enhances the learning experience overall.
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I would tell an incoming euro student to not be afraid to really give it their all in anything
they have to do in class. I would say to be excited because it is really one of the most fun
and most rewarding classes they can take at GL. Particularly, no one should feel
intimidated to share something or take risks in class because while Ms Leahy will
definitely make fun of you, it will all make you a stronger student with a better sense of
humor.
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To an incoming student: Actually read the book because your quiz questions have
literally the same wording as the book. Plus it helps because not everything from each
chapter is discussed in class.
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Finally, do not be afraid to go all out on the group projects and compete with your
classmates for the best project. It was always a great time seeing which group could
make the funniest video while still including a ton of information.
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My advice for incoming AP Euro students is that you get what you give.
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