MODERN EUROPE
CLASS SYLLABUS
Level 1
Mr. Williams
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this class is for students to explore the changes occurring in Europe from ancient
Greece to the present with a greater focus on modern events. Therefore, students will examine
the political and social developments, major historic figures, economic trends, religious
movements, major wars, and the progression of Western philosophy during this time.
CONTENT:
We will be using the textbook, World History: The Modern Era, as our main source for this
class. During our unit on World War II, we will also be reading John Steinbeck’s The Moon is
Down. In addition, many ancillary sources will be introduced by the teacher and students
throughout the year.
COURSE OUTLINE:
I.
II.
FIRST MARKING PERIOD
Geography of Europe
Overview of pre-Modern Europe
TEST 1
III.
The Enlightenment
TEST 2
IV.
The French Revolution
TEST 3
V.
Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna, and the Unifications of Italy and Germany
TEST 4
SECOND MARKING PERIOD
VI.
The Industrial Revolution and the Age of Imperialism
TEST 5
VII.
World War I
TEST 6
VIII.
IX.
Russian Revolution
The Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin
QUIZ AND PROJECT
X.
XI.
Interwar Period
World War II
TEST 7
HOMEWORK:
Please note that you will have a homework assignment most days of each week. While some
may be written, others may simply be reading assignments that the students will be quizzed on
the next day. Regardless, all students are expected to come prepared having individually
completed their assigned homework. Assignments will be discussed in class and posted on
my website.
GRADING POLICY:
Student grades will be determined based on a points system. Each assignment for class will be
given a designated number of points. Students may figure their nine weeks average by dividing
the total number of points that they received by the total number of possible points. To track your
progress, I urge you to regularly check your grades online. Any plagiarized assignments will
receive no credit and may result in further disciplinary action. Grades will be updated at least
once per week. Grades will include:
1. Unit Tests (Approximately 3 or 4 per marking period)
2. Homework/Reading Quizzes/Graded Classwork (at least twice per week)
3. Major Project (Second marking period video project)
EXPECTATIONS:
Our classroom will reflect the values of responsibility and respect on the part of both the
instructors and students. Students will be responsible at all times for their own behavior and
assignments and will be respectful of other students and teachers. Students should expect these
qualities of everyone else in the classroom, including teachers, administrators, and guests. In
short, I expect everyone to do his or her best.
In order to accomplish this, students should:
 come to class prepared and on time
 hand in all assignments on time, NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE
ACCEPTED
 follow school and class rules
 remain seated at all times unless specifically permitted
 respect the property, ideas, feelings, and qualities of others
 turn in work missed due to absence upon your return to school in
accordance with school policy (for example: if you were out for 3 days in a
row, then you have until the third day back to turn in all missed work)
SUPPLIES:
Maintaining an organized folder will make studying much easier and more effective. Keeping
track of your assignments is also important in case you notice a grade discrepancy with your
online grades. By keeping your papers, you will have physical proof of the grades you received,
which will allow me to rectify any problems.
Students will be instructed to use the Cornell system of note-taking that should benefit them in
organizing reading outlines and preparing for reading quizzes, so a notebook is required.
COMMUNICATION:
Effective communication between students, teachers, parents and administrators is critical for a
successful school year. I will take many steps to ensure open lines of communication.
 The easiest and quickest way to reach me is by email at mwilliam@rtmsd.org
 You can also leave me a voice mail at (610) 627-6228.
 Grades will be updated online per school policy.
 I hope that I will be able to meet with parents and students at back to school night. If you are
unable to attend, I will be more than happy to arrange another time to visit with you.
 Finally, we will be viewing some film clips during the school year. While most of these films
are purely educational videos, there may also be one or two R-rated movies (or portions of
them) used if I feel that the students would truly benefit and gain a greater understanding of
the time period in question. All students will be given prior notice before we watch these and
alternative assignments will be offered to them upon request. I will also be sure to edit any
parts that I think are unnecessary or excessive for our academic purposes. Please contact
me if you have any concerns about videos I will show in class.
I have read and acknowledged Mr.
Williams’ Modern Europe syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature
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Student's Signature
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