MODERN EUROPE
CLASS SYLLABUS
Level 3
Mr. Williams
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this class is for students to explore the changes and major events occurring in
Europe from the Industrial Revolution of the 1700s and 1800s to World War II. 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, as our main source for this class. In addition,
students will be issued workbooks that supplement the textbook. (Please note: students are
responsible for keeping track of their workbooks. If a student loses a workbook and/or textbook,
he/she will have to pay for a new one). Finally, many ancillary materials will be introduced by the
teacher and students throughout the year.
COURSE OUTLINE:
FIRST MARKING PERIOD
I.
The Geography of Europe
QUIZ 1
II.
The Industrial Revolution and Intellectual Thought (Chapter 21)
TEST 1
III.
Imperialism (Chapter 24)
TEST 2
IV.
World War I (Chapter 25, Lessons 1-4)
TEST 3
V.
SECOND MARKING PERIOD
The Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin (Chapter 25,
Lessons 5-6; Chapter 26, Lessons 1-2)
TEST 4
VI.
The Rise of Fascism in Italy and Germany (Chapter 26, Lessons 3-4)
QUIZ 2
VII.
World War II and the Origins of the Cold War (Chapter 27)
TEST 5
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 2-3 per marking period)
2. Quizzes (once a week)
3. Homework/Graded Classwork (at least twice per week)
4. Major Projects/Activities (approximately one per marking period)
HOMEWORK:
Please note that you will have a homework assignment most days of each week. While some
may be written and graded, others may simply be reading assignments. Regardless, all students
are expected to come prepared having individually completed their assigned homework. Failure
to do so may result in reading quizzes. Assignments will be discussed in class and posted
on my website.
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, 3 tardies = 1 detention
 hand in all assignments on time, late homework will only receive a
maximum of half credit provided we have not covered the material in
class
 follow school and class rules (for example: no food or drink is permitted in
class)
 remain seated at all times unless specifically permitted
 respect the property, ideas, feelings, and qualities of others
SUPPLIES:
Maintaining an organized folder will make studying much easier and more effective. Keeping
track of you assignments is also important in case you notice a grade discrepancy on your online
grades. By keeping your papers, you will have physical proof of the grades you received, which
will allow me to rectify any errors.
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 mwilliams@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 the videos being shown in class.
I have read and acknowledged the
terms of Mr. Williams’ Modern
Europe syllabus.
Parent/Guardian Signature
_____________________
Student's Signature
_____________________