Madison High School
Course Expectation Sheet
AP Modern European History
Instructor: Robert I. Grundfest
Phone: (973) 593-3117 x7134
E-Mail: grundfestr@madisonpublicschools.org
Webpage: Under “Teachers” on the MHS website
Office Location: G-50
Extra Help: Before or After School
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I.
Course Description
Advanced Placement Modern European History is a rigorous examination of European history from approximately
1450 to the present. Students are expected to have some familiarity with those aspects of the late medieval period
which have an impact on post-1450 events, as well as to demonstrate knowledge of basic chronology and of major
events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present.
There are essentially three goals for an AP program:
▪ To develop an understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history (intellectualcultural, political-diplomatic, and social-economic);
▪ To develop an ability to analyze historical evidence;
▪ Prepare students to write with fluency and precision.
The course is offered to students in the 11th and 12th grades and is intended to prepare them to take the AP exam in
Modern European History.
II.
Course Topics
A. INTRODUCTION & THE RENAISSANCE (1300-1550)
B. THE REFORMATION & RELIGIOUS WARS (1500-1648)
C. NEW POLITICAL SYSTEMS & PHILOSOPHIES (1600-1740)
D. EUROPE IN THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT (1700-1775)
E. THE AGE OF REVOLUTION AND NAPOLEON (1770-1815)
F. THE GENERATION AFTER NAPOLEON (1815-1848)
G. THE AGE OF NATIONALISM, URBANIZATION, & MATERIALISM (1850-1914)
H. THE AGE OF EUROPEAN SUPREMACY (1870-1920)
I. EUROPE BETWEEN THE WARS (1918-1939)
J. GLOBAL WAR & ITS AFTERMATH (1939-PRESENT)
III.
Required Text & Materials (Required)
Palmer, Colton and Kramer. A History of the Modern World, McGraw Hill. New York, 2002
Kagan, Ozment and Turner, The Western Heritage, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 2001
Supplemental text:
Sherman, Dennis, Ed., Western Civilization—Sources, Images and Interpretations, McGraw-Hill, New
York, 2004.
IV.
Classroom Expectations
Please see my website
V.
Grading Policy
Grades for each marking period are based on a points system. Each assignment will have a point value
from 10 to 100. At the end of each marking period, I will divide the total points you have achieved by the
maximum points available. For example, if you earned 838 out of 1000 possible points, your grade will
be 83.8%, or 84--B.
Grades are based on the following criteria:
Tests/Quizzes
Homework assignments
Projects
Free Response Questions
Document Based Questions (DBQ)
Class participation--this includes class discussions, activities, behavior, and preparation for class.
Absences will also affect this grade.
The yearly grade is based upon your performance in marking periods 1-4 plus the midterm exam.
VI.
Late Work & Make-up Policy
All assignments are due on time. I do not accept late work. The school absence policy is in effect
if a student is absent. For long-term absences, the student should see me for a make up schedule.
VII.
Class Participation
Students are expected to have their materials every day and to participate in class.
VIII.
Major Assignments
There will be marking period projects. I will post the assignments on my website
IX.
Teacher Availability
I am available before and after school.