Advanced Placement European History
Course Outline 2011-2012
Instructor: Mr. Beaulieu
Room: 195
Phone: (508) 261-7540, ext. 1950
Email: Geoffrey.Beaulieu@mansfieldschools.com
Course Description
This class is designed for those students who wish to experience the challenge of a university-level survey course, examining the social, political and economic history of Europe since 1300. The course covers major themes in European political, military, economic, social, cultural and intellectual history. It prepares students with the skills that are necessary for the success in a college environment such as writing and primary source analysis. Such skills will be developed and enhanced by participation in this course.
Students are expected to be fully prepared for class meetings by reading all assignments, both from the textbook and outside reading materials. There is a substantial amount of reading in this course and students are expected to complete this reading on their own. I will not outline each chapter for students, but will reserve class time for examining the reading material “in-depth,” analyzing and expanding upon the main ideas and concepts in each chapter.
Class sessions will incorporate a variety of learning strategies including; lecture, primary source analysis, seminar-based discussion, historical reenactments and group work. Students are to come to class having fully read the required material and actively participate in class discussions. Also, I expect students to raise insightful questions and offer meaningful comments about material.
While it is my intention to provide you with a full preparation for the Advanced Placement European History Exam in
May, I would further like to provide you with the best European History education available. Also it is my expectation that all students take the AP European History Exam upon completion of this course.
Textbook:
McKay, John., Bennett Hill and John Buckler. A History of Western Society: Since 1300 . Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Company, 2006.
Primary Source Reader:
Perry, Marvin, Joseph Peden and Thedore Von Laue. Sources of the Western Tradition (Volume II: From the Renaissance
to the Present) . Boson: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.

Course Outline:
The following outline is meant to provide an overview of the content covered in this course. The goal of this course is to provide students with a detailed survey of Modern European History from the 14 th century through the present day. In compliance with the College Board, this course is also meant to prepare students for the Advanced Placement European
History Exam in May.
Trimester 1: Topics to be covered


End of the Middle Ages and The Renaissance
The Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation

Age of Religions Wars and Exploration

Absolutism and Constitutionalism in Western and Eastern Europe

Europe in the Eighteenth Century: Scientific Revolution/Enlightenment, and European economics and society
Trimester 2: Topics to be covered

The French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon

The Early Industrial Revolution


Europe in the 19
Europe in the 19 th th
century (1815-1848): Politics, Ideologies and Nineteenth-Century Society
century (1848-1914): Mass Politics, Nationalism and Imperialism
Trimester 3: Topics to be covered

World War I, Russian Revolution and the Inter-War Years

The Rise of Dictatorships and the Second World War

Europe from 1945-present: Cold War/Collapse of Communism

Postwar Social and Economic History

AP European History Review/Exam Preparation

*National AP Examination: May 2012
Grading: Each quarter grade will be based on the following percentages.
Tests (can consist of essay, DBQ or objective format)
Reading Quizzes (approx. 2 per chapter)
Quarterly Exam (3-part)
Workbook
20%
20%
20%
20%
Attendance/Class Participation 20%
Note: Due to the level of discussion required in this class, it is my expectation that ALL readings be completed prior to coming to class. Do not leave the reading assignment to the last minute. It is essential that you complete the reading on a nightly basis so that you understand class activities and discussions. Utilize the student workbook to help you retain important information from the chapter as you read.
Attendance
Class attendance is essential to the learning process. It is my expectation that you will come to class every day at the appropriate time.
Absences:
If a student is absent from class, he/she must submit appropriate documentation to the office in order for the absence to be considered excused. No makeup work/extensions will be given for unexcused absences.

Late for class:
If a student is late for class, they must “sign in” on the sheet at the front of the room. If a student is late for class two times, they will be required to serve an after-school detention.
Credit Reduction:
Chronic absences/tardiness may result in course credit reduction. See MHS Student Handbook for information on credit reduction.
Make-Up Policy/Late Work
If a student misses a test/quiz for an excused absence, he/she will have 1 week (from the date of the absense) to make it up. After 1 week, the student will receive a zero on the test/quiz. Students may turn in late work for excused absences for partial credit, up to one week. After one week, the assignment will be recorded as a zero. No makeup will be allowed for unexcused absences.
Extra Help:
Success in this course largely depends on your interest in history, but also your work ethic. If you put in the time and effort, you will find success. I am here to help you at any step of the way. Since this is a “college-level” course, I expect that you seek me out if you need assistance. If at any time during the year, you feel as if you are having trouble with an assignment, topic, or just want to talk, please come in for extra help. I am available for extra help after school.