A.P. European History
Syllabus
Mrs. Barbara Kondratowicz
I. Course Description
Advanced Placement European History is a college-level survey course that will
challenge you to think critically about the intellectual, cultural, economic, political,
diplomatic and social events that have shaped Europe from the Renaissance to modern
day. The course also allows students the opportunity to earn college credit upon passing
a three-hour exam offered by the College Board in May. Although eligibility to earn
college credit is available, the emphasis of the course is to develop skills for the student’s
academic future. Thus A.P. European History aims to further refine the student's analytic
skills, examine conflicting historical interpretation, promote historical scholarship, and
develop sophisticated research skills, as well as essay and document-based essay skills.
II. Texts:
Required Text:
A History of Western Society Since 1300
by John P. McKay, Bennett D. Hill, and
John Buckler
Sources of the Western Tradition
Vol. II
by Marvin Perry
Suggested Text:
Modern European History
by Birdsall S. Vialt
Supplemental Texts:
The Annotated Mona Lisa
by Carol Strictland
Sources of the West
Vol. I and Vol. II
by Mark A. Kishlansky
III. Goals and Expectations
The goal of A.P. European History is to enhance student ability to:
A. understand historical themes
B. analyze historical evidence and historical interpretations
C. express historical understanding in writing
Tests: Tests are based on the A.P. Exam. Following each unit students will be given a test
that includes both multiple-choice questions and a free-response essay. The multiple
choice questions are taken from released A.P. exams, review books and the text. Freeresponse essays are taken from released A.P. exams.
Free-Response Essays and Document Based Essay Questions: In the reply to a freeresponse essay or the DBQ students are asked to analyze, evaluate, compare, contrast,
describe, discuss, explain or discuss change over time. While free response essays will
appear on tests, students will also be given take home essays that must include both
citations and a bibliography. DBQs will be given in class under the 45 minute time
restraint (15 minutes devoted to reading the documents and planning and 45 minutes
devoted to writing the essay.)
Debates, Oral Presentations and Simulations: In addition to class discussions, students
are given an opportunity to prove their knowledge through oral presentations related to
the arts and a final project on European policy; as well as various simulations including
the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia, French Salon, Congress of Vienna, and
unification of Italy; as well as debates such as the Trial of Martin Luther, “Who is the
Most Absolute of the Absolutes?” and current European policies.
Homework: Daily reading and writing assignments, as well as long term assignments, are
posted on Teacher Notes.
Index Cards: After each chapter students will be required to submit the vocabulary on
index cards. These cards will be used as flash cards to study for the College Board exam,
midterm and final.
IV. Topics Discussed
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
The Later Middle Ages
European Society in the Age of the Renaissance
The Reformation
Religious Wars and Overseas Expansion
Absolutism in the West
Absolutism in the East
Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
Eighteenth Century European Expansion
Changing Life of European People
The French Revolution
Industrial Revolution
Ideologies 1815-1850
Urban Society in the 1800s
Age of Nationalism 1850-1914
Western Imperialism
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
World War I and the Russian Revolution
Age of Anxiety
Dictatorships and World War II
Cold War Conflicts and Social Transformation 1945-1985
Revolution, Rebuilding and New Challenges
Unity and Identity in Western Europe
V. Summer Reading
One of the requirements in this class is to complete a summer reading and writing
assignment that I have summarized below. On the first day you return from the summer
vacation in September of 2008, you will be required to hand in a 3-page paper (#1
below). Also on the first day, you will be asked to give a brief 2-minute presentation on
current events in Europe (#2). Flashcards (#4) are due on the second day of class and a
test on the material from the text reading (#3) will be given on the second day of class as
well. The grade that you receive on the paper, presentation, the test and flashcards will
be averaged into your first marking period grade and can count toward your summer
reading goals.
1. Read The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli (1513). This book has not only
contributed to the development of modern government, it has served as a handbook
for some of the most extraordinary leaders in history. In The Prince Machiavelli
provides insight for governing based on strength and effectiveness as opposed to
personal morality and religious conviction. In essence he argues that in the game
of politics “the end justifies the means.”
Using research from the text/internet and the suggestions made by Machiavelli,
write a three (3)-page analysis of Charles de Gaulle’s presidency, founder of the
French Fifth Republic.
The purpose of this essay is to serve as an evaluation of de Gaulle’s presidency
based on the political analysis of Machiavelli and the recommendations he makes
in The Prince.
Be sure to emphasize actual historical events and to include at least four (4)
concepts (such as virtue, morality, money, taxes, treaties, military, human nature,
fear, cruelty, and fortune) discussed by Machiavelli in your evaluation. Please
note that he is commonly referred to as General de Gaulle. Before serving as the
first president of the Fifth Republic in 1959, he briefly served as Prime Minister
of the French Provisional Government following WWI.
NOTE: Give credit where credit is due. Cite Machiavelli, as well as other
resources you use. You must therefore, include a bibliography.
2. Current events will be an important aspect of this class. Read the newspaper or
watch the news everyday. Select one European country or topic such as the
environment, EU or Russia and follow it throughout the summer. Be prepared to
give a 2-minute presentation on Day 1 on the current events topic you have been
following.
3. Please read Chapter 30 and 31 in A History of Western Society by McKay, Hill,
and Bucker. A multiple choice and essay test will be given on the material day 2 of
class.
4. On 3” x 5” index cards please create flashcards for the key terms on page 1022 and
the key terms on page 1061. THE READING AND CARDS ARE DUE ON THE
SECOND DAY OF CLASS. A TEST WILL BE GIVEN ON THE READING.
If you have any questions or concerns during the summer regarding the assignment,
please feel free to email me at bkondratowicz@paramus.k12.nj.us