June 3, 2015
Dear AP European History Scholar of 2015-16,
Welcome to AP Euro!!
While I know that you are all basking in the joy of the end of the school year, I am already thinking about next year
and AP European History. In order to hit the ground running for the fall, there are a few assignments for this
summer1)
2)
3)
A summer reading assignment (2 Books) with a writing assignment associated with each reading
assignment (two different pieces, one for each book)
A summer binder assignment
An individual project “Five Centuries in ….” (City)
These three assignments are set up to make certain that all students have solid foundations upon which to build over
the course of next year. The Writing assignment associated with A World Lit only by Fire will be due to
turnitin.com by midnight on Wednesday, August 26th. You must also bring a hard copy to class on the first day of
school. The assignment for The Return of Martin Guerre, the binder and the project are DUE IN CLASS ON THE
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (Tuesday September 1st). It is also due to turnitin.com by 11:59 pm on September 1st.
If you are unable to complete these than you will be asked to change courses.
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
AP European History is taught as a college level course, and, as such, expects students to have both an exceptional
work ethic AND intellectual curiosity befitting of sophomores taking a college level course. AP Euro covers the
history of eastern and western Europe from 1450 (High Renaissance) to the present, highlighting intellectual,
cultural, political, diplomatic, social and economic developments. While the College Board has updated the course
for this year, approximately half of the course will deal with the period from 1400’s to the French Revolution and
Napoleonic Era and the other half will be from the Napoleonic Era to the present. It requires extensive reading,
analysis of historical documents, maps, charts, graphs, political cartoons and works of art, analysis of interpretations
presented in historical scholarship and college--‐level essay writing.
On average, students can expect 5-7 hours a week of homework for this course, and at times during the year, it will
be a bit more. Some nights it will be minimal, and others more significant. Unit by unit schedules will be provided
to the students so that they are able to adjust their work when necessary for sports, theatre, etc. However, excellent
attendance is expected, as missing class on a regular basis will make it very difficult to achieve success. The inability
to process directions, or to work independently, will likely lead to frustration and poor grades. It is college credit
that students are trying to achieve so a level of maturity in your approach to school is a necessity.
The vast majority of daily lessons will consist of discussions, note--‐taking, Socratic seminars, individual and group
presentations, as well as some lectures. The lectures will emphasize key concepts of chapter readings, bringing
outside information as well as clarifying student questions. Written work will consist of weekly reading and note
taking. Students will be expected to take weekly multiple--‐choice and essay exams. Reading quizzes will be given
at the beginning of each class if it becomes evident that students are not keeping up with the assigned readings as
evidenced by a lack of participation in class discussions. While the textbook provides much of the reading, other
books, primary and secondary source documents, and articles from various media and print materials will be used.
Moreover, the new AP curriculum demands higher-order thinking skills within a rigorous academic context. Thus,
students are frequently required to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources, in
addition to comprehending, memorizing, and applying facts. In order to be able to meet these criteria, it is
important that you are a motivated learner. You need to be a self-starter with the ability to meet deadlines. If this is
not your forte, you may need to re-think this course choice. For AP European, late work is not acceptable without
prior approval or serious emergency issues. While I am there to facilitate, guide, coach and help you with this effort,
I am not there to goad, drag, and force you to do the work necessary.
Beyond the summer reading, an additional reading assignment for the class will be due about the third or fourth week
of class. (Each quarter there will be at least one book that you will need to read) However, many of you (I assume)
should try to read the book during the summer so you won’t be rushed. You need to read one of the following
historical novels that gives a view of life in that time period. (Your choice) As you read take notes about factors
that impact or reflect the daily lives of the people- things like gender roles, education, class differences, role of
religion (esp. the Catholic church), jobs, family structure (incl. marriage trends), leisure time, standard of living, etc.
Good notes will be important. The choices are: Brunelleschi’s Dome, Dante’s Daughter, Girl With a Pearl
Earring, Galileo’s Daughter, Michelangelo and The Pope’s Ceiling, and The Passion of Artemisia.
Hopefully you will find that these assignments help prepare you for the course. If you have any questions, concerns,
or comments PLEASE email me at:
Mark.Schill@nicolet.us.
If you have special circumstances that impact your ability to complete the work as described contact me ASAP.
Contact must take place before July 17th. If you have not contacted me prior to July 17 th, I will assume that
everything is understood, and that you will have it in class on September 1st.
I look forward to a partnership with you. Remember, advanced placement classes are college level courses with the
curriculum determined by the college board. Taking a college level course in high school requires a commitment to
lots of reading, writing and good scholarship. The ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply critical thinking skills in
discussion and in writing is crucial. I will be there to guide and assist you in this challenge, but you need to be
committed to complete all of the assignments on time and come prepared every day.
Have a great summer!
Mark Schill
SUMMER READING- #1
William Manchester’s, A World Lit Only by Fire
Answer the following questions as you read William Manchester’s, A World Lit Only by Fire. You
should word process the answers NOT WRITE THEM BY HAND on another sheet. Numbered
questions should be answered in your own words briefly, but completely. The broader overview
questions should be answered after you have read each section. You must turn in your answers to these
questions to turnitin.com. Answers are due by Wednesday, August 26th by midnight. You need to bring
a printed hard copy to class on the first day of school.
Class ID: 10061129
Password : schill
Part 1 The Medieval Mind pp. 3-28
1.Give and explain two examples of the violence of the age.
2.How was this violence a paradox with the church teachings ?
3. Who was the leading Christian theologian of the day? For what is he remembered?
4. Explain what happens with Henry, including his punishment for appointing bishops without the Pope’s
approval ?
5.Give one example or reason why the pagan gods were appealing.
6. Briefly explain the origin of sainthood.
7. In what ways did Christianity embrace paganism?
8. What did the peasants know about the Great Schism?
9. Explain the peasant sense of time
10. How did the Renaissance challenge the Church?
11. In what way is Manchester right and in what way is he wrong to use the term “The Dark Ages” to
describe this era?
In this section, what is Manchester’s main idea? (His Claim) Give 5 pieces of evidence (and list the page
#) that support this as his focus.
Part 2 The Shattering pp. 31-86
12 What is simony? Why might this be a problem?
13.What were indulgences and how did they work?
14 What role did nepotism play in the church? Why might this be a problem?
15 What was the conflict between Savonarola and Alexander VI ? How was it resolved?
16. What was the Holy Roman Empire?
17. What happened to criminals?
18. Who was Jakob Fugger? What is his importance.
19. Describe peasant life.
20 Describe and explain a superstition (p.61)
21. Give an example of what could happen to travelers. Why?
22. What was the legal marrying age?
23 After reading pp.71-86, what is a generalization that you could make?
In this section, what is Manchester’s main idea? (His main claim) Give 5 pieces of evidence (and list the
page #) that support this as his focus.
Part 2 The Shattering pp.86-131
24.How did the Pope react to Copernicus ? Why?
25. Who improved on the Chinese invention of moveable type? What was his impact?
26. What was the literacy rate for males? Females ?
27. What were the 3 main disciplines taught at the medieval University?
28. Who was the leading humanist of this age? What were his beliefs?
29. Why did Galileo and Pico displease the church?
30. Who did Erasmus attack in his first book and why?
In this section, what is Manchester’s main idea? (His main claim) Give 5 pieces of evidence (and list the
page #) that support this as his focus.
Part 2 The Shattering pp.131- 219
31. What did Luther write about in the 95 Theses ?
32. What language did Luther use to publish ? Why ?
33. Why did the secular leaders support Luther?
34. What was the major issue that divided Protestants?
35. Give examples of what was/wasn’t permitted in life in Geneva.
36. Why did Charles V’s army invade Rome ?
37. Why was Henry VIII given a special title by the Pope ?
38. Explain the main issues in the annulment controversy. How was it resolved ?
39. How much English land was owned by the Catholic Church ?
40. What was Thomas More’s role ? What happened to him?
In this section, what is Manchester’s main idea? Give 5 pieces of evidence (and list the page #) that
support this as his focus.
Part 3 One Man Alone pp. 223-296
What is Manchester’s main claim in this section of the book? Give 5 pieces of evidence (and list the page
#) that support this as his claim.
In a paragraph or two- answer the following:
How does Manchester use the first two sections of the book to build to this third section? What
information was essential to understand for section 3 to make sense?
SECOND PART OF THE ASSIGNMENT :
During the first week or two of school, we will have a Socratic Seminar on Manchester’s book. To
prepare for this, you need to think about and have notes to discuss what changed and what stayed the
same in Europe (according to Manchester ) from the Middle Ages through the Age of Exploration in the
political, economic, societal, cultural, and religious spheres of life. You will need both specific
examples and generalizations.
Identify at least topic you want to have discussed in class that you don’t understand:
Identify the topic for which you want to be the discussion leader with a very brief overview of what you
will emphasize
Summer Reading
(Book 2)
The Return of Martin Guerre
For this assignment you will need a copy of Natalie Zemon Davis’ The Return of Martin
Guerre. (Harvard University Press, 1983). I have about 25 copies, if you want to check one out
from me, or you can get it at the Library, or buy it on Amazon (or another book seller).
This is the story of identity theft in the French Countryside in the 1500’s.
Essential Questions:
What actually occurs in the 16th Century French countryside?
What is Davis’ point in uncovering this event, and what evidence does she
provide that supports this?
Your task is as follows:
1.
Read the book, taking notes as you go. For each chapter, you need to type the
following
Chapter _____, Title of Chapter_________________
What is the thesis for this chapter?
List/Explain five pieces of evidence that Davis uses to support this thesis. (give page number as
well)
How does this chapter support Davis’ overall point in the book? Explain. (you will likely have to
go back and write this after you have read the entire book.
-over2.
Read Robert Finlay’s critique “The Refashioning of Martin Guerre”
The American Historical Review, Vol. 93, No. 3. (Jun., 1988), pp. 553-571.
(This can be found on Jstor which can be accessed via the Nicolet Library
website. To login from home you will need to go to the url below:
http://jstore.org/token/wBk5sUshfGBixcjwXGKB/nicolet.k12.wi.us
You will be directed to Login/Register for MyJSTOR page. (If you already have this,
then login, if not, register and then login.) If this does not work for you, I need to know
by July 17th.
Take notes on the following: What points does Finlay make in critiquing Davis’s work?
Then finally3. Write a short (about 2 pages, double spaced) essay explaining which historian (Davis
or Finlay) you agree with and why. Use specific references from the texts. A full
introduction is not necessary, you may start with your thesis as a one sentence intro.
As this is academic writing, the use of I, you, me, etc. is not correct.
4. Bring the essay, and your notes, with you to class on the first day of school. Turn in
your essay, and your Chapter by Chapter analysis of the book the essay to turnitin.com
by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, September 1st.
Class ID: 10061129
Password : schill
EUROPEAN BINDER ASSIGNMENT
You will need to put together the following-which will be due on the first day of school:
1) A binder in which you have a map of Europe that you label with all of the current
countries, distinguishing between EU and non-EU countries. You need to write, by hand,
the names of each of the countries of Europe.
2) For this binder, you need to find, read, and place (yes you need to print them out) a recent
article (after May 1st, 2015) about 20 EU countries (There are 28). You must also have
articles from FIVE (5) non-European Union Countries. (For a grand total of 25) You may
use actual papers and magazines like The New York Times or The Economist or their online version. (Print the article- don’t just list the URL) You can also use other on line
sources including the BBC and the European Union website.
3) The articles should not be just informational announcements like an event was held, an
award was given or a catastrophe took place. They should discuss issues such as
immigration, environmental concerns, political problems, conflicts of religious groups,
treatment of minorities, trade concerns, EU regulations etc. An “issue” has more than one
side, and different groups or people take differing positions on it.
After highlighting the important information within the article, or marking the text with
notes in the margins, write a short explanation of three sentences about each article.
1. A one sentence summary of each article
2. A one sentence statement of the issue
3. One sentence that states the two sides of the issue.
You should write these separately from your articles.
(You may put all your short explanations in a list; organize this list in the same order as
you do the articles.) We will be using this the first week. Turn in your analysis (NOT
THE ARTICLES THEMSELVES) to turnitin.com.
Class ID: 10061129
Password : schill
4) Organize the articles by EU, and Non-EU, and then alphabetically by the name of the
country in a 3 ring binder, which we will use all year.
5) Create a table of Contents that you place in the front of the binder, listing the country and
name of article for each.
Five Centuries in…..
Part 3
Your final summer assignment is for you to do research into a European City of historical importance. AP European
history covers the period from 1453 to 2001. This is the span in which you are conducting your first examination of
an urban area in Europe.
You may choose cities from the list on the back. Please email me your top three choices after
8 am on June 15th. Mark.schill@nicolet.us It will be first come, first serve, and only one student (per class) will
be allowed to do each city. I will respond as I receive the emails, so you will know shortly after your request is
made. Please do not make requests early, as these will not be considered to be at the front of the queue.
Goal: To understand how a particular European City has changed from the early modern period to the
present.
Using websites, books, data bases (though the Nicolet library) it is your assignment to put together an historical
travelogue of your assigned city.
This Travelogue should include:
 At least 2 maps (one current) that show the important sites, museums, historical events catelogued in your
project.
 A timeline of the city (founding, expansion, MAJOR shifts in its makeup) this need not be overly detailed.
 A determination (by you) as to when this city reached its cultural zenith. Including an explanation, in your
words why this should be considered the highpoint of this city.
 Then you need to put together a list and explantaion of at least 10, but no more than 20,
“TOP ATTRACTIONS”. These can include historical sites, restaurants, hotels, museums, parks,
cemetaries, etc. (If you need an example, go to Fodors.com and look at their travel guides). You need to
categorize, by century, when each of you attractions came into being, and its importance at the time.
 You need to have short blurbs written in your own words about each of the attractions- these may be
historical sites, museums, churches, palaces, battle sites, or other places of interest. Make sure that you are
describing what they are, why they are important and how they have contibuted to the culture of this city.
 You need at least 5 pictures – you may want to have one for each blurb-make sure that you have a caption
that explains what is being seen.
 Citations in MLA format for the websites, books, articles you used to create this travelogue.
This is due in class on the first day of school. It may be electronic, or it may be a hard copy, but you must have it
available on the first day of school.
Finally, you will need to submit all the text from your project to turnitin.com by midnight September 1st.
Class id: 10061129
Password: schill
City
Moscow
London
St Petersburg
Berlin
Madrid
Roma
Kiev
Paris
Bucharest
Budapest
Hamburg
Minsk
Warsaw
Belgrade
Vienna
Barcelona
Milan
Munich
Prague
Sofia
Naples
Birmingham
Odessa
Cologne
Turin)
Zagreb
Athens
Stockholm
Krakow
Amsterdam
Genoa
Edinburgh
Frankfurt
Glasgow
Vladivostok
Zaragoza
Essen
Rotterdam
Vilnius
Lisbon
Helsinki
Sarajevo
Oslo
Copenhagen
Dublin
Country
Russia
UK
Russia
Germany
Spain
Italy
Ukraine
France
Romania
Hungary
Germany
Belarus
Poland
Serbia
Austria
Spain
Italy
Germany
Czech Republic
Bulgaria
Italy
UK
Ukraine
Germany
Italy
Croatia
Greece
Sweden
Poland
Netherlands
Italy
UK
Germany
UK
Russia
Spain
Germany
Netherlands
Lithuania
Portugal
Finland
Bosnia
Norway
Denmark
Ireland
Other cities are possible with approval by me.