Instructor: Jeff Donnelly
Curriculum Map, Class Page, Course Guidelines
The study of European History since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse.
In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of European History are to develop a) and understanding of some of the principle themes in moderns European history, b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and c) and ability to express historical understanding in writing.
The AP course and exam in European History are intended for qualified students who wish to complete classes in secondary school equivalent to college introductory courses in European history. The exam presumes at least one academic year of college-level preparation.
As an advanced placement course, AP European History will include a more intensive reading and writing component, as well as a requirement to prepare for and sit for the the exam. In addition to the course text, students will be assigned supplemental readings in the form of primary source documents and images, essays, and excerpts from novels and nonfiction works. Students will be required to produce written reactions to these pieces that will vary in length and format.