Grade Level: 11-12

Purpose:
AP European History is a college prep course that provides students with an academic experience equivalent to a freshman / sophomore college survey of western history. The course is specifically designed to provide students with an in-depth study of European history from the 15th century through the modern day. In addition to course content, the course is specifically designed to enhance student analytical reading and essay writing skills.

Students successfully mastering the course material may earn college credit by passing the annually administered AP European history exam; the individual college or university determines how many if any credits will be granted for the AP exam score. While students cannot be required to take the AP Exam it is strongly recommended that they plan to do so.

Course Overview:
Advance Placement European History is a three-quarter class that examines European history from the time of the Renaissance and Reformation up to the present day. The course is broken into three distinct divisions. The first quarter of study focuses on the intellectual and social history of Europe from the time of the Renaissance through the Enlightenment.

The second quarter is a study of the political evolution of Europe from the 16th century through the Napoleonic era. The final quarter takes the student through the 19th and 20th centuries focusing on the important intellectual developments and political events that have shaped our modern world.

Special Skills
Advance Placement European History is intended to enhance development of student critical thinking, document analysis interpretive reading, information organization, synthesis, and writing skills.

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Text, Supplemental Readings, AP Exam and Fees

Because AP European History is an elective class, students are required to purchase their materials in accordance with Douglas County BOE policy. In addition to the materials listed below, students will be required to select other titles that they may purchase or checkout from local libraries. (Titles and fees listed are subject to change.)

Text and Study Guide
Palmer, R.R. and Joel Colton. A History of the Modern World.
Colton, Joel. History of Modern World - Study Guide.

Supplemental Readings
Downs, Robert. Books that Changed the World.
Weber, Eugen. The Western Tradition. Voltaire Candide

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." "God is on the side not of the big battalions, but of the best shots." -Voltaire

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Video Presentations
The following audio-visual presentations may be used in class:

Educational/Documentary Series
Art of the Western World The Day the Universe Changed Rise and Fall of the Third Reich World at War

Feature Films
All Quiet on the Western Front A Man for All Seasons Amadeus Cromwell Danton Dr. Strangelove Napoleon Return of Martin Guerre