SSZ611: AP European History

Course Title: AP European History
GRADE LEVEL: 10 - 12
CODE: SSZ611
COURSE LENGTH: 36 weeks

Course Description: AP European History is designed for students desiring to participate in a college level history class emphasizing concepts, major historical facts and personalities, and historical cross chronological analysis. Students will be expected to gain knowledge and demonstrate the ability to relate the themes of culture, diplomacy, economics, and political and social history from the High Renaissance to the present. The course provides the student with the ability to relate the context to 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 and intellectual discourse. Wide readings and discussions and various instructional strategies will provide students with the opportunity to explore and analyze social, political, and economic trends across time and their influence on the growth and development of Europe. This course is the equivalent of an introductory college history class. Students are expected to take the AP exam.

Major Content/Concepts: 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. Students get 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. The course covers the themes of Intellectual and cultural history, Political and Diplomatic History, and Social and Economic History.

Course Objectives: Students will develop skills in:

  • Understanding some of the principal themes in modern European history
  • Analyzing historical evidence and historical interpretation
  • Connecting modern and past developments in European history
  • Assessing and incorporating writings, primary and secondary source materials, and maps into research projects and essays and to cite all sources appropriately.

Course Philosophy: The AP European History class is designed to be an interactive and intellectual learning community where both instructor and student will make historical connections across chronological periods and relate trends from the past to the present. Through intensive reading, analysis of documents, maps, and economic and political changes students will become adept at tracing developments in particular categories through various European nations and chronological periods.

Last Revised: March 16th, 2009 at 12:46 pm.