AP European History – Course Overview Mr. Ellis Email:
[email protected] (805) 498-‐3676 Ext. 1326 Website: http://sites.google.com/site/nphspanthers
Course Overview AP European History is a challenging college-‐level course that covers the history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. The course focuses on the historical, political, and economic history of Europe and also the development of various cultural and intellectual institutions over that time. Specifically, the course will cover the following topics: • Late Middle Ages • Realpolitik • Renaissance • Imperialism • New Monarchs & Exploration • WWI & Russian Revolution • Religious Reforms & Warfare • Rise of Totalitarianism • Early Modern Society • WWII • Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment • Cold War • Age of Absolutism & Constitutionalism • European Union & Post-‐Cold War • French Revolution & Napoleonic Era Challenges • Industrial Revolution These abovementioned areas will be studied from a variety of perspectives with the hope of providing a balanced view of history. This course is taught at the college level. The major difference between a high school and college history course is the amount of reading, depth of focus, and the extent to which assessments are weighted. Students will be frequently required to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources in addition to learning, comprehending, and applying facts. The aim of this course is ultimately to prepare students to successfully pass the Advanced Placement Exam in May. This is a rigorous course and successful students are those who commit themselves to a year of reading, writing, critical thinking, class participation, and study. Course Expectations School rules and procedures for proper student conduct are to be followed and enforced. My expectations are therefore that students will be: • On time to class • Prepared • Respectful to themselves, others, and their surroundings • Responsible for their own actions • Involved in class discussions and activities
Attendance & Tardy Policy Due to the vast amount of material to be covered in class each day, regular attendance is a must. If students miss too much of class, their grade will reflect that. Similarly, punctuality is important. Tardies are disruptive and interrupt learning. Students must be seated and ready to work when the bell rings. NPHS’ Tardy and Attendance Policy will be strictly enforced. Late Work & Absences: All work should be turned in the day it is due. I do not accept any late assignments due to an unexcused absence. If a student has an excused absence, they will have the number of days equal to the days they were absent to make up the work. If absent, students will be required to consult the class website to obtain any handouts or assignments they may have missed.
Make-up Work and Missed Exams/Quizzes: Tests, quizzes and other assignments that are missed due to an excused absence can be made up. Quizzes and exams will be available to make up within one week of your EXCUSED absence, and students should see me to schedule a date and time. Grading Policies: Grading Scale: • A = 90-‐100% A-‐ = 89.5-‐89.9 • B+ = 87-‐89.4% B = 80-‐86.9% B-‐ = 79.5-‐79.9% • C+ = 77-‐79.4% C = 70-‐76.9% C-‐ = 69.5-‐69.9% • D+ = 67-‐69.4% D = 60-‐66.9% D-‐ = 59.5-‐59.9% • F = 59.4 and Below Grades are based on the accumulation of points in weighted categories. Grades are based on the following categories: • Class Work & Weekly Participation = 15% • Homework & Reading Notes= 15% • Quizzes = 10% • Unit Tests & In-‐Class Essays= 35% • Semester Exam = 25% Students are expected to be able to access their grades from https://q.conejousd.org, and it is thus the student’s responsibility to monitor their own academic progress.
Lecture Notes: Students are required to bring printed versions of the regularly emailed lecture notes on the day that a new unit is to start. Organization: Students are expected to keep a well-‐organized binder for all course-‐related materials (e.g. course overview, lecture notes, video notes, study guides, homework, handouts, quizzes, warm-‐ups, etc.).
Participation: Students are expected to contribute in class discussions and effectively participate in class activities. Participation, attitude, attendance, and conduct will be considered when determining your grade.
Plagiarism/Cheating: Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated! Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to CVUSD’s rules regarding Academic Honesty. Any student caught cheating or allowing others to cheat will be dealt with in strict adherence to the outlined policies. Term 1 Project: Students are asked to complete two separate items for the Term 1 Project: 1. Read and complete a study guide for “The Late Middle Ages: Social and Political Breakdown” by Donald Kagan 2. Complete a mapping assignment Please note that both assignments are posted on my class website. Also, and perhaps more importantly, note that you will be taking a Late Middle Ages Test & Map test within the first 3 weeks of school.
Welcome to AP European History and best of luck this year!
Please detach and return
Advanced Placement European History NAME (please print): ______________________________________________ PERIOD (please indicate Period # and A/B): ____________________ My signature indicates that I have read the attached course description and that I understand and agree to abide by the class policies stated. _____________________________________________ Student Signature __________________________________________ Date
_____________________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian
__________________________________________ Date
