Modern European History

Description

Modern European History Syllabus

Note: The live class includes AP European History students. However, the common class time will cover only European history, not topics related to the AP exam.

This live, graded history class traces the social, economic, and political development of European society, economy, and culture, as well as the growth of important ideas and technology from the Renaissance Era to recent times. Live class sessions will focus on events that affected broad areas of Europe (such as the Reformation, Imperialism, and the World Wars) and on particular countries (with a focus on Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Ireland). Scientific, artistic, and philosophical movements will be covered extensively.

Outside of class time, students complete lessons focused on particular topics in Modern European History (either audio-visual or text-based, depending on learning style), deepen their understanding of world geography, learn how to interpret primary documents, and delve deeper into related topics of their choosing. Monthly quizzes based on live class sessions and weekly history lessons encourage students to synthesize the historical content they encounter. Students are given two chances on every monthly quiz.

Each student will master a lot of historical content. They also have plenty of opportunities to think critically about what they are learning. Our time together is built around questions that I pepper throughout our live sessions. For example:

• When we discuss the Reformation, I ask, “If you were a member of a corrupt but important institution (like a business, religious institution, or school), what do you think is the best way to bring about change for the people affected by that institution?”
• When we’re talking about the French Revolution, I ask, “If people were suffering for a long period of time before the end of the 1700s, why didn’t they rise up in protest before 1789?”
• When we’re talking about the aftermath of the Cold War, I ask: “If you were in charge of trying to maximize the chances of peace and stability in a region after a devastating war, what policies would you encourage towards the people of that region?”

Course Structure

The course is built on a pattern of eight Units, each containing four weeks: Week A, B, C, and D. Certain assignment types fall consistently on particular weeks, so students and parents can rely on a regular, repeated schedule of work throughout the year.

Live class sessions are designed to engage students at different levels. Homework assignments are designed to meet the needs of the average student. However, families who want a more challenging, honors-level course can enroll their students in the Honors level. For students working at the regular level, weekly workloads should average about 4-5 hours.

For families interested in a more detailed example of how our live sessions typically operate, please click this link to watch a 20-minute compilation of four short excerpts from a Modern European History class on World War I.

Second Semester

Second-semester World History II focuses on developments in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa in the 20th century.

Honors Level

Students at the honors level in Modern European History complete a significant project each semester, with detailed instructions provided. In the first semester, students read Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and either answer several questions about the text or write an analytical paper on one of the book’s themes. In the second semester, students write a thesis-driven history paper. In addition, students at the honors level also read about 4 extra lessons each month. They need to take notes on those lessons. The notes should be detailed enough to act as a study aid if a test were given. They also need to generate at least one good historical research question for each lesson. There will not be additional quizzes or exams for the honors level. If a student signs up for honors level at the beginning of the year through Aim Academy but later in the year needs to drop to the regular level, that can be done with no grade penalty.

Who should enroll?

This course is geared toward 9th-12th graders.

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

The course is designed to improve critical thinking and historical reasoning skills, particularly during our live class sessions. Regular homework assignments promote mastery of content.

Communication

Parents and students are encouraged to contact me via Canvas messaging. Generally speaking, I respond within one business day.