A.P. European History

This course is designed to provide students with relevant factual knowledge and an extensive understanding of European history from 1450 to the present. AP European History is designed to be the high school equivalent of a college-level general history course, thus preparing students for success on the AP Exam. Major topics studied in the course are developments in social, economic and political thought, the rise and functioning of the modern state in its various forms and the role of urbanization in transforming cultural values and social relationships. Students will develop research, evaluative and analytical skills that will be used to illustrate comprehension and understanding. This course also provides students with frequent practice in writing analytical and interpretive essays such as document based questions and thematic essays.

Rationale: College–bound students will benefit from taking this course. Students will develop reading, writing and analytical skills to prepare them for future AP/Honors courses. Performance on the AP Exam will provide many students with the opportunity to receive college credit and/or appropriate college course placement.