AP European History

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. Without this knowledge, we would lack 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. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing.

The purpose of this course is to prepare you for the AP European History exam that will take place this coming May.  Along the way you will learn much about being a student, about yourself and about dedication to the long-term task at hand.  Regardless of your score on the examination you will be a changed individual from this experience.  However, this change will only take place if you fully immerse yourself in the AP experience.  This means giving your best each and every day between now and the exam and not just being a member of the class.  You will learn to prioritize and make decisions that will have consequences, both good and bad.  It is my sincere hope that by May you will have learned to question, to think, and to support your thoughts in a clear, concise, intelligent manner.