AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2001-2002

 

Instructor:       Jeff Peiffer: BS (History) Northwest Missouri State University, 1980;

                        MA (Social Sciences) Wayne State College, 1992.

                        E-mail: peiffej@sioux-city.k12.ia.us

                        Webpage: http://lzone.witcc.com/peiffej

 

Textbook:       The Western Heritage, by Donald Kagan: Prentice Hall Inc, 7th ed., 2000.

                        Textbook Website: http:www.prenhall.com/kagan

 

Content:

                        The AP course and examination in European History are intended for

qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school

equivalent to college introductory courses in 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 we live.  Without this knowledge, we would

all lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary

institutions, the role of conflict and continuity 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 movement, 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 (c) an ability to

                       analyze and to express historical understanding in writing.

 

Class Preparedness

 

At the beginning of each chapter you will receive a “Unit Reading Assignment” sheet.  You are also required to bring your textbook, notebook, writing utensils and all other materials needed for class.  Preparation also includes having completed the reading assignment for each day as shown on your “Reading Assignment Sheet.”

 

Class Conduct

                                   

Appropriate behavior in the classroom is quite simple.  Treat people the way you would like to be treated yourself.  The only specific rules I have are that there will be no food, candy, or drink in this classroom and prepared to start class and work until the end of class. 

 

 

Tardiness:       With 6 minutes passing time there is not reason why anyone should be late

for class, unless you were detained by the instructor from your previous

class or were in the office.  If this is the case just bring a note from that instructor or the office.  If you are tardy, do not be surprised if you have to stay one to two minutes after class to make up for the time you lost in class. If you are habitually tardy, plan on making time up before or after school.           

 

Attendance:    See Student Handbook on attendance policy.

 

Participation:  Daily attendance and participation in class is quite important if a student is

to perform well in their classes.  If you fail to attend and participate in

class, points will be deducted at the following rate:

 

            Absent                         2.5% of your overall daily grade

            Tardy:                          2.5% of your overall daily grade

            Class Preparedness:      2.5% of your overall daily grade

Class Participation:       2.5% of your overall daily grade

 

Grading:          Grading will be based upon the following criteria.  Within each unit you

will be graded on Chapter Worksheets, Chapter Quizzes, Notebook

Quizzes, Projects, and Exams.  The overall weighting and grading scale is as follows:

 

 

Weighting                                           Grading

Online Assignments       30%                 A:         100% to 94%

Projects                       10%                 B:           93% to 88%

Chapter Quizzes           30%                 C:           87% to 78%

Unit Exams                   20%                 D:           77% to 70%

Midterm Exams            10%                 F:           69% to   0%

Final Exam                   10%