Part I: Course Procedures and AP Exam Information:

This course will cover the political, cultural, social, and economic history of Europe from 1453 to the present. During its later stages, European history broadens into world history. Students will read a variety of sophisticated, college-level materials, including our basic textbook, Jackson Spielvogel's Western Civilization, our basic supplementary book of source materials, Mary Ann Friese Witt's The Humanities, and excerpts from other original sources and scholarly articles. They will also deal extensively with major European works of art, music, and literature. While they can certainly do well in this course using the books provided by the school, students wishing to buy their own copies of these books can often find good deals by checking the Internet under "used textbooks."

Students will be expected to take an active role in the course, frequently presenting seminar papers and participating in discussions, debates, panels, and historical re-enactments based on independent research. They must prepare extensive readings for discussion at every class meeting. Every 2-3 weeks, students will write a 3-5 page essay at home and a 2-3 page essay exam in class. The course is clearly challenging, but most students have welcomed the chance to study a subject in depth and to perfect their thinking, study, and writing skills. It is great preparation for college, and most colleges favor students who have challenged themselves with demanding AP courses. It is also earns students extra grade points. In order to ensure that only dedicated, well-prepared students attempt this course, all European History AP candidates are expected to have completed a summer reading requirement (described elsewhere) before the first day of class. Those who have failed to do so will be removed from the class.

The course will prepare dedicated students to pass the College Board's Advanced Placement Exam in European History. NOTE: SOTA REQUIRES that all students enrolled in AP courses take AP exams in their subject areas and is prepared to help students with proven financial need to locate additional funding for the exams. Most colleges give successful AP candidates college credit and sometimes waive elementary college requirements if the student passes the exam at a sufficiently high level (see attached information). Please contact me if you have further questions or concerns.

1. Assignments are due on the date designated. Each marking period I will accept one assignment one class meeting late–if accompanied with my "I Have a Life" Late Pass (it will still be marked down one letter grade. Assignments are few but big: failure to turn in even one can result in an unpleasant surprise on your report card. However, all honest attempts are rewarded: always try! I will notify the counselor and your parents if you fail to turn in a major assignment on the date due.

2. History Notebook: Save all your papers and keep them in order in a three-ring binder. The notebook will be checked frequently. It should contain these five sections:

1. Clearly dated class notes on ALL class activities (lectures, discussions, debates, etc.)

2. Reading notes on ALL readings (textbook, original sources, articles, etc.) Reading notes will

be checked and graded--especially during the first unit.

3. Annotated lists of vocabulary, important individuals, time lines, etc. Add to this list as you

read, take part in class discussions, etc. These lists will be particularly helpful to you as you

study for exams. They will be checked and graded periodically.

4. All returned (graded) papers. You can learn a lot from your triumphs and tragedies!

5. All handouts (xeroxes). NEVER throw out a handout. If you decide not to keep it, please

return it to me--save a tree!

3. Class participation: Your active, daily participation in the class--both formally (debates, panels, historical re-enactments, etc.) and informally (class discussion) is crucial--both to your grade and to making this class a vital, interesting intellectual undertaking. Be prepared to take part every day!

4. Assignments and grading: Grading is done on a point system. In general, unit exams are worth 400 points each; major essays are worth 300 points each; formal class participation, informal class participation, and unit reading notes checks are worth 100 points each. Occasional minor assignments are worth 25-75 points each. I give only three grades for major essays: A, B, and REWRITE. Therefore, if you receive less than an A or a B on a major essay, you must rewrite it before you will receive any points at all for it. The only way to do really badly in this class is to get behind in the reading or to miss assignments. You've been warned! Don't do it!

1. The Prime Law: RESPECT for everyone within these four poster-covered walls. All other laws follow from this.

2. Respect for our shared environment. The room stays clean, orderly, and with the basic arrangement preserved. Everyone shares the responsibility for tasks which nurture the communal good (such as picking up messes, re-ordering furniture, and refilling the hot water pot).

3. Respect for others during discussion. When one person is sharing ideas, everyone else listens: only one discussion goes on at a time. No one puts down another's contribution to class discussion.

4. No food or drinks--no way. No headphones, beepers, or cellphones--no way. Your undivided attention on the class--yes, that's the way! Dare to say NO to Starbucks!

5. No wasted time. Be seated and ready to take part in class when the bell rings or be counted tardy. Your bookbag's presence on your desk doesn't count--you must be here in person! See me about personal concerns before school or at the beginning of lunch--not during valuable class time.

6. No passes--no way. While I think school activities are great, I firmly believe that your main purpose in being in this class is academic learning. If you don't agree, do something else with this time slot.

7. Absences and tardies: Since class participation is such an important part of this course and since classes meet only three days a week (that's only 18 days a marking period!), each unexcused absence (cut) will cause your marking period grade to drop one letter. All absences are considered unexcused unless at the next class meeting after the absence (1) I receive a note from your parent and (2) you make up all missed work. Two unexcused tardies count as an unexcused absence. But here's a carrot as well as a stick: 5 extra-credit points for each cold, cruel morning that you manage to come to class on time! I will notify your counselor and your parents about your unexcused absences and tardies. For field trips, you must provide me with a signature slip at least three days in advance or you can't go.

8. Plagiarism will result in your immediate, non-negotiable expulsion from the class. Have some pride! Do your own work! Give others appropriate credit for their contributions to your effort!

PARENTS: Please sign the attached signature slips as an indication that you've read this sheet and understand our plagiarism policy. Your signature also earns your student her/his first 25 points in this course! Please feel free to add your questions or concerns to this sheet or to contact me about them.

Thanks--