Modern European History 2016-2017
Ms. Lodoen
Office Hours: MW 11:40-12:10, Tues 12:10-12:40, Thu by appt.
Course Objective:In this course, you will continue to learn the craft of the historian. History is a story based on people, dates, and events, and it is the historian’s job to interpret these facts to decide which story gets told. As a student-historian, you will develop the ability to think critically about the meaning of facts in order to make connections between the past and present. In short, you will learn the skills of a historian to become a stronger thinker, writer, and student. Over the past 500 years, Europe has profoundly shaped our global society. Understanding its past is critical as we work to understand our role as citizens in both the United States and the world.
Course Description: This course surveys the people, events, and issues in European history from the Renaissance through the Cold War. The well-known author and historian David McCullough claims that “history is not just about dates and quotations. And it’s not just about politics, the military, and social issues…It’s about art, music, literature, money, science, love – the human experience.” Perhaps no other time period and place offer us so great an opportunity to study these different aspects of the human experience as modern Europe. Although this course is chronological, we will use a thematic approach to identify historical trends throughout modern European history. Through analysis of primary and secondary sources, class discussion, and writing assignments, you will learn how to synthesize Europe’s rich complex history into evidence-based interpretations about its past.
Expectations
●Expect homework most nights.
●Homework will usually be posted on Veracross, but this is a secondary resource for you. You are responsible for the homework assigned in class.
●I will post electronic copies of handouts in class on Google Classroom.
●Be sure to maintain organized notes and keep up on the daily work of the course. There will be a lot of handouts in this class—and given the cumulative nature of the class, you will need them in the future. Whether this means using an iPad, computer, or 3-ring binder is up to you – whichever one is most effective for you.
●Annotate every text that you read. You will receive a grade on the quality of your annotations. Unmarked texts will receive a 0% (until annotated). In history class, we think in words—annotations involve making marginal notes—not simply underlining or highlighting.
●Failure to complete an assignment will result in a grade reduction of 10% after the first class it is due and 5% for every subsequent class (until CRS). Contact me as soon as possible if you think you might need an extension on an assignment. If you choose to not hand in a major assignment, you will be required to attend a Credit Restoration Session (CRS) the following Friday unless the assignment is satisfactorily completed before that date.
●Spelling and grammar count; students of history are also students of English. Proofread.
●If you are absent, you are responsible for making up the work that you missed. It is best to talk to me to make sure you get caught up.
●I often call on students even if your hand is not raised—if class participation is an area that makes you nervous, come see me as soon as possible.
●I am available for extra help during office hours during lunch and by appointment. At times, I will ask a lot from you—but you are not on an island—I want to help you succeed in meeting your learning goals.
Course Schedule
Semester 1
Unit 1: Middle Ages/Renaissance/Reformation
Unit 2: Age of Exploration/Commercial Revolution/Religious Wars
Unit 3: Absolutism/Consolidation of Empire
Unit 4: Scientific Revolution/Enlightenment
Unit 5: French Revolution
Semester 2
Unit 6: Industrial Revolution
Unit 7: Rise of the –Isms/Revolutions of 1848
Unit 8: Imperialism/WWI
Unit 9: Age of Confusion/Rise of Dictators/WWII
Unit 10: Cold War
Unit 11: Emergence of the Welfare State and European Unification
Assignments
Type / Assessment Form / PointsHomework/Daily Work/Quizzes / Text annotations, graded discussion, group assignments, reflection papers / 0-25
Debates, Presentations / Debates, research presentations / 25-50
Tests / Multiple choice, short answer, and essay tests / 50-100
Essays/Papers / Free-response questions (FRQs), document-based questions (DBQs), research papers / 100-200
Grading Policy
Rather than “category weighting” which assigns a certain percentage for each type of assignment, this course simply grades based on the accumulation of points. Although tests and essays are the primary basis for each student’s grade, every point is weighted equally.
Veracross Grading Codes
Description / Abbreviation / NotesPending / Pending / Assignment has not been graded or the deadline has not arrived
Not Turned In / NTI / Student was present but did not turn in the assignment. Late penalties apply.
Missing Assignment / M / Student was absent. Student can receive full credit for the assignment when they return to school.
Incomplete / Inc / Student failed to finish or hand in an acceptable quality of work on a major assessment.
Not Required to Complete / NREQ / Student is not required to complete the assignment.
Veritas Policy (See Student Handbook)
The Promise: I promise before God and members of the community that I will be a person of integrity who will not lie, steal, cheat, plagiarize, or break the bonds of trust that define this community. I make this promise in order to build a community of trust and integrity with my brothers and sisters at JPII.
Plagiarism: Whenever you are asked to prepare written work outside of class I assume that it will be entirely of your own efforts. Improper use-or deliberate misuse-of source material is plagiarism. If working collaboratively, students are expected to equally share in the specific task. A student who is found guilty of plagiarism or false representation of work or effort will be subject to severe disciplinary action.