Euro syllabus
What we will study:
European Studies is a social studies survey class that will concentrate on the progress of western culture through the study of the history of the European peninsula and the Near Eastern region. We will begin with the Neolithic Revolution in the Fertile Crescent and track the major movements in religion, philosophy, law and technology, to the French Revolution and beyond, covering historical events, and the cultural, artistic, social and political developments that shaped modern Europe.
What you can expect:
European History will be reading intensive and fast paced. You will be expected to support your in-class learning through outside coursework as assigned. All assigned reading, textbook or online, and all class activities will be fair game for assessments. You are responsible for everything assigned and all information presented in class whether you are there or not. If you miss class it is up to you to make arrangements with me to make up any missed work, and to locate notes and materials that were part of the classes during your absence. If you need help, you need to ask for it. If you do not ask, I will assume that everything is fine and you are satisfied with your progress in the class. I am glad to provide whatever help I can to make this a successful academic experience for you, but it is up to you to seek the help you need. It is in your best interests to do your own work at all times, and to stay current with your reading and other assignments.
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Re: Plagiarism — READ THIS CAREFULLY
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Plagiarism on your part in association with any and all work in this course will result in consequences that may cause you to be dropped from this course with a failing grade. Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s work product presented as your own, or any use of the work of others without proper credit to the author. This definition applies not only to published work of professional writers but also to the work of your fellow students.
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Occasionally circumstances may interfere with your timely completion of coursework. Your definition of a valid excuse may not always coincide with mine, and in the case of a tie my analysis of the situation wins. Email is always the best way to contact me.
What you will need:
- Something to write with. Something to write on. A place to keep handouts and associated information– I would suggest a dedicated spiral notebook for taking notes in European History, but you know your own organizational preferences. Just be sure you have a way to take notes and keep your notes together.
- Regular, timely attendance – Come every day. Be on time. Be ready to work.
- A covered textbook – you may choose to receive a textbook for this class. There are copies of the text available in the library for your use at school. You are responsible for the reasonable condition of your book, so use it with care.
- mrsschwinn.com – this is the website for our class — At this site you will find notes for the class, review guides, and relevant reading materials for your coursework. You should familiarize yourself with this resource and rely on its contents to assure your success in your studies.
How your knowledge will be assessed:
You will be asked to demonstrate your mastery of European History in a variety of ways. Every unit studied will end with an in class test, but along the way you may be asked to create formal presentations, improvisational skits, music, mock trials, any and all manner of projects, papers, etc., for your own learning and to contribute to the learning of your fellow scholars in this class.
GRADING : This is the grade scale that will be used to assess your work.*
A 94 – 100
A- 93 – 90
B+ 89 – 87
B 86 – 83
B- 82 – 80
C+ 79 – 77
C 76 – 73
C- 72 – 70
D+ 69 – 67
D 66 – 63
D- 62 – 60
F 59 – 0
*grades are rounded up from .5 and down from .49
Units for Study and Course reading assignments:
Pregame: A sense of place: European Geography
Unit 1: Setting the Stage: The Neolithic Revolution and the Rise of Cities
Ch. 1 Sec 2 & 3, p. 11 to 19 Dawn of History, Beginnings of Civilization
Ch. 2 Sec 3 & 4, p. 34 to 47 City States of Sumer, Rise of Judaism
Unit 2: Ancient Greece: Sparta and Athens, and the Birth of Democracy
Ch. 5 p. 100 – 123
Unit 3: Rome: Republic and Empire
Ch. 6 — Rome p. 126 – 151; Byzantium p. 234 – 239
Unit 4: Things Fall Apart or There’s Nothing Darker than the Dark Ages
Ch. 8 The Rise of Europe p. 180 – 200
Unit 5: The High Middle Ages or Well, I’m Certainly Glad THAT’S Over
Ch. 9 The High Middle Ages – p. 204 – 229
Ch. 11 The Rise of Islam – p. 250 – 272
Unit 6: Reawakening and The Renaissance – Ch. 14 sec 1 & 2, p. 334 -345
Changing the Conversation With The Reformation – Ch. 14 sec. 3 & 4, p. 346 – 359
Unit 7: Absolute Monarchs — The beginnings of modern nations Ch. 17
Unit 8: Life of the Mind: The Scientific Revolution – Ch. 14 sec. 5 p. 356 – 359,
The Enlightenment and the Age of Reason – Ch. 18 sec. 1 & 2, p. 446 – 455
Unit 9: The Enlightenment in Action: The French Revolution Ch. 19, p. 466 – 493
Unit 10: The Industrial Revolution Ch. 20 p. 496 – 513, Ch. 22 p. 542 – 554
Unit 11: Birthing Pains: Social Revolutions Ch. 21, p. 516 – 526, p. 603 – 605
Imperialism Ch. 25 p. 616 – 632, p. 635 – 638
Unit 12: War to End All Wars: Europe Enters the 20th Century — Ch. 27,
- 676 – 698
Postgame: Europe Today: What is the EU?