SYLLABUS

MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY

Course Instructor Textbook

Modern European History Spring 2012 Ms. Eimear Wynne Elis, E. G., & Esler, A. (2005) World History: Connections to Today. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Telephone (+34) 93 479 16 16, ext. 242 Fax (+34) 93 479 16 22 Email ewynne@es-school.com Course Description and Objectives

This course will study the period from the 19th century Industrial Revolution and its impact on Europe, through the rise of European Colonialism and Imperialism culminating in the economic, social and political revolutions that profoundly changed 19th and 20th century Europe and led to World War 1, World War II and the Cold War. Emphasis will be placed on the emergence of revolutionary ideas which profoundly changed the lives of Europeans and led to the development of new philosophies, sciences and economic and political systems. We will explore in depth the development of European political and social culture and the conflicts that arose within different European states and between European nations which eventually engulfed the world. A key objective of this course is to help students uncover the connections between various events in European History. We will also examine the diversity of interpretations used by different cultures and historians to describe European historical periods and events in order to have a deeper understanding of who and what constitutes History. Primary sources, power point presentations and film documentaries will be used extensively to supplement the textbook in examining major historical events. Upon successfully completing this course students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role physical and cultural geography played in the development of modern Europe; recognize the impact of significant people, revolutionary ideas, and major social and political upheavals on the nation states and institutions of Europe; appreciate current and historic events in relation to the experiences, contributions, and perspectives of diverse cultural and ethnic groups; understand the processes used to create and process history; understand the contexts; apply research, study, critical- thinking, and decision-making skills and demonstrate the use of new and emerging technology in problem solving.

Grading There are several ways in which each student can achieve successful results in this course. For many assignments, such as class debates and research papers, grade analysis rubrics will be provided to guide you through the requirements of each assignment and to advise you what is required in order to earn the best results. The Grading Scale below is a school-wide scale used to evaluate work for its accuracy, completeness, and quality. Grades will be awarded using the following scale: A 94-100 Excellent A- 90-93 B+ 87-89 B 84-86 Very Good B- 80-83 C+ 77-79 C 74-76 Satisfactory C- 70-73 D 60-69 Below Average F 59 and below Fail The following criteria will be used to calculate your final course grade: (Grade distribution is within the purview of the instructor, except for attendance which is a school policy). Four (4) Scheduled Examinations 60% (15% each) Term Paper 10% Power Point Presentation 10% Participation 10% Attendance 10%

Scheduled Examinations There will be four (4) scheduled examinations during the course of the semester, including the final exam. The scheduled examinations will be worth a cumulative sixty (60) percent of your total course grade. Please plan and devote sufficient study time and effort to this significant segment of your course grade. Make-up examinations may only be taken when there is an excused absence. There will be no re-testing in this course whatsoever.

Term Paper Each student will be required to select a topic in Modern European History for a research paper subject to the approval of the instructor. Additional information regarding style, format and content will be provided in order to submit a proper research paper. This paper will account for ten (10) percent of your total course grade.

Modern European History | Ms. Eimear Wynne | Spring 2012

Power Point Presentation

Each student will give an oral presentation using PowerPoint to the class on a topic chosen by the student, subject to the approval of the teacher. These presentations should be no more than 30 minutes and must be accompanied with a written handout and bibliography. Additional information regarding style, format and content will be provided to each student and class time devoted to developing research and presentation skills. This presentation will account for ten (10) percent of your total course grade.

Class Participation, Attendance and Homework It is expected that each student understands and accepts the high level of energy and commitment necessary to be successful on this academic level. The instructor is committed to provide a course of the highest quality and commits his time, energy and talents to the process. Reciprocity of these ideals is the highest form of compliment to the instructor. All students are encouraged to participate in classroom discussions in a respectful manner as participation is an integral part of the course grade. Assigned readings must be completed prior to class in order to participate constructively in class discussions, master an understanding of the course material, and achieve excellent results. Homework must be completed as scheduled and presented in a clear, concise, and orderly manner. Quality homework is the students best preparation for revision and exams. All homework is carefully evaluated and feedback provided. The feedback is meant to assist students in their mastery of the material and should be diligently assimilated into the students future work. Students will be advised of the format and standards required of all submitted work, as well as the standards of behavior and respect required in classroom discussion and debates. Consistent and prompt attendance is an essential course component to earn an excellent grade, and prompt class attendance will be strictly enforced. Students will penalized two (2) points for each unexcused absence per class and one (1) point for each tardy per class out of the Attendance portion of their course grade. Three (3) tardies are equivalent to one (1) unexcused absence for the purposes of attendance and determining that a student qualifies to receive credit in this course. Those students with five (5) or more unexcused absences during the semester will not receive credit for the course. Students are the sole party responsible to recuperate any work missed due to an excused absence. The instructor will not pursue any student for work missed. Work not recuperated within the prescribed timeline will not be permitted for submission. Therefore, you will not receive credit for the work. Students must come to class on time and with the appropriate materials (for example: an agenda or daily planner which is required every day, textbook (when necessary),

Modern European History | Ms. Eimear Wynne | Spring 2012

notebook, homework, and pen or pencil). This course will require a significant amount of reading; therefore, students should follow the attached reading assignments carefully. Students who do not come to class prepared to learn, will neither maximize their potential in the course nor earn sufficient points on the assignments or class participation portion of the course grade to warrant an excellent grade. Please remember, a student earns his/her grade, the instructor does not give it. Electronic Device Usage Students are not permitted to use or have on their possession at any time in the classroom any non-approved electronic devices during the class period. The use or possession of non-approved electronic devices (iPods, MP3 players, cellular telephones or electronic translators) in the classroom is strictly forbidden. Students who violate this policy will have these devices confiscated which can only be redeemed after consultation with a parent. Use of any of these devices during an examination will result in the students automatic failure of the examination. Additionally, any student who refuses to surrender to any faculty or staff member prohibited electronic devices will automatically face a Disciplinary Committee Hearing. No Exceptions! Academic Integrity A school is a community of individuals who voluntarily join together for the purpose of learning. At the heart of this sense of academic community is the idea that the behavior of its members is guided by a shared commitment to the highest standards of academic integrity. Any form of cheating, plagiarism or assisting others in acts of dishonesty is a violation of such standards. As a student in this course, it is assumed that you pledge that you will neither receive nor give unauthorized assistance during the completion of any work in this course. Plagiarism is defined as using another person's writings or ideas as one's own without the appropriate acknowledgement such as quotation marks or a properly formatted citation/footnote/endnote. Please be sure to properly format and cite your sources when writing the research paper. No excuses, sad stories or exceptions will be accepted. Take pride in your hard work and accepts its rewards. Academic Guidance and Office Hours This instructor maintains an "Open Door Policy" and encourages ALL students to seek help or guidance concerning his/her work in this course when he/she feels necessary. If you have any questions or feel that you need clarification in any particular area, please feel free to see me. This open exchange of information will permit the instructor to give you a continuous evaluation of your progress as the course develops. All students must accept and understand his/her responsibility in the learning process, and it will be each students responsibility to seek assistance as needed.

Modern European History | Ms. Eimear Wynne | Spring 2012