_What is Europe Anyway_

Introduction Session

Overview of AP European History Curriculum

The AP European History curriculum encompasses a thorough exploration of key events, cultural developments, and historical figures that have shaped Europe from its inception to present day. It prepares students for the AP exam and fosters critical thinking and analytical skills applicable in various disciplines.

Class Information

  • Registration: Students must enroll in the class through the MYAP platform by Sunday. It's critical to verify that registration is complete using the provided class code, accessible on the Updates tab on Schoology.

Schoology Overview

  • The course will be managed on the Schoology platform, which facilitates communication, assignment submissions, and resource sharing. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with its functionalities to enhance their learning experience.

Syllabus Highlights

  • Key Policies: The syllabus outlines crucial classroom policies, including:

    • AI Policy: Guidelines on the appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools for assignments and projects.

    • Phone Policy: Regulations regarding phone usage during class to promote an engaging learning environment.

    • Late Work Policy: Detailed consequences and procedures for submitting late assignments.

  • Assessments and Expectations: Variety of assessments including reading checks, quizzes, essays, and homework assignments designed to evaluate comprehension and engagement with the material.

What is Europe Anyway?

  • An in-depth examination of Europe, discussing its identity, cultural significance, and geopolitical implications across various contexts. Students will investigate the historical evolution of Europe’s borders and cultural influences.

Objectives of the Course

  • Historical Analysis: Analyze a wide spectrum of historical and cultural factors that contribute to Europe’s unique identity.

  • Geopolitical Evaluation: Evaluate the concept of Europe as a continent within the global context, including its connections and distinctions from other regions.

  • Impact Assessment: Assess the implications of defining Europe in geographical, political, and socio-cultural terms, fostering an understanding of how these definitions influence perception and governance.

Opening Discussion Question

  • Reflect upon the various influences that Europe has contributed to the world historically and culturally. Consider referencing key intellectual contributions from great Greek philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates, who laid foundational concepts in Western thought.

Europe as a Continental Space

  • Engage in a debate regarding the classification of Europe as a continent versus a peninsula of the Eurasian supercontinent. Discuss its geographic boundaries, including:

    • The Atlantic Ocean to the west

    • The Mediterranean Sea to the south

    • The North and Baltic Seas to the north

Geography Overview

  • Explore geographic features such as:

    • The Kara Sea and Barents Sea in the Arctic region

    • The diverse landscapes of Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Norway

  • Assess the influence of geography on cultural and political developments in Europe.

Cultural Landscape of Europe

  • Heartland of Christendom: Understanding Europe's historical role as the center of Christianity.

  • Religious Diversity: Acknowledgment of the spectrum of religious beliefs, including:

    • Various denominations of Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy)

    • Secular philosophies and atheism

    • Jewish and Muslim communities and their historical contexts in Europe.

Linguistic Diversity

  • An examination of the linguistic landscape across Europe:

    • Identification of countries with significant language diversity and their historical roots.

    • Examples of language families:

      • Germanic: Includes languages such as Norwegian and German

      • Romance: Includes languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish

  • Statistical data reflecting language percentages and the distribution of languages across Europe.

Margins of Europe

  • Investigate the historical context of Russia's expansion into Asia, examining its geopolitical reach and the implications it has had on Europe’s borders and identity over time.

Historical Context of Europe

  • Discussion of key historical entities such as:

    • The Roman Empire's influence on European unity and governance

    • The medieval Christian world and its impact on collective European identity.

Global Influence of Europe

  • Reflect on how Europe has established itself as a global force throughout history, focusing on economic, political, and cultural contributions that have shaped its role in global affairs.

Future Assignments

  • Details regarding the Discussion Posts: Initial post and subsequent comments due by Sunday at 11:59 PM.

  • Sign and submit the syllabus as acknowledgement of understanding and compliance with course expectations.

  • Register for MYAP to access course materials and announcements.