Description and Objectives

This course examines modern European history from approximately 1450 to the present, from the Renaissance and the Reformation to the fall of Communism and beyond.  Students will acquire a deep knowledge of the major political and diplomatic events in modern European history, and a knowledge of intellectual and cultural trends.  In addition to factual knowledge, students will need to be able to demonstrate reading comprehension, analysis, and writing at the collegiate level.  One of the goals of this course is to prepare students to be able to obtain college credit by taking the AP exam in the spring.

Textbooks

The Guillotine and the Cross by Warren Carroll

A History of the Modern World, Ninth Edition, by Palmer, Colton, and Kramer

1917 by Warren Carroll

Course Reader

Course Requirements

Students should expect daily reading assignments.

Class participation is expected, as it demonstrates that the student is engaging the ideas and is mastering the concepts learned in the assignments and class lectures.

Several tests will be given each quarter, along with Midterm and Final exams that are cumulative (all tests will be in the same style as the AP exam).

Successful Students

Successful students will come prepared to class; they will come having completed carefully their assignments.

Successful students will actively participate in class by taking good notes and also adding to the academic environment.

I am available outside of class and will make myself available for extra help whenever an appointment is needed. And, I encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns either by phone or email: rybarra@heights.edu or (301) 365-0227 ext. 253.

Additional Resources

Renaissance Art

Topic #4 – Khan Academy video on “Raphael, School of Athens”: https://youtu.be/Smd-q44ysoM

Topic #8 – Khan Academy video on “Hans Holbein the Younger, The Ambassadors”: https://youtu.be/qOvxK_3HEco

 

Baroque Art

Topic #28 – Khan Academy video on “Bernini, David”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uEtvaUsI_w&t=1s

 

Romanticism

Topic #87 (see both)

Khan Academy video on “Friedrich, Monk by the Sea”: https://youtu.be/XkcHktjqI1s

Khan Academy video on “Gericault, Raft of the Medusa”: https://youtu.be/jlVBaqyGKMs

 

Realism

Topic #95 (see both)

Video on “Nineteenth-century art”: https://youtu.be/XdYgyO0RmFI

Khan Academy video on “Millet, The Gleaners”: https://youtu.be/Dk1nuM5JKqQ

 

Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism

Topic #99 (see both)

Khan Academy video on “Monet, Water Lillies”: https://youtu.be/6fHorNn2zqQ

Khan Academy video on “Monet, Rouen Cathedral”: https://youtu.be/DWHJx0kFQCo

Summer Assignment

Read The Guillotine and the Cross by Warren Carroll.  During the first week of school, you will take an essay-test worth a substantial part of your first quarter grade.  The test will ask you to demonstrate a knowledge of the book’s major themes, by answering with sufficient detail.

You will need to purchase the book through Sophia Institute Press:

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-guillotine-and-the-cross/