Modern Europe: Fall Semester
*What are the central economic, political, and social themes in European history from 1500 to the present?
*What were the causes, both immediate and underlying, of major events in European history?
*What were the effects, both immediate and long-term, of major events in European history?
How are the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment different? How are they similar?
What were the origins of modern ways of thought?
What are the causes and effects of revolutions?
What social changes do wars bring?
How does art reflect society's concerns?
How do major historical figures relate to one another?
To what extent was Napoleon a truly revolutionary figure?
*How and why did constitutional liberalism and democratic institutions evolve in the West?
*Why is it important to have a firm grasp of European history if one is to understand the modern world?
*Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution
Attention will be given to Renaissance writers and the rise of humanism, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-Reformation, the Scientific Revolution and clashes between reason and faith. This unit concludes with a research paper on the relations between prominent figures of this era.
*Constitutionalism, Absolutism, and Enlightenment: 1603-1789
Beginning with the 17th century struggle between parliament and the monarchy in England, students then focus on the reign of Louis XIV, examine 18th-century society, then how the Enlightenment challenged the ideas of the Old Regime and created new perceptions of humanity, society, and government. This unit concludes with an analysis of the relationship between the Enlightenment and the Renaissance and Reformation.
*The French Revolution and Napoleon: 1789-1815
This unit explores the causes of the French Revolution and its progress. It covers the war between the revolutionary government and Napoleon's rise to power. Napoleon's wars and attempts to reform the laws of Europe lead to a paper analyzing whether Napoleon was a truly revolutionary figure.
*The European Century: 1800-1914
Beginning with the study of Napoleon's Empire and the Congress of Vienna, this unit examines how the French Revolution of 1789 and the Industrial Revolution transformed European society and politics in the 19th century and established Europe's global pre-eminence. Students will also explore the causes of European imperialism and its impact on non-western cultures. This unit concludes with an examination of the social and political pressures leading to World War I and the Russian Revolutions of 1917, and the war's impact on Europe.
*Thinking critically
*Reading accurately and critically
*Writing coherently and analytically
*Speaking articulately
*Listening carefully and respectfully
*Selecting quality sources, both print and Internet
*Essay
*Examination
*Discussion
*Oral Presentation
*Research papers using both library and Internet sources
*Biography Research
*World History: People and Nations
*Sources of the Western Tradition, Volume 2
The Catlin Upper School Library
Historical films
Web Resources
*Issues of race, class, and gender are addressed throughout the course.
*Impact of European imperialism on non-western cultures.
*Impact of western culture and globalization on the modern world.
*Clash of civilizations.
*Enlightenment values and their importance to multi-cultural and multi-ethnic societies.