Modern Europe: Past and Present

Course Syllabus: Spring 2012

Instructor: Mr. Ames

Contact Information: sames@ipswichschools.org, (978) 356-3137, ext. 133

Extra Help Available: Directed Study, Monday after school and by appointment.

Textbook:     Selected readings from: Beck, Roger B. et. al., ed. World History: Patterns of Interaction. Boston: McDougall Littell, 1999.

Readings:     As Assigned

Unit Headings and Essential Questions

I.           Europe: What is this place?

Essential Questions:

v  What is Europe?

o   Geography

o   Mindset

o   History

v  Cultural Background

o   Greece and Rome

o   Medieval Europe

II.         The Building Blocks of Modern European Culture

Essential Questions:

v  Is there a single concept of “Modern Europe?

v  What cultural structures have traditionally guided Europeans in their daily lives?

v  Are these elements essential to European culture?

III.     A Continent Self Destructs

Essential Questions:

v Were these values the causes of the wars of the twentieth century, or were they an anomaly?

o   The idea of World Wars I and II – or the idea of a  “Second 30 Years’ War”

v How did Europe survive the collective loss of confidence and position in the years during, between and after the two world wars?

 IV.       A Devastated Continent Begins Anew

          Essential Questions:

v  How do nations recover from complete destruction?

v  How can several nations overcome centuries of mistrust and war to create a new order?

v  How do different nations govern themselves?

V.      Western Europe: The Driving Force Behind Unification

          Essential Questions:

v  What motivates nations to limit their own sovereignty?

v  How can disparate cultures learn to accept and work with one another?

v  What is the vision of a united Europe – or what does the phrase “ever closer union” mean?

VI.     Eastern Europe: A Different Path

          Essential Questions:

v  How does a nation ensure desirable outcomes in other countries?

v  How do citizens act and react when held under foreign domination?

v  What does a government do to retain its citizens in the face of wealthier neighbors that have attractive lifestyles and living standards?

VII.   Consolidation and Growth: The European Economic Community 1960 – 1973

          Essential Questions:

v  How do nations adapt to changed global conditions and priorities?

v  How do democracies maintain their citizen’s faith in the nation in the face of seemingly overwhelming challenges?

v  In an increasingly interdependent world, why do some nations seek to “go it alone,” while others seek alliances and assistance?

v  How can an international organization adapt itself so that it can continue to grow?

VIII.  The Seventies: A Time of Uncertainty and Change

          Essential Questions:

v  What are the most important issues for people in democratic nations?

v  How do ethnically homogenous states react when members of a “minority” group challenges the status quo?

v  Why do terrorist groups challenge through the use of terror and not through the ballot box?

v  How can an international organization react to terrorists fighting domestic issues and Civil Rights Issues?

IX.          Competing Visions: A United Europe, or An Alliance of Sovereign Member Nations?

Essential Questions:

v  Is a local or a nationally focused government the best for the citizens of a country?

v  Given competing visions, what factors are important in decisions regarding national sovereignty?

v  What is government’s role in shaping society?

v  How did the relaxing of Soviet policies in Eastern Europe help the West to debate the issues more thoroughly?

X.      A Truly United Europe?: Europe Since Monetary Union – 1992 – Present

                                                Essential Questions:

v  Is a local or a nationally focused government the best for the citizens of a country?

v  How do multi-cultural experiences, money, and government interact?

v  Can democracy be practiced in countries (i.e. Russia) where there is no history of democracy, or its cultural foundations?