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The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing.

The first course in a two course sequence: an historical survey of Western Civilization from its origins to c. 1600. It examines the political, economic, social, cultural, religious, and intellectual developments that shaped the West, including its relationship with other regions of the world. Topics covered include its origins in the ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; medieval Europe and Byzantium; the Renaissance, European colonization, and the Protestant Reformation. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources.

The second in a two course sequence: an historical survey of Western Civilization from c. 1600 to the present. It examines the political, economic, social, cultural, religious, and intellectual developments that shaped the West, including its relationship with other regions of the world. Topics covered include the Scientific Revolution, early modern state-building, colonialism, the Enlightenment, French Revolution, the rise of modern political ideologies, imperialism, the World Wars, the Cold War, and terrorism. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources.