The Advanced Placement (AP) European History course is a rigorous academic program designed to give high school students a college-level understanding of European history. The curriculum is comprehensive and aims to develop students’ abilities to think critically, analyze historical evidence, and articulate their thoughts coherently. For 2024, the AP Euro curriculum continues to offer a broad overview of European history from the Renaissance to the present, while also incorporating updated themes and concepts to stay relevant to contemporary historical research and pedagogical approaches.
### Course Organization
The AP European History course is traditionally divided into four main periods that align closely with significant epochs in European history. Each period encompasses a variety of themes, events, and influential figures:
1. **Period 1: 1450-1648** – This era covers the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration, examining how the rediscovery of classical knowledge and the expansion into the New World transformed European society and culture.
2. **Period 2: 1648-1815** – Enlightenment and Revolution characterize this period. It includes significant events like the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on how these events reshaped concepts of governance, society, and human rights.
3. **Period