Course+Expectations

//Attendance//: Attendance is expected. If absent, the student is expected to a) keep up with any previously assigned readings/assignments, b) check with another student to get missed notes/information, c) if missing any specific worksheets, see teacher before/after class to get these, as well as to arrange a schedule for making up any assignments missed.
 * __Course Expectations:__**

//Late Assignments//: For shorter absences (1-4 days), students will be permitted one day for each excused absence [not to include work assigned prior to absence. For longer absences (1 week or longer), see teacher to arrange a reasonable schedule for make-up work. In cases of extenuating circumstances, see teacher as early as possible. NOTE: In Sapphire, blank grades are calculated as a ZERO. This will be corrected once the assignment is submitted and entered.

//Rationale behind Homework and Classwork//: It is Mr. Meier’s goal to structure the time students spend, both in class and out of class, to be used most effectively.

Homework will be designed primarily to accomplish the following: Practice the unit’s key **vocabulary** [terms/names/events…]. Read **primary source documents** at home, in order to use class time for analyzing their purpose/significance Classwork will be designed primarily to accomplish the following: Provide an open environment for: scholarly **discussion**, **argumentation**, cooperative **analysis**, and **review**. NOTE: The most important point in understanding the teacher’s goals in both homework and classwork is to understand that in-class lessons will seek to expand, not simply repeat, the information found in homework readings. Homework will be made necessary in order to prepare for class. Class will then hopefully focus on: a) in-depth analysis on specific points and b) activities to give us a better view of the “BIG PICTURE” c) discussion of our own interpretations and opinions.
 * Introduce** students to important topics/themes/background information. These will then be discussed in further depth in class.
 * Build** upon the concepts already introduced through reading to provide a deeper understanding of the major themes.
 * Connect** various people/ideas/events together to construct a “big picture” of the interconnectedness of European history

//Classroom Atmosphere//: Our AP European History class should be regarded as a team. Our goal shall be to build each other up and work together in class to achieve everyone’s success. While competition certainly has its place, it should never hinder the “open forum” atmosphere of discussion and collaboration. We will be most prepared to succeed, both in class and on the AP Exam, if we can create a classroom where everyone is comfortable asking questions, sharing opinions, sharpening one another through scholarly debate. Each student is expected, through attitude and action, to fully support the unity of this type of open forum classroom.