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Summer Reading: Modern European History AP/IB Modern European History Shaker Heights High School Ms. Davis [email protected] Dear Student: Congratulations for signing up for a very challenging class. I hope that even as you find the demands of this class rigorous, you will also find the study of European history rewarding, interesting and fun. The following information will help prepare you for the class. Assumptions Upon entering this class, the student must: recognize that the content of this class will require more than the normal amount of homework and commitment as students establish a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of European History. have a mature attitude and passion for scholarly pursuits, clearly holding history and independent study as a high priority; accept the challenge of reading, without "spoon-feeding," a rigorous college level curriculum (50+ pages a week); be willing to conquer assigned material independently with proficient note-taking skills; have sophisticated writing skills, especially the ability to write a thesis-proving essay in a constructed time frame. Required Summer Readings/Preparations: We will hit the ground running in August. In order to be prepared, it is essential and required that you complete all of the summer assignments thoroughly before the school year begins. You will be responsible for the material assigned on the first day of school, and will be engaged in a substantial essay test within the first few days. The summer assignments follow: → Required Assignment! A World Lit Only by Fire by William Manchester. Local bookstores will usually carry this book or can have copies soon. If you don’t wish to purchase this book, check local libraries (there should also be a pretty fair number of students exiting from this class who might cut you a deal). The study sheet based on the reading will be turned in on the first day of class. It can be copied/downloaded from Shaker.org Some time during the summer, study maps of Europe extensively to become familiar with the countries, major cities, landforms, and bodies of water. You will be tested on this early in the school year. Become aware of European current events by reading newspapers, magazines and internet. Since our discussions will often refer to these, the more informed you are about the political, economic and social conditions of the different countries, the better. 1 Summer Reading: Modern European History Other Things to Do (optional, but enriching) Immerse yourself in the Hollywood versions of medieval European history. You will find it interesting and fun, and should gain a sense about the culture and environment in which many events took place. They are especially useful for gaining an appreciation of the times. A few recommendations (Be aware that some of these titles are for mature audiences – always check with your parents for permission) Becket (12th century; gives perspective of struggle between church and monarchy) The Seventh Seal (deep; takes place during the Black Death) The Navigator (weird; time travel from 14th to 20th century) Lady Jane (the short reign of a teenage queen in England) Anne of a Thousand Days (Anne Boleyn, mother of Elizabeth) Elizabeth (covers earlier life leading to ascension to throne) Elizabeth: the Golden Age (covers her reign) Monty Python and the Holy Grail (why not?) The Name of the Rose (an insight into a medieval monastery) The Agony and the Ecstasy (Michelangelo and the painting of the Sistine Chapel) A Man for All Seasons (the life and death of Sir Thomas More) Shakespeare in Love (improbable story, but a great movie and look at Elizabethan culture) National History Day Since this is the only long-term research assignment you will do during the entire school year, it is important that you choose a topic that will hold your interest. You might find it beneficial to do some initial searching, Check website, nhd.org for theme and suggestions especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, this summer. I will be happy to respond to email inquiries and make suggestions. 2 Summer Reading: Modern European History A APP//IIBB M Mooddeerrnn EEuurrooppeeaann H Hiissttoorryy – Ms. Davis [email protected] Name ___________________ Due Date: 1st day of class Note: This packet can be reformatted for your convenience in answering the questions. Summer Reading Packet, 2010 The required summer reading for this class is William Manchester’s, A World Lit Only by Fire. This book can be purchased from local bookstores. As you read, remember that "History is not just what happened; it's who tells us what happened." The primary purpose in reading this work is to gain increased knowledge and perspective about the main characteristics and figures of the Renaissance and Reformation. At the same time, you must read critically. Remember, Manchester is presenting only one of many interpretations of the Renaissance and its relationship to the Middle Ages. This study guide is divided into three parts: questions to answer as you read, a who's who list (alphabetical) of major figures you will encounter as you read, and evaluation questions to answer after you have completed the book. Answer the questions completely, summarizing in your own words. Do not simply recopy whole passages from the book. Notes for A World Lit Only by Fire Test on this book the first Friday of the semester. Part I - The Medieval Mind Describe the Dark Ages. What role did Christianity play in the Middle Ages? Why does Manchester say that the medieval world was not a "civilization"? What were the characteristics of the medieval mind? What factors in the 15th century contributed to the beginning of the end of the Middle Ages? Part II - The Shattering In what ways was the 15th century a violent time? What were some of the problems of the Roman Catholic Church? 3 Summer Reading: Modern European History How was the population of Europe distributed in 1500? Describe medieval towns. Describe life for peasants. Describe life for knights. Describe the religious beliefs of the average European. Describe common attitudes toward marriage and sexuality. How did most great artists support themselves during the Renaissance? Explain the development of printing. What was its impact? What kinds of education were available? What role did ancient classical literature play in the Renaissance? What did humanists believe/stand for? 4 Summer Reading: Modern European History Describe the Renaissance popes. What were indulgences? Why were they so controversial? Describe Luther's early religious beliefs and experiences. ¾ Why did he post his 95 Theses? ¾ What were the effects? Summarize the major events that led to Luther's break with the Roman Catholic Church. In what ways had the groundwork for the Reformation been laid before Luther? Of what importance was the use of vernacular language (not Latin) to the Reformation? For what abuses did Luther criticize the Roman Catholic Church? Who supported Protestantism and why? In what ways did humanism threaten the Church? How did politics contribute to Luther's success? What other Protestant movements developed besides Lutheranism? 5 Summer Reading: Modern European History What was Erasmus' position on the Reformation? How did humanists respond to the Lutheran Reformation? Describe Calvinism. Describe the sack of Rome in 1527. How did the Roman Catholic Church respond to the Reformation? Explain the reasons for and events of the English Reformation. Part III - One Man Alone What factors contributed to the end of the medieval world? What motives did Europeans have for exploration? Assess the achievements/contributions of: Martin Luther Prince Henry the Navigator Dias DaGama Columbus Cabot Ponce de Leon Cortes 6 Summer Reading: Modern European History Balboa Magellan What role did politics play in Magellan's voyage? What does Manchester think accounts for Magellan's success? Do you agree with Manchester's assessment of Magellan as "the world's greatest explorer"? Why or why not? Who's Who: Describe the historical importance/major contributions of each: Boccaccio Cesare Borgia Borgia family Botticelli John Calvin Carlos I (Charles V) Castiglione Copernicus 7 Summer Reading: Modern European History Dante Alighieri Dũrer Elizabeth I Erasmus Ferdinand and Isabella Francis I Fugger family Galileo Gutenberg Henry VII Henry VIII John Hus Julius II 8 Summer Reading: Modern European History Kepler Leonardo da Vinci Luther Machiavelli Mary I ("Bloody Mary") Maximillian I Medici family Michelangelo Moore Petrarch Pico della Mirandola Rabelais Savonarola 9 Summer Reading: Modern European History Tetzel Torquemada Zwingli Critical Evaluation Summarize Manchester's thesis in a single sentence. (What point is he trying to prove in writing this book?) Manchester includes a fair amount of sexual material in this book. Do you think it adds or detracts? Why? What kinds of people get the most attention in this book? Who gets the least attention? Is anyone missing entirely? Is this a problem? Why or why not? Read the "Acknowledgements and Sources" and skim through the bibliography. Do most of the sources seem to be primary (written at the time - Renaissance) or secondary (written later)? Does that influence how you evaluate this book? How? Does Manchester have any evident biases that come through in his writing? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this book as an overview of the Renaissance? 10
