HOME  FACULTY

1263 MODERN EUROPE Instructor: Dr. Richard Peters  Office: LA202F Telephone: 974-5789

This syllabus is for reference only. Up-to-date syllabi can be found in the history department.

2. About the Course

History 1263, "Modern Europe," is an introductory course in 19th and 20th century Europe.  It begins with a brief survey of the Revolutionary/Napoleonic period, and moves on to the revolutionary disturbances of the early 19th century and the building of two European nation/states, Italy and Germany.  In the 20th century, the course focuses on the First World War, the failure of democratic governments following the war and the emergence of dictatorships, World War 11, and the Cold War era.  The emphasis in placed on political history, although some attention is given to intellectual, social, and cultural history.

The course is essentially a lecture course, but there will be a few slide presentations or videos.  My lecture style, however, is loose, and I welcome questions and relevant class discussion.
Since this course is required for all history and social studies majors, most of the students in class will be majors in those disciplines.  I welcome students from all disciplines, however, especially students outside the liberal arts.  In many colleges and universities, such a course (sometimes called "Western Civilization"), is required of all students for graduation.  While UCO does not require the course, it is still an important building block for a solid liberal arts education.

3. Examinations
You will be given three major examinations, including the final.  The chapters for each examination will be assigned to you in class.  Each of these exams will consist of both multiple choice questions and essay questions.  In general, about two-thirds of your grade will based on the essays and about two-thirds on the multiple choice.

You will always have some choice in the selection of your essay, which will be based heavily on the lectures.  We will discuss the essays much more fully in class.
In addition to the three major examinations, you will have two map tests.  The map questions will be selected from a map list, which you will be provided in class.  More on this in class.
For each examination, including the map tests, there will be a maximum number of points possible.  Your grade will be based upon the total points you accumulate for each particular examination.  About 50% is required for a passing grade for the three major exams (higher for the map tests).  Your semester grade will be based upon your total accumulated points for all tests.  All of this will be explained much more fully in class.
On the day of the examination you need to bring with you (1) a bluebook and a @n for your essay, and (2) a scantron (form 882) and a # pencil for the multiple choice questions.
I will give you at least a one-week notice before each exam.

4. Make-Up Exams
You must make every effort to take the examination at the scheduled time; skipping an exam because you "did not have time to prepare" is not an adequate excuse.
I realize there are times when it may be impossible for you to be present and a make-up exam will be necessary.  If this should happen, let me know at the earliest possible moment.

5. Office Hours
These vary from semester to semester, but they are always posted outside my office door (LA204B).  If these hours conflict with your own schedule, see me after class and we will arrange a time that is mutually agreeable.

6. Attendance Policy
I usually take attendance by passing around a roll sheet for you to initial.  Since examinations are based heavily on the material provided in the lectures, you very likely will pay a price if you are irresponsible in your attendance.  If has been my experience that students who miss class frequently seldom receive high grades.

7. Some Tips for Success in this Course
a.  Attend class regularly and take a good set of notes.
b.  Study the notes and the textbook consistently, not just the night before the examination.
c.  If at anytime you are having trouble comprehending the lectures or the textbook, see me as soon as possible.  Do not wait until a week before the final

Note:  Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the equity officer, Brad Morelli, at ext. 2573, or see me after class as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.