This AP Summer Institute in AP European History is intended for new and beginning AP teachers looking to implement a successful program in their school. Enrollment is also recommended for experienced AP teachers eager to gain insight into the current Curriculum and Design Framework in order to hone their craft.  This summer institute will explore the themes, historical reasoning processes, content objectives, and time periods that define the course expectations. This institute will also explain the grading of the exam. 

During the institute, participants will have the opportunity to examine sample lesson plans, review the regulations for the course audit, and begin developing a pacing guide.  Sample lessons will be supplied and teachers will be given opportunities to discuss and construct other lessons related to the course.  While the course will cover the pacing for the entire year, participants will be given the opportunity to develop their first unit in order to receive feedback on pacing and lesson ideas.

Most importantly, the workshop will create an environment of mutual respect among participants and the instructor in order to encourage a dialogue and discussion regarding issues and concerns related to AP European History. 

Day One:

• Introduction to the Course Exam and Description
• AP Style Questions
• Course at a Glance
• Planning and Pacing

Day Two:

• The AP Exam Format
• Historical Thinking Skills:
  • Developments and Processes
  • Causation
  • Continuity and Change
• Introduction the Document Based Question

Day Three:

• Introduction to the Long Essay Question
• Historical Thinking Skills:
  • Comparison
  • Contextualization
  • Analyzing Primary Sources
• Analyzing Art
• Enrichment with the Document Based Question

Day Four:

• Enrichment with the Long Essay Question
• Historical Thinking Skills:
  • Analyzing Secondary Sources
  • Argumentation
• Discussion Techniques
• Introduction to AP Classroom
• Complete Course Audit

Day Five:

• Reviewing for the AP Exam
• Planning Unit 1

Catherine Holden Desmond has been teaching AP European History for over ten years at a comprehensive high school in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland.  She has been an AP Reader, Table Leader and/or Question Leader for the exam for over ten years allowing her the opportunity to understand the nuances of the scoring for the written portion of the exam, as well as, contributing to AP Daily, the College Board sponsored website that provides content and skill development for all AP courses.  Catherine has written for various textbook companies related to the content and skills associated with teaching AP European History.  In addition, to being a high school teacher, Catherine taught Western Civilization I & II at a local college and I have been a Park Ranger with the National Park Service.