Ap_European

2011 UMS-WRIGHT SUMMER READING –10th GRADE Renaissance Lives by Theodore Rabb Both A.P. European History and World History II students will read and answer questions on Renaissance Lives by Theodore Rabb. You are encouraged to use a dictionary, textbook, and/or reliable internet sources (e.g. Encyclopedia Britannica) in order to reference unfamiliar historical information. Only the first six chapters are assigned for summer reading, but the remaining ones will be covered in the first semester of class. The book uses the lives of famous (and in some cases not-so-famous) people to paint a picture of the time period known as the Renaissance. This period in European History lasted from roughly 1350 to 1550 and was characterized by a “rebirth” of Greek and Roman culture, a more secular worldview, and more of an individualistic society. It was largely an intellectual and artistic movement which began in Italy but later spread throughout Europe. The A.P. Test and the first part of World History II focus heavily on this time period as it includes not only the Renaissance, but the Age of Exploration, the Protestant Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution. Renaissance Lives covers all of the above in addition to more general themes, such as economic and cultural history. Directions – for A.P. European History and World History II students • At the beginning of each chapter, the author gives an overview of the main ideas which he is going to discuss. In your own words, you must summarize it in a sentence or two. • As you read each chapter, you must give a brief biographical sketch of each person featured in the first six chapters – Petrarch, Jan Hus, Titian, Albrecht Durer, Thomas Platter, Teresa of Avila, Michel de Montaigne, Catherine de’ Medici, Walter Ralegh, and Galileo Galilei. • Finally, you must provide specific and relevant information from the book which the author uses to illustrate his main points. In other words, how does the author use the life of each historical figure to illustrate a clearer picture of the Renaissance' What does the life of each individual tell us about the age in which they lived' The answers should be well thought-out and typed. You are encouraged to email me any questions which you may have over the summer as you the read the book and answer the questions. The book should be challenging but not overwhelming. If a person (Machiavelli or Luther) or a movement (Protestant Reformation of Catholic Reformation) is mentioned repeatedly, you should investigate it via a textbook or another reliable source. You may consult other sources (again, a textbook) in order to gain a better understanding but should email me any questions concerning the book rather than consult fellow students. This is not group work. Students must work individually on this assignment. Additionally, A.P. European History students are required to read Chapter 11 of their textbook- Western Civilization - by Jackson Spielvogel and answer the Focus Questions found on page 303. These questions are only for A.P. students. • What impact did the Black Death have on the society and economy of Europe' • What major problems did European states face in the fourteenth century' • How and why did the authority and prestige of the papacy decline in the fourteenth century' • What were the major developments in art and literature in the fourteenth century' • How did the adversities of the fourteenth century affect urban life and medieval practices' • Each answer should be well thought-out and cite specific details from the text. Students may not simply copy the text. Your answers should be your own summary, with a few quotes by the author to be used in support of your answer. This assignment must be typed and students must work individually. DUE DATE: The assignment(s) are due no later than Thursday, August 18th at 7:45 a.m. World History II Summer Reading 2010 The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England By Ian Mortimer Directions: • Students should read the book one chapter at a time. As you read, you should take copious notes in your own words. In other words, do not copy from the book. Instead, summarize the various points that the author makes. • Following each chapter, you must type a one paragraph (five to seven sentences) summary of each chapter. There are eleven chapters, and therefore you will have eleven paragraphs. Do no wait until the last minute to do this assignment. It is advised to read the book leisurely throughout the summer and not attempt to read the entire book the day before school. • After reading the book, you should come to class on the first day of school with a firm understanding of the medieval mind and society. This will be crucial if you wish to understand the enormous changes which occur at the start of our study of world history in August. Students must work on this assignment individually and not in groups or pairs. Please feel free to email me over the summer with any questions which you may have concerning the book or the assignment. Due Date: This assignment is due on August 13th, 2010 by 7:45 a.m.