AP World History Summer Assignment Instructor: Dave Schmidt (Coach)
Contact Information: Anytime you have a question or need information, contact me at: School e‐mail:
[email protected] or
[email protected] (google e‐mail) Home e‐mail:
[email protected] The AP World History course is designed to teach you the equivalent to a World History I and II course in college. The course is also designed to prepare you for the AP College Board exam in May which is an option you may choose to do. You may also opt for dual credit through St. Mary’s University. All this will be explained during the first couple of days of school.
Looking ahead in preparation for the course, you will need a 3‐ring binder with divisions for the units which will include notes, handouts, documents, and unit packets. We will work together as you take responsibility for your success.
The course will cover the history of the world from the early beginnings of civilization to the 21st century. Your summer assignment will give you a “jump start” with some preparation for our mock trial in November. The summer assignment has two parts which will include a reading assignment and the other document analysis and writing. Rubrics for both are below and may be found on my school webpage in the AP World Summer folder or at the school library. The Leavenworth High School library will be open during the summer, mainly in June. Contact the librarian, Laurie Hunt, for days and times. Laurie will be happy to help you find a find what you need.
SUMMER ASSIGNMENT
Part One: In preparation for our mock trial (Chinggis Khan and his descendants) in November, we want to a have a frame of reference to compare with the Mongol conquest and expansion. The trial is to decide whether the Mongols were civilized or uncivilized conquerors of the 13th and 14th centuries. The following will give us a reference for comparison. You will research two individuals based on the first letter of your last name (see below). Last name ending in: A‐H: Tang Taizong of China: What made him a successful ruler? Harun al‐Rashid of the Abbasid Dynasty: Why was he a powerful caliph? I‐Q: Minamoto Yoritomo of Japan: How did he establish the Shogunate? Mansa Musa of Mali: What motivated his behavior as a ruler? R‐Z: Louis IX of France: Saintly king or ruthless slayer of Muslims? Edward I of England: How did he strengthen his kingdom? Answer the question fully and in detail for each individual. Include date of rule How they came to power Any other specific aspects or impact of their rule that could be used as a frame of reference in the comparison with Mongol rule
The paper should be: 1.5 to 2 pages in length, typed, double space, 11‐12 font Include your name and the individuals you are writing about Minimum of two sources per individual, MLA format, at end of paper Site for MLA format: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/
Part Two: Reading assignment options include both historical and historical fiction. There are a number of authors who write very good historically accurate fictional novels. A number of these authors also have a section at the end of the novel, identifying specific historical facts or if certain events were altered in the story. The titles and authors below are only options, so you may choose a book that is not on the list. The book can be from any period and any aspect of history. Examples: Historical Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond Civilization by Niall Ferguson Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself (will be an edited version The Travels of Marco Polo edited versions available 1421: The Year China discovered America: by Gavin Menzies Rape of Nanking: by Iris Chang A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft Afghan Campaign by Steven Pressfield King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild Spartans by Paul Cartledge
Historical Fiction Conqueror Series by Conn Iggulden (rise of Genghis Khan and rule by his sons and grandsons) Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield (battle of Thermopylae) Afghan Campaign by Steven Pressfield (Alexander the Great and his campaign into Bactria) Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (King Leopold II and the Congo) All Quiet on the Western Front: by Erich Remarque (World War I)
BOOK RUBRIC Book summary: Typed, double space, 11‐12 font Most papers 1.5 pages and 2 pages in length Include your name Title of book and author Identify the book as historical or historical fiction Identify one other book the author has written Write a summary of the main ideas that are brought out in the book. (I do not want a complete explanation or summary of the book) Make sure to include: time frame, any individual(s), event, or ideals that the author wants the reader to know. If the book is historical fiction: identify the key historical facts that the story is woven around. What is the author’s purpose for writing this book? Rate this book: Good, bad, or indifferent. Explain your answer: no stars, yes, no, etc.
