Reading and Writing Workshop

"Reformation, Religious Wars, and the Rise of Absolutism & Constitutionalism"

Week 1: The Protestant Reformation & Catholic Counter-Reformation
Key Topics

• Martin Luther and the 95 Theses
• John Calvin and Calvinism
• Anabaptists and radical reformers
• Catholic Counter-Reformation: Council of Trent, Jesuits, Baroque Art
• Religious and political consequences of the Reformation

Reading Materials

• Excerpts from Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
• John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion
• Council of Trent Decrees
• Primary accounts of Anabaptist practices
• Jesuit writings and Baroque art interpretations

Activities

1. AI-Integrated Primary Source Analysis
   Students upload excerpts from Luther, Calvin, and the Council of Trent into an AI tool to identify key theological points and rhetorical strategies.
2. Debate: Was Martin Luther a revolutionary or a conservative reformer?
   Students research both sides, then hold a structured debate.
3. AI-Powered Theological Comparison Chart
   Students use AI to generate a comparative chart of Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Catholicism in terms of salvation, sacraments, church governance, and religious authority.
4. DBQ Practice Prompt
   “Evaluate the extent to which the Protestant Reformation changed European politics and society.”
   Students brainstorm evidence, write a draft, and revise using AI-based feedback tools.

Week 2: Religious Wars & Political Instability (c. 1550–1648)
Key Topics

• French Wars of Religion (Huguenots, Catherine de’ Medici, Henry IV, Edict of Nantes)
• The Dutch Revolt and the Spanish Armada
• Thirty Years’ War: Causes, Phases, Peace of Westphalia
• Religious wars and the rise of modern state-building

Reading Materials

• Edict of Nantes
• Eyewitness accounts of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre
• Documents from the Peace of Westphalia
• Excerpts from Spanish and Dutch propaganda

Activities

1. AI-Powered Mapping Exercise
   Students create interactive AI-assisted maps showing the spread of Protestantism, locations of major battles, and territorial changes after Westphalia.
2. Simulation Game
   In small groups, students role-play as European rulers managing internal religious divisions and deciding foreign policy.
3. LEQ Practice Prompt
   “To what extent did religious conflict shape the development of European states between 1550 and 1648?”
   Students outline and write responses with AI-guided structure suggestions and historical argument feedback.

Week 3: Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism (c. 1648–c. 1815)
Key Topics

• Absolutist theory: Hobbes, Bossuet
• Louis XIV and Versailles
• Russian absolutism under Peter the Great
• English Civil War, Glorious Revolution, and constitutional monarchy
• The Dutch Republic and the rise of mercantilism

Reading Materials

• Hobbes, Leviathan (selected chapters)
• Locke, Two Treatises of Government (selected chapters)
• Memoirs and court documents from Louis XIV’s reign
• Political cartoons and economic documents from the Dutch Golden Age

Activities

1. AI-Assisted Primary Source Comparison
   Students use AI to generate side-by-side summaries of Hobbes and Locke, then discuss how each thinker reflects differing views of human nature and government.
2. Mock Court of Louis XIV
   Students play the king’s advisors, debating fiscal policies, war strategy, and religious policy.
3. DBQ Practice Prompt
   “Evaluate the extent to which absolutism and constitutionalism shaped political developments in Europe from 1648 to 1815.”
   Students complete a DBQ with scaffolding support and AI-based revision suggestions.

Week 4: Review & Assessment
​Key Activities

1. Thematic Review Session
   Students use AI tools to identify thematic connections across Protestant movements, religious conflicts, and political developments.
2. Comprehensive Practice Exam
   Includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions (SAQs), and an LEQ to simulate an AP-style exam environment.
3. Essay Revision Workshop
   Students submit a draft of one of their LEQs and use AI tools to receive peer-like feedback focusing on historical reasoning, thesis strength, and use of evidence.