History

Course summary

Many people would say History is what happened in the past. The question is how can we truly know what happened in the past when so many people have different versions of the events? Being a historian at A Level is like being a detective; you have to study the available evidence and try to understand the reasons behind an event and how it occurred. So, History is not only a record of the past but as an academic subject it is analysing evidence from different periods and trying to filter through different interpretations of events. WHY SHOULD I STUDY HISTORY? History is the fascinating study of past events, cultures and societies. Studying History helps you understand the present and explain why events in the past happened as they did. It will also develop important analytical skills, encouraging you to have an inquisitive mind and making you think critically about the world around you. It also teaches you to construct coherent arguments and develop clear communication skills. A Level of History is highly regarded by universities and can lead to many careers including teaching, law, and banking. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT The units of our A Level course are linked by the theme of revolution and cover the following topics: Unit One: England 1485 – 1558 The Early Tudors • Government and foreign policy of Henry VII • Domestic and foreign policy of Wolsey and Henry VIII • The influence of Thomas Cromwell and the English Reformation • Issues surrounding the role of Edward VI and Mary I • Religious changes, rebellion, and unrest Unit Two: Russia 1894 – 1941 • The rule of Tsar Nicholas II • The 1905 and 1917 revolutions and the overthrowing of the Romanov dynasty • The Russian civil war and the role of Lenin • The role of Stalin Or Unit Two: Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919—1963 • The establishment and development of the Weimar Republic: 1919–Jan 1933 • The establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship and its domestic policies Feb 1933–1939 • The impact of war and defeat on Germany: 1939–1949 • Divided Germany: The Federal Republic and the DDR 1949–1963 Unit Three: Civil Rights in the USA 1865 - 1992 • The position and struggle for equality of African Americans • Trade Union and labor rights protest • The plight of Native Americans • Women’s struggle for equality Unit 4: Historical Enquiry Coursework • A choice of questions from an approved subject list.