WHY STUDY HISTORY? The study of history, of whatever period, gives a sense of perspective and teaches important analytical skills. Students of History have a better understanding of the present and will have expanded their own cultural literacy through the in-depth study of a period in the past. They should emerge from their IB better able to write analytically and debate with confidence. CONTENT OF COURSE: The course fosters an understanding of major historical events in a global context and promotes international and inter-cultural awareness. There is an emphasis on the development of historical skills and students are encouraged to engage with the past through the study of primary historical sources and the work of historians. The course covers political, social, economic and cultural developments and the inter-relationship between them. Standard Level and Higher Level students will make an in-depth study of some key developments in 20th century world history, while at Higher Level they will also examine aspects of the history of Europe from the mid-17th century to the 20th century. The SL topics (also studied by HL students) are: the Civil Rights movement in the United States (1954- 1965), Apartheid in South Africa (1948-1964), Authoritarian States (Mao, Lenin, Stalin and Mussolini), and the Cold War. The HL topics (only studied by HL students) are: The French Revolution, and Imperial and Communist Russia 1855-1924. Both SL and HL students undertake a personal historical investigation (IA).