Modern History

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Modern History?

Stage 5 Mandatory Australian History and an interest in the Modern World.

Why study Modern History?

A study of Modern History plays an important part in our development as informed and thinking adults. It leads to a greater understanding of the world both past and present and promotes the ability to view issues from different perspectives. Valuable vocational and life skills are learned through the study of History: skills of research, communication, analysis and the use of evidence to support ideas. Perhaps the best reason for studying Modern History is that learning about people is the most fascinating pastime there is.

Course description:

The Year 11 course is designed to provide students with opportunities to investigate individuals, groups, events, institutions, societies and ideas in a range of historical contexts as background to their HSC studies.

The HSC course is designed for students to investigate national and international forces for change and continuity in the 20th century through the examination of four major areas of study.

Main topics covered:

Year 11 Course

• Part I – Investigating Modern History This topic has two components: o The Nature of Modern History o Case Studies

Students examine historiographical issues such as contestability of the past, the construction of modern histories and History and memory. This topic may be integrated into other topics in the course.

Students undertake two case studies For example: The Decline and Fall of the Romanov Dynasty, China in the 19th Century, Decolonisation in Indochina, the Cuban Revolution.

• Part II – Historical Investigation o Students undertake an historical investigation unit based on an ideology or event of significance that has helped to shape the Modern World.

• Part III – The Shaping of the Modern World o World War 1 – the historical context, the nature of World War 1 and the nature and legacy of World War 1 and its influence on modernity.

Assessment information: There is no external examination in Year 11. Students will be assessed through three formal assessment tasks, one of which is the Year 11 Examination.

• Part I – Core Study – Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946 o This topic focuses on the rise of fascist, totalitarian and militarist movements after World War 1; what drew people to these movements; the regimes that emerged and ongoing international movements to achieve collective security. Students will focus on Germany between the wars and the rise of the Nazi state. The topic also includes an overview of the search for peace and security 1919-1946.

• Part II – National Study o Students undertake one of the following 20th century studies: either Australia, Russia and the Soviet Union, USA or China, focusing predominately on the interwar period.

• Part III – Peace and Conflict o Students undertake one of the following studies: either Conflict in Indochina (Vietnam and Cambodia), or Conflict in the Pacific.

• Part IV – Change in the Modern World o Units include: either Civil Rights in the USA 1945-1968, or Apartheid in South Africa 1960-1994.

HSC examination structure:

It will be a three-hour examination plus five-minutes reading time. The examination will consist of four sections:

• Section I – Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946 (25 marks) o There will be three or four questions. This section will require candidates to analyse and interpret sources and apply their own knowledge. One question will be worth 10 to 15 marks. Candidates will be required to answer all questions.

• Section II – National Studies (25 marks) o There will be one extended-response question for each of the eight topics. Each question will have two alternatives. Candidates will be required to answer one alternative on the topic they have studied. The expected length of response will be around eight pages of an examination writing booklet (approximately 1,000 words).

• Section III – Peace and Conflict (25 marks) o There will be one extended-response question for each of the six topics. Each question will have two alternatives. Candidates will be required to answer one alternative on the topic they have studied. The expected length of response will be around eight pages of an examination writing booklet (approximately 1,000 words).

• Section IV – Change in the Modern World (25 marks) o There will be one question for each of the six topics. Questions will contain three or four parts. One part will be worth 10 to 15 marks. Candidates will be required to answer the question on the topic they have studied.

How is Modern History relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

The study of Modern History forms a valuable foundation for a range of courses studied at university or tertiary level. Skills of research, analysis, communication and the use of evidence to support ideas are all important skills that form the basis of many future careers and are particularly relevant for those wishing to pursue a career in the areas of law or communications. In addition, a study of Modern History provides a series of life and recreation skills which promote a greater understanding and enjoyment of the world around you.