History

Course summary

Modern History is a pleasurable subject to learn and is an ideal choice if you are keen to understand some of the major events and developments which have dominated the world. It will be of interest if you like to think critically about how our lives have been shaped, are keen to express your own opinion, and are ready to argue in favour of your interpretation of events. It will also be of interest if you are enthusiastic to develop your skills of analysis and critical thinking. History is a subject that inspires debate—indeed, historians never cease to learn through active participation. History perfectly complements a range of other subjects— especially in the Humanities and is a recognised facilitating subject for a wide range of undergraduate programmes of study. As an A-level history student, you will be issued with a substantial body of learning resources including books, articles, PowerPoints, maps, printed notes, study guides, progress trackers, historical sources, essay plans and revision exercises. Additional learning materials, together with supplementary learning resources, are available for students to access on the College intranet. The Department also has a substantial library of History books for you to use. We also provide additional support for students who need further guidance regarding their written work, and more generally for students who wish to discuss issues arising from the topics which they have been studying. Each History class takes place in a dedicated History classroom, with the resources appropriate to the course immediately to hand. Teaching and learning combine presentations, discussions, and debates, skills lessons including essay writing skills, source analysis, exam techniques, research skills, and teamwork activities. At Wyke, we encourage you to complete independent learning and critical thinking, and so to be actively involved at all times, and to undertake plenty of reading. Striving toward 100% attendance is also crucial to success in A Level History. Understanding History is a superb asset if you wish to progress to study at university, no matter what the subject — History, Law, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Heritage Studies, Languages, Classics, American Studies, Economics, English Literature, and so on. History here at Wyke is so much more than just knowledge of the past: it provides you with training in analytical thinking and develops a variety of transferable skills which are highly relevant to your future employment. Industry and commerce seek critical thinkers, who can absorb lots of information, ask critical questions of the data, and formulate their logical conclusions. These industries seek people who can analyse problems, research and interpret information, present reports that consider different options and varying points of view, communicate clearly, and use their powers of persuasion to argue in favour of a particular decision or policy. All these skills are acquired through the study of History here at Wyke. YEAR 1 (50% OF A LEVEL) PAPER 1 – BREADTH STUDY WITH INTERPRETATIONS THE SEARCH OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: THE USA 1917-1996 You will learn about the dramatic political, economic and social transformation of the USA in the twentieth century, an era that saw the USA challenged by the consequences of political, economic and social inequalities at home and of its involvement in international conflict.