History

Course summary

The options in Route E are linked by the theme of communism, one of the most significant ideologies of the twentieth century. Communism directly affected the lives of millions of people who lived under communist rule, but it also had indirect effects on countless others around the world. Studying two different countries allows students to develop a greater understanding of the nature of communist rule and the similarities and contrasts between them. Paper 1- Breadth Study with Interpretations Russia 1917-1991. From Lenin to Yeltsin - Students study the key political changes experienced in Russia between 1917-1991. As part of this, students study a wide variety of topics relating to Russia during this period. - Students also study interpretations based on the theme: What explains the fall of the Soviet Union 1985-1991? Paper 2- Depth Study Mao’s China 1949-76 - Students study the turbulent years in China that saw the establishment of a communist state. As part of this, students study the Cultural Revolution and Mao’s Great Leap Forward. Paper 3- The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918 Themes in breadth with aspects in depth - Students explore the British experience of war in different aspects of major overseas conflicts and the changing relationship between the state and the people as the government attempted to create an effective fighting machine and prepare the people for war. Historical enquiry Holocaust - Students are required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on a chosen question, problem or issue. They are also required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians.