History

Course summary

You will study Communist states in the 20th century followed by 15th century English history and do coursework on the causes of World War I. You will learn about:- • Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin (Paper 1) In the Russia course, you will learn about the first attempt to create a communist society which began in 1917 in the Soviet Union. You will study the seizure of power in 1917 by Lenin's Bolshevik Party, the brutal civil war that followed and the regime this consequently created. You will trace the history of the Soviet Union from 1917 all the way through to the reform-minded Gorbachev, who presided over the downfall of communism in 1991. You will learn about tyrannical leaders, terror, propaganda and social policy, all through the lens of Soviet communism. • Mao’s China, 1949 – 76 (Paper 2) Mao's China offers an opportunity to study a left-wing dictatorship. Students will understand why Communism was adopted and how it was implemented. Furthermore, they will be able to understand how Mao Zedong fused Communism with Chinese nationalism to make China the important world power it is today. • Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509 (Paper 3) This course begins with the usurpation of Richard II by Henry Bolingbroke who became the first Lancastrian monarch, Henry IV. You will discover why and how this happened as well as how successful the Lancastrian kings were. Next, we study the long period of civil war known as the Wars of the Roses when the Lancastrians were overthrown by Edward IV, the first Yorkist king. This dynasty came to a violent end during the reign of Richard III, killed at the Battle of Bosworth, with the course ending with Henry VII, who established the Tudor family on the throne of England. As well as these examined units you will complete a piece of coursework. You will carry out an independent investigation into a particular historical event that is open to a range of interpretations. The event that you will focus on will be the causes of the First World War. In lessons we will be preparing you for the full A Level. Students can take AS History but only if they are willing to prepare for the specifics of this paper independently. A range of approaches will be used including formal teaching, discussion, debate, individual and group work and investigation. Use will be made of textbooks, newspapers, the internet, DVDs and contemporary literature. A Level History is an excellent academic discipline that promotes the development of many general skills: analytical, organisational, literary, in research and in making judgements and putting forward arguments. Very few people who study history follow careers which are directly related to the subject, like lecturer, archaeologist or archivist. Most History students become well educated and well informed individuals who have much to offer a variety of careers and professions. It is highly recommended for students considering a career in Law.