Modern History

1. Investigating Modern History

(a) The Nature of Modern History

(b) Case Studies

Students undertake:

● at least ONE option from ‘The Nature of Modern History’, AND

● at least TWO case studies.

ONE case study must be from Europe, North America or Australia.

ONE case study must be from Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East or Central/South America.

The table in the ‘Investigating Modern History – Case Studies’ section of this syllabus provides case study options teachers may use.

2. Historical Investigation

The historical investigation is designed to further develop relevant investigative, research and presentation skills. The investigation should extend a particular area of individual student or group interest. The investigation may be undertaken as a standalone study or integrated into any aspect of the Year 11 course and need not be completed as one project. It may be conducted individually or collaboratively.

The investigation must not overlap with or duplicate significantly any topic to be attempted in the Year 12 Modern History or History Extension courses.

3. The Shaping of the Modern World

Students investigate forces and ideas that shaped the modern world through a study of key events and developments and the meaning of modernity.

At least ONE study from ‘The Shaping of the Modern World’ should be undertaken.

A range of possible studies is provided within ‘The Shaping of the Modern World’ section of this syllabus.

Studies must not overlap with or duplicate significantly any topic to be attempted in the Year 12 Modern History or History Extension courses.

Core Study: Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946

Through a focus on the nature of power and authority 1919–1946, and a broader transnational perspective, students investigate the rise of fascist, totalitarian and militarist movements after World War I; what drew people to these movements; the regimes that emerged and ongoing international efforts to achieve collective security.

Through a study of Germany as a key example, students develop an understanding of how a democracy can collapse, the impact of dictatorship on a society, the elimination of individual freedoms, and the threats that dictatorships can pose to peace and security

National Studies

Students investigate key features, individuals, groups, events and developments that shaped the history of a selected nation. Students are to investigate ONE country during a specific period of the 20th century.

The Historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.

Peace and Conflict

Students investigate key features of the history of ONE of the following studies in peace and conflict.

Change in the Modern World

Students investigate key features of the history of ONE of the following, focusing on political and social change, and the role of individuals and groups.

The Historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.