History Extension (HSC only)

1-unit HSC Board Developed Course

Course Description:

HSC History Extension is offered in Year 12 and involves the study and evaluation of the ideas and processes used by historians to produce history.  In Part 1 of the course, students investigate the question “What is history?” by examining historians and their work and through one case study.  In Part II, students design, undertake and communicate their own personal historical inquiry.

Main Topics Covered:

Part I:  What is History? (60% of course time)

Key questions:

• Who are the historians?

• What are the aims and purposes of history?

• How has history been constructed and recorded over time?

• Why have the approaches to history changed over time?

Students will investigate one case study from a selection of ancient, medieval and early modern, modern and Australian options.  Eg:  The Presidency of JF Kennedy; Elizabeth I; The historicity of Jesus Christ

Part II:  History project (40% of course time)

An original piece of historical investigation by the student which includes a Proposal, Essay, Bibliography and Process Log.

Particular Course Requirements:

A Preliminary course in Modern or Ancient History is a prerequisite for the HSC History Extension course.

Students must be studying concurrently, or have completed the HSC course in Ancient History and/or Modern History.

School Fees: Nil