History as a discipline has its own methods and procedures. It is much more than the simple presentation of facts and dates from the past. The History Elective course develops the skills for students to answer the question ‘How do we know?’ An investigation of an historical issue through a range of sources can stimulate curiosity and develop empathetic understanding, problem-solving, research and critical thinking skills. It develops language specific to the discipline of History and provides opportunities to further develop literacy skills. Students learn to critically analyse and use sources of evidence in order to construct reasoned explanations and a rational and informed argument based on evidence, drawn from the remains of the past. The study of History Elective enables students to investigate the actions, motives and lifestyles of people over time, from individuals and family members, to local communities, expanding to national and world history contexts. It introduces the idea that the past contains many stories and that there is never only one uncontested version. There are many differing perspectives within a nation’s history, and historians may interpret events differently depending on their point of view and the sources they have used. 

This is an elective 2 year long course (9 hours per cycle) and it is designed for students who have a curious mind and want to find out about the past.

Elective History is for those students who love jumping back in time and hearing about battles, adventures and people. While the mandatory course is full of topics that you MUST learn about, Elective History allows students the extra time to choose something they are passionate about or really interested in and just get stuck in! The course allows for constant use of technology as students have created their own documentaries, compiled online virtual museum exhibitions and created video presentations on different aspects of history. The Film as History unit is usually a favourite, and allows students to learn how to judge a film based on how ‘accurate’ it is, then pick their own film and review it for historicity. If you love learning about the past, debating controversial topics and creatively presenting your ideas, then Elective History is the subject for you!

Elective History provides a valuable introduction to the HSC subjects Ancient History, Modern History and Extension History. Although not a prerequisite, Elective History does provide a strong foundation and skill development for further study. Furthermore, History is awesome, and in Elective History you will have the opportunity to learn about some amazing things that happened as well as opportunities to choose your own projects.

Topic One: Students study at least ONE of the following:

 Archaeological sites Biography Film as history Heritage and conservation             Historical fiction

  Historical reconstructions History and the media   History websites/online environments

Museum and/or archives studies Oral history

Topic Two: Students study at least ONE ancient, medieval or modern society from one of the following areas:

Africa   The Americas Asia Australia Europe The Middle East The Pacific

Topic Three: Students study at least ONE of the following:

Crime and punishment Gender in the past Heroes and villains Music through history

Power and political unrest Slavery Sport and recreation in history War and peace

World myths and legends      A school-developed study