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Contact person: Mrs Woolnough, Mrs Brown or Ms Connelly
Contact person: Mrs Woolnough, Mrs Brown or Ms Connelly
Units: 2 units
Units: 2 units
Course overview:
Course overview:
'Modern History' is the period from the early 16th century, coinciding with the Renaissance and up to the present. Modern History investigates the forces and ideas that have shaped the modern world, including revolutions, conflicts, and social change. Students explore the motivations and actions of individuals and groups, analysing how these have influenced society. A key focus of the course is the critical use of sources and evidence to investigate historical questions, evaluate differing perspectives, and construct informed interpretations of the past.
Course structure and requirements:
Course structure and requirements:
Preliminary course (Year 11) – 120 indicative hours
Investigating Modern History
The Nature of Modern History (e.g. the Representation and Commemoration of the Past)
Case Studies (e.g. Decline and Fall of the Romanov dynasty, the Meiji Restoration, the Cuban Revolution)
The Shaping of the Modern World (e.g. World War One)
Historical Investigation
HSC course (Year 12) – 120 indicative hours
Core Study: Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946
National Studies (e.g. Japan 1904 - 1937, Russia and the Soviet Union 1917 -1941)
Peace and Conflict (e.g. Conflict in Europe 1935 - 945, The Cold War 1945 -1991)
Change in the Modern World (e.g. Civil Rights in the USA 1945-1968, The Nuclear Age 1945–2011)
Skills developed:
Skills developed:
Valuable to have: Interest in history, curiosity about the modern world, and willingness to read and research
Skills developed:
Critical thinking and analysis
Interpreting and evaluating sources
Researching and constructing historical arguments
Synthesising information to form conclusions
Communicating ideas clearly in both written and oral forms
Students need to be prepared to:
Analyse different perspectives
Question interpretations and construct their own arguments
Regularly revise and practise at home to develop knowledge and skills
Assessment requirements:
Assessment requirements:
Year 11:
3 assessment tasks, such as:
source analysis
an Historical Investigation
a formal written examination
Year 12:
4 assessment tasks, such as:
source analysis
research essay
an Historical Analysis
a formal written examination (Trial HSC)
The HSC Examination includes:
Section I – Core: Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946 (25 marks)
There will be three or four questions
This section will require candidates to analyse and interpret sources and apply their own knowledge
Section II – National Studies (25 marks)
There will be one extended-response question for the chosen topic
Each question will have two alternatives
Section III – Peace and Conflict (25 marks)
There will be one extended-response for the chosen topic
Each question will have two alternatives
Section IV – Change in the Modern World (25 marks)
There will be one question for each of the six topics
Questions will contain three or four parts
Future careers and possible study paths:
Future careers and possible study paths:
Modern History complements Ancient History, Legal Studies, Society and Culture, and English. It provides a strong foundation for careers in law, politics, journalism, international relations, public service, education, and research. University pathways include history, law, politics, international studies, and the humanities.
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