Embedded Files
The study of VCE History assists students to understand themselves, others and their world, and broadens their perspective by examining people, groups, events, ideas and movements. Through studying VCE History, students develop social, political, economic and cultural understanding. They also explore continuity and change: the world is not as it has always been, and it will be subject to change in the future. In this sense, history is relevant to contemporary issues. It fosters an understanding of human agency and informs decision making in the present. The study of history fosters the ability to ask searching questions, to engage in independent research, and to construct arguments about the past based on evidence. Historical comprehension enables a source to be understood in relation to its context; that is, students make links between the source and the world in which it was produced. We can never know the whole past. Historical knowledge rests on the interpretation of sources that are used as evidence. Furthermore, judgments of historical significance made by historians are central to the discipline. Historians do not always agree about the meaning that is taken from the past: historical interpretations are often subject to academic and public debate. The study of history equips students to take an informed position on such matters, helping them develop as individuals and citizens.
VCE Unit 1: Modern History
VCE Unit 1: Modern History
Area of Study 1 - Ideology and conflict. On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain how significant events, ideologies and individuals contributed to political and economic changes in the first half of the 20th century, and analyse how these contributed to the causes of World War Two.
Area of Study 2 - Social and cultural change. On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain patterns of social and cultural change in everyday life in the first half of the twentieth century, and analyse the conditions which influenced these changes.
VCE Unit 2: Modern History
VCE Unit 2: Modern History
Area of Study 1 - Causes, course and consequences of the Cold War
On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain the causes of the Cold War and analyse its consequences on nations and people.
Area of Study 2 - Challenge and change. On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain the challenges to social, political and/or economic structures of power and evaluate the extent to which continuity and change occurred.
VCE Unit 3 : Revolutions
VCE Unit 3 : Revolutions
Area of Study 1 - Causes of revolution On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the causes of revolution, and evaluate the contribution of significant events, ideas, individuals and popular movements.
Area of Study 2 - Consequences of revolution On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the consequences of revolution and evaluate the extent of continuity and change in the post-revolutionary society.
VCE Unit 4 : Revolutions
VCE Unit 4 : Revolutions
Area of Study 1 - Analyse the causes of revolution, and evaluate the contribution of significant events, ideas, individuals and popular movements.
Area of Study 2 - Analyse the consequences of revolution and evaluate the extent of continuity and change in the post-revolutionary society.
Possible University Pathways
Arts and Humanities (e.g., History, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology)
Ideal for students interested in culture, society, and historical events.
Law
Strong preparation due to emphasis on argument, evidence, and writing
Education
Particularly secondary teaching, with History as a method.
International Relations or Global Studies
For careers in diplomacy, NGOs, or global policy.
Journalism and Media
Research and critical analysis are central to media and reporting roles.
Archaeology or Museum Studies
For those interested in working with historical artefacts or heritage institutions.
Page updated
Report abuse