History
Group 3 subject
History is a dynamic, contested, evidence-based discipline that involves an exciting engagement with the past.
History is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and opinions. Studying history develops an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today.
The IB History course is a world history course based on a comparative, multi-perspective approach to history and focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation and significance. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past.
IB History requires students to study and compare examples from different regions of the world, helping to foster international mindedness. Teachers have freedom to choose and explore relevant examples with their students, helping to ensure that the course meets students’ needs and interests.
Link to Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
History is one of only five compulsory Areas of Knowledge in the TOK syllabus. History provides particularly interesting material for TOK discussions because of the challenges presented by not being able to directly observe the past, and because the historian is unable to utilize some of the methods of inquiry that are used in other areas of knowledge. Studying history can also promote empathy with, and understanding of, people living in diverse places and at different times. These characteristics open up many interesting issues and questions that are unique, or particularly pertinent, to history as an area of knowledge.
History is offered at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).
Subject description adapted from the IB GuideCourse content
Prescribed subjects (Paper 1)
Rights and Protests (1950s–1960s) SL and HL
case studies: Civil Rights in the United States and Apartheid South Africa
source-based approach
World History topics (Paper 2) Two topics from : -
Democratic States (Twentieth century) offered to both SL and HL
three case studies will be explored from different global regions and will include Post-colonial India and Post-Apartheid South Africa (HL) and Weimar Germany and Post-Apartheid South Africa (SL)
focus on the emergence, development and impact of democracy
comparative approach
Independence Movements (1800-2000) offered to HL
three case studies will be explored from different global regions and will include India (Asia) and Algeria (Africa)
focus on the rise if independence movements; reasons for their success and the challenges facing newly independent states
comparative approach
Authoritarian States (Twentieth century) offered to SL
three case studies will be explored from different global regions and will include Nazi Germany (Europe) and Mao's China (Asia)
focus on the emergence and impact of authoritarianism and the maintenance of power
comparative approach
HL options: Depth Studies (Paper 3)
History of Asia and Oceania
Chosen options (for examination in 2025): -
Indian Nationalism and Independence, 1919–1964
Challenges to traditional East Asian societies, 1700-1868 (China and Japan)
Early modernisation and imperial decline in East Asia 1860-1912 (China, Japan and Korea)
Coursework - SL and HL
Students devise their own historical investigation question on any historical topic of their choice.
Skills developed
Students learn to:
develop rigorous and cogent arguments in an essay format
make reasoned and substantiated judgements (often using conflicting evidence)
critically evaluate the reliability of historical sources (both primary and secondary)
identify, analyse and synthesise different interpretations of the past
develop independent research skills, by identifying investigation questions and appropriate sources
verbally present information and ideas with expertise and confidence
Assessment
External assessment – 80% (HL), 75% (SL)
Paper 1: (1 hour) – 20% (HL), 30% (SL)
source-based paper; answer structured questions on one of the two Rights and Protests case studies
Paper 2: (1 hour 30 minutes) – 25% (HL), 45% (SL)
answer two essay questions, each from a different topic; there will be a choice of two questions per topic; some questions will require candidates to provide examples from two regions
Paper 3: (2 hours 30 minutes) – 35% (HL only)
answer any three essay questions from any of our three units; there will be a choice of two questions per unit
Internal assessment – 20% (HL), 25% (SL)
complete a 2,200 word independent investigation on any historical topic of the candidate’s choosing
contains separate sections on analysis, source evaluation and personal reflection
University courses and careers
History is widely respected as a subject, both in terms of content and skills, and as such, historians remain highly sought after by university admissions departments and employers alike. History opens up a range of possibilities at university and beyond. History graduates have gone on to be very successful in a wide range of careers, including law, business, government and non-government organisations, journalism and broadcasting.
For the full IB History HL syllabus, click here.
For the full IB History SL syllabus, click here.
Note: the full syllabus also includes options not taken at UWCSEA