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 at 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 at 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) Please note that this topic is currently only offered to SL classes.

• 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.

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

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 

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