9174 H2 History

Subject description

Making sense of the present and anticipating the challenges of the future would not be possible without understanding the past. A history education allows students to draw connections between the past and present through examining how the nature and impact of historical developments explain today’s world. Students who take History become balanced, discerning, empathetic, inquiring, knowledgeable and methodical individuals who are able to make reasoned arguments and decisions. 

Themes that will be studied:

Paper 1

International History (1945-2000)

• Theme I: The Development of the Cold War (1945–1991) (source-based case study)

• Theme II: The Development of the Global Economy (1945–2000)

• Theme III: Conflict and Cooperation (1945–2000)

Paper 2

Southeast Asian History (Independence to 2000) 

• Theme I: Forming Nation-States

• Theme II: Economic Change After Independence

• Theme III: Regional Conflicts and Cooperation (source-based case study)

The H2 syllabus guide can be accessed via link below: 

https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2024syllabus/9174_y24_sy.pdf

Pre-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for offering H2 History but you must like essay writing so choose this subject if you:

• like to write and can write at length 

• have a linguistic advantage which is important for analysis and evaluation

Scheme of Assessment

Exam Format

Two compulsory papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2

(3 hours for each paper)

Each paper consisting of: 

• Section A (40 marks)
  One compulsory source-based study with 2 parts

• Part a: Comparison of two sources (10marks; 5%)

• Part b: Test assertion using all sources (30 marks; 15%)

• Section B (60 marks)
  1 out of 2 essay questions set on Theme II (30 marks; 15%)

• 1 out of 2 essay questions set on Theme III (30 marks; 15%)

Note: The total marks that can be obtained for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is 100 marks each with a 50% weighting for each paper.

Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

• Use of inquiry approach to engage students in critical thinking

• Opportunities to participate in history related seminars and conferences such as Model UN conferences, interesting talks held by external agencies such as the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies

• Cultural immersion and experiential learning to Vietnam for selected students or local learning journeys

• The Humanities Scholars Programme for selected students

Skill attainment

The subject equips the student with analytical and critical thinking skills such as the ability to assess evidence and evaluate conflicting interpretations to make informed judgments. In the process, students also understand change and develop global awareness and cross-cultural skills in order to play an active role in future developments in society.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between H1 and H2 History?

• The difference is in the scope of topics covered and the number of papers offered. For H1 History, there is only 1 paper, Paper 1 and the topics are made up of international and Asian history.  H2 History has 2 papers, Paper 1 focuses on international history and Paper 2 focuses on South-east Asian history. 

• In terms of assessment format, both H1 and H2 History follows the same format of consisting of source-based study and essay questions. The difference again is the topics covered and the number of papers a student has to sit for. The duration for H1 and H2 History papers are all 3 hours.

2. Are there textbooks for History?

No, there are suggested books for different topics but they are expensive and not necessary for students to purchase as there are too many. Student will have to rely on the lecture notes, outlines and selected readings provided by the teachers which are more than sufficient.

3. What is the difference between ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level History?

• Some topics are covered in ‘O’ Levels like Cold War and the UN but ‘A’ Level History has a lot more in depth and some other topics are new.

• If a student offered Pure History at ‘O’ Level, he or she would have additional knowledge for Southeast Asian History which is taught in Paper 2 for H2 History.

• History at the ‘A’ Level focuses a lot on historical thinking and conceptual understanding. The analytical and writing skills are also pitched at a much higher level than History taken at the ‘O’ Levels. 

4. I have no pure History background, can I offer H2 History at ‘A’ Level?

Yes, most of our students don’t have pure background. A positive attitude, interest, consistency and diligence are more important.

5. I did Combined Humanities with History at ‘O’ Levels, can I cope with ‘A’ Level H2 History?

• No different from effort required for any other ‘A’ Level subject.

• Slight advantage only as topics are either new or done at surface level at ‘O’ Level.

6. I did not take History at ‘O’ Level, will I be at a disadvantage as those who did pure or Combined Humanities with History?

No, as long as effort is put in, commitment is present and there is a passion for the subject.

7. Can I do both H2 Geography and H2 History?

• Not encouraged at all as both are content heavy subjects, will be hard to juggle.

• Also H2 Geography and H2 History lectures are concurrent so the timetable does not support this combination.

• For the above reasons, both H2 Geography and History are not offered in any subject combination.

8. Is H2 or H1 History content heavy? Must I memorise a lot?

History and likewise Geography are both content heavy subjects. While H1 History may be half the scope of H2 History, it is still content heavy for a H1 subject. Memorising lecture notes or content will not score well at ‘A’ Level standard whether is it H1 or H2 because what is required at ‘A’ Level standards are the ability to analyse and evaluate, so content is needed to support an argument but content is not the crux that determines how well a student does at the ‘A’ Levels.  

9. Can I offer H2 History and H1 Geography?

You may but it will be content heavy and challenging to manage hence it is not advisable.

10. Does the college offer H3 for the Humanities subjects?

Yes, but this offer is conditional upon the student’s performance in the specific subject and overall performance after the JC 1 Promotional examination and his/her research interests. It is also subjected to the recommendation by the relevant tutors.

Any other relevant info

Consider taking this subject if you:

• have an interest and passion in history 

• enjoy reading (historical journal articles, books, newspapers etc)

• have a good command of the English language & essay writing 

• have a keen interest to learn and broaden your historical understanding

• if your interest is to pursue history in university

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