Ancient History

KLA: HUMAN SOCIETY & ITS ENVIRONMENT [HSIE]

Ancient History - 2 Units for each Preliminary and HSC

[Board Developed ATAR Course]

Exclusions: Nil

Course Description:

The Year 11 course is structured to provide students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Through the use of archaeological and written sources, students investigate various aspects of the ancient world, including historical sites, people, societies, events and developments. The Preliminary and HSC Courses require study from at least TWO of the following areas: Egypt, Near East, China, Greece and Rome.

The study of Ancient History engages students in an investigation of life in early societies and the possible motivations of actions of individuals and groups, and how they shaped the political, social, economic and cultural landscapes of the ancient world. It stimulates students’ curiosity and imagination and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of cultures and beliefs, as well as to the origins and influences of ideas, values and behaviours that are still relevant in the modern world. Ancient History is of contemporary relevance as it equips students with the skills to analyse and challenge accepted theories and interpretations about the ancient world, especially in light of new evidence or technologies. Students analyse different interpretations and representations of the ancient world in forms such as literature, film and museum displays. Important ethical issues associated with present and future ownership, administration and presentation of the cultural past are studied. Students develop transferable skills associated with the process of historical inquiry including critical literacy skills, such as interpreting, analysing and weighing evidence; synthesising evidence from a variety of sources; and developing reasoned and evidence-based arguments.

Main Topics Covered

Preliminary Course

Investigating Ancient History (60 hours - 50%)
1. The Nature of Ancient History
2. Case Studies (ONE case study must be from Egypt, Greece, Rome or Celtic Europe. ONE case study must be from the Near East, Asia, the Americas or Australia.)
Features of Ancient Societies – at least TWO Ancient Societies (40 hours - 34%)
Historical Investigation - The investigation may be undertaken as a standalone study or integrated into any aspect of the Year 11 course. (20 hours -16%)

HSC Course

Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum (30 hours – 25%)
Ancient Societies (ONE from: Egypt, Israel, Persia, Minoan Crete, China, Sparta or Athens) (30 hours – 25%)
Personalities in their Times (ONE to be chosen from options in the syllabus that include, Akhenaten, Pericles, Agrippina the Younger, Xerxes) (30 hours – 25%)
Historical Periods (ONE from options offered in the syllabus that include New Kingdom)
Egypt, Imperial China, The Greek World 500-440BC, Julio-Claudians
(30 hours – 25%)

Particular Course Requirements:

It is expected that the students have, through Years 7-10, studied Old and New Testaments, one Gospel in depth and have a sound grounding in Christian Morality and their place in the mission of the Church. It is expected that each student makes the commitment to completing this course to the best of his/her ability.

Assessment

Internal Assessment

Knowledge and understanding of course content (40)
Historical Skills source analysis (20)
Historical inquiry and research (20)
Communication (20)

TOTAL WEIGHTING OF TASKS: 100

External Assessment

3 Hour Examination
- Section I: Core (25)
- Section II: Ancient Societies (25)
- Section III: Personalities in Their Time (25)
- Section IV: Historical Periods (25)

TOTAL WEIGHTING OF TASKS: 100

Why Study Ancient History?

Students Say:

"Because it's interesting"

"You learn cool stuff!"

Some Overall Thoughts -
Then and Now

You get to consider how ancient societies operated and realise that the people are not that different in their wants and needs to our current society.

Politics is not a new thing.

Making a country ‘great’ is a strong focus of many in the ancient world.

Some leaders are brilliant, and others just mean!

Cities and commercial activities are important

Nomads could be very sophisticated in their cultural development

And so much more

So...

If you want to be challenged by a variety of issues, sometimes very confronting and controversial.

If you want to find out how history is developed and even changing

If you want to explore ancient sites

If you want to develop a range of writing skills

If you want to find connections between the ancient past and the present

then...Ancient History Stage 6 will show you the way!

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