History is the process that involves Historical inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces from the past have shaped our world. Elective History will provide a range of opportunities for students to explore human actions and achievements in a range of historical contexts. Elective History goes beyond the simple presentation of facts and dates from the past. It will provide students the skills to answer the question ‘How do we know?
The students may study topics such as Heritage, Film as History, Archaeological Sites, Apartheid in South Africa, The French Revolution, Heroes and Villains, World Myths and Legends, Terrorism, and Crime and Punishment.
Students will develop:
a knowledge and understanding of history and historical inquiry
a knowledge and understanding of past societies and historical periods
skills to undertake the processes of historical inquiry
skills to communicate their understanding of history.
Students will be assessed under the following criteria:
Knowledge and Understanding
Historical Inquiry Skills
Research
Communication and Literacy
Management
Students will be assessed using a variety of tools including:
Research tasks
Excursion reports
Group and oral presentations
Role-plays
Evaluation of web-based sources
Students should have a level of interest in and enthusiasm for history
Students should have an understanding of the nature of history, heritage, archaeology and the methods of historical inquiry.
Students should have developed skills to undertake the processes of historical inquiry.
If choosing Elective History it can provide a good background for the following HSC subjects – Modern History, Ancient History and Extension History.
Career choices could include: archivist, museum/gallery conservator or curator, archaeologist, journalism, barrister or solicitor, writer, politician, political/parliamentary research officer, primary or high school teacher, librarian.