Elective History

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT ABOUT?

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?

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

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.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

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 

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING THIS SUBJECT?

• 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.