Modern History
Unit 1 & 2
Course Description
Students will develop an understanding of political ideologies and how they have shaped the thoughts of governments around the world. For Unit 1, students will complete an in-depth study on the interwar period from 1918-1939; this will include the examination of key events, movements and ideas which contributed to the development of WWII. Students will also analyse the social and cultural change that occurred in the US and Germany during the interwar period, such as the changes in art and literature as well as the societal changes for women and different racial groups. For Unit 2, students will complete an in-depth study on the end of World War II and the development, emergence and length of the Cold War. Students will also analyse the continuity and change that occurred in the second half of the twentieth century, such as the emergence of the civil rights movement in the US and the establishment of terrorist organisations such as al-Qaeda.
Unit 1: Twentieth Century History 1918–1939
In this unit, students explore the events, ideologies and movements of the period after World War One; the emergence of conflict; and the causes of World War Two. They investigate the impact of the treaties which ended the Great War and which redrew the map of Europe and broke up the former empires of the defeated nations.They consider the aims,achievements and limitations of the League of Nations.
Students will also explore the social life and cultural expression in the 1920s and 1930s and their relation to the technological, political and economic changes of the period. Cultural expression and social life in both the USA and Germany are covered, with an emphasis on the continuity and changes that occurred between the 1920s and 1930s in both countries.
Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:
explain the consequences of the peace treaties which ended World War One, the impact of ideologies on nations and the events that led to World War Two.
explain patterns of social life and cultural change in one or more contexts, and analyse the factors which influenced changes to social life and culture, in the inter-war years.
Assessment Tasks
Document Analysis and Short Answer
Historical Essay
Unit Exam
Pathways into VCE or VCAL
Australian History Unit 3&4
Unit 2: Twentieth Century History 1945–2000
In Unit 2 students explore the nature and impact of the Cold War and challenges and changes to existing political, economic and social arrangements in the second half of the twentieth century. While the USA and the USSR never engaged in direct armed conflict, they opposed each other in a range of international conflicts such as those in Berlin and Cuba. Students consider the reasons for the end of this long-running period of ideological conflict and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Students also focus on the ways in which traditional ideas, values and political systems were challenged and changed by individuals and groups in a range of contexts during the period 1945 to 2000. Students explore the causes of significant political and social events and movements, and their consequences for nations and people. While the Cold War dominated the second half of the twentieth century, political and social challenge and change occurred within and between nations based on religion, nationalism, race, gender and human rights.
Outcomes - On completion of this unit students will be able to:
explain the ideological divisions in the post-war period and analyse the nature, development and impact of the Cold War on nations and people, in relation to one or more particular conflicts in the period
explain the causes and nature of challenge and change in the US and Middle East in the second half of the twentieth century and analyse the consequences for nations and people.
Assessment Tasks
Document Analysis and Short Answer
Historical Essay
Unit Exam
Pathways into VCE or VCAL
Australian History Unit 3&4
Textbook requirements:
HTAV Senior History Twentieth Century 1
HTAV Senior History Twentieth Century 2
Class sets of these textbooks are available however students may purchase their own copy.
Resources/Requirements:
School laptop provided in School Bundle
A4 Exercise Book & Pens
Plastic Pocket Folder
Additional Costs:
Career Pathways
What Courses/Careers this could lead to:
Historian, Museum Curator, Museum Guide, Author, Archaeologist, Teacher, Librarian, Archivist, Anthropologist, Parliamentarian.