Investigating Ancient History – The Nature of Ancient History

Students develop an understanding of the nature of ancient history through an investigation of relevant methods and issues related to THE NATURE OF ANCIENT SITES AND SOURCES. 

Students investigate the nature of ancient sites and sources, including the contribution of archaeology and science to our understanding of the past. 

Examples that could be used to illustrate aspects of the content include: Theban Mapping Project; marine archaeology; Dead Sea Scrolls; selected excerpts from Herodotus or Thucydides; Petra; the Nazca Lines – Peru; Lord of Sipan; Plain of Jars.

Historical Concepts and Skills

The Historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.

Analysis and use of sources

• Explain the meaning and value of sources for an historical inquiry   

• Analyse and synthesise evidence from different types of sources to develop reasoned claims

• Identify and analyse problems relating to sources in the investigation of the past

• Use evidence from a range of sources to inform investigation and research

Explanation and communication

• Develop texts, particularly historical accounts and arguments, supported by relevant evidence from sources.

• Communicate historical understanding, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms, in forms appropriate to purpose and audience

Outcomes

AH11-6 analyses and interprets different types of sources for evidence to support an historical account or argument

AH11-7 discusses and evaluates differing interpretations and representations of the past

AH11-9 communicates historical understanding, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms, in appropriate and well-structured forms

AH11-10 discusses contemporary methods and issues involved in the investigation of ancient history