Ancient History

Course No: 11020 Year 11, 15020 Year 12

Course Description

The Year 11 course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world.

The Year 12 course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of archaeological and written sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the ancient past. Through a core study, students investigate the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and explore issues relating to reconstruction and conservation of the past. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, personality and historical period.

What Students Learn

The Year 11 course comprises three sections:

Investigating Ancient History - Students undertake at least one option from ‘The Nature of Ancient History’, and at least two case studies

Features of Ancient Societies - Students study at least two ancient societies

Historical Investigation - Historical concepts and skills are integrated with the studies undertaken in Year 11.

The Year 12 course comprises four sections:

Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum

One ‘Ancient Societies’ topic

One ‘Personalities in their Times’ topic

One ‘Historical Periods’ topic

Historical concepts and skills are integrated with the studies undertaken in Year 12.

What will I learn about?

Ancient History focuses on civilisations such as Rome, Egypt, China, Persia and Britain. Students also learn about the practical skills of the archaeologist.

What will I do in this course?

You will examine archaeological artefacts, develop critical thinking skills, visit an archaeological dig site and conduct a historical investigation into a topic of your choice.

How is Ancient History assessed?

Assessment tasks are closely modelled on the types of skills required for the HSC examination. They include research projects, essays and examinations.

Who should study Ancient History?

This course is right for you if you:

Are interested in people, rather than wars and statistics
Find ancient societies interesting
Enjoy studying literary works, coins, inscriptions, art, architecture, artefacts and human remains
Want to learn about the stories and mysteries of the past.

Why should I study Ancient History?

Employers in Australia look for people who can think critically and independently. Ancient History helps in the development of such skills as, the ability to:

Write a clear argument
Present the results of research
Think clearly about what has been found, analyse it and use what is relevant.

Important NESA Information

2 units for each of Year 11 and Year 12

Board Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil

Course Description

The Year 11 course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world.

The Year 12 course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of archaeological and written sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the ancient past. Through a core study, students investigate the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and explore issues relating to reconstruction and conservation of the past. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, personality and historical period.

Year 11 Course

The Year 11 course comprises three sections.

Investigating Ancient History (60 indicative hours including ‘The Nature of Ancient History’ and ‘Case Studies’)
- - Students undertake at least one option from ‘The Nature of Ancient History’, and at least two case studies.
Features of Ancient Societies (40 indicative hours)
- - Students study at least two ancient societies.
Historical Investigation (20 indicative hours)

Historical concepts and skills are integrated with the studies undertaken in Year 11.

Year 12 Course

The Year 12 course comprises four sections.

Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum (30 indicative hours)
One ‘Ancient Societies’ topic (30 indicative hours)
One ‘Personalities in their Times’ topic (30 indicative hours)
One ‘Historical Periods’ topic (30 indicative hours)

Historical concepts and skills are integrated with the studies undertaken in Year 12.

Particular Course Requirements

Year 11

In the Year 11 course, students undertake at least two case studies.

One case study must be from Egypt, Greece, Rome or Celtic Europe, and
One case study must be from Australia, Asia, the Near East or the Americas.

Year 12

The course requires study from at least two of the following areas:

Egypt
Near East
China
Greece
Rome