History Extension

Course No: 15280

Course Description

History Extension provides students with opportunities to examine the way history is constructed and the role of historians. Students investigate the nature of history and changing approaches to its construction through sampling the works of various writers, historians and others involved in the practice of history. Students apply their understanding to undertake an individual investigative project, focusing on an area of changing historical interpretation.

What Students Learn

The Year 12 course comprises two sections:

Constructing History

Key Questions
- Who are the historians?
- What are the purposes of history?
- How has history been constructed, recorded and presented over time?
- Why have approaches to history changed over time?
Case Studies
- Students develop their understanding of significant historiographical idea and methodologies by exploring one case study, with reference to three identified area of debate and the key questions.

History Project

Student will undertake an individual investigative project, focusing on an area of changing historical interpretation.

What do you learn about?

History Extension focuses on the nature of history and how and why historical interpretations are developed over time. Students examine the role of the historian, the types of history produced over time and the problems and issues associated with the construction of history, from ancient times to the present day.

What do you do in History Extension?

You will engage with complex historiographical ideas and communicate historical arguments about the nature of history. You will critically analyse whether history can be objective and truthful. You will also focus on an area of debate to consider how context, methodology and evidence and shape an interpretation.

How is it assessed?

Assessment tasks are closely modelled on the types of skills required for the HSC examination. Students will also be assessed on their in depth research project.

Who should do it?

Students who have performed well in Preliminary Ancient and Modern History and would like to develop their critical thinking skills.

Important NESA Information

1 unit Year 12

Board Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil

Prerequisites:

Year 11 Ancient History or Modern History is a prerequisite for entry into Year 12 History Extension.

Year 12 Ancient History or Modern History is a co-requisite for Year 12 History Extension.

Course Description

History Extension provides students with opportunities to examine the way history is constructed and the role of historians. Students investigate the nature of history and changing approaches to its construction through sampling the works of various writers, historians and others involved in the practice of history. Students apply their understanding to undertake an individual investigative project, focusing on an area of changing historical interpretation.

Content

The course comprises two sections.

Constructing History (Minimum 40 indicative hours)

Key Questions
Who are historians?
What are the purposes of history?
How has history been constructed, recorded and presented over time?
Why have approaches to history changed over time?

Case Studies

Students develop their understanding of significant historiographical ideas and methodologies by exploring one case study, with reference to three identified areas of debate and the key questions.

History Project (Maximum 20 indicative hours)

Students will undertake an individual investigative project, focusing on an area of changing historical interpretation.

Particular Course Requirements

The course requires students to undertake:

One case study
The development of one History Project.