HISTORY MEG SYLLABUS B ( MODERN WORLD HISTORY)
This course enables pupils to study major events which have shaped the world this century. Many of which have relevance today.
The syllabus is divided into two parts.
| 1. | THE CORE CONTENT An outline of international relations and world events 1919-1989 |
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| a) | The search for international order between 1919 and 1929 (Versailles Treaty, League of Nations, international agreements). |
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| b) | The collapse of international order in the 1930's and the events leading up to the outbreak of World War Two |
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| c) | Tension and Co-operation since 1945 of the Cold War, the United Nations and Super Power Relations since 1945. |
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| 2. | DEPTH STUDIES - of at least 3 of the following:- |
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| a) | Britain and the First World War 1914-18. |
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| b) | Germany 1918-45 |
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| c) | Russia 1905-41 |
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| d) | USA 1919-41 |
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Assessment (2 Written exam papers and coursework) |
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Paper 1 |
- testing the Core content and Depth Studies. The paper includes structured and source based questions and carries 45% of the total marks. |
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Paper 2 |
- consisting of a source based investigation of an historical issue taken from the Core Content (the topic for examination in 2001 will be Europe in the inter-war years and carries 30% of the total marks. |
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Coursework |
- two assignments based on two of the Depth Studies, 2,000 words in total, and carries 25% of the total marks. |
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The syllabus requires a variety of approaches, firstly requiring knowledge gained by learning and understanding, secondly requiring an appreciation gained by careful study of various points of documentary material, and thirdly an ability to deal with historical concepts such as change, reliability and causation as well as an ability to write a clear narrative.
PREPARATION FOR A CAREER - WHY STUDY HISTORY?
a) |
History teaches you to think in a combination of ways not found in any other subject, involving skills which are useful for a variety of careers. |
b) |
History trains the mind in a particular way which employers welcome eg investigative study and personal research encourages and develops independent and open minds which will always be open to different opinions and interpretation. |
c) |
History offers an exciting variety of learning components and research tasks e.g. field work and rôle play. The days of concentrating purely on memory work and essay writing are gone! |
d) |
History aims to provide a balanced programme of 'skills' and content in the study of the subject and is increasingly seen as the central discipline, which integrates and complements many fields of knowledge. As a good 'all round' subject it is a valuable qualification at any level. At A Level it combines well with English, Language, Economics and Geography and as an A Level it is a recognised subject for anyone wishing to study Law or Politics or Philosophy at University. |
e) |
At degree level it is still the case that enormous numbers of History graduates hold key positions in a vast rage of professions. History is a particularly good training for administration and large numbers of History graduates go on to posts in management requiring leadership. Many work in publishing, journalism, public relations and broadcasting, industry and commerce and the civil service, or take up specialist careers in museum, archive, conservation and library work. |
Remember - History is acceptable in so many areas, an early choice of career is not necessary. It is often the case that a better career choice may be made when a person is more mature and circumspect in their judgement. |