AS/A2 Level History

History
AS / A2

Who is the course for?
Any student with an enquiring mind and an interest in the past

What is the course about?
You will study a combination of American, British and World History.

The course has been designed to focus on events, periods and ideas, which have had a direct impact on the world in which we live today, and to broaden your historical awareness and skills. As such, the four units provide a varied approach to the subject, whilst retaining this central theme.

AS Level
The AS Level programme aims to develop your historical skills and understanding by examining the following two periods:

Unit 1: America 1890-1945
In this unit we look at how the US responded to a series of challenges both from outside and within the USA, ranging from the First World War to the rise of the Klu Klux Klan, from the Great Depression to Pearl Harbour. We will look at the role of individual presidents, the factors working for and against change, and how policies and governments had to change to meet the various crises.

Unit 2: The Sixties Social Revolution? British Society 1959-75

In this unit we investigate the nature and the extent to which there was social and cultural change in Britain during the 1960s, and whether or not it can be described as a social revolution. We will focus on the extent to which British values were transformed and will include a study of new trends in popular culture, the changing status and roles of women and youth, the importance of government legislation and the impact of immigration on Britain by 1975.

A2 Level
The A2 programme aims to further your understanding of the subject by investigating history on an international scale, and through your completion of an independent coursework study.
Unit 3: Aspects of International Relations 1945-2004

In this unit we shall investigate the ways in which the Cold War both overshadowed and, in most respects, dictated the course of international relations 1945-2004.
The unit aims to promote an understanding of change and continuity in aspects of international relations during the period, and the extent to which the inter-relationships between ideas, individuals and other factors brought about these changes. Topics you will study will include:

The Emergence of the Superpowers, 1945-1962
From Cold War to Dtente, 1962-1981
The Final Years of the Cold War, 1981-1991
Post-Cold War Relations, 1991-2004

Unit 4: Independent Coursework Assignment

Will I need anything else?
No

How long & often do I attend?
You will attend 3 sessions per week, each of 1 hours

How will I be assessed?
We aim to use a variety of teaching methods so that all learning styles are catered for. These include; group work, class discussion, student presentations, independent research, hot seating, short testing, timed essays, and homework essays.

You will be entered for two exams on the AS programme, and one on the A2. There is also a mandatory 3,500 word coursework requirement at A2

What opportunities will this lead to?
Historians are found in all walks of life. The subject provides valuable analytical skills, and provides an ideal platform to pursue a wide range of careers, such as Law, the Civil Service, Social Work, Journalism, Teaching and Banking.

You could progress to a BA Hons degree in History, Politics or Philosophy. Following this you could enter employment within the law, the media, computing, marketing or banking.