AS/A2 History

AS/A2 History
AS/A2 History allows you to explore new areas of the past and to uncover the people, conflicts and passions behind great events. What gave the black people of America the courage to stand up for their liberties? Why did Britain rule almost a quarter of the world and how did those peoples fight for their freedom? All students study Modern World History with a specialisation in either American or European history. See each pathway below for details.

AS Course Content
The AS course comprises two units:

Unit 1:
American pathway: Civil Rights in the USA 1945-68. How did campaigners fight for civil rights during this period? How successful were their campaigns?
European pathway: Stalin's Russia, 1924-53. How did Stalin use and abuse power during his time as leader of Russia?
All students: Mao's China 1949-76. In what ways did Chairman Mao transform China? What was life like for the people of China during this period?
Assessment is by exam. You will be asked to write two essays, explaining and analysing events, ideas, attitudes, and beliefs that you have studied.

Unit 2:
All students:
The Experience of Warfare in Britain: Crimea, Boer and the First World War 1854-1929. How did Britain prepare itself for war? How did warfare change life in Britain?
Assessment is by exam. You will be asked to write two source-based essays, cross-referencing the evidence provided, and using this â€" along with your own knowledge - to test an historical interpretation.

A2 Course Content
The A2 course comprises a further two units:

Unit 3:
American pathway: Boom, Bust and Recovery: The USA 1917-54. Why did the United States suffer such a serious depression in the years 1929-33? How successful was the impact of the New Deal in 1941?
European pathway: From Kaiser to Fuhrer: Germany 1900-1945: To what extent was Germany responsible for the outbreak of the First World War? How popular and efficient was the Nazi regime in the year 1933-39?
Assessment is by exam. You will be asked to write two essays, analysing the events you have studied and exploring historical issues and debates.

Unit 4:
All students:
The British Empire in Africa. How did British attitudes to its empire change over time? How and why did British control of its empire in Africa change between 1870 and 1980? Which individuals and organisations played a key role campaigning for decolonisation?
Assessment is by coursework. You will be asked to find primary and secondary sources relevant to the enquiry, and use these sources and your own knowledge to assess the significance of events and individuals.

Is History for you?
You will enjoy and benefit from History if you are interested in:

• the decline of democracy and the rise of dictatorships;
• causes of prejudice and campaigns for equality;
• the impact of war and the effect of propaganda;
• and are able to:
  • understand theoretical concepts and examine issues logically and systematically;
  • analyse and compare source material;
  • express yourself well, both in discussion and on paper;
  • carry out independent investigative research, including extensive reading and using the internet.

History and your future

History is an excellent qualification for a degree in the Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Philosophy and many more. Employers also appreciate the qualities that History helps to develop â€" the ability to question, interpret, and evaluate, and the skills to think critically, write persuasively and sustain an argument.

The study of History at this level can lead to a range of careers in fields such as journalism, the media, politics, teaching, law, marketing.

History combines well with all subjects. However, many students choose to study History alongside Economics, English, History of Art, Modern Languages, Media, Politics, Psychology, and Religious Studies.

Visits & Visitors
Members of the History Department have the opportunity to take part in a number of popular â€-extra' activities. In the past few years we have offered:

• visits to Moscow and St Petersburg
• representing the college in the Lessons from Auschwitz project
• historical film screenings arranged in conjunction with the Arts Picturehouse: recent examples include Die Faelsche (The Counterfeiters), in which Nazi concentration camp inmates are coerced into producing US dollars, and a special screening of early 20th century Black cinema
• talks by visiting speakers on topics such as the cultural history of the Mughal Court, the historical significance of George Orwell's 1984, and experiences of Auschwitz.