History gce a level

2. Course description The History A Level course offers a variety of modern European topics about events which have shaped the world we live in today. The first year includes: Germany and West Germany 1919-89: This unit deals with a turbulent period of German history, moving from a troubled democracy to its collapse and replacement by a repressive autocratic Nazi state, followed by its collapse in defeat and a return to democracy in the western part of Germany following partition after the second world war. The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy 1911-46: This is a linked unit which deals with a similar theme, the change from democracy to fascist dictatorship in Italy in the 1920s and 1930s. The topic looks at what life under fascism meant for Italians and the eventual collapse of the regime following military defeat in 1943, the ensuing chaos and eventual return to democracy. The second year includes: The British Experience of Warfare 1790-1918: This is an in-depth investigation into the experiences of British people shaped by a series of wars across this lengthy period. The unit also looks at developments in technology, medical treatment and media reporting following changes brought about by the experiences of warfare and how civilians were increasingly involved in, and affected by, the wars of the period as time progressed. Coursework: This is a chance to examine a historical controversy through in-depth consideration of various historians' views on it. The focus is on historical enquiry and independent research. Throughout the course, students use a range of sources to explore historical issues, including both contemporary ones and the views of professional historians. Assessment is through exams at the end of each year and a piece of coursework in the second year.