IB History

IB History

What is IB History?
When we hear of a major event we are seeing history in the making. What has happened in the past greatly affects all aspects of our lives in the present and will indeed affect what happens in the future. Historians enquire into the events of the past and attempt to produce an interpretation and reconstruction of it.

The International Baccalaureate in history takes a world view on events. More and more today's cultures and societies are becoming closely linked together. In order to understand the present situation we need to understand the past. We will be concerned with investigating why events happened and assessing their significance. We will also focus upon the role of the historian considering issues such as whether the historian can ever be free of bias and the importance of historical interpretation.

What will I study?
If you pursue the History IB at Standard Level you will be involved with the following areas of study:

1. The Prescribed Subject: For this you will examine -Peacemaking, peacekeeping - International relations 1918 - 1936

2. 20th Century World History Topics:

• a. Origins and development of authoritarian and single-party states particular attention will be paid to Hitler and Nazi Germany, Stalin and the USSR and Castro and Cuba
• b. The Cold War: this topic will focus, broadly, on the origins, nature , impact and end of the Cold War in Europe and the wider world, and involve case studies of key events and crises (such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the creation of the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the collapse of the USSR)

3. Internal Assessment: You will undertake an historical investigation on a chosen theme of your choice.

If you pursue the History IB Higher Level the course requirements are the same as for the Standard Level but you will also study an additional unit called the Regional Option. This will focus on aspects of European history, specifically:

• a. Imperial Russia, revolutions, and the emergence of the Soviet State, 1853-1924.
• European Diplomacy and the First World War, 1870 - 1923
• c. The Inter-war Years: Conflict and Co-operation, 1919 - 1939

How will I be assessed?
If you are pursuing the IB Standard Level you will be examined on all the units except the Internal Assessment. 75% of your final mark will come from the examinations and 25% from the Internal Assessment.

If you are pursuing the IB Higher Level you will also be examined on all the units except the Internal Assessment but this time 80% of your final mark will come from the examinations and 20% from the Internal Assessment.

How will I be taught in the classroom and how will I study?
A variety of approaches will be adopted. You may view articles from textbooks or magazines and take notes from your lecturer. You may be exploring documents from the time or researching a chosen theme. You can expect to make good use of the College†s IT facilities. You can expect regular homework and to write at length on many of the areas of study. Independent reading is a central element of the course.

And afterwards?
History is widely respected as a subject which develops your critical skills. You might wish to carry the subject further to degree level but it is also seen as an important stepping stone in to careers in areas such as Law, Management, Journalism and Administration.

Further information on the IB programme
For more information please follow this link IB Programmme or see our IB Diploma School Pack.

Course: IB HL and SL