Examination Board: AQA
Specification Code: History 8145
Available Levels: One Level
Course Description
The course is assessed by two examined papers and no coursework.
Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World, helps students to understand key developments and events in modern world history. The paper is divided into two sections:
Section A: Period Studies (one topic studied)
Each period study has a focus on one country over a period of around 50 years.
Section B: Wider World Depth Studies (one topic studied)
Each depth study investigates international conflict. Students will be able to deepen their understanding of the modern world.
Paper 2: Shaping the nation enables students to understand key developments and events in the history of Britain. The paper is divided into two sections:
Section A: Thematic studies (one topic studied)
Each thematic study gives students a coherent understanding of change and continuity across a long sweep of history. Although each option has a distinct focus, they all illuminate social, political, and economic change and the part played by various factors in shaping the history of Britain.
Section B: British Depth Studies (one topic studied)
The depth studies are either from the Medieval or Early Modern era (between 1000 to 300 years ago). They focus on a particular time and people from that time who shaped the nation. Students will build a coherent understanding of the complexity of society and the interplay of different aspects within it. The Historical environment is embedded within the depth studies. Students will be able to make connections and evaluate how specified sites have been shaped by the Historical events and developments of the time.
Course Structure
Unit 1: Understanding the Modern World, written paper, – 50%
Unit 1, Section A Period Study, we will choose ONE from three options: America 1840-95 which includes events such as the American Civil War, the struggle to end slavery, and the deliberate destruction of the Native Americans’ way of life. Germany 1890-1945, which looks at how Germany was at the heart of two World Wars and how a civilized German nation embraced Hitler and the Nazis. Russia 1894-1945, which looks at how the world’s largest nation became a brutal Communist regime capable, under the ruthless Joseph Stalin, of defeating the Nazis.
Unit 1, Section B Wider World Study we will choose from either: Conflict and tension in Asia, looking at the brutal and long Wars in Korea (1950-1953) and Vietnam (1954-1975). Conflict and tension 1990-2009 looking at conflict in the Middle East, specifically the causes, events, and consequences of the first Iraq War (1990), the Wars in Afghanistan/against Al Qaeda, the causes of the second Iraq War (2003), and its consequences to 2009.
Paper 2: Shaping the Nation, written paper – 50%
Unit 2, Section B Thematic study we will choose from either: Britain: Migration, empires and the people: c790 to the present day or Britain: Power and the people: c1170 to the present day. Britain, Migration, Empires, and People looks at the impact of successive waves of immigration and change, from the Vikings to modern Britain. The impact of trade, conflict, religion, ideas, and individuals are examined, looking at how modern Britain and the British identity are based on 1,200 years of change. Britain: Power and the People looks at how from 1170 to the present day fundamental freedoms such as democracy, human rights, and equality have emerged through struggle and revolution. As with the previous option, the role of a wide range of social and economic influences is examined along with political and revolutionary struggles.
Unit 2, Section B Depth Study We will choose from Norman England, c1066-1100, Medieval England – the reign of Edward I, 1272-1307 or Elizabethan England, c1568-1603. Norman England looks at the ruthless and complete Norman takeover of England under William the Conqueror and his son. Medieval England – the reign of Edward I looks at the life under Edward I, which saw for example the ruthless conquest of Wales, castle building on an epic scale, an endless war to conquer Scotland, and the murderous expulsion of the Jews from England in 1290. Elizabethan England, c1568-1603 looks at how under the determined genius of Elizabeth 1st England changed into a more modern state and society that flourished in the face of foreign attack and religious disagreements at home. Part of the topic chosen will include an examination of a historic site such as a castle, palace, town, battlefield, or group of buildings, with the student will be required to explain how the site relates to the period studied. The Unit 2 Section B Depth Study will include questions on both the topic studied and the historic site studied.
Careers
The successful study of History proves a candidate’s ability to collate and sift information to produce convincing written and spoken arguments, key skills for anyone looking to work in a leadership or management role. Students who are going to study sciences for A level and at University often also study History at GCSE or A level to prove that they can produce effective written arguments over and above the boundaries of the Sciences they are studying. Many History graduates go on to train as Lawyers. There are also Tourism, Heritage, and Teaching based career paths for those seeking to continue working within the discipline.
