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A Chinese (attributed) curse states: “May you live in interesting times”, a comment reflecting the difficulties and uncertainties that changes and unforeseen developments in everyday life can create. An awareness of the past provides us with knowledge and understanding of our world and thereby a degree of protection against “interesting times”. The study of History is vital for anyone wanting to comprehend the present and help to make informed decisions for the future. Lessons will focus on exploring key historical issues and examining how they were viewed by people at the time and by historians. As a History student, you will study a wide range of themes by exploring late twentieth-century Britain, Tsarist and Communist Russia and Tudor Foreign Policy. In the second year, you will conduct research in order to write a coursework essay. A keen interest in all aspects of the past, the ability to ask questions and a willingness to read widely are welcomed in the History department.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which include English Language andMathematics. There is no need to have studied History at GCSE but at least grade 4 in another Humanities subject is preferable.
When we hear of a major event in the news 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. We will be concerned with investigating why events happened and their significance, and try to understand the nature of historical evidence by examining documents and materials from the time. We will examine how historians have interpreted events and consider why they often disagree.• Unit 1: Britain 1931-1997 • Unit 2: Russia and its rulers 1894 – 1941• Unit 3: Tudor Foreign Policy 1485 – 1603• Unit 4: Independent Historical Enquiry
Lesson activities are wide ranging and include debates and discussions on matters of historical significance, to role play activities and the development of independent study.
20% coursework, 80% exam (three exam papers).
The purchase of essential textbooks across the two year course is £40.
