History elective
This is popular course at Macarthur Girls. Students are faced with looking at several historical issues and eras all of which are used to fulfil the course aims of further developing the syllabus ideals of mandatory History course covered by all girls. The course is additional to the Mandatory course and covers a completely different et of topics. It utilises similar skills as those being developed in the Mandatory History course. As a result of studying Elective History, students should develop the following:
Knowledge, understanding and skills
Values and attitudes
The study of all History at school investigates the actions, motives and lifestyles of people over time, from the history of individuals and family members, to the History of local communities and then expanding to investigate national and world history contexts. It introduces the idea that History contains many stories and that there is never only one "definitive" version. There are many different perspectives within a nation’s history, and historians may interpret events differently depending on their point of view and the sources they have used. The study of History enhances the individual students appreciation for and an understanding of civics and citizenship. It also provides broader insights into the historical experiences of different cultural groups within our society and how various groups have struggled for civil rights – for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, migrants and women. History encourages students to develop an understanding of significant historical concepts such as cause and effect, change and continuity, significance, empathy and contestability.
History has its own methods and procedures. It is more than the simple presentation of facts and dates from the past. It aims to provide the skills required for students to answer the question ‘How do we know?’ An investigation of an historical issue through a range of sources can stimulate curiosity and develop problem-solving, research and critical thinking skills. It develops language specific to the discipline of History and provides opportunities to further develop literacy skills. Students learn to critically analyse and interpret sources of evidence in order to construct reasoned explanations and a rational and informed argument based on evidence, drawn from the remains of the past. Students engage in research involving traditional methods and ICT, including evaluating web-based sources and using a range of technologies for historical research and communication.
The course is made up of several topics, each developed to appeal to the individual student's sense of intrigue. Elements of Ancient origin as well as some very contemporary historical issues are used to create an interesting yet challenging course.
The syllabus divides the course into three broad topic areas, they are:
Topic 1: Constructing History : Examining history through one or more of the following aspects;-
Topic 2: Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Societies
Topic 3: Thematic Studies
Knowledge, understanding and skills
- a knowledge and understanding of history and
historical inquiry
- a knowledge and understanding of past societies
and historical periods
- skills to undertake the processes of historical
inquiry
- skills to communicate their understanding of
history.
Values and attitudes
- history as a study of human experience
- the opportunity to develop a life-long interest
and enthusiasm for history
- the nature of history as reflecting differing
perspectives and viewpoints
- the opportunity to contribute to a just society
through informed citizenship
- the contribution of a past and present peoples
to our shared heritage.
The study of all History at school investigates the actions, motives and lifestyles of people over time, from the history of individuals and family members, to the History of local communities and then expanding to investigate national and world history contexts. It introduces the idea that History contains many stories and that there is never only one "definitive" version. There are many different perspectives within a nation’s history, and historians may interpret events differently depending on their point of view and the sources they have used. The study of History enhances the individual students appreciation for and an understanding of civics and citizenship. It also provides broader insights into the historical experiences of different cultural groups within our society and how various groups have struggled for civil rights – for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, migrants and women. History encourages students to develop an understanding of significant historical concepts such as cause and effect, change and continuity, significance, empathy and contestability.
History has its own methods and procedures. It is more than the simple presentation of facts and dates from the past. It aims to provide the skills required for students to answer the question ‘How do we know?’ An investigation of an historical issue through a range of sources can stimulate curiosity and develop problem-solving, research and critical thinking skills. It develops language specific to the discipline of History and provides opportunities to further develop literacy skills. Students learn to critically analyse and interpret sources of evidence in order to construct reasoned explanations and a rational and informed argument based on evidence, drawn from the remains of the past. Students engage in research involving traditional methods and ICT, including evaluating web-based sources and using a range of technologies for historical research and communication.
The course is made up of several topics, each developed to appeal to the individual student's sense of intrigue. Elements of Ancient origin as well as some very contemporary historical issues are used to create an interesting yet challenging course.
The syllabus divides the course into three broad topic areas, they are:
Topic 1: Constructing History : Examining history through one or more of the following aspects;-
- Biography
- Family history
- Film as history
- Historical fiction
- Heritage and conservation
- History and the media
- Local history
- Museum and/or archives studies
- Oral history
- Historical reconstructions
- A history website/CD-ROM
Topic 2: Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Societies
- Archaeology of the ancient world
- Literature of the ancient world
- Medieval and early modern Europe
- The Ottoman Empire
- An Asian study
- The Americas
- The Pacific
- Africa
- A 19th-century study
- A 20th-century study
Topic 3: Thematic Studies
- Children in history
- Heroes and villains
- Religious beliefs and rituals through the ages
- Sport and recreation in history
- War and peace
- World myths and legends
- Crime and punishment
- Music through history
- Slavery
- Terrorism
- Women in history
- A school-developed study