What you need to know about doing this subject! ATAR MODERN HISTORY What you need to know about doing this subject!
Why do the subject? The History syllabus emphasises critical thinking. It encourages students to evaluate and interpret evidence in order to develop reasoned and balanced judgements about the past.
Modern History enables students to: Understand the motives of leaders and the ideas and beliefs that inspired citizens Learn how an individual can change the world Know that the subject is about more than just facts and dates, it is also about the human spirit Create links between past events and current events and see patterns of behavior and actions Improve the world by not repeating past mistakes Know why there is controversy about different historical accounts Develop informed opinions on issues that shaped and affect our world
Modern History skills employers want: Planning and time management Independent and critical thinking Research methods that identify important information Recognition and appreciation of different perspectives Analysis of relevant and reliable evidence Synthesis of information into a logical, balanced account Reasoned decision making and persuasive writing Thinking within a particular context of either local, national or global issues. A high level of written communication skills
Modern History – the course What kinds of things will I learn about in this course? “We learn about the modern world. Capitalism: the American experience and Nazism in Germany as a movement for change. American and German history is really interesting, I had no idea they had so many things in common.” Past student What kinds of skills do the successful students in the course have? “I have enjoyed developing my persuasive writing and debating skills. I rarely lose an argument!”
Assessment What kinds of assessment will I do? There are a wide variety of different assessments leading to an end of year examination. “We have written speeches, created posters and done essay writing.”
Course combinations What other courses go well with this course? Past students have found this course combines well with Literature, ATAR English, Politics and Law, Economics, Psychology and Religion and Life. On several occasions top achieving Modern History students at Newman College have also been top achievers in Chemistry. Those students that have gone on to study science at university have found that the skills that they developed studying Modern History help with their assignments and writing.
Excursions Will this course require me to miss other classes? There may be an excursion to the Holocaust Institute in Year 11, but at most it will be half a day and you may meet a Holocaust survivor!
Most enjoyable aspects The unit on Nazi Germany is really interesting; discovering how one man was able to rise to power and dominate an entire country is fascinating. “I chose History because I love the subject and love learning new things” “Learning the politics of the time studied has been challenging, but rewarding. I enjoy being challenged to think and to use my writing skills.”
Careers using Modern History