History (Modern) (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language plus a C in History if studied at GCSE. If History was not studied at GCSE, then a grade C in another traditional Humanities subject is desirable.

About the Subject

Modern History is a popular subject at AS and A level. It is recognised by universities and employers as an excellent subject for developing a range of skills in handling information and ideas. The course provides a detailed study of British, German and Russian history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Whilst the course follows on from Modern World GCSE History previous study of this period at school is not essential.

Course Content

Year 1

This is composed of two modules, one European and one British.

In the first module (Unit 1) students study Russia from Tsarism to the creation of a superpower, from 1881 to 1953. Economic, social and political aspects will be included. This breadth of study will allow students to gain a broad overview of Russian and Soviet history, both domestic and foreign.

The second module (Unit 2) will be an in-depth study of British History looking at conflict and change in the 19th and 20th Century. This module will investigate the experience of warfare in Britain from 1854, the outbreak of the Crimean War, to the end of the First World War. It links the coverage of foreign wars to its effects on society in terms of medical developments, enlistment, the reporting of war, social reform and industrial change. The experience of war for British troops on the western Front will also be included.

Year 2

The first module in the second year of the coursework is the Unit 4 individual assignment. This is a coursework module examining the Black Civil Rights Movement in the USA between 1865 and 1970. This is submitted and examined by January of the second year.

Unit 3 is an in-depth study of German history from 1900 to 1945. Entitled from “Kaiser to Fuhrer”; it looks at the nature and policies of imperial, democratic and authoritarian regimes in Germany and how they influenced social change.

Key questions concern an evaluation of interpretations relating to German responsibility for the outbreak of World War 1 and the popularity and efficiency of the Nazi regime.

Assessment

In year 1 both modules are assessed by examination.

In year 2, assessment is through one examination and the personal study.