A Level History

Course summary

History is the study of the past. It examines the political, economic, social and cultural issues of different era and cultures. In some ways, the subject is the study of everything! Of course, in A level History you won't be expected to learn everything from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Cold War, but you will cover enough in breadth and depth to develop a good understanding of events in their historical context, and to develop an historian's approach to the past. "Why was a particular course of action followed?" is a fundamental question underlying the study of history, and its primary purpose is not to judge but to comprehend. From an intellectual standpoint, A level History is about the acquisition of vital learning skills: you need to be able to read and digest large amounts of information and to pick out what is and is not relevant to the question you are dealing with. History will teach you how to analyse, reflect and to argue clearly in class and in writing. The rewards are many! The enjoyment and intellectual stimulation you get when you've securely understood the topic are considerable. This is when arguments can be formed and you can involve yourself in the cut-and-thrust of historical debate. Your ideas will be revived or challenged and you are bound to establish new perspectives. Year 12: Unit 1: The Age of the Crusades  The Crusader states and Outremer, c1071–1149  The origins of conflict and the First Crusade, c1071–c1099  The foundation of new states and the Second Crusade, c1099–1149 Unit 2: The Making of Modern Britain  The Affluent Society, 1951–1964  The Sixties, 1964–1970  The end of Post-War Consensus, 1970–1979 Year 13 Unit 1: The Age of the Crusades  The Muslim Counter-Crusade and Crusader states, 1149–1187  The Third and Fourth Crusades, 1187–1204 Unit 2: The Making of Modern Britain  The impact of Thatcherism, 1979–1987  Towards a new Consensus, 1987–1997  The Era of New Labour, 1997–2007 Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework) – “To what extent was the British Empire a positive force for change in India, 1857-1967?”