History

Course summary

Paper 1: Breadth Study with Interpretations Option: 1F In Search of the American Dream: The USA, c1917-96 Students study the dramatic political, economic and social transformation of the USA in the twentieth century, an era that saw the USA challenged by the consequences of political, economic and social inequalities at home and of its involvement in international conflict. The focus of study is on developments and changes over a broad timescale but also contains a study in depth of the impact of the Reagan presidency on the USA in the years 1981–96. Paper 2: Depth Study Option: 2F.2 South Africa, 1948-94: from Apartheid state to ‘Rainbow Nation’. Students consider the transition of South Africa from white minority rule to the free elections of 1994, a long, and at times, dramatic process in which South Africa changed from an apartheid state into a multi-racial democracy. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the creation and consolidation of the apartheid regime by the National Party and the response and methods used by their political opponents in the struggle to overthrow apartheid, as well social, economic and cultural changes that accompanied this process. Paper 3: Themes in breadth with aspects in depth Option: 31 Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 Students explore the nature of rebellion and disorder under the Tudors and the way the various challenges were met, the nature of change in Government over the period and the changing relationship between the Crown and key sections of society. The option enables students to explore the way in which, despite a shaky start, the Tudors were able to establish their dynasty as one of the most powerful England has seen. Coursework - Focus: The Cold War Students develop skills in analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view and to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians. Our focus is likely to be the controversies surrounding the causes of the beginning or of the end of the Cold War, subject to approval.