Modern History is an exciting and engaging subject that promotes a lifelong interest in the study of the human past. The course examines significant personalities, nation states and international conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries. These studies provide opportunities for students to investigate human actions, achievements and their consequences. The course promotes the development of critical thinking skills. Students will develop a sophisticated understanding of the concepts of cause and effect, change and continuity, significance and contestability. The will also learn to appreciate and empathise with differing perspectives of a single event.
Modern History is a disciplined process of inquiry into the past that helps to explain how people, events and forces have shaped the modern world. Students will learn of the many ways in which people have been governed during modern times. This will include examining the features of autocratic, democratic, fascist and communist states. They will also delve into the concepts of, revolution, nationalism, imperialism, militarism, decolonisation, racism and self determination. A working knowledge of these concepts prepares students for active and informed citizenship in the contemporary world.
Options studied at Evans River K-12 School
Preliminary Course:
- Asian Case Study: 19th Century China
- European Case Study: 19th Century Russia
- Historical investigation: Individual Research Project
- Source-Based Study: The World at the Beginning of the 20th Century
HSC Course:
- Source-Based Study: World War One
- National Study: The Russian Revolution
- 20th Century Personality: Trotsky
- International Study in Peace and Conflict: Conflict in the Pacific