The Modern History ATAR course enables students to study the forces that have shaped today’s world and provides them with a broader and deeper comprehension of the world in which they live. Modern History enhances students’ curiosity and imagination and their appreciation of larger themes, individuals, movement, events and ideas that have shaped the contemporary world.
The Modern History ATAR course aims to develop students’:
- Knowledge and understanding of particular events, ideas, movements and developments that have shaped the modern world;
- Capacity to undertake historical inquiry, including skills in research, evaluation of sources, synthesis of evidence, analysis of interpretations and representations, and communication of findings;
- Application of historical concepts, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, significance, empathy, perspectives and contestability; and
- Capacity to be informed citizens with the skills, including analytical and critical thinking, to participate in contemporary debates.
Minimum is B grade or exam mark of 65% in Year 10 Humanities and Social Sciences.
The Year 11 syllabus is divided into two units, each of one semester duration, which are typically delivered as a pair. The notional time for each unit is 55 class contact hours.
Unit 1 – Understanding the Modern World
This unit provides an introduction to significant developments in the modern period that have defined the modern world, and the ideas that underpinned them, such as liberty, equality and fraternity. This unit examines developments of significance in the modern era, including the ideas that inspired them and their far-reaching consequences. Students examine one development or turning point that has helped to define the modern world.
For example; Capitalism – the American Experience 1907–1941
Unit 2 – Movements for Change in the 20th Century
This unit examines significant movements developed in response to the ideas studied in Unit 11 that brought about change in the modern world and that have been subject to political debate. The unit focuses on the ways in which individuals, groups and institutions challenge authority and transform society. This unit examines significant movements for change in the 20th Century that led to Change in Society, including people’s attitudes and circumstances.
For example; Nazism in Germany.
Historical Inquiry: 20%
Source Analysis: 30%