History Extension (HSC level only) One unit in HSC only NESA Developed Course Prerequisites: A Year 11 and HSC course in Modern History or Ancient History.
What background knowledge do I need to study History Extension? Students must be studying either Modern History or Ancient History. There are no other prerequisites but is is assumed that students: • •
have a love of, and interest in, history have competent essay writing skills
Why study History Extension? History Extension has been designed for those who enjoy studying History. As the individual project represents a large part of the assessment in this course, it is an ideal course for students who want to research a favourite historical area. The course takes an historiographical approach and aims to develop historical thinking and writing. Therefore, it can strengthen these skills and so enhance the results of students in the 2 Unit courses. It is essential that Extension students are self-motivated workers.
Course description: HSC History Extension is offered in Year 12 for students of either Modern or Ancient History. This course is designed to enhance the development of critical and reflective thinking skills essential for effective participation in work, higher learning and the broader community.
Main topics covered: •
Part I – Constructing History o
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Part II – Constructing History - Case Studies o
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Within this topic, students look at the key questions which provide a framework for the investigation the construction of history with a focus on historiography. Students then develop their understanding of significant historiographical ideas and methodologies by exploring one case study.
Students then develop their understanding of significant historiographical ideas and methodologies by exploring one case study. Topics that may be studied include: Winston Churchill, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Cleopatra VII.
Part III – History Project o
Students will choose and design a research topic. This topic may be chosen from any period of history according to individual interest.
Will I produce a major work for the history project? Yes. A research essay of 2,500 words forms 40 per cent of the internal assessment program. This work may be chosen from any topic area and must be historiographical in approach. Students’ works will be supervised by a teacher but will be independently researched and written. Students may need access to academic libraries and will need to allocate some time outside school hours for their research to complete a work of the required standard. The major work is assessed internally. It is not tested in the HSC examination.
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Subject Choice for the Higher School Certificate
