Course Information


Course Title: History

Course Level: N4/5

 

What is History?

History is a dynamic subject that deals with social, economic and political issues from the past. We study these issues in Scotland, Britain and Europe and the wider world. Through the study of History you will gain many skills; how to analyse and evaluate different types of evidence; debate issues and form opinions; handle information and present findings; empathise with people living in the past and how to write analytical essays.


What will I study in S3/S4 History?

Pupils who choose History in S3 will continue to undertake the experiences and outcomes of Level 3 and 4 in Curriculum for Excellence. The pupils will study a variety of topics covering Scotland, Britain and Europe and the wider world. The new National 4/5 Curriculum will then be followed by all pupils, with National 4 being assessed within the school and National 5 externally assessed. Pupils will also produce a piece of work in the form of an essay or presentation which will involve in-depth research of an historical topic of their choosing which will make up part of their final assessment. This will give pupils the chance to build up knowledge and skills and show the results of their efforts in the best possible light.


Why should I study History?

If you intend to go on to Further Education i.e. College or University to study other subjects, the development of your analytical essay writing skills developed through the History courses will be extremely beneficial.


A study of History is strongly recommended for those seeking careers in:

  • Law
  • Journalism/Media
  • Tourism
  • Museum/Archive
  • Banking
  • Business
  • Teaching
  • Archaeology
  • Project Managing
  • Finance/Insurance


All pupils will study the following units:


Scotland: The Era of the Great War 1910-1928

A study of the experiences of Scots in the Great War and its impact on life in Scotland. This topic considers the impact of technology on the soldiers on the Western Front. It also considers the way in which the war changed life for people at home as the war began to impact on every aspect of life both during and after the war.


Britain: The Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807

A study of the nature of the British Atlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth century, changing attitudes towards it in Britain and the pressures that led to its abolition, illustrating the themes of rights, exploitation and culture.


European and World: Free at Last? Civil Rights in the USA, 1918–1968

A study of the development of race relations in the USA during the years 1918–68, illustrating themes of ideas, identity and power ranging from America’s open door policy to the civil rights campaign in America.



Progression

National 4/5
Higher Grade

Also in Column C...