History

What is relevance of History?

History is not the past. History is an argument about the claims that people make about events and peoples in the past. History equips young people with a range of key skills that they can use in a wide variety of professional careers, from journalism and broadcasting to law and a host of other well recognised fields.

Why choose AQA?

It’s a fact that AQA is the UK’s favourite exam board and more students receive their academic qualifications from AQA than from any other board. But why does AQA continue to be so popular?

Why choose AS/A2 History?

A choice of 44 options, British and European/ World, from Medieval to early 21st century history.

The opportunity to select options within the same chronological period, to compare the same issues in a British and European/World context, or to study themes across different periods.

Options within Units 1 and 2 available in January as well as June. The specification also promotes a coherent study of History.

It contains a substantial British history requirement.

It promotes an understanding of change and development over time.

The Historical Enquiry is deliberately left until A2, when students have the intellectual maturity to benefit fully from the exercise, which will also prepare students for progression to higher education.

The specification also retains many of the options from the previous specification, with greater choice than previously.

Specification at a glance: History

 

AS Examinations Unit 1 – HIS1A–HIS1N Change and Consolidation 50% of AS, 25% of A Level 1 hour 15 minutes written examination 72 marks Choice of 13 different optional units Available January and June	A2 Examinations Unit 3 – HIS3A–HIS3N The State and the People: Change and Continuity 30% of A Level 1 hour 30 minutes written examination 90 marks Choice of 13 different optional units Available in June only
Unit 2 – HIS2A–HIS2S Historical Issues: Periods of Change 50% of AS, 25% of A Level 1 hour 30 minutes written examination 72 marks Choice of 18 different optional units Available January and June	Unit 4 – HIS4X Historical Enquiry 20% of A Level Coursework unit 60 marks Approximately 3500 words on an analysis of a historical issue Available in June only

Unit 1

Change and Consolidation

USA, 1890–1945 HIS1M

How effectively did the USA respond to the need for change in this period?

Introduction

This unit provides an overview of US history in the period 1890–1945 as it responded to a series of challenges both from outside and within the USA. Students will examine the role of individual presidents, the factors working for and against change, and how foreign and domestic policy changed to meet the various crises. There will be opportunities to consider interpretations of how the USA developed during this period and to engage in the various debates over key incidents in US history. The study of events between 1890 and 1945 will enable students to compare, explain and assess the nature, pace and extent of change and its impact on domestic and foreign policy.

Unit 2

Historical Issues: Periods of Change

A Sixties Social Revolution? British Society, 1959–1975 (B) HIS2R

Introduction

This unit provides an opportunity to investigate the nature and the extent to which there was social and cultural change in Britain during the 1960s. Students will need to demonstrate a sound understanding of the key changes and attitudes developing in the 1960s, but the main emphasis will be on analysis and assessment of these changes between the years 1959 and 1975 and whether their impact can be interpreted as a social revolution or not. An examination of the 1960s will focus on the extent to which British values were transformed and will include a study of new trends in popular culture, the changing status and roles of women and youth, the importance of government legislation and the impact of immigration on Britain by 1975.

Unit 3

The State and the People: Change and

Continuity

HIS3N Aspects of International Relations, 1945–2004

Aspects of International Relations, 1945–2004 HIS3N

Introduction

This unit promotes an understanding of change and continuity over approximately 60 years. Through the study of key events in depth, such as the introduction of containment as the foundation of US foreign policy after 1947, candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of individuals, ideas and other factors and their relative importance to the processes of change and consolidation. Additionally, as a result of the study of the period as a whole, candidates will be able to demonstrate how issues, ideas and other factors changed during the period. The continuity of the Cold War within a framework of shifting intensity is particularly evident in this period of study. The impact of nuclear technology and economic strength are both primary elements in understanding the nature of international relations in the second half of the twentieth century and into the beginning of the 21st century. This unit enables students to understand the key forces which have driven international relations and will enable them to place future developments in a meaningful context.

Unit 4 HIS4X

Historical Enquiry HIS4X

Candidates will be required to submit a Historical Enquiry, based on the investigation of a historical issue. The principal characteristics of this are that:

• The work is that of an individual working within a framework that is specified by AQA

• The work is based on a historical investigation and demonstrates some awareness of historiography

• A range of sources is considered and evaluated

• The topic chosen must arise from the study of, and be placed in the context of, 100 years

• Synoptic understanding is demonstrated by studying an issue over 100 years

• The enquiry is presented in essay format and written in continuous prose.