Tawa College

Level 1 History 101

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs A. Nielsen.

Recommended Prior Learning

An interest in Social Studies or History is recommended. Please be aware this is a literacy-rich subject.

“Conflict is inevitable but combat is optional”. - Max Lucado

History is the study of the past – it investigates the people, societies, and events of the past. Studying History gives us the tools to analyze and explain problems, develop empathy, think critically and understand how the events of the past influence the world today.

This course is an introduction to historical thinking. In Year 11 students will study a range of different contexts based around the themes of conflict, identity and international relations. Students will learn a range of skills such as explaining historical perspectives, writing convincing and logical arguments, interpreting sources and learning how to carry out effective research.

Course Overview

Term 1
In Term One the topic of study is Unraveling History. Students will be introduced to key historical thinking skills such as perspectives and source interpretation. They will develop these skills by looking at a range of historical debates such as:
- Death of Princess Diana: Accident or Assassination
- JFK: Lone assassin or conspiracy?
- Rasputin: Hero or Villain?
- Moon Landing: Lunar Landing or Space Staging
- Cleopatra: Charismatic Queen or Cunning Conspirator?

Term 2
In Term Two the topic of study is Power in the Pacific. This topic will explore World War II through the themes of power and propaganda. It will introduce key historical thinking concepts such as significance, perspectives and cause and effect. Students will learn the skills required to carry out effective research and how to use evidence to construct a historical narrative.

Term 3
In Term Three students will focus on the concept of significance. Historical significance asks us to consider what events, people, and places we choose to remember and why. Possible topics for this term include Apartheid and the Springbok Tour, the invasion of Parihaka or the Dawn Raids.

Term 4
In Term Four the topic of study is Legends and Legacies. In this unit students will explore the impact of historical figures and develop their source interpretation skills. This unit will ask the questions: Why are some historical figures remembered while others are forgotten? How should people and groups be remembered?

Learning Areas:

Social Sciences

Pathway

NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies 201, NCEA Level 2 Geography 201, NCEA Level 2 History 201, NCEA Level 2 Legal Studies 201

Career Pathways

Journalist, Copywriter, Archivist, Historian, Author, Elected Government Representative, Psychologist, Editor, Solicitor, Curator, Foreign Policy Officer, Exhibition and Collections Technician, Primary School Teacher, Tertiary Lecturer, Secondary School Teacher, Social Worker, Teacher Aide, Tour Guide