GCSE Short CoursesHistory B: Modern World - 1037

Notice

New GCSEs (for first teaching in 2009)

From last examination June 2010, GCSE History A Short Course will no longer be available - please see the new GCSE History B Short Course or GCSE History A Full Course for further details. For more information, please read the full notice.

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Specification

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Overview

This course is designed to help students develop a variety of skills such as interpretation, analysis, evaluation and communication of information. The course will enable students to develop a knowledge and understanding of past events and periods, and to explore the key features and characteristics of those periods.

The course covers twentieth century history up to the present day and approaches it in two different ways. Firstly, students study an outline of developments in international relations from the end of the First World War to the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, 1919-1989 (the Core). Secondly, students look at studies in depth, over a shorter period, of societies 'in the round', for example, the USA, 1919-1941. The depth studies (available as coursework units) are more concerned with the various aspects of political, social, economic and cultural development in a single society rather than with a theme (international relations) over a longer period of time.

Students who are awarded grade C or above, may study for an Advanced level qualification.

Specification aims

The aims of this specification are to encourage students to:

  • Acquire knowledge and understanding of the human past.
  • Investigate historical events, changes, people and issues.
  • Develop understanding of how the past has been represented and interpreted.
  • Use historical sources critically in their historical context.
  • Organise and communicate knowledge and understanding of history.
  • Draw conclusions and appreciate that these and other historical conclusions are liable to reassessment in the light of new or reinterpreted objectives.
  • Develop an interest in and an enthusiasm for History, and to acquire a sound basis for further historical study.