SENIOR HANDBOOK for 2012

MODERN HISTORY
Why study Modern History?
As well as it being important for all informed citizens to have knowledge about how our society and its traditions
have developed, the study of Modern History in the contemporary classroom focuses on the development of
thought processes and skills essential in learning throughout life – researching; critically analysing and evaluating
opinion, and developing written and oral argument.
These attributes are valuable to anyone wishing to study towards professions that are people-centred, that
require effective and confident written and spoken communication, and in which the ability to critically think
through issues is required – law, arts, education, economics, government and the public services, personnel
management, behavioural sciences, tourism, public relations, journalism, librarianship and research.
Prerequisites
As success in Senior Modern History depends on the ability to read and research widely, and to develop a wellbalanced
historical argument based upon critically analysed evidence, a ‘C’ result in Year 10 English would be
advisable.
Course Content
YEAR 11
1. Co-operation from Conflict – Major 20 th and 21 st Century conflicts and major attempts at
Internationalism and Peaceful Co-operation.
2. Destruction and Triumph of the Individual – a study of the role of dictatorship with particular focus on
Hitler’s Germany and of various historical personalities during the 20 th and 21 st Centuries who have
enriched the rights of the Individual.
YEAR 12
3. Independent Women within the World of Patriarchy (A Study in National and International Leadership) –
a study of women in Chinese History over the past 150 years and of other female leaders throughout
the world in the 20 th and 21 st Centuries.
4. Spiritual Heart within a Cauldron of Conflict – introductory study to the role of Israel in the religious
evolution of History and the subsequent History of The Middle East over the past 2000 years,
particularly since 1948.
5. Beauty amongst Ugliness – a study of Australian race History through to the successful achievement of
Multiculturalism and Reconciliation within contemporary Australian society.
6. Prosperity and Poverty – a study of the far-reaching History of the impact of the Industrial Revolution on
the contemporary world.
Assessment
YEAR 11
Semester 1
1. Response to Stimulus Test (2 hours)
2. Written Research Assignment(800 words)
St Margaret Mary’s College Senior Handbook for 2012 Page 60