History

STAFF

Mr C Page (PT Faculty)

Ms C Nixon

COURSE INFORMATION
 

S3/4
Intermediate 1 & 2
Pupils will sit the Intermediate exam at the level most appropriate to their ability. Both levels follow the same course content.


Unit One: Immigrants & Exiles Scotland 1830s-1930s

This unit looks at: The causes and results of the movement of population into and away from Scotland during the period 1830s - 1930s, focusing on issues of identity and community and on the experiences of migrants in their new countries or communities.

Irish migration to Scotland: reasons for immigration - Irish famine, opportunities for work in Scotland; areas of Irish settlement; the experiences of the migrants - living conditions, employment.

Scots and Irish: religious and cultural forces binding the Irish community in Scotland; relations between immigrants and Scots - myth and reality.

Reasons for emigration: poverty; the Highland Clearances; missionary work; effectiveness of emigration societies and government schemes; the attraction of new lands - economic opportunity and cheap land.

The Scot abroad: areas to which Scots migrated - England, North America, Australasia; the role of Scots migrants in the development of the ‘New World’ - agriculture, manufacture, engineering and mining; the contribution of individual Scots to their new countries - eg Andrew Carnegie, John Muir, Andrew Fisher.

Unit Two: Wallace, Bruce and the Scottish Wars of Independence 1286 –1328

This unit looks at: The development of national identity and consciousness through the Anglo-Scottish wars of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, illustrating the themes of authority, conflict and identity.

Scotland 1286-96: the succession problem following the death of Alexander III; the Scottish response - Treaty of Birgham; the death of the Maid of Norway; the Scottish appeal to Edward I - the decision at Norham; Bruce versus Balliol, the Great Cause and Edward’s choice; Edward as overlord of Scotland; the Scottish response; the Anglo-French war and the Franco-Scottish Treaty; the subjugation of Scotland.

William Wallace: the reasons for and the progress of his rebellion; his victory at Stirling and its effects on Scots and on Scotland; the battle of Falkirk and the reasons for its failure.

Robert Bruce: the ambitions of the Bruces; Bruce the patriot; his conflict with and victory over Scottish opponents; his victory over the English; reasons for his success; Declaration of Arbroath - the triumph of the nation state in 1328.

Unit Three:The Cross & the Crescent: The First Cruade, 1096-1125
This unit looks at: Aspects of religious warfare in the Middle Ages as seen in the events of the First Crusade; the themes illustrated are belief, conflict and conquest.

The meaning of Holy War, the reasons for the calling of the First Crusade; the religious, military and economic reasons for taking the cross; the leaders and their motives.

Disputes and rivalries between Latins and Greeks; Peter the Hermit and the People’s Crusade; the Princes’ Crusade and Alexius’ fears; the taking of the oaths.

Disputes and rivalries between crusaders, especially Bohemond and Raymond; the events surrounding Edessa, Antioch and Ma’aara to illustrate Christian strengths and weaknesses.

Muslim divisions as a factor contributing to Christian success; Sunni and Shi’ite petty rivalry; openness to bribery as at Antioch and Jerusalem.

The capture of Jerusalem and the massacre of the inhabitants; the securing of the Latin Kingdom through kingship and feudalism, castle building, the military orders and the Italian city-states; reasons for Christian success.

Assessment: At Intermediate 2 level pupils will develop the skills of essay writing, which is an important preparation for Higher. Pupils will also be required to write an extended response question as part of their assessment before the May exam.

Both levels will be examined by a range of questions in the final exam. They will have to answer on three of the four topics in the course.

SKILLS DEVELOPED
Pupils will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the courses of change and of continuity by using the following skills:
· Locating and interpreting historical evidence eg oral and written recollections, films, documents, databases, photographs
· Explaining past events and developments eg written assignments
· Making judgements and expressing opinions eg through discussion and debate on issues for which there are differing views. This will help them form their own views and to realise that there are no set answers.
· Developing individual responsibility for their own learning.
 

Higher History

Entry Level: Normal requirement Standard Grade 2 in History or another social subject.

students who have not studied History since S2, may be admitted to the course on their performance in Engliash or another Social Subject.

The overall aims of the course are to:

a) promote awareness of major historical issues;

b) develop the ability to think independently and make informed judgements based on evidence;

c) promote active participation in the learning process through exposure to a variety of learning experiences, including individual study and interaction with others;

d) extend communication skills, both oral and in the form of extended writing.

Units of Study

Early Modern History - This option involves:

1. General Study of the 16th and 18th centuries.

2. A more intensive study of a Special Topic within the period.

The General Study

Section (a): Scotland in the age of Reformation 1542-1603

A study of religious and political change and conflict in 16th century Scotland: Relationship with England and France: Growth of Protestantism: Reformation 1560: Mary Queen of Scots in Scotland, reign and exile: Regencies of the young James VI and his personal rule until Union of the Crowns in 1603.

Section (c): The French Revolution

The Ancient Regime.
Challenges to royal authority and its collapse 1788-9.
Republic to consulate 1789-99.

Special Topic: Scotland 1689-1715

This topic looks at the events surrounding the Act of Union and its impact on Scotland up to the Jacobite Rising in 1715.


ASSESSMENT

Will be based on an extended essay written under supervision and two written papers each of 1 1/2 hours in length. Students will also be required to write essays and document exercises during the course.

For each unit of the course an Internal Assessment must be passed in order to complete the course.

Historical study provides a secure basis for more advanced education, not only in history, but also in other areas. It develops communication skills and the ability to think creatively and critically and is useful for those pursuing careers in such fields as Law, Education, Journalism, Tourism, Public Administration, Business and Finance.
 

HISTORY (ADVANCED HIGHER)

Entry: normal minimum Higher Grade B.

Scottish Independence (1286 - 1329)

1. An in-depth study of the period 1286-1329.
2. A 4000 word dissertation on some aspect of the course.
Assessment

Dissertation
Paper  (2 essays & Source Questions)