History

Linear A Level

Modern Europe

The course is linked by the theme of revolutions that span the early modern and modern periods. While the revolutionary upheavals in each country involved the overthrow of existing monarchies, the causes and the consequences of these revolutions differed in important ways. Students will study the causes and course of the British and French Revolutions and the outcome for the people of Britain and France. Studying two different countries allows students to develop a greater appreciation of the nature of revolutions and the similarities and contrasts between them (although students will not be required to answer comparative questions that link the breadth and the chosen depth option).

Year One Linear A Level

Paper 1, Option 1C:

Britain, 1625–1701: conflict, revolution and settlement

This option comprises a study in breadth, in which students will learn about key features of monarchical and republican rule in Britain in the seventeenth century, set within the context of broader social, economic and religious change. The events of this period saw a decisive shift in the balance of power between crown and parliament.

The focus of study is on developments and changes over a broad timescale and so the content is presented as themes spanning a significant duration: 1625–88. This option also contains a study in depth of historical interpretations on a broad question that is contextualised by, and runs on from, the themes: how revolutionary, in the years to 1701, was the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89?

Paper 2, Option 2C.1:

France in revolution, 1774–99

This option comprises a study in depth of the causes and course of the French Revolution, 1774–1799, a tumultuous period of change for the French people as they evolved from subjects to citizens in a maelstrom of revolutionary activity, war and constitutional experiment, and one that would inspire revolutionary movements around the world. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the causes and onset of revolutionary activity in France, and the subsequent political, social and economic changes.

Year Two Linear A Level

Paper 3, Option 39.1:

Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009

This option comprises two parts: the Aspects in breadth focus on long-term changes and contextualise the Aspects in depth, which focus in detail on key episodes.

Together, the breadth and depth topics explore developments that have shaped contemporary America and remain a fundamental issue in US society: the changing pattern of race relations between black and white Americans, both in terms of civil rights and also broader social and cultural changes over a period that began with millions of black Americans in slavery and ended with Barack Obama as President.

Coursework

Overview

The purpose of this coursework is to enable students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. The focus is on understanding the nature and purpose of the work of the historian. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. They will also be specifically required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians.

Students will choose one of our centre-set and exam board approved assignment questions. An assignment framework is provided to support the development of individual assignments.

Entry Requirements: As stated in the Admission Policy

Special Requirements: Including grade 6 or above GCSE History

Exam Board: Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCSE (9H10) Route C: revolutions in Early Modern Europe