Course: Ancient History
Overview:
The study of Ancient History engages students in an investigation of life in early societies based on the analysis and interpretation of physical and written remains. It offers students the opportunity to investigate the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they shaped the political, social, economic and cultural landscapes of the ancient world. Ancient History stimulates students’ curiosity and imagination and enriches their appreciation of humanity by introducing them to a range of cultures and beliefs as well as to the origins and influences of ideas, values and behaviours that are still relevant in the modern world.
The Year 11 course provides students with opportunities to develop and apply their understanding of methods and issues involved in the investigation of the ancient past. Students have the opportunity to engage in the study of a range of features, people, places, events and developments of the ancient world.
The Year 12 course provides students with opportunities to apply their understanding of archaeological and written sources and relevant issues in the investigation of the ancient past. Through a core study, students investigate the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and explore issues relating to reconstruction and conservation of the past. They also study the key features and sources of an ancient society, personality and historical period.
Topics:
Preliminary Course
1. Investigating Ancient History
(a) The Nature of Ancient History
(b) Case Studies
ONE case study must be from Egypt, Greece, Rome or Celtic Europe.
ONE case study must be from Australia, Asia, the Near East or the Americas.
2. Features of Ancient Societies
Students study at least TWO ancient societies through an investigation of:
● a different key feature for each society, OR
● one key feature across the societies selected.
3. Historical Investigation
The historical investigation is designed to further develop relevant investigative, research and presentation skills in an area of individual student or group interest.
HSC Course
Topics in the Year 12 course consist of two sections – ‘Survey’ and ‘Focus of study’
1. Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum
2. ONE ‘Ancient Societies’ topic
3. ONE ‘Personalities in their Times’ topic
4. ONE ‘Historical Periods’ topic.
The course requires study from at least TWO of the following areas:
● Egypt
● Near East
● China
● Greece
● Rome
Possible Internal Assessment Types:
| Preliminary | HSC |
Source Analysis Historical Investigation Research Task Formal Examination |
Source Analysis Research Task Trial Examination |
HSC Examination Format:
The examination will consist of a written paper worth 100 marks.
The time allowed is 3 hours plus 5 minutes reading time.
Questions may include sources and/or interpretations.
Section I – Core: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum (25 marks)
● There will be three or four questions.
● This section will require candidates to analyse and interpret sources and apply their own knowledge.
● One question will be worth 10 to 15 marks.
Section II – Ancient Societies (25 marks)
● There will be one question for each of the eight topics.
● Questions will contain three or four parts.
● One part will be worth 10 to 15 marks.
Section III – Personalities in their Times (25 marks)
● There will be one question for each of the ten topics.
● Questions will contain two or three parts.
● At least one part will be worth 10 to 15 marks.
Section IV – Historical Periods (25 marks)
● There will be one extended-response question for each of the ten topics.
● Each question will have two alternatives.
● The expected length of response will be around eight pages of an examination writing booklet (approximately 1000 words).
Other helpful information: