Modern History (General)

Course Code: GEHIM/GTHIM
Domain: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
Timetable: Semester 1 and 2
Length of Course: 2 Years

Course Information

Year 11

Unit One

This unit allows students to become aware of the broad sweep of history and our place within the historical narrative. Students become aware of the values, beliefs and traditions within a society, the continuity between different societies and different time periods, and the importance of individuals within a time period.

Unit Two

Students learn that societies consist of individuals and institutions that have various types of power and authority and that these interact with each other. Students learn how power and authority is distributed throughout a group or society, that individuals and groups seek to influence the structures of power and authority and the difficulties of using these structures in a just or equitable manner. In learning about the structures and institutions of societies, they make comparisons and judgements about other societies and their own society.

Year 12

Unit 3

This unit examines the characteristics of modern nations in the 20th century; the crises that confronted
nations, their responses to these crises and the different paths nations have taken to fulfil their goals.
Students study the characteristics of one nation. Students investigate crises that challenged the stability of
government, the path of development that was taken and the social, economic and political order that was
either established or maintained. Students examine the ways in which the nation dealt with internal
divisions and external threats. They emerge with a deeper understanding of the character of a modern
nation. The key conceptual understandings covered in this unit are the reliability and usefulness of evidence;
cause and effect; continuity and change; significance; empathy; contestability; and changing representations
and interpretations.

Unit 4

This unit examines some significant and distinctive features of the modern world within the period
1945–2001 in order to build students’ understanding of the contemporary world – that is, why we are here
at this point in time. These include changes to the nature of the world order: shifting international tensions,
alliances and power blocs; the emergence of Asia as a significant international political and economic force,
and the nature of engagement by and with Australia; the nature of various conflicts and regional and
international attempts to create peace and security. Students study one of these features. As part of their
study, they should follow and make relevant connections with contemporary events. The key conceptual
understandings covered in this unit are: causation; continuity and change; historical significance and
changing perspectives and interpretations of the past; and contestability.

Pathway Information

Tertiary

Workforce

Students undertaking this course may wish to consider tertiary studies in:

  • History

  • Arts

  • Education

  • Library and Information and Cultural Services

  • Travel and Tourism

This course suits direct workforce entry into the following:

  • Museum Officer
  • Administration
  • Education Assistant

Additional Information

Estimated Charges: $35 per year

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