Modern History (ATAR)
Course Outline
The Modern History ATAR course enables students to study the forces that have shaped
today’s world and provides them with a broader and deeper comprehension of the world
in which they live. While the focus is on the 20th century, the course refers back to
formative changes from the late 18th century onwards and encourages students to make
connections with the changing world of the 21st century.
Modern History enhances students’ curiosity and imagination and their appreciation
of larger themes, individuals, movements, events and ideas that have shaped the
contemporary world. The themes that run through the units include: local, national and
global conflicts and their resolution, the rise of nationalism and its consequences; the
decline of imperialism and the process of decolonisation, the continuing struggle for the
recognition of human rights and the transformation of social and economic life.
Students are introduced to the complexities associated with the changing nature of
evidence, its expanding quantity, range and form, the distinctive characteristics of modern
historical representation, and the skills that are required to investigate controversial issues
that have a powerful contemporary resonance. Students develop increasingly sophisticated
historiographical skills and historical understanding in their analysis of significant events
and close study of the nature of modern societies.
• Unit 1 – Understanding the Modern World: This unit examines developments of
significance in the modern era, including the ideas that inspired them and their farreaching
consequences. Students examine one development or turning point that has
helped to define the modern world. Students explore crucial changes, for example, the
application of reason to human affairs, the transformation of production, capitalism
and consumption, transport and communications, the challenge to social hierarchy and
hereditary privilege and the new principles of government by consent.
• Unit 2 – Movements for Change in the 20th Century: This unit examines
significant movements for change in the 20th century that led to change in society,
including people’s attitudes and circumstances. These movements draw on the major
ideas described in unit 1. Through a detailed examination of one major 20th century
movement, students investigate the ways in which individuals, groups and institutions
have challenged existing political structures, accepted social organisation and prevailing
economic models to transform societies.
Assessment Profile
The assessments in this course focus on Historical Inquiry (written report and multimodal
presentation), Explanation (sectionalised essay), Source Analysis (photographs, cartoons,
paintings, graphs, government papers, extracts from newspaper articles, letters, diaries
and literary sources) and Examination.
Formal Prerequisites
Students require at least a C grade in Year 10 Humanities and Social Sciences.
Contact:
Mrs Leah Truscott
Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty
(08) 9377 8513
[email protected]
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