Contact
Head of Department: Julia Kerr
Email: jkerr@barker.nsw.edu.au
Year 11
Ancient History offers students the opportunity to engage in an investigation of life in early societies based on analysis and interpretation of archaeological and written remains. Students investigate the motivations and actions of individuals and groups and develop an understanding of how our modern world today has been shaped politically, socially, economically and culturally by the past.
Ancient History pushes students to think critically, to challenge interpretations and to understand the use of new technologies to find out more about the past. These include critical literacy skills, for example interpreting, analysing and weighing evidence; synthesising evidence; and developing reasoned and evidence-based arguments. Studying Ancient History can teach students about humanity and empathy, an important virtue and skill needed in our modern world.
“Everything has a history. To think historically is to recognize that all problems, all situations, all institutions exist in contexts that must be understood before informed decisions can be made. No entity can afford not to have a historian at the table”. James Grossman
Preliminary Course
1. Investigating Ancient History
(a) The nature of Ancient History: Case Studies: may include the treatment and display of human remains and/or Representations of the Ancient Past: Boudicca and Tutankhamun
(b) Two Case studies: may include Troy, Celts, Palmyra and the Silk Road or Teotihuacan (central Mexico)
2. Features of Ancient Societies
• TWO Ancient Societies and ONE key feature: Power and Image: Hatshepsut and Qin Shihuangdi
3. Historical Investigation
The historical investigation is designed to extend an area of student interest/personal choice based on topics in the Ancient World.
HSC Course
1. Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum
2. Ancient Society: Spartan society to the Battle of Leuctra 371BC or New Kingdom Egypt to the death of Thutmose III
3. Personalities in their times: Rome: Agrippina the Younger
4. Historical Period: Rome: The Augustan Age 44 BC - AD 14
Assessment
Assessment in Ancient History usually includes:
• Research tasks
• In-class tests/Examinations
• Source Analysis