Elective History
Year 9 and 10
Elective History explores the ideas of anarchy, tyranny, and democracy through the ages by undertaking a range of case studies.
Contact
Head of History: Philip Mundy
Email: pmundy@barker.nsw.edu.au
Year 9
Elective History
Our exploration begins at the end of the Roman republic and the rise of its empire. We study a film on ancient Rome, such as Gladiator, determining how history is constructed while seeking to challenge the idea that history is written by the winners. Students then explore these themes further by looking at a series of key historical figures and their times such as Pericles in Athens, Celtic Queen Boudicca in ancient Britain, Joan of Arc in medieval France, or Pablo Escobar in the late 20th century. Students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research on an individual of their choice.
Next up will be the related ideas of Crime and Punishment over time. Students consider the ways in which societies define these ideas and explore the notion that every culture holds varied expectations on/for the criminal process. Possible case studies include the use of poison in the ancient world, the Salem Witch Trials, and the blurred line between privateers and pirates.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and writing skills. We look at different interpretations of the past and consider the notion that our own perspective has a significant influence on how we view the world.
To broaden the experience, the course also includes an excursion in the Sydney area to explore evidence and artefacts associated with their class work content.
Over two thousand years ago a Greek thinker posed the question, " does not tyranny spring from democracy?”. We need look no further than the storming of the US Capitol this year to see the statement’s potential and through the selected case studies, the remarkable resilience of democracy.
Assessment Structure
History is assessed a variety of ways such as independent research, formal tests, and problem solving source activities.
Year 10
Elective History
Our exploration begins at the end of the Roman republic and the rise of its empire. We study a film on ancient Rome, such as Gladiator, determining how history is constructed while seeking to challenge the idea that history is written by the winners. Students then explore these themes further by looking at a series of key historical figures and their times such as Pericles in Athens, Celtic Queen Boudicca in ancient Britain, Joan of Arc in medieval France, or Pablo Escobar in the late 20th century. Students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research on an individual of their choice.
Next up will be the related ideas of Crime and Punishment over time. Students consider the ways in which societies define these ideas and explore the notion that every culture holds varied expectations on/for the criminal process. Possible case studies include the use of poison in the ancient world, the Salem Witch Trials, and the blurred line between privateers and pirates.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and writing skills. We look at different interpretations of the past and consider the notion that our own perspective has a significant influence on how we view the world.
To broaden the experience, the course also includes an excursion in the Sydney area to explore evidence and artefacts associated with their class work content.
Over two thousand years ago a Greek thinker posed the question, " does not tyranny spring from democracy?”. We need look no further than the storming of the US Capitol this year to see the statement’s potential and through the selected case studies, the remarkable resilience of democracy.
Assessment Structure
History is assessed a variety of ways such as independent research, formal tests, and problem solving source activities.