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History Extension provides students with opportunities to examine the way history is constructed and the role of historians. Students investigate the nature of history and changing approaches to its construction through sampling the works of various writers, historians and others involved in the practice of history. Students apply their understanding to undertake an individual investigative project, focusing on an area of changing historical interpretation.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why consider history?
Why choose History Extension?
Is History Extension similar to Modern or Ancient History?
How many units is History Extension?
Are there co-requisites?
What will we study?
What is constructing history about?
What are the four key questions for constructing history?
What is the topic of the case study?
What do I do for my history project?
What are the assessment requirements?
Where can I find more detailed information about what the case study options are and what is involved in the history project?
How does this subject relate to life after school?

Why consider history?

The study of History helps create good businesspeople, professionals, political leaders, lawyers, and administrators, to name a few. You could choose to pursue a career in history (historical research, museum work, media centres, teaching, film/TV consultant…), but most people who study history do not become professional historians – and that’s OK!

Studying history has direct relevance to a variety of careers regarding both skills and knowledge. Historical study provides: a broad perspective on life; flexibility and creative thinking; research skills; the ability to find and evaluate sources of information; and the means to identify and evaluate diverse interpretations; writing and speaking skills; identification, assessment, and explanation of trends. Historical skills can lead to greater employment opportunities in many fields.

Why choose History Extension?

History Extension is for you if…

  • You enjoy learning about history
  • You have an area of history that you are passionate about
  • You enjoy thinking, debating and questioning
  • You want to do a one unit extension subject
  • You want to get a taster of tertiary style studies
  • You want to understand the nature of people better
  • You want to develop skills and understanding that will be helpful for life after school

Is History Extension similar to Modern or Ancient History?

NO. History Extension is quite different because its focus is on historiography. It is not centred on personalities, societies or events. Historiography is the study of historians and how the writing of history has changed over time.

How many units is History Extension?

History Extension is a ONE (1) unit subject.

Are there co-requisites?

It is only available for Year 12 students who have also chosen either Ancient and/or Modern History.

What will we study?

History Extension has two areas of study.

Topic 1: (Coursework) Constructing History (What is History?) & a Case Study
Topic 2: History Project

What is constructing history about?

Do you think you understand what history is? Think again. We will learn about different ideologies and methods of constructing history from the time of the Ancient Greeks to more recent perspectives such as Postmodernism, Orientalism, Marxism and key historians.

What are the four key questions for constructing history?

  1. Who are historians?
  2. What are the purposes of history?
  3. How has history been constructed, recorded and presented over time?
  4. Why have approaches to history changed over time?

What is the topic of the case study?

Previous students have investigated debates about Elizabeth I and the Elizabethan Age, the historicity of Jesus Christ, Appeasement and JFK. There are many interesting case studies to choose from. All students in a cohort do the same case study.

What do I do for my history project?

  1. Choose and research your own historical investigation
  2. Propose your own inquiry question
  3. Write a 2500 word extended response answering your inquiry question.

What are the assessment requirements?

  1. A total of THREE school-marked assessment tasks: Task 1. History Project proposal; Task 2. History project essay; Task 3. Trial Exam (2 essays in 2 hours on Topic 1)
  2. HSC Exam (2 essays in 2 hours on Topic 1)

Where can I find more detailed information about what the case study options are and what is involved in the history project?

Go to the and download either the PDF or Word file.

How does this subject relate to life after school?

This subject is an excellent way to developing critical thinking and discernment for life after school. It is especially relevant for students considering tertiary study with the development of advanced academic skills and thinking. For example:

  • Investigation and research, source analysis, philosophical understanding and perspectives, essay writing and communication, ICT and oral presentation.
  • Tutorial based lessons.
  • Academic readings

If you have further questions, please contact:

HSIE Coordinator - Mr Nick Hales

nhales@covenant.nsw.edu.au

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