History

A Level- OCR History

History is the study of the past. It examines the political, economic, social and cultural issues of different eras and cultures. At its most ambitious, the subject is the study of everything.

Of course, in A level History you won’t be expected to learn everything from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Cold War, but you will cover enough in breadth and depth to develop a good understanding of events in their historical context, and to develop an historian’s approach to the past. “Why was a particular course of action followed?” is a fundamental question underlying the study of history, and its primary purpose is not to judge but to comprehend. History will teach you how to analyse, reflect and to argue clearly in class and in writing.

What will I study?

Unit Y105: England 1445-1509
You will look at Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, the outbreak of war, Richard III’s defeat and Edward VI’s first rule, Henry VII’s rule in England and his foreign policy.

Unit Y221: Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919-1963
You will look at the Weimar Republic, The Nazi Dictatorship, The impact of war and defeat of Germany, The Federal Republic and the DDR

Unit Y318: Russia and its Rulers (1855-1964)
You will look at the nature of government, the impact of dictatorial regimes on the economy and society of the Russian Empire and the USSR, The impact of war and revolution, Russian nationalities and satellite states.

Unit Y100: Topic Based Essay
This is an Independently researched essay around 3000-4000 words in length.