Course Outline

IB History aims to:

1. encourage the systematic and critical study of: human experience and behaviour; physical, economic and social environments; the history and development of social and cultural institutions 
2. develop in the student the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and arguments about the nature and activities of the individual and society 
3. enable the student to collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of society, to test hypotheses and interpret complex data and source material 
4. promote the appreciation of the way in which learning is relevant to both the culture in which the student lives and the culture of other societies 
5. develop an awareness in the student that human attitudes and opinions are widely diverse and that a study of society requires an appreciation of such diversity 
6. enable the student to recognize that the content and methodologies of the subject are contestable and that their study requires the toleration of uncertainty
7. develop an understanding of, and continuing interest in, the past 
8. encourage students to engage with multiple perspectives and to appreciate the complex nature of historical concepts, issues, events and developments 
9. promote international-mindedness through the study of history from more than one region of the world 
10. develop an understanding of history as a discipline and to develop historical consciousness including a sense of chronology and context, and an understanding of different historical perspectives 
11. develop key historical skills, including engaging effectively with sources 
12. increase students’ understanding of themselves and of contemporary society by encouraging reflection on the past.

Course Content

Course Assessment

Assessment Objectives

1. Knowledge and understanding
   Demonstrate detailed, relevant and accurate historical knowledge.
   Demonstrate understanding of historical concepts and context.
   Demonstrate understanding of historical sources.
2. Application and analysis
   Formulate clear and coherent arguments.
   Use relevant historical knowledge to effectively support analysis.
   Analyse and interpret a variety of sources.
3. Synthesis and evaluation
   Integrate evidence and analysis to produce a coherent response.
   Evaluate different perspectives on historical issues and events, and integrate this evaluation effectively into a response.
   Evaluate sources as historical evidence, recognizing their value and limitations.
4. Use and application of appropriate skills
   Structure and develop focused essays that respond effectively to the demands of a question.
   Reflect on the methods used by, and challenges facing, the historian.
   Formulate an appropriate, focused question to guide a historical inquiry.
   Demonstrate evidence of research skills, organisation, referencing and selection of appropriate sources.