History

Group 3

Course Description

 

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) History course is a world History course. It involves the study of a variety of types of History, including political, economic, social and cultural from a variety of perspectives 

The course emphasises the importance of encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills as well as gaining factual knowledge. It puts a premium on developing the skills of critical thinking, and on developing an understanding of multiple interpretations of history. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past. 

The course is designed so that there is significant overlap between the SL and HL courses. SL and HL students attend classes together. Students who study the HL course will attempt additional questions on many of our topics in Paper 3. The content and skills in the two-year course are assessed by written examinations (details below), these examinations are worth 80% (HL) or 75% (SL). 

Students’ undertake independent research projects (the IA) on topics of their own choice, which are completed during the course. The IA makes up 20% (HL) or 25% (SL) of the final grade. 

Studying IB History will prepare students for a range of careers that require clear communication and critical thinking skills, such as law, journalism and government. 

 

Coursework

Group 3: History Standard Level History Higher Level
Components    
Prescribed subjects
  • The move to global war: Germany, Japan, Italy 1919-1941
  • As per SL
World history topics
  • Authoritarian States (Hitler, Castro, Mussolini, Stalin)
  • Causes and effects of 20th century wars (World War One, Vietnam War, Russian Civil War)
  • As per SL
HL Options: Depth studies  
  • History of Europe late 19th Century – Mid 20th Century
Internal assessment
  • Historical investigation
  • Historical investigation

Assessment

 

Group 3: History Standard Level     History Higher Level    
Type of Assessment Format of assessment Time (hours) Weighting of final grade (%)  Format of assessment Time (hours) Weighting of final grade (%)
External   2.5 75   5 80
Paper 1 Sourced-based paper on the five prescribed subjects. Choose one prescribed subject from a choice of five. Answer four structured questions. 1 30 Source-based paper on the five prescribed subjects. Choose one prescribed subject from a choice of five. Answer four structured questions  1 20
Paper 2 Essay paper based on the 12 world history topics. Answer two essay questions on two different topics 1.5 45 Essay paper based on the 12 world history topics. Answer two essay questions on two different topics 1.5 25
Paper 3       Separate papers for each of the four regional options. For the selected region, answer three essay questions 2.5 35
Internal   20 20   20 20
Historical Investigation Students are required to complete a historical investigation into a topic of their choice     Students are required to complete a historical investigation into a topic of their choice