Ancient History
Ancient History is a captivating subject offered in the New South Wales (NSW) curriculum that allows students to explore the complexities of past civilisations and their legacies. Through the study of ancient societies, students develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. The curriculum is divided into two main stages: Preliminary (Year 11) and Higher School Certificate (HSC, Year 12). Each stage builds on the knowledge and skills acquired, providing students with a deep understanding of ancient cultures and historical events.
Preliminary Ancient History (Year 11)
Overview:
The Preliminary Ancient History course introduces students to the study of significant ancient societies and their contributions to human civilisation. It focuses on developing historical inquiry skills and understanding the sources of history.
Course Structure:
Key Topics:
The Nature of History: Students learn about historical methodologies, including the analysis of primary and secondary sources. They explore how historians construct narratives and interpretations of the past.
Case Studies of Ancient Societies: The course typically includes in-depth studies of specific ancient civilisations, such as:
Ancient Egypt: Exploration of its society, culture, religion, and monumental architecture, including the pyramids.
Ancient Greece: Examination of political structures, daily life, and contributions to philosophy, art, and democracy.
Ancient Rome: Analysis of the Roman Republic and Empire, its governance, military conquests, and cultural achievements.
Historical Sources: Students study various types of historical evidence, including artefacts, inscriptions, and literary texts. They learn how to evaluate the reliability and significance of these sources.
Skills Development:
The Preliminary course emphasises skills such as critical analysis, research, and effective communication. Students engage in projects, group work, and presentations, allowing them to apply historical concepts and inquiry methods.
Assessment:
Assessment methods may include written assignments, research projects, presentations, and examinations. These assessments evaluate students' understanding of historical content, analytical skills, and ability to construct coherent arguments based on evidence.
HSC Ancient History (Year 12)
Overview:
The HSC Ancient History course builds on the foundations established in the Preliminary course, enabling students to engage in more complex historical inquiries and analyses. This course deepens students’ understanding of significant events, themes, and figures from ancient times.
Course Structure:
Key Topics:
Core Study: The Ancient World: Students typically select a specific ancient civilisation to study in depth. This may include topics such as:
Egyptian Society: The role of pharaohs, religion, and the significance of the afterlife.
Greek Civilisation: The development of city-states, the Persian Wars, and the impact of Alexander the Great.
Roman Society: The transition from Republic to Empire, key figures such as Julius Caesar, and the role of religion in Roman life.
Historical Periods and Themes: Students explore significant themes such as power, belief systems, cultural achievements, and interactions between civilisations.
Depth Studies: In addition to the core study, students may choose depth studies that focus on specific topics, such as:
The Athenian Economy: Examination of trade, agriculture, and the role of slavery in ancient Athens.
The Role of Women in Ancient Societies: Analysis of women's status and contributions in different cultures.
Historical Inquiry: Students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, developing their inquiry skills and ability to synthesise information from various sources.
Skills Development:
The HSC course further develops students’ historical analysis and research skills. They engage in independent projects, fieldwork, and extensive source analysis. Students learn to present their findings effectively, enhancing their communication skills.
Assessment:
Assessment in the HSC Ancient History course includes a combination of internal assessments and HSC examinations. Students may be evaluated through research essays, presentations, source analyses, and written examinations. These assessments aim to measure students' understanding of historical content, their analytical abilities, and their capacity to communicate historical arguments effectively.
Conclusion
The Ancient History curriculum in Years 11 and 12 provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and achievements of ancient civilisations. By exploring significant events, themes, and figures, students develop critical skills that are valuable in various fields, including archaeology, history, and cultural studies. The courses prepare students for further study in history-related disciplines and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage critically with the past. Through Ancient History, students gain valuable insights into the foundations of modern society and the enduring impact of ancient cultures on contemporary life.