O-Level History (Syllabus 2173)
Introduction
The History syllabus has been revised to provide candidates with a regional and global perspective of the complexities of regional and international relations. It highlights the importance of understanding and interpreting history in all its complexity – its people, events, issues, periods, turning points, themes and sources. The syllabus also equips candidates with the necessary skills to make reasoned and informed decisions.
Aims
The History syllabus aims to develop candidates in the areas of Content, Skills and Values.
Content
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to:
• grasp the broad fundamental concepts common to all historical explanations and also a range of more specific ones
• demonstrate understanding of the history of Southeast Asia from c.1870 to 1967
• understand international affairs and the forces that shaped twentieth-century world history
Skills
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to:
• understand History in its setting:
− show a clear understanding of continuity and change over different time periods by drawing out similarities and differences
− grasp the complexity of historical causation, respect particularity, and avoid excessively abstract generalisations
− appreciate the often tentative nature of judgements about the past
− recognise the importance of individuals who have made a difference in history, and the significance of personal character for both good and ill
• understand points of view in History:
− recognise that there may be bias in history writing
− distinguish between fact and opinion in history writing
• process historical information:
− understand the nature of evidence by emphasising history as a process of enquiry and by developing the range of skills required to interpret source materials
− acquire information derived from different types of historical evidence such as written records or oral history
− organise and present information from historical sources using a variety of appropriate forms
− evaluate and use information effectively from a variety of sources
− draw conclusions from the study of evidence and appreciate that historical conclusions are liable to reassessment in the light of new or reinterpreted evidence
• develop critical and creative thinking:
− apply these skills in the learning of history
− develop positive habits which would enable students to become critical, creative and self-regulated learners
The History syllabus has been revised to provide candidates with a regional and global perspective of the complexities of regional and international relations. It highlights the importance of understanding and interpreting history in all its complexity – its people, events, issues, periods, turning points, themes and sources. The syllabus also equips candidates with the necessary skills to make reasoned and informed decisions.
Aims
The History syllabus aims to develop candidates in the areas of Content, Skills and Values.
Content
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to:
• grasp the broad fundamental concepts common to all historical explanations and also a range of more specific ones
• demonstrate understanding of the history of Southeast Asia from c.1870 to 1967
• understand international affairs and the forces that shaped twentieth-century world history
Skills
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to:
• understand History in its setting:
− show a clear understanding of continuity and change over different time periods by drawing out similarities and differences
− grasp the complexity of historical causation, respect particularity, and avoid excessively abstract generalisations
− appreciate the often tentative nature of judgements about the past
− recognise the importance of individuals who have made a difference in history, and the significance of personal character for both good and ill
• understand points of view in History:
− recognise that there may be bias in history writing
− distinguish between fact and opinion in history writing
• process historical information:
− understand the nature of evidence by emphasising history as a process of enquiry and by developing the range of skills required to interpret source materials
− acquire information derived from different types of historical evidence such as written records or oral history
− organise and present information from historical sources using a variety of appropriate forms
− evaluate and use information effectively from a variety of sources
− draw conclusions from the study of evidence and appreciate that historical conclusions are liable to reassessment in the light of new or reinterpreted evidence
• develop critical and creative thinking:
− apply these skills in the learning of history
− develop positive habits which would enable students to become critical, creative and self-regulated learners
Values
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to:
• develop an interest in the past and an appreciation for history, and of human achievements and aspirations
• understand the significance of the past to their own lives, community and society which will provide a sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interest
• develop an empathy for and sensitivity towards different political experiences
• appreciate that different societies hold different beliefs, values and attitudes at different times
• instil a sense of respect for evidence, and tolerance of a range of opinions
Assessment Objectives
Objective 1: Testing Knowledge
Candidates should be able to:
• demonstrate relevant factual knowledge
Objective 2: Constructing Explanations
Candidates should be able to:
• demonstrate an understanding of concepts and terms appropriate to the syllabus
• select, organise and apply the concepts, terms and facts learnt
• make judgement, recommendations and decisions
Objective 3: Interpreting and Evaluating Source Materials
Using source materials, candidates should be able to:
• comprehend and extract relevant information
• draw inferences from given information
• analyse and evaluate evidence
• compare and contrast different views
• distinguish between fact, opinion and judgement
• recognise values and detect bias
• draw conclusions based on a reasoned consideration of evidence and arguments
At the end of the course, candidates should be able to:
• develop an interest in the past and an appreciation for history, and of human achievements and aspirations
• understand the significance of the past to their own lives, community and society which will provide a sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interest
• develop an empathy for and sensitivity towards different political experiences
• appreciate that different societies hold different beliefs, values and attitudes at different times
• instil a sense of respect for evidence, and tolerance of a range of opinions
Assessment Objectives
Objective 1: Testing Knowledge
Candidates should be able to:
• demonstrate relevant factual knowledge
Objective 2: Constructing Explanations
Candidates should be able to:
• demonstrate an understanding of concepts and terms appropriate to the syllabus
• select, organise and apply the concepts, terms and facts learnt
• make judgement, recommendations and decisions
Objective 3: Interpreting and Evaluating Source Materials
Using source materials, candidates should be able to:
• comprehend and extract relevant information
• draw inferences from given information
• analyse and evaluate evidence
• compare and contrast different views
• distinguish between fact, opinion and judgement
• recognise values and detect bias
• draw conclusions based on a reasoned consideration of evidence and arguments
