NSS History Introduction What is History History is
- Slides: 12
NSS History Introduction
What is History…. History is the discovery of the constant and universal principles of human nature. David Hume
Why should you study History? • To discover where you stand in the modern world through understanding the origins and development of modern events • To approach past and current events in an impartial manner using a variety of perspectives • To develop the skills of critical thinking, making sound judgments and effective communication through exploring historical issues • To develop a global perspective and an enhanced understanding of the rapid change in today’s world
How useful is History? • Very useful • Develop students’ potential for further studies in the humanities, social sciences or perhaps business management • Training in History is very useful for professions that require critical and independent thinking • Historical knowledge and skills can be applied in everyday life
CURRICULUM Compulsory Part Introduction: The Making of the Modern World • The foundations of Western supremacy • Western expansion and the formation of colonial empires • Asia’s reactions to western expansion • Towards international cooperation
Compulsory Part Theme A Theme B Modernization and Transformation in Twentieth-Century Asia • Hong Kong • China • Japan and Southeast Asia Conflicts and Cooperation in the Twentieth. Century World • The two world wars and the peace settlements • The Cold War • The quest for peace and international cooperation
You have a choice! Elective Part • Focus on an aspect of 20 th century history • Relevant to your needs, interests, and ability levels Choose ONE of the following: • Comparative Studies • Issue-based Studies • Local Heritage Studies
Elective Part • Comparative Studies e. g. Compare the role of the US in helping economic recovery of Britain and Japan after the Second World War. • Issue-based Studies e. g. Among all the participants in the First World War, should Germany bear the sole responsibility for the outbreak of the War? • Local Heritage Studies e. g. The Bun Festival: the changing culture and tradition of Hong Kong
Assessment • Public Examination (80%): • Paper 1: Data-based questions (50%) 1 hr. 45 School-based Assessment (SBA) (20%): A two-task course assignment related to min. student’s selected elective: • Paper 2: 2 essay-type questions (30%) 1 hr. 15 • Presentation of study min. outline (10%), conducted • Questions in both papers before the end of S. 5 will fall within the • Study report (10%), Compulsory part. submitted in the second term of S. 6
Sample questions • To what extent was Hong Kong modernised by the year 2000? Explain your answer with reference to Hong Kong’s political and economic developments in the period 1970 s-1990 s. • Do you agree that militarism harmed rather than benefited Japan up to 1945? Explain your answer. • Compare the main features of China’s modernisation efforts in the Maoist and post. Mao periods.
Sample questions • In what ways was the Second World War a turning point in 20 th_century world history? Explain your answer with reference to any one country or region covered by this syllabus. • How effective was the United Nations in solving environmental problems in the second half of the 20 th century? • To what extent were Israeli-Arab conflicts caused by the racial factor?
Qualities of a good History student • • • Good command of English Good thinking skills Keen to ask questions Active learning attitude Fond of reading Acquisitive of truth