12 Extension History Harrison

Year 12 History Extension –

Unit 1

Unit 2

What is the Unit called?

This unit is called What is History – Case Study: John F Kennedy

How long is the Unit taught?

As a one Unit course, this topic constitutes 50% of the time allocated for its study. As such, it will last for approximately sixteen weeks.

What are we looking in this Unit?

Students explore ways in which historical perspectives are interpreted. In addition to continuing with readings in Historiography, students will begin their formal research of the Kennedy Case Study. They will apply the principles and philosophy underpinning Topic 1, assessing the differing views of Kennedy’s researchers. They catalogue and evaluate the ideas and processes used by historians to produce History from the Camelot to the Revisionist Schools of Thought. Further, they will continue to discuss their Major Independent Project ideas with me and conclude both their research and draft writing, documenting all research in their Journal.

What are we trying to achieve?

This second Unit is essential to a confident understanding of the course, including successful completion of the Major Individual Project and the Case Study on John F Kennedy. Through investigation of the purposes and preoccupations of historians, the peculiarities of historical periods and thus the ways in which History has been written over time, students will achieve an understanding of the nature of historical works. Further, they investigate the relationships and differences between historical schools of thought. The ultimate aim of the Unit is the development of an informed appreciation of the nature and purpose of historical works and an informed understanding of the reasons for different historical views of the same / similar events in History.

How will we measure success in the Unit?

In-class, prep and formal assessment tasks will determine each student’s success in this Unit. All will be required to do internet research, access departmental, School and UNE library resources, make their own notes and present their findings to the class in tutorial sessions on a reasonably regular basis.

Where does prep ‘fit in’?

Prep is important not only to course completion, but also to a confident understanding of its content. Studying History at this level requires students to complete a good number of readings from various sources. In order to prepare themselves for tutorials, students will be required to read relevant background materials, answer questions under time conditions, prepare for class discussion and, as indicated, conduct tutorials.

How can you give us feedback?

In addition to attending Parent Interviews, you are welcome to contact me at times when you need to give me information relevant to your son’s performance and wellbeing in Extension History: mharriso@as.edu.au

Mark Harrison: History Extension, 2011

Scope and Sequence: History Extension

Term 1 (Continuing from Term 4, 2010)

• Major Independent Project – continuation
• What is History
• The Ancients: Greek and Roman historians
• Christian History
• The Enlightenment
• Nineteenth Century historians
• Twentieth and Twenty-first Century historians

Term 2 (Continuing from Term 1, 2011)

• Major Independent Project – continuation
• Case Study: JF Kennedy
• The Camelot School
• The Revisionist School
• Kennedy : The Man, Myth and Historians
• JFK: The Public & Private Man

Term 3 (Continuing from Term 2, 2011)

• Major Independent Project - continuation

• Kennedy and the New Frontier
• Kennedy’s Domestic Reform
• Kennedy & Kruschev
• Kennedy & Cuba
• Kennedy & Indochina
• JFK: The Assassination