History

A brief description of the A level course.

The History Department offers the OCR AS and A2 courses. The full specification is available as a PDF download on the OCR website (see below). The page references quoted in this guide are taken from this PDF document.

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Data/publications/specifications
_syllabuses_and_tutors_handbooks/AS_A_Level88481.pdf

AS LEVEL

The AS Level consists of three modules, as follows:

1. European History Period Study

OCR Module 2585, Study Topic 5.3.1.3. Study Topic 1 Page 74

A 45 minute paper, in which a single essay is written from a choice of two questions. Total marks available: 90

Charles V and the Holy Roman Empire, 1517-1560.

This module looks at the difficulties faced by Charles V as Holy Roman Emperor, including the emergence of Protestantism, his strained relations with the German princes, war with Valois France, and the socio-economic changes that marked early sixteenth century Europe. Throughout the module Charles V remains the central figure, characterised as he is by high idealism, religious and political conservatism, and chivalric ambition – all of which were to prove his ultimate undoing. The keynote of the reign was failure, but failure in pursuit of noble and deeply held ideals.

2. English History Period Study

OCR Module 2583, 5.2.1.3, Study Topic 3. Page 51

A 45 minute paper, in which a single essay is written from a choice of two questions. Total marks available: 90

Church and State 1529-1558.

This module examines the relationship between the Tudor state and church at a time of radical change. The Henrician and Edwardian Reformations, and the Marian restoration of Catholic orthodoxy are studied. Corruption at the highest levels of the Catholic Church and Henry VIII’s menacing and overbearing personality dominate the early stages of the course, while the political intrigue of the Edwardian minority, and the (literally) burning religious convictions of Mary I are the keynotes of the later stages.

3. Document Study

OCR Module 2582. Study Topic 5.1.3.7. Page 44

A one-hour paper, in which two questions are answered, based on an analysis of a number of primary sources. Total marks available: 120

Nazi Germany, 1933-1945.

This is a document-based investigation into the extension of Nazi power into every sphere of German national life following Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor in January 1933. While GCSE work forms a useful foundation this module attempts to strip away the propaganda of Nazi Germany and probe the twisted political realities of the regime. This is a very much more stimulating and challenging enquiry than that carried out at GCSE.

A2 LEVEL

The A2 consists of three modules, as follows:

1. Thematic Study

OCR Module 2590, 5.2.1.2, Study Topic 3. Page 115

A one and a half hour paper, in which two essay questions are answered from a choice of three. Total marks available: 120

Rebellion and Disorder.

This module requires students to undertake a synoptic examination of the entire 118 years of the Tudor period, identifying and analysing the principal themes as revealed through the many rebellions that punctuated the Tudor century. For the first time in their school careers students will have the opportunity to take a ‘big hand small map’ approach to the past, looking at the trends that emerged over this fascinating period of profound political, religious and social change. The module is illuminated by the compelling characters of Henry VII and VIII, Mary I, Elizabeth I, Wolsey, Cranmer, Somerset, Northumberland, Leicester, Burghley, Essex, and others, though its real fascination lies in seeing the broad themes of English history emerge over time.

2. Historical Investigation

OCR Module 2589, 5.4.3.6. Page 111

A one-hour paper, in which two questions are answered, based on a number of secondary sources. Total marks available: 90

Anglo-German Relations, 1918-1939.

This module examines the shifting relationship between Britain and Germany between the wars, from the populist cry of ‘Hang the Kaiser’ in 1918, through pacifism and appeasement in the ‘20s and ‘30s when the French seemed more likely to cause trouble than the Germans, to the abandonment of appeasement in 1939 and Chamberlain’s decision to take the country to war over Poland. The historical debate that has raged over appeasement forms a focus for the investigation, and students are required to understand the different interpretations that have been placed on British policy, as Britain sought simultaneously to maintain the balance of power in Europe, rebuild her shattered economy, satisfy popular pacifism and maintain her increasingly tenuous hold on her empire.

3. Independent Investigation

OCR Module 2592. Page 132

A 2,500-3,000 word extended essay, completed over the course of the Autumn and Spring Terms. Total marks available: 90

This module gives students the opportunity to study a historical problem from just about any period of history, within the capacity of the department to support them: they are limited only by their imaginations, and the resources of the department.

REQUIREMENTS

It is important that those considering taking History at AS and A2 Level understand that the subject is a humanity, and as such requires genuine engagement with difficult issues, a willingness to think openly and creatively, and to be unafraid to express an opinion both verbally and on paper.

The study of History also calls for a significant degree of independence of thought and action – those considering taking History should not expect to be spoon-fed. The department’s staff will furnish you with the skills and resources to achieve top grades, but it will be up to you to read extensively, think independently and work in a self-motivated fashion to meet deadlines and produce genuinely analytical work.

That said, History has maintained its reputation as a ‘hard’ A Level, and is highly regarded by all university admissions tutors. A History A Level can be combined with any other subjects to gain access to the most competitive university courses – in recent years historians have gone on to read for degrees in subjects ranging from law and languages to medicine and veterinary science.

SYNOPSIS

	PAPER	PAGE REF	EXAM	MARKS AVAILABLE
AS	European History Period Study ~ Charles V and the Holy Roman Empire	74	45 minutes. One essay chosen out of two	90
	English History Period Study ~ Church and State 1529-1558	51	45 minutes. One essay chosen out of two	90
	Document Study Nazi Germany 1933-1945	44	One hour. Two questions, both based on given sources	120
				300
A2	Thematic Study ~ Rebellion & Disorder	115	One and a half hours. Two essays chosen out of three	120
	Historical Investigation ~ Anglo-German Relations	111	One hour. Two questions, one source-based, one essay chosen out of two	90
	Independent Investigation ~ Coursework	132	One essay, of between 2,500 and 3,000 words, on a title of the candidate’s chosing	90
				600