For A Level History (9389) with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

For A Level History (9389) with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the syllabus generally focuses on a selection of historical periods and themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of historical developments and their implications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the components and topics typically covered in this syllabus:

**1. Paper 1: **

Depth Studies

  • This paper involves detailed study of specific historical periods or events. Students usually choose from several options. Here are examples of popular options:

    Option A: The First World War, 1914–1918

    • Key Topics:
      • Causes of the War: Long-term and immediate causes, including nationalism, imperialism, and the alliance system.
      • Major Battles and Fronts: Key battles such as the Battle of the Somme and Verdun, and the Western and Eastern Fronts.
      • Home Fronts: Impact of the war on civilian populations and economies.
      • End of the War and Consequences: The Treaty of Versailles, political changes, and the impact on international relations.

    Option B: The Russian Revolution and the Establishment of the Soviet Union, 1905–1924

    • Key Topics:
      • Causes of Revolution: Political, social, and economic causes leading up to 1905 and 1917.
      • Key Figures: Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin, and their roles in the revolution.
      • Key Events: The February and October Revolutions, the Russian Civil War.
      • Establishment of the Soviet State: The consolidation of Bolshevik power and the early years of Soviet rule.

    Option C: The United States and the Cold War, 1945–1968

    • Key Topics:
      • Origins of the Cold War: Ideological and geopolitical tensions between the USA and USSR.
      • Major Events: The Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam.
      • Domestic Impact: Effects on American society and politics.
      • Key Figures: Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson.

2. Paper 2:

Breadth Studies

  • This paper covers broader historical themes and is typically divided into several options. Students choose one of these options for detailed study.

    Option A: The Expansion and Dissolution of Empires, c. 1830–1960

    • Key Topics:
      • Imperial Expansion: How empires like the British Empire expanded during the 19th century.
      • Colonial Administration: Methods of governance and control over colonies.
      • Decolonization: The process of decolonization and the impact on former colonies and the imperial powers.

    Option B: The Development of Modern Nations, c. 1850–1960

    • Key Topics:
      • Nation-Building: The development of nation-states and national identities.
      • Political and Social Changes: Key changes in governance, society, and economy in various countries.
      • Case Studies: Examining the development of specific countries or regions.

    Option C: The Impact of War on Society, c. 1850–1950

    • Key Topics:
      • Effects of War: Social, economic, and political impacts of major conflicts such as the World Wars.
      • Social Changes: Changes in social structures and daily life as a result of war.
      • Recovery and Reconstruction: Efforts to rebuild societies and economies post-conflict.

3. Paper 3:

Historical Investigation

  • This is a coursework component where students undertake an independent investigation into a historical topic of their choice. The investigation should include a critical analysis of sources and interpretations.

Skills Emphasized:

  • Critical Analysis: Ability to critically evaluate historical sources and interpretations.
  • Historical Argumentation: Developing coherent and well-supported arguments in essays.
  • Research Skills: Conducting independent research and synthesizing information from various sources.
  • Source Evaluation: Analyzing the reliability and significance of primary and secondary sources.

Study Tips:

  1. Understand the Key Themes: Focus on understanding major themes, events, and figures related to your chosen topics.
  2. Practice Essay Writing: Develop clear, well-argued essays and practice writing under timed conditions.
  3. Review Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types by reviewing past exam papers.
  4. Use a Variety of Resources: Consult textbooks, academic articles, and primary sources to deepen your understanding.

If you need specific details on any part of the syllabus or have other questions, feel free to ask!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Improve your video exercise experience

Advice on selecting walking shoes

Work balance drills into your hectic schedule