History - A Level

The Lansdowne History course looks at late 19th and 20th century European and World History. A study of History may not enable us to predict the future, but by being better informed about the past, it does enable us to better understand the present. Moreover, many of the international issues of today have their origins deep in the past.

We certainly live in interesting times. It used to be commonplace to believe that we had arrived at ‘the end of history’, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite states and the apparent triumph of liberal democracy. Recent events have called this into question. All the major issues of today are very much up for debate. Lansdowne History students will be in a strong position to make an informed contribution to these debates.

What will I study in History?

AS Units 1 & 2
Russia in Revolution, 1881-1924: From Autocracy to Dictatorship. This option begins with the accession of Tsar Alexander III following the assassination of his predecessor and ends with the death of Lenin. It looks at the emergence of opposition to the Tsarist regime, the 1905 Revolution, the challenges posed by Russia’s entry into the First World War, the February and October Revolutions in Petrograd in 1917, the Civil War and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Britain & the Nationalist Challenge in India, 1900-47: This option begins at the start of the 20th Century and ends with the acquisition of Indian independence. It looks at the importance of the Indian Empire to Britain, the nature of British rule in India, the impact of the First World War on the relationship between Britain and India, British reform measures, the rise of Indian nationalism, the emergence of the Muslim League, the impact of the Second World War and the decision to partition India.

A2 Units 3 & 4
From Kaiser to Führer: Germany, 1900-45 - This option begins at the start of the 20th Century and ends with the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. It looks at the nature of Imperial Germany, the impact of the First World War, the Weimar Republic, the rise of Nazism, life in Germany during the Second World War, the war economy and the development of the idea of the ‘Final Solution’.

Coursework: Colonisation & Decolonisation in Africa, c.1870-c.1981 - This option begins with the shift in European relations following the Franco-Prussian War and ends with the acquisition of independence by Zimbabwe. It looks at the growth of Empire in Africa, the impact of the Boer Wars and the First World War on relations between Britain and its colonies in Africa; the growth, nature and strength of movements for independence in British colonies and their role in decolonisation, and Britain’s changing attitudes to and relations with its colonies in Africa.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by essay questions and source-based questions, as well as the compulsory coursework unit.

Do I need to have studied History before?

GCSE History will provide a useful base on which to build, particularly if the course focused on modern topics. It is, however, by no means essential.

Who will teach me?

Dr Richard McMillan has an MA (Hons) degree from Cambridge University and a PhD from London University. He is an A Level examiner, a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and the author of a book on decolonisation which has been favourably reviewed in academic journals both in Britain and overseas. He has been teaching at Lansdowne since 2002.

David Callard is a BA (Hons) graduate from Southampton University. He is an A Level examiner and has over twenty years experience teaching A Level in a variety of schools and colleges. He has taught at Lansdowne since 2006.

Which subjects complement History?

History intersects with academic disciplines such as Government and Politics, English Literature, Sociology, Law and Economics.

What careers can History lead to?

History is a highly respected academic subject which has the added advantage of enabling students to keep their options open. History graduates are very much in demand with the professions: many go on to train as lawyers and accountants or pursue careers in the world of banking and business.