NCEA Level 2 History

“You can kill ten of our men for every one we kill of yours. But even at those odds, you will lose and we will win.”

Ho Chi Minh (1890 - 1969) - Leader of the Vietnamese independence movement (or Viet Minh) and president of North Vietnam 

Level 2 History students will delve into significant historical topics spanning from the end of the first millennium (c. 1000 C.E) to the end of the second (c. 2000 C.E). Those with a passion for understanding people and the eras they lived in will find History to be a rewarding subject. It serves as a valuable tool for comprehending our own society, the world at large, and our individual roles within it. History equips individuals with the skills to gather, process, interpret, and present information—an essential ability in our increasingly information-driven society.

Skills: In Level 2 History, the primary objective is to build upon the skills acquired in Level 1. Do not worry if you did not take Level 1 History as the first 4 weeks of Term 1 will be dedicated to recapping the skills learned in the previous year and acquainting students with the expectations of Level 2. However, there is a progression of skills from Year 11 History, introducing students to higher-order thinking in Year 12. These skills find wide application in various aspects of everyday life and nearly all career paths. It is worth noting that the intellectual skills developed through the study of History can provide a distinct advantage in many careers, including law, police work, journalism, psychology, and management in the business sector.

These skills include:

• 'Fact v Fake': The ability to interpret different forms of information, such as written articles, photographs, cartoons, and websites, considering their purpose and evaluating their reliability and trustworthiness.
• 'Communication': The ability to produce well-structured, analytical essays and reports that are clear and concise.
• 'Perspectives': Also known as "point of view," this skill involves understanding how an individual's or group's position or stance is influenced by factors such as religion, country of origin, level of education, or ethnic background.
• 'Analysis': The skill of analysis is invaluable in many careers, as it enables individuals to explain the reasons and mechanisms behind events, essential for effective decision-making.

The course will explore significant events in world history that have had an impact on New Zealand society and continue to influence us today.

Introductory topic: "Witches and Warlocks" This four-week mini-topic serves as a review of Level 1 skills and concepts while introducing the requirements for Level 2. Students will also delve into the "European Witch-hunting Craze" that occurred in the 1500s and 1600s. During this time, individuals, particularly women, suspected of practicing witchcraft were persecuted. The topic concludes with an exploration of the American "Salem Witch Trials" of the 1690s. Students will investigate the causes of this persecution, the methods employed, the broader community impact, and the long-term consequences.

The two main topics:

'1066: The Year that Rocked Europe’: This topic examines the chaotic year of 1066, which had far-reaching and long-term global impacts. 1066 was a significant year for Western Europe due to the death of King Edward "The Confessor" of England without an heir. This resulted in three claimants vying for the throne: Harold Godwinson, Edward’s brother-in-law and a prominent English leader; Harald "Hardrada" (or "Hard Ruler"), the King of Norway and one of the last renowned Viking leaders; and William "The Conqueror" (also known as "William the Bastard"), Duke of Normandy in western France and Edward’s cousin. In 1066, England saw three claimants confronting each other in three pivotal battles, culminating in the Battle of Hastings, which established the foundation of modern England. Students will explore Anglo-Saxon society and the profound changes brought by the conquering Normans, as well as the end of the Viking Age. One challenge in this topic is the limited number of primary sources available to historians, making it difficult to determine who had the rightful claim to the English throne or what to believe as fact versus propaganda.

'The Vietnam Wars, 1945-1975': This study focuses on the Vietnamese revolutionary movements of the 20th century, which led to Vietnam's independence. It begins with the French colonisation of the Vietnam region in the mid-19th century and the subsequent war against the French, known as "The First Indochina War" (1945-1954). Students will then delve into the later conflict, "The Second Indochina War" or "The Vietnam War" (1963-1975), where North Vietnam fought against South Vietnam, supported by the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. This topic will explore the establishment of communism in Vietnam, provide insights into the ideology behind it, and investigate the concept of nationalism and its importance in the Vietnamese quest for independence. Compared to the '1066' topic, there are significantly more primary and secondary resources available, largely because "The Vietnam War" (1964-75) is considered the first 'TV War'.

Assessments:

•    Researching and then reporting on a historic event of significance to New Zealand (4 credits for the research / 5 credits for the report): Students will research and write a report on a chosen historic event that that was significant for New Zealand (For instance, the sinking in 1985 in Auckland of Greenpeace ship 'The Rainbow Warrior' by French spies, the 1941 Japanese surprise attack on the US navy base at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, the N.Z 1893 Electoral Act when this country became the first in the world to allow women the right to vote in elections or the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII King of England when he decided to marry the American Wallis Simpson resulting in King Charles's grandfather Albert, becoming King George VI.)

•    Perspectives writing (5 credits): As part of the 'Vietnam Wars' topic, students will write in the first person, adopting the viewpoint of a leading individual from both the French and Vietnamese Communist sides involved in the historically significant 1954 Battle of Dien Bien. This battle marked a victory for the Vietnamese and led to the establishment of a communist North Vietnam, symbolising the decline of French control in Southeast Asia.

•    End-of-year external essay (5 credits): Students will choose one significant historic event from a range covered throughout the year and write an essay that addresses a question relating to the causes or consequences of that event. This essay will be practiced twice during the year to develop proficiency.

The course will include an online learning component, utilising the class Schoology page. Students are encouraged to bring their own netbooks or laptops to access resources and participate in activities, although it is not compulsory.