NSS History

Introduction

What is History….

History is the discovery of the constant and universal principles of human nature

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David Hume

Why should you study History?

• • • • To discover where you stand in the modern world through understanding the origins and development of modern events To approach past and current events in an impartial manner using a variety of perspectives To develop the skills of critical thinking, making sound judgments and effective communication through exploring historical issues To develop a global perspective and an enhanced understanding of the rapid change in today’s world

How useful is History?

• • • • Very useful Develop students’ potential for further studies in the humanities, social sciences or perhaps business management Training in History is very useful for professions that require critical and independent thinking Historical knowledge and skills can be applied in everyday life

CURRICULUM

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Compulsory Part

Introduction: The Making of the Modern World

The foundations of Western supremacy Western expansion and the formation of colonial empires Asia’s reactions to western expansion Towards international cooperation

Compulsory Part

Theme A

• • • Modernization and Transformation in Twentieth-Century Asia Hong Kong China Japan and Southeast Asia

Theme B

• • • Conflicts and Cooperation in the Twentieth-Century World The two world wars and the peace settlements The Cold War The quest for peace and international cooperation

You have a choice!

• •

Elective Part

Focus on an aspect of 20 th century history Relevant to your needs, interests, and ability levels • • • Choose ONE of the following: Comparative Studies Issue-based Studies Local Heritage Studies

Elective Part

• • •

Comparative Studies

e.g. Compare the role of the US in helping economic recovery of Britain and Japan after the Second World War.

Issue-based Studies e.g. War?

Among all the participants in the First World War, should Germany bear the sole responsibility for the outbreak of the

Local Heritage Studies

e.g. The Bun Festival: the changing culture and tradition of Hong Kong

Assessment

• • • •

Public Examination (80%):

Paper 1: Data-based questions (50%) 1 hr. 45 min.

Paper 2: 2 essay-type questions (30%) 1 hr. 15 min.

Questions in both papers will fall within the Compulsory part.

• •

School-based Assessment (SBA) (20%):

A two-task course assignment related to student’s selected elective: Presentation of study outline (10%), conducted before the end of S.5

Study report (10%), submitted in the second term of S.6

Sample questions

• To what extent was Hong Kong modernised by the year 2000? Explain your answer with reference to Hong Kong’s political and economic developments in the period 1970s-1990s.

• Do you agree that militarism harmed rather than benefited Japan up to 1945? Explain your answer.

• Compare the main features of China’s modernisation efforts in the Maoist and post-Mao periods.

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Sample questions

In what ways was the Second World War a turning point in 20 th_ century world history? Explain your answer with reference to any one country or region covered by this syllabus.

• How effective was the United Nations in solving environmental problems in the second half of the 20 th century?

• To what extent were Israeli-Arab conflicts caused by the racial factor?

Qualities of a good History student

• • • • • • Good command of English Good thinking skills Keen to ask questions Active learning attitude Fond of reading Acquisitive of truth