Subject: AS History

Number of lesson per fortnight: 10

 Curriculum:

AS

Unit 1: Change and Consolidation - HIS1H Tsarist Russia, 1855–1917

This unit provides an overview of Russian history under the last three Tsars and specifically of the period from the accession of Alexander II during the Crimean War to the revolutions of 1917. There is an opportunity to examine the role of individuals such as Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II, to examine the factors working for and against change, and to examine how and why individuals and groups reacted to change.

There are extensive opportunities to consider a range of interpretations of how Russia developed during this period, when there was a range of opinions about how the Russian structure of government, the economy and society in general functioned. The study of events between 1855 and 1914 will enable students to compare, explain and assess the nature, pace and extent of change. The length of the period provides opportunities to assess the impact of change on ideas and attitudes as well as on institutions, to examine social and economic trends as well as key political developments, and to debate interpretations of events, issues and ideas.

Unit 2: Historical Issues – Periods of Change - HIS2L The Impact of Stalin’s Leadership in the USSR, 1924–1941

This unit provides an opportunity to investigate the impact of Stalinist rule on the USSR during this key period of its political, economic and social development. Students will need to have a sound understanding of the context and chronology of the USSR in the period between Stalin’s rise to power, following Lenin’s death in 1924, and the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War against Germany in 1941. However, the main emphasis will be on the impact of Stalin’s aims, actions and influence on important developments in the USSR. A study of Stalin’s aims focuses on Stalin’s consolidation of his political regime, and his economic revolution designed to implement ‘Socialism in One Country’ and transform the USSR into a modern, strong, industrialised state. The analysis of Stalin’s actions will focus on collectivisation, the development of a planned, industrialised economy and the development of a totalitarian state. The impact of Stalin’s rule will involve a study of how these policies transformed Soviet society in the years preceding the War.

Assessment:

Course structure and assessment

AS examinations

AS units develop understanding of change over short and long periods of time.

Unit 1: Change and Consolidation - HIS1H Tsarist Russia, 1855–1917

• Written paper, 1 hour 15 min
• 72 marks – 50% of AS, 25% of A-level
• Students answer two of three two-part questions

Unit 2: Historical Issues – Periods of Change - HIS2L The Impact of Stalin’s Leadership in the USSR, 1924–1941

• Written paper, 1 hour 30 min
• 72 marks – 50% of AS, 25% of A-level
• Students answer two (one compulsory) of three two-part questions

Homework:

Will be set twice weekly. Pupils will be expected to be independent in their studies, reading the set text and others. They will also undergo extensive exam question preparation and attempt exam questions at home.

Contact:   Miss P Leigh