History A Level

The cultural, economic and political landscape of both nineteenth century America and the Tudor dynasty form the content of this course. Students should take this course if they are keen to develop a detailed understanding of key people, policies, and events from the two units. Students will develop their ability to critically appraise and evaluate primary source material and historians’ interpretations.

The history course will still have a breadth study and a depth study. The breadth study will be The Tudors: England 1485-1603. The depth study will be America:

A Nation Divided, 1845-1877.

Year 1:

The Tudor element focuses on the accession of Henry VII. Students explore the circumstances of this turbulent time for England, and discover how Henry VII was able to bring stability, consolidate his rule and thus establish the Tudor dynasty. Students then explore the reign of his son, Henry VIII. The American element enables students to explore the nature of antebellum America, with a focus on the years c.1845 – 1861. Close analysis of the growth of sectional tensions and various attempts at political compromise will form a key focus.

Year 2:

The Tudor unit analyses the extent to which there was ‘a mid-Tudor crisis’, focussing on the reigns of Edward VI and Mary. Students will also explore the reign of

Elizabeth I, assessing the extent of her success in matters such as foreign policy and religious reform. The American element will focus on the American Civil War from 1861 – 1865, allowing students to study the distinct phases of the conflict. Students then track the route to reconstruction from 1865 – 1877.

External exam and compulsory coursework.

History is a facilitating subject and well regarded by all universities. Students who have previously taken this course have ventured into a variety of careers from heritage industries, journalism, business, management, accountancy, the Civil Service and publishing.