Studying Ancient History in Years 11 & 12

Why should you study Ancient History? Students who have an interest in ancient societies, events and personalities from the past should consider studying this course HOWEVER, you must be aware, it is an academic course!

Reality checks Students need to be prepared to do the following when considering studying Ancient History: - It is strongly advised that you are capable of writing sustained extended responses as you every topic will need them - You must be willing to conduct your own research of topics at home - You must be willing to regularly read and summarise notes in class

How can Ancient History help with employment after high school? Ancient History will teach you skills, such as: - Using technology - Written and oral communication - Exploration and solving complex issues - Planning and organising activities

What do you learn about in Ancient History in Year 11? PART I: a) Investigating Ancient History   Students will investigate options such as: Preservation, Conservation and/or Reconstruction of Ancient Sites The Treatment and Display of Human Remains The Investigation of Ancient Sites and Sources

Year 11 course (cont.) b) Case Studies   Through case studies, students explore the various ways historians and archaeologists investigate, record and construct the past. Examples of case studies are: Ashoka Troy Tutankhamun’s Tomb

Year 11 course (cont.) PART III: Historical Investigation The investigation extends a particular area of the student’s interest. Possible historical investigations could include: Aspects of an ancient society as revealed through sources Causes and impacts of an historical event Historical debates A significant personality from the past

PART 2: Features of Ancient Societies Students study at least TWO ancient societies through an investigation of a key feature or one key feature across the societies selected: Egypt / Greece Women / Slavery China / Carthage Art and Architecture India / Assyria Weapons / Warfare Celtic Europe Funerary customs Rome / Israel Power and Image

What do you learn about in Ancient History in the YEAR 12 (HSC) course? Part I: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum This is a compulsory case study for ALL Year 12 Ancient History students in New South Wales. Students will study aspects such as: - Geographical features - The eruption of Mount Vesuvius - Everyday life from archaeological remains including: ancient writers, graffiti, statues, mosaics, human and animal remains - Conservation and reconstruction of the towns, ethical issues and new research and technology

HSC course (cont.) Part II: Ancient Societies Students investigate key features such as religion, politics, warfare, occupations, and mysterious customs of the world’s greatest civilisations Examples of Ancient Societies: - Spartan Society to the Battle of Leuctra, 371 BC - Bronze Age Minoan Crete - Persian Society under Darius and Xerxes - Athenian Society in the time of Pericles

Year 12 course (cont.) Part III: Personalities in their Times Students gain an understanding of ONE ancient personality such as: - Egypt: Hatshepsut - Greece: Pericles - Eastern: Hannibal - Rome: Julius Caesar

Year 12 course (cont.) Part IV: Historical Periods Students investigate the archaeological and written sources of ONE Historical Period that defined the ancient world Examples: - Egypt: New Kingdom to the death of Thutmose IV - Greece: The Greek World 500 – 400 BC

How is Ancient History assessed? Year 11 Assessment There will be three assessment tasks in Year 11 Historical Investigation: Research and Investigation Source Analysis Examination   Year 12 Assessment There are four assessment tasks Research and presentation Research essay Trial Examination