IB History

    Instructors: Richard, Ainsworth and Herner

    · Level One
    · Level Two
    · Course Syllabus and Policy:
         IB European History (Richard)
         IB European History 2 (Ainsworth/Herner)
      Frequently Asked Questions

    IB History is a two-year course and will prepare students to successfully complete the IB History examination.  Students will analyze primary documents, synthesize evidence into well- constructed essays, and produce presentations which reflect both research and organization skills.  To these ends, this course will include the following objectives:

    • Read texts in a discriminating manner
    • Listen attentively
    • Discuss actively and effectively
    • Ask pertinent, thoughtful questions
    • Organize evidence logically and reach conclusions based on that evidence
    • Write critical, analytical, and thematic essays using appropriate tools of essay writing (e.g. clear focus, precise development, appropriate use of citation, and relevant evidence, direct clear style, logical conclusion proceeding from the evidence, etc.)
    • Lead seminar discussions
    • Develop and sharpen research skills
    • Complete daily reading and show evidence thereof
    • Distinguish the course of movements in their historical context
    • Use maps

    Level One (Junior Year)
    This course, the first year of a required two-year sequence, is a survey of European and world history from the Renaissance (1450) through the Age of Enlightenment (1750) to 1900. Emphasis is on the rise of the European nation states; the scientific, economic, industrial, and political revolutions; colonialism; the "new imperialism" and its impact on Asia and Africa; nationalistic movements in Europe. and the long-term causes of World War 1.

    Sequence for Semester One:

    •   The Renaissance
    •   The Reformation
    •   Emergence of nation states: dynastic rivalries
    •   Age of Exploration
    •   Absolute Monarchs; British Monarchy and the Glorious Revolution
    •   Scientific Revolution
    •   Age of Enlightenment; Enlightened Despots
    •   French Revolution: causes, course, effects

    Upon the completion of Semester One, the IB History student will have attained a broad factual narrative of European History to the end of the 18th century.  The student will also understand the ideologies of Europe within this timeframe.  The course will integrate political, diplomatic, intellectual, economic, cultural, and social historical themes.

    Sequence for Semester Two:

    •   Napoleon I and the restored French Monarchy to 1848
    •   The Congress System
    •   Italian and German unification to 1871
    •   Russia in the 19th century
    •   Germany: Bismarck, 1862-1890
    •   Austria-Hungary and dual monarchy, 1867
    •   19th century economic and social developments

    Upon completion of Semester Two, the IB History student will have attained a broad factual narrative of European History to the end of the 19th century.  The student will also understand the ideologies of Europe within this timeframe.  The course will integrate political, diplomatic, intellectual, economic, cultural, and social historical themes.

    Level Two (Senior Year)
    This course, which completes the requirement for the higher level IB History examination, is a detailed study of 20th-century history. The first semester focuses on the causes, practices, and effects of war; the rise of single-party states and economic development; and the work of international organizations and minorities in the modern state. The study of the 20th century is continued through a detailed investigation of nationalistic political movements, de-colonization and problems of newly independent nations, social change, the artists and society, religion and politics, and the relations between east and west after 1945. "Guided coursework," an individual study of a limited topic in history, is completed in February of the senior year.

    Sequence for Semester One:

    •   Russia, 1850-1905
    •   Growing crisis in the Balkans and the Eastern Question
    •   Development of rival blocks
    •   World War I – total war and global war
    •   Russian Revolutions
    •   Treaty of Versailles as a flawed peace

    Sequence for Semester Two:

    •   Rise of Totalitarian Dictators: Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler
    •   Five Year Plans and Collectivization
    •   Aggressions during the Interwar Years
    •   Collective Security, League of Nations, and Appeasement
    •   WWII – total war and global war
    •   The Cold War: 1945-1980
    •   End of the Cold War: 1980-1995