World History since the Fifteenth Century, Grade 12 (University Preparation)

Unit 1: Historical Inquiry: Skills and Careers

Applying in everyday contexts the transferable skills developed through historical investigation, and identifying careers in which the skills of the historian are useful. (The historical inquiry process, the concepts of historical thinking, and the various approaches to the study of history, A1, are woven into every content investigation across strands B–E rather than taught as separate skills.)

• Transferable skills from historical investigation
• Applying skills and work habits
• Analysing current issues as an informed citizen
• Careers where the historian's skills are useful

Unit 2: The World, 1450–1650

Key aspects of social, economic, and political systems and structures in various regions of the world between 1450 and 1650; relations between different groups across regions and the factors that affected them; and how ideas, values, and artistic production affected the development of identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• Roles and status of groups across regions
• Science and technology, 1450–1650
• Comparing economic systems
• Political systems and how they functioned

• Increasing contact and its impact
• Attitudes and beliefs in interactions
• Causes and consequences of conflicts
• Developments in warfare
• Instances of cooperation
• Religion as a shaping force

• New ideas and identity
• Factors affecting rights and responsibilities
• Artistic achievements and identity
• Significant individuals and heritage

Unit 3: The World, 1650–1789

Key social, economic, and political issues, trends, and developments in various regions of the world between 1650 and 1789; interactions between different groups and the forces that affected them; and how ideas and practices contributed to the development of identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• Social issues and developments
• Science and technology, 1650–1789
• Economic causes and consequences
• Why political systems changed or stayed the same

• Wars and revolutions
• Relationships between groups
• The impact of the slave trade
• Economic and cultural exchanges
• Exploration and colonization

• Political and social ideas
• Religion and identity
• Artistic achievements and identity
• Political figures and identity

Unit 4: The World, 1789–1900

The impact of key social, economic, and political issues, trends, and developments in various regions of the world between 1789 and 1900; how war, revolution, reform, and other forces affected societies; and how new ideas and developments affected the development of identity, citizenship, and heritage.

• Social developments and trends
• Science and technology, 1789–1900
• Economic developments and the Industrial Revolution
• Political events and developments

• Revolutions and rebellions
• The impact of war
• Reform movements
• Religion: unity or division
• Gender roles and relations

• New social, economic, and political ideas
• Nationalism and identity
• Global immigration trends
• Artistic expression
• Political figures and identity

Unit 5: The World since 1900

The significance of various social, economic, and political policies, developments, and ideas in various regions of the world since 1900; interactions between various groups and the forces that affected them; and the development of the rights, identity, and heritage of different groups around the world.

• Social trends and developments
• Science and technology since 1900
• Economic systems and political orientation
• Forms of government and ideologies

• Global and regional conflicts
• Developments in warfare
• Individuals and groups in conflict
• Interactions between diverse groups
• Colonization, decolonization, and globalization

• Changing borders and identity
• Human rights contributors
• The changing roles and status of women
• Cultural trends and developments