History 12 Course Overview

Mr. Weichel
Contact and Availability
School hours until 4PM
Email: weichelj@wrca.bc.ca
Phone extension #142
Blog: http://wrcahist2015.blogspot.ca/

Required Supplies
History 12 Workbook
Learning Log Journal
Binder
Writing utensils

Course Introduction
History is more than a window into the past: it is our key to understanding the
present and predicting what the future might hold. Studying history gives us insight
into who we are as a people it uncovers our collective fingerprint from throughout
the ages of our existence. Our topics will range from the grand scope of global
conflict to personal, individual stories filled with moral dilemma. It is a captivating
pursuit. We are enthralled by stories that draw us inward, telling us of tales laced
with triumph and tragedy, victory and defeat, loyalty and betrayal and good versus
evil. Such stories resonate deeply within our souls as we seek to understand the
capability of humanity, both good and bad.
The objective of History 12 is to develop historically literate learners that will be
equipped to make informed, competent and faith-based judgments about historical
events of the past and social issues of the present day. In this course, students will
be taught foundational historical thinking concepts, providing them with a deep
understanding of the framework that will shape the manner in which they study
history and engage with historical texts and artifacts. The historical thinking
concepts that will be emphasized in the course will include:
Establishment of historical
significance
Identification of continuity and
change
Exploring historical perspectives
and empathy

Use of primary source evidence

Analyzing cause and consequence
Understanding the ethical
dimension of historical
interpretations

Unit Themes
1. Conflict and Challenge: The World of 1919
Nationalism, Imperialism and how the First World War impacted the world; The
Russian Revolutions; The Paris Peace Treaties and post-war global politics
2. Promise and Collapse: 1919-1939
The rise of Fascism and Communism; The Great Depression; Colonial rule in the
Middle East and India; Events leading to the Second World War
3.

Turmoil and Tragedy: 1939-1945

Key military events in Europe, North Africa, and in the Asia-Pacific; Impact of total
war on society; Technology and war; Nazi racial policies and the historical
significance of the Holocaust; Post-war realignment of world power
4. Transformation and Tension: 1945-1963
Causes of the Cold War and the various forms of superpower competition; Key
events of the Cold War & the Cuban Missle Crisis; Emergence of the Peoples
Republic of China; Nationalism in the Middle East & India; The global trend toward
economic integration after 1945; The role of the United Nations in advancing
international cooperation
5. Progress and Uncertainty: 1963-1991
The Vietnam War and American counterculture movement; Dtente and reasons for
the decline of communism in the USSR and Eastern Europe; China under Mao and
Deng Xiaoping
6. Contemporary Events
Student exploration of significant current events, possibly including: Canada in
Afghanistan; Russia and the Ukraine; The War on Terror and ISIS; 2008 Financial
Crisis
Student Workload
History 12 is an academic course, which means that you will have a challenging
workload. A significant amount of reading, writing and research will be required on
an on-going basis.
You can expect daily reading assignments. It is essential that you do not get
behind in your reading or it will be difficult to get caught up.
Assessment
Learning Log
Students will bring their journal (learning log) to every class and will be required to
write short responses to thematic questions on a regular basis.
Quizzes & Tests
Each unit will have a couple short medium quizzes assessing content
comprehension. Each unit will also have a test with written components requiring
critical analysis and the use of historical thinking concepts
Written Assignments
History 12 is an academic course and thus will continue to develop formal writing
and research skills. Not every unit will have an essay assignment.
Projects and Activities
Each unit will have a main project or activity where students can represent a depth
of knowledge in a certain area. These may include historical simulations or
biographical research and take the form of visual representations or
individual/group presentations.