History

Subject Content

Newbridge College follows the Later Modern field of study 1815 – 1993.
There are six topics from Irish History and six from the History of Europe and the wider world, from which students study two topics from Irish History and two from the History of Europe and the wider world.

One topic is prescribed and chosen by the Department of Education; it is changed every two years.
The six Irish topics are: 

Topic 1: Ireland and the Union, 1815 – 1870. Topic 2: Movement for political and social reform, 1870 -1914. Topic 3: The pursuit of sovereignty and the impact of partition, 1912 – 1949. Topic 4: The Irish Diaspora, 1840 – 1966. Topic 5: Politics and society in Northern Ireland, 1949 – 1993. Topic 6: Government, economy and society in the Republic of Ireland, 1949 – 1993.

The six European and the wider world topics are:
Topic 1: Nationalism and state formation in Europe, 1815 – 1871. Topic 2: Nation states and international tensions, 1871 – 1920. Topic 3: Dictatorship and democracy, 1920 – 1945. Topic 4: Divisions and realignment in Europe, 1945 – 1992. Topic 5: European retreat from empire and the aftermath, 1945 – 1990. Topic 6: The United States and the world, 1945 – 1989.

The prescribed topic for 2007 – 2008 is the United States and the world, 1945 – 1989.

1.
The syllabus breaks down into three distinct parts:
Students undertake a documents – based study of the prescribed topic. There are three case studies in the prescribed topic and one of these will be examined in the Leaving Certificate. There is no choice of question,

2.
Students will study one other European and the wider world topic and two Irish topics. Students must answer one question from each topic studied. There is a choice of questions.

3.
A Research Topic.  This is a question which is done by the student in their own time. It involves the student researching a topic of their choice within the prescribed period. The research topic must be completed and handed in by April, prior to the Leaving Certificate Examination. Both teacher and student must sign a form attesting it to be the student’s own work.

Exam Structure

Leaving Certificate History is assessed at two levels - Ordinary level and Higher level. There are two assessment components:
A research study report (submitted prior to the examination) 20%
An examination paper 80%
At both levels, the examination paper features a documents-based question (linked to the documents-based study) and three general questions. All four questions are of equal value.

Comment

When considering history as a Leaving Certificate subject students should note the following:
An interest in the subject is vital; some students choose it on the basis that they like nothing else on the Subject Line.
A good knowledge of English, an ability to write and an interest in current affairs is important.
Self discipline is an essential ingredient as students must show initiative in researching material, not merely for the research topic, but also to augment their knowledge of the course in general.
Choosing it on the basis that it was an easy subject for the Junior Certificate has absolutely no basis of truth, they are two completely separate courses. Leaving Certificate history is demanding and some students find out too late to their cost that they cannot cope and drop out.
If history is a subject that you like and you have the ability, discipline and work ethic to do well in it, but is not related to the course you want to pursue at Third Level, you should consider doing it on the basis that it will get you the required points to get the Third Level course that you want.