ANCIENT HISTORY
WHAT IS ANCIENT HISTORY ABOUT?
Ancient History allows students to explore a variety of civilisations, people and events from the ancient world to understand the development and fall of civilisations which have shaped our world. In the ancient world, the stakes were often high and our topics are similarly action packed and filled with a great deal of excitement, drama and intrigue. Through written sources and physical remains, we examine the causes and effects of events, the possible motivations and actions of individuals and groups, and how they have shaped the ancient through to the modern world.
The study of Ancient History allows students to develop their passion for the subject while exposing them to a range of sources, interpretations and representations of the ancient world. Students develop essential critical thinking and analysis skills through examining sources, literature, film and museum displays to challenge accepted theories and address important ethical issues surrounding ownership and presentation of the cultural past.
JUST SOME OF THE TOPICS YOU MAY STUDY...
The topics and areas of study are guided by the requirements of the syllabus. However, the topics we study in Ancient History at Carlingford have been chosen based on student interests to engage them in the study of history through the exploration of a range of societies, people and events.
YEAR 11
YEAR 12
POWER & IMAGE IN ROME AND EGYPT
In this topic we explore the nature of power and authority in Rome and Egypt. Throughout this study, we examine the changing role of authority figures and their position within these societies. Additionally, we explore a key figure from each society to explore the ways in which they have presented by assessing a range of ancient sources.
THE TREATMENT
& DISPLAY OF HUMAN REMAINS
Archaeology is core to the study of Ancient History and in this topic we examine archaeological techniques and technologies as we look to determine what ancient human remains can reveal about societies and the lives of people in the past. Additionally, we also examine the ethical issues surrounding the treatment, display and ownership of human remains.
WOMEN IN EGYPT AND ROME
This is an exciting topic where we explore the position of women in ancient societies. We examine how their roles, status and social position have evolved over time. Through this topic we also examine ancient sources and artefacts that add to our understanding as well as the challenges presented by the gaps in the historical record.
THE HISTORICAL INVESTIGATION
The Historical Investigation provides students an opportunity to explore a topic of their choosing. This section of the course aims to equip students with research and critical inquiry skills that will benefit them in their future work or university pursuits. The project culminates in the production of a research essay where students present their findings based on their analysis of a range of historical sources.
CORE STUDY: POMPEII & HERCULANEUM
'The Core' is studied by all Ancient History students in NSW. It is predominantly a source based study examining what the discoveries of the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum reveal about the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius and what life was like in a Roman town in the First Century AD.
SPARTAN SOCIETY TO THE BATTLE OF LEUCTRA
This topic is a society study of Ancient Sparta, examining the social, political, cultural and religious structures which fuelled this militaristic society. Additionally we examine what the written and archaeological sources really reveal as we attempt to breakdown the Spartan Myth depicted in popular culture such as the film 300.
ANCIENT EGYPT: NKE TO THE RAMESSIDE PERIOD
This topic examines the historical period of the Ramesside dynasty. We examine the failed Amarna 'revolution' and the religious restoration post-Amarna. We also explore the changes and events that occurred during the reigns of Amenhotep III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Seti I and Ramesses II.
AKHENATEN
The historical personality study allows us to examine the background and rise to prominence of this influential Egyptian pharaoh as he introduced significant building and religious reforms. Akhenaten was the son of Amenhotep III, husband of Nefertiti and father of Tutankhamun who we study in the historical period topic.
WHO SHOULD CHOOSE ANCIENT HISTORY?
Students who have an interest in History will benefit from this course not only through it extending their curiosity and appreciation of the past, but also through the skills it develops. Ancient History equips students with the critical thinking skills to analyse and challenge evidence to develop theories and interpretations of their own. Additionally, writing and research skills are a key focus of the course. In this way, students who are interested in History and considering tertiary study or a career in a wide variety of fields will benefit from the knowledge and skills they can develop in this course.
WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
It's interesting and exciting and you get to learn about whole new societies that you never knew existed
The skills you learn, like the critical thinking and the analysis, and even the way you structure essays is really useful and you can integrate that knowledge into other subjects like English
You are allowed to pick things that you want to do for the Historical Investigation