De La Salle College
Churchtown, Dublin 14
Leaving Certificate History
History deals with the experience of human life in the past. The study of history involves an investigation of the surviving evidence relating to such experience. It brings the student of history into contact with human experiences, which are often very different from his/her own. Thus, the student gains insight into other ways of life, other ways of thinking, other solutions to recurrent human problems. The study of human experience in the past, its particularity and its variety, is indispensable to a student’s developing understanding of the human condition and human motivation.
Course Content
In-depth study:
The course involves a detailed study of a number of historical topics and it provides the opportunity to study aspects of these topics in greater depth. This approach allows for greater appreciation of the complexities inherent in the challenge of interpreting the past and the making of reasoned judgements based on an evaluation of evidence.
Research study:
Involvement in research is an integral part of the course. While offering an insight into the manner in which historians operate, the skills developed through this course have a wide applicability and will prepare students for what will be expected at university level.
Working with evidence:
The study of one of the topics will involve the structured use of historical documents. This will allow the student to develop expertise in the evaluation of evidence and the capacity to make reasoned judgements.
Emphasis on skills:
The in-depth approach facilitates an emphasis on developing the skills of history; in particular, skills in working with evidence and research skills.
Types of Homework/Projects/Assignments
Homework includes:
Reading
Answering short questions
Doing Essay Prep Sheets
Writing Essays
Preparing Presentations
Exam:
The exam consists of a written paper that is worth 80% and a Research Project that accounts for 20% of the Leaving Certificate Grade
Resources Used
The history department has a lot of sources for the study of history, including books, Journal Articles, Videos, etc.