The joy of commencing a new A Level unit is upon us all.
For Unit 4 you are undertaking the following course - CW39: The USA: From Reconstruction to Civil Rights c. 1977-1981
A good clip to introduce you to the course
Can you post answers to the following in the comments section
1. What do you want to get from the Civil Rights course?
2. Why are you taking A Level History?
3. What are you aspirations (educational / other)?
3. What are you aspirations (educational / other)?
Can you add your initials at the end to show who has written the comments.
Thanks
1. American history is a completely new topic to me, so the first thing I’d like to get from the civil rights course is a greater understanding of America and how it has developed into its current state. Additionally, I think it’s really important to know the history of the civil rights movement as racism and segregation (however subtle it may be) is something which is still a controversial issue today and probably always will be.
ReplyDelete2. I’ve always enjoyed studying history and finding out about the past and, as the as level syllabus at Sexey’s really appealed to me- especially the 1945-90 topic, it was an easy choice to make. History was by far my favourite subject this year, and is currently the only subject that I have firmly decided to carry on with in year 13. Although I studied Weimar and Nazi Germany for my History GCSE, I’m really looking forward to studying it in far more depth for a2 – even my teacher regretfully acknowledged that we were forced to skim over so many crucial events in the period simply because, as always, it wouldn’t come up in the exam… Additionally, in regards to the coursework, I’m really pleased that history will again complement Politics nicely.
3. I’m planning on going to university and am looking at studying history- modern and medieval! Providing I graduate (and maybe even if I don’t), I hope to get a job in journalism or broadcasting of some kind, or perhaps in public relations. If all else fails, I think I’d like to retreat and write books.
A.T
1. I want to gain a further understanding of the civil rights movement, along with a much more detailed knowledge of what I already know. I find the history of civil rights in America to be an interesting topic and one which is important. I also wish to further my analytical and evaluative skills.
ReplyDelete2. History is a subject that I have always been interested in and one which I enjoy. I did well in my GCSE history and so decided to carry it on into my AS levels. Nazi Germany is my favourite history topic and this is another reason why I want to carry on with history into A2. I also think that history is important because it is a humanities subject and is looked upon favourably by many universities.
3. I want to go to university and study for a degree in 'economics and finance' or possibly 'economics and management' which will hopefully lead me to a career in finance. Preferably, at this moment in time I would like to go into some form of banking, however this may change over time.
JW
1. I'd like to further my understanding of a period of history that I don't really know that much about. Learning more about the topic, particularly the earlier period that we didn't cover at GCSE seems interesting to me.
ReplyDelete2. History is my favourite subject, and the subject I am strongest at. I enjoy studying most periods of history, and plan to continue study of the subject further in my education. I'd like to say that there is some deeper reason but really it's just because I really, really like history.
3. I want to go to university to study history, focusing largely on old-timey stuff and faries and the like. After that, my plans end, though I'd like to get a job good enough to live on, whether that directly relates to history or not. Failing that, I could travel and work or live in the woods or something, though that doesn't sound too appealing.
JS
1. I wish to gain a further understanding of the civil rights movement. Having always had an interest in civil rights, it being part of our A Level syllabus is particularly exciting; as I currently do not have much knowledge of that topic area. The civil rights movement is although sometimes perceived as a tacit issue currently, it remains a controversial one in both America and in other locations. I am also glad that next year the history and government and politics syllabus are somewhat intertwined - both focusing on America! I am hoping that this aids my understanding of the current politics in America and vis-a-vis government and politics helps me to appreciate where these views, systems, etc. have formed from.
ReplyDelete2. I never intended to study history at A Level. I never thought that my general knowledge of history was strong enough. However after completing a GCSE I realised how much I enjoyed history and my results in the summer portrayed that my enthusiasm had resulted in my doing well in it. I attended subject talks and was particularly excited about the topic areas that Sexeys covers, I endeavoured therefore to take it as an option. It quickly became my favourite subject and providing that I have done well and am able to, I hope to continue it from September.
3. For several years now, I have wanted a career in law. I am hoping to complete the LLB at university and then (if I am lucky enough!) complete the Bar Professional Training Course and pupillage, so that I am then able to practice as a barrister.
Thanks for the comments so far - interesting to see where students are coming from
ReplyDeleteSlightly dismayed about the student into the fairy / Kings burning cakes type of History. But you can't win them all. In all seriousness though, a number of students from Sexey's, or that I have taught History to elsewhere, have gone on to do History (even the weirdo Medieval stuff - many of the skills are of course transferable), Economics, Law etc.
Most of the points above seem eminently sensible. I think studying a country outside of Britain / Germany / Russia etc. is useful (and I say that as someone who probably specialised in Britain and Germany with USA as probably the third leg of my 'historical stool'). I think it is good to go into an area in considerable depth albeit over a fair old time period. I think it is a very interesting area and touches on a range of history -social, economic, political, cultural, religious etc. etc. Glad to see someone mentioned travel. Not been to so many of the areas we will cover but been to the Washington Memorial and many rather segregated 'de facto' areas over the last couple of decades e.g. in Washington (Anacostia), New York (Harlem), Newark, Albany (the Northern one). I remember first teaching the subject area in 2001 (at A Level) and being asked about when there would be an African American President. 'Not in my lifetime I confidently answered!' One thing that is pretty striking even today in the Northern states of the USA is the practical segregation - probably less in 2007 (last time I went) than in 1997 (the first). I remember in New York in 1997 I don't think I saw one person working in a fast food restaurant who was white. Certainly from my experience in the USA the country feels more 'divided' than the UK. others of you may have different experiences.
1.When im older, I hope to live in America however I know little about its history. Therefore I think it could give me valuable insight into a part of American history I know relatively little about, giving me a more rounded view of the country by looking at a more turbulent part of its history.
ReplyDelete2.I have always been interested in history, and AS level history made the subject ever more interesting. We learned nothing about Germany at GCSE, and I think it is extremely interesting, therefore having it in A2 really caught my eye. Another reason is because history is my favourite subject by some margin, and especially since A level history incorporates WW2 and Vietnam? I decided it is definitely worth continuing to the next level.
3. As I said before my ultimate goal is to move to the USA ideally after graduation from university. I am hoping to go to university in Reading to study to become a chartered surveyor, providing I get the grades. If that fails however I would go into agriculture or fisheries management.
CH
1, As a Liberal, I feel I need to know where liberties and rights for Ethnic Minority groups came from and how they were originally implemented. Also, being that history can help with deciding what to do next, it may be useful in future efforts toward greater equality and all that jazz.
ReplyDelete2. Mostly because it's interesting, honestly. I like knowing how everything came to be how it is, that and I don't think I can survive another year of Sociology!
3. Not really sure what I want to do or where I want to go from here. Ideally something international, probably not for profit. Alternatively, joining a PMC or the forces seems like another possibility. Might do uni, but mostly as a time-sink until I have an actual plan (Which will be a first).
HN (I also have the worst google name since I made this account in about year 7 or 8...)
1. To gain a greater understanding of American history.
ReplyDelete2. I enjoy History. It is completely different from my other subjects that are science based.
3. Uncertain. Most likely something science related at university.
- WM
1. After briefly studying the civil rights movement in year 10 I found it especially interesting. However I cannot remember huge amounts and I'd like to learn about it in more depth as I feel it is an important topic. Also I have not studied any part of American history before.
ReplyDelete2. I've always enjoyed studying history despite always wanting to go into something science related. My result at GCSE encouraged me to take up the AS which I have thoroughly enjoyed and it is a nice break from my other subjects which are all very similar. The A2 syllabus looks very interesting especially after studying Germany at GCSE. However I am unsure as to whether I will be continuing with history next year , despite the fact I love it, my other three subjects are wanted for my degree course.
3. I'm not entirely sure what I want to go on to do after university but if I get the grades then I intend to study biochemistry at university and go from there.
ED
1. I want to gain knowledge from my civil rights course. It will add to the massive interconnected story that I believe History to be.
ReplyDelete2. I'm taking A Level History because it is super duper fun. This is mainly because as aforementioned, I believe the subject to be a really long interconnected story. This story is better than pretty much any other novel because firstly, the good guys don't always win, so it is unpredictable.
Secondly, the story never ever ends, which is pretty awesome as I don't like it when books end.
Thirdly, this long interconnected story quite frankly could not be told by any writer, mainly because some events can cause disbelief. (My favourite part to do with disbelief is the ways the CIA tried to assassinate Fidel Castro. I mean seriously, an exploding sea shell?!?)
Fourthly, and lastly, a lot of people tend to argue about certain parts of history. While I would like to say that this is what I like because it broadens my philosophy or something like that, quite frankly arguing about stuff is fun. Especially with HN.
3. I certainly want to go on to do History at University, maybe with English or Politics as a joint degree. As for a career, quite frankly I'm not going to dwell too much on that, as last year I thought I would be some kind of mathematician related person. Apparently not. If all else fails, I think I might join Joe in working in the woods and looking for fairies.
JP
1. I want to gain a greater understanding of how the past has shaped the USA of today. I am very interested in the cultural differences between the UK and the USA and I believe learning about civil rights will broaden this interest, especially as american history is a bit of a gap in my knowledge .
ReplyDelete2. I'm taking A level history because I enjoyed and did well in it at GCSE and find that the skills that I learn in history are very useful in the other subjects that I take, especially with writing english essays and debating on issues in french. I think it's important to have an understanding and an opinion of past events in order to analyse and interpret the present.
3. My aspirations aren't exactly history related (sorry). I want to do something creative because it's what I enjoy the most - probably architecture or art (so history will come in handy with essays). I'm keeping my options open in terms of my career, because, quite frankly, as long as i'm designing something i'll be pretty happy.
- EN
The last comments - not a job related to History. Well I never - If you don't do History you may not get to be a Deputy Headteacher in the middle of nowhere! I do think that History is a good subject to have - it does teach you to look at events in a discerning way. Why is that happening and in who's interests? Getting back to JP's points - some bits of History are totally amazing. Castro's planned demise would be a good example LSD, beards falling out etc. The German invasion of France in both world wars would be another. It is important to remember that a lot of things in History cannot be rationally explained. Sometimes they happen,because they happen. In some sense this separates it from the social sciences.
ReplyDelete1. i want to be able to understand how or even if peoples views changed during periods and what it took for this to happen.
ReplyDelete2. i took A level history as its a subject i have always enjoyed and strangely essay writing is something i have always felt suited me (even if my scrawly handwriting suggests otherwise) as well as completely agreeing with someones view that you need to have a understanding of the past to appreciate the world today.
3. almost certainly want to do history at uni however beyond that i have no idea.
Thanks. I remember someone I taught a few years ago who was very good at History said once you know how to right a good essay the subject is a very 'doable' one.
ReplyDelete1. I want to be able to understand the Civil Rights Movement as I find it an interesting part of history and it is a new topic to me.
ReplyDelete2. I am doing A Level history because i enjoyed it and did well in it at GCSE and the topics seemed interesting and they were new to me which inticed me even more. also the skills from history I can transfer to other subjects.
3. I would like to go to university and study Retail Management/ Marketing.
ZW
Thanks ZW
ReplyDelete