IB History HL 2 - SS655A/B

IB History HL 2 - SS655A/B

Learning Recommendations: Successful completion of IB History of the Americas HL 1 is required. Students must complete the first year of the course sequence to be eligible for the IB Higher Level exam.

General Description: IB History HL 2 is the second year in a two-year course sequence, preparing students for the IB History Higher Level (HL) exam in May. This course offers a comparative and multi-perspective approach to 20th-century world history, focusing on the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of historical developments. It emphasizes critical thinking, historical analysis, and the exploration of multiple interpretations of history, providing students with a challenging and in-depth study of the past.

Content: The course focuses on conflict as a central theme in 20th-century history. Key topics include:

• Authoritarian states of the 20th century, with a focus on leaders such as Hitler and Castro
• Causes and practices of 20th-century wars, particularly the events leading up to and during World War II
• Origins and effects of the Cold War, examined from multiple global perspectives, with emphasis on leaders, military crises, and the social and cultural impacts

Additional Information: Students are required to pay the IB exam fee to sit for the Higher Level exam. Those concerned about the cost should consult with the ASB bookkeeper or their counselor. This course is NCAA-approved and provides 1.0 elective credit for the full year. Students who have not taken IB History of the Americas HL 1 but are interested in advanced history may consider registering for the IB History Standard Level (SL) option.