History
History is more than the study of the past. It is the process of recording, reconstructing and interpreting the past through the investigation of a variety of sources. It is a discipline that gives people an understanding of themselves and others in relation to the world, both past and present.
The Diploma Programme history course aims to promote an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations. It also helps students to gain a better understanding of the present through critical reflection upon the past. It is hoped that many students who follow the course will become fascinated with the discipline, developing a lasting interest in it whether or not they continue to study it formally.
Students and teachers have a choice of two routes through the Diploma Programme history course. The route one history course explores the main developments in the history of Europe and the Islamic world from 500 to 1570, while the route two history course focuses on 20th century world history.
Whichever route is selected the course provides both structure and flexibility, fostering an understanding of major historical events in a global context. It requires students to make comparisons between similar and dissimilar solutions to common human situations, whether they be political, economic or social. It invites comparisons between, but not judgments of, different cultures, political systems and national traditions.
History is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).
Route One Summary
Prescribed subjects (one to be studied) |
History of Europe and the Islamic world—prescribed subjects 1. The origins and rise of Islam c500–661 2. The kingdom of Sicily 1130–1302 |
SL and HL |
Topics (two to be studied) |
History of Europe and the Islamic world—topics 1. Dynasties and rulers 2. Society and economy 3. Wars and warfare 4. Intellectual, cultural and artistic developments 5. Religion and the state |
SL and HL |
Higher Level |
Aspects of the history of medieval Europe and the Islamic world |
HL only |
Route Two Summary
20th century world history—prescribed subjects (one to be studied) |
1. Peacemaking, peacekeeping—international relations 1918–36 2. The Arab–Israeli conflict 1945–79 3. Communism in crisis 1976–89 |
SL and HL |
20th century world history—topics (two to be studied) |
1. Causes, practices and effects of wars 2. Democratic states—challenges and responses 3. Origins and development of authoritarian and single-party states 4. Nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia and post-1945 Central and Eastern European states 5. The Cold War |
SL and HL |
Higher Level options (one to be studied) |
1. Aspects of the history of Africa 2. Aspects of the history of the Americas 3. Aspects of the history of Asia and Oceania 4. Aspects of the history of Europe and the Middle East |
HL only |
Internal assessment (Routes one and two) |
Historical investigation |
SL and HL |
Find out more
Order IB publications relating to group 3.
Read about similar studies in the Middle Years Programme and Primary Years Programme.
"IB history students have jumped at the opportunity to do internal assessment pieces about colonialism, the civil rights movement, and the African-American experience. That their own history and interests are validated in an academic programme has been essential to their success."
Adam Man, Diploma Programme coordinator, Baltimore City College, Maryland
