JC History
The Junior Certificate History syllabus aims to ensure that students:
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of human activity in the past
- Understand the contemporary world through the study of the past
- Develop conceptual understanding
- Develop the ability to think independently
- Develop a range of historical skills e.g. research skills
- Develop such positive attitudes as a commitment to objectivity and fairness
- Develop an interest and enthusiasm for history
- Learn to value their heritage
The course is divided into three sections:
- How we find out about the past
- Studies of change
- Understanding the modern Ireland
Section I : How we find out about the past
- Introduction – the job of the historian.
- Our roots in ancient civilisation – a study based on archaeological evidence of life in pre-Christian and early Christian Ireland and in one ancient civilisation
- Castle, church and city – a study of medieval society based on buildings, settlements and other material sources
- Renaissance – a study based on visual sources and biography of Renaissance art, architecture and learning
Section II : Studies of Change
- Changes in European view of the world – Exploration
- Religious change – Reformation
- Changes in land ownership – Plantation in Ireland
- Political change – Revolutionary change
- Social change – From farm to factory
Section III : Understanding the Modern Ireland
- Political developments in Ireland in the 20th century
- Social change in the 20th century
- International relations in the 20th century
Assessment:
Assessment is by means of an examination paper at two levels, Ordinary level and Higher level.
The following styles of questioning are used at the two levels:
Q. 1 – Pictures (based on picture sources)
Q. 2 – Documents (based on written sources)
Q. 3 – Short answer questions
Q. 4 – People in history (short essays on historical personalities or generic types)
In addition, at Higher Level there are two extra questions testing higher level skills and a broader knowledge of syllabus content.
For more information on Junior Certificate History click on the link below:
