Level 3 History: Genocide in the 20th Century (HIS303)

This Social Studies course has a History focus where students complete a study of Genocide in the 20th Century with specific case studies of the Holocaust (1933-1945) and Rwandan Genocide (1994).  Holocaust historian Yehuda Bauer argues: "Every genocide is specific. I cannot talk about Rwanda without talking about Hutu and Tutsi. I can’t deal with the Armenians without dealing with Turks, Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, the whole area. Every genocide is specific. It’s the specificity that is universal" 

Students will engage with primary sources, and historical debate to develop informed, evidence based arguments, and be exposed to what hatred can do to individuals and societies.  The lessons learned can be applied to the 21st century where the need for toleration and understanding in a diverse world are essential. 

Students will also have the opportunity to pursue their own interests in by completing research into a self selected historical event or movement with a local history focus.  A need to better understand our own history is central to creating a tolerant and informed 21st century New Zealand. 

Students are offered up to 20 credits from the History subject area in this University Entrance approved course.  Students considering tertiary study would benefit from this course as the skills focus on: developing research techniques including how to navigate sources and determine their authenticity, usefulness and reliability, learning to write succinctly, learning to structure academic essays, analysing and prioritising evidence to support an argument and learning to read and summarise large amounts of text.

High achieving students have the opportunity to attempt Scholarship History which will involve additional study during lunchtimes on a theme yet to be determined by NZQA.