IB Group 3 Subjects - History SL & HL

History SL & HL

The IB Diploma Programme History course generally focuses on the political history of the 20th century, but has since expanded to give the option of studying medieval and early modern history. At Standard Level, this is the only historical topic taught. The course is divided into options, so the students may pick which they prefer; but in practice the topics to be studied are decided by the teacher.

Paper One of the examination focuses on the use of sources as historical evidence. Students will choose to answer questions in this paper relating to one of the following three 'Prescribed Subjects':

1. The USSR under Stalin (1924–41) – this subject covers the Russian Civil War, the rule of Lenin, and the rule of Stalin
2. China in the era of Mao (1946–64) – this subject covers the Chinese Civil War and the rule of Mao
3. The Cold War (1960–79)
4. The inter war years
5. Communism in Crisis - China post-1976 and Eastern Europe/The Soviet Union until 1989

Paper Two of the examination is essay based. Students are presented with six topic areas, and in each of these they are presented with five possible essay questions. Students only have to answer two questions in total, but they cannot be from within the same topic area. The six topic areas are as follows:

1. Causes, Practices and Effects of War
2. Nationalist and Independence Movements, Decolonisation and Challenges Facing New States
3. The Rise and Rule of Single-Party States
4. Peace and Co-operation: international organisations and multiparty states
5. The Cold War
6. The State and its Relationship with Religion and with Minorities

Paper three of the examination is only taken by students taking Higher level History. This paper is based on the history of a specific region (Regional Option) over a hundred years, the exam is also essay based with students selecting questions from a list on their region of choice. The region chosen is usually the one in which the school is located. The available regions are the following:

1. Europe and the Middle East
2. The Americas
3. Africa
4. East Asia
5. West Asia

• Links
  • Overview of the examination.
  • IB History lesson plans and resources.
  • Revision notes for students.