An essential elective subject to understand the global progression of human history.

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1. Subject Positioning and Features

World History DSE is an elective subject that explores the development of global history from multiple perspectives. It emphasizes cross-cultural comparison and encourages students to understand the evolution of human civilization from diverse viewpoints. This subject helps students develop the ability to understand the past to predict the future, applying critical thinking when analyzing historical sources.

🌟 Subject Features:

• Humanities Subject: Alongside Chinese History, this subject focuses on both Eastern and Western historical developments.
• Global Perspective: Covers the development of both Eastern and Western civilizations.
• Skill-Oriented: Focuses on analyzing historical sources and critical thinking, making up 45% of the exam.
• International Recognition: UCAS (UK) recognizes this subject as equivalent to an A-Level A grade.

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2. Course Structure (Four Main Themes)

The World History course is divided into four main themes, each with its core content and in-depth research direction.

📚 Theme 1: 20th Century World Development (40%)

Core Units:

• 1914-1918: World War I
• 1919-1939: Interwar International Relations
• 1939-1945: World War II
• 1945-1991: Cold War Era

In-depth Research:

• Analysis of the flaws in the Versailles Treaty
• The impact of nuclear weapons on international relations

📚 Theme 2: Modernization and Transformation (30%)

Industrial Revolution:

• British Case: Factory system and social change
• Comparative Study: Meiji Restoration of Japan vs. China’s Self-Strengthening Movement

Colonialism:

• African Partition (Berlin Conference 1884)
• Indian Independence Movement (Gandhi’s Nonviolent Resistance)

📚 Theme 3: Conflict and Cooperation (20%)

International Organizations:

• League of Nations: Failure in handling the Ethiopian Crisis
• United Nations: Analysis of the Security Council’s power structure

Regional Conflicts:

• Middle East Issues (Origins of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict)
• Balkan Wars (Role of Nationalism)

📚 Theme 4: Culture and Ideas (10%)

Enlightenment Movement:

• Comparison of Voltaire and Rousseau’s ideas
• Influence of Enlightenment thought on the American Declaration of Independence

Globalization:

• Discussion of the McDonaldization phenomenon
• Case studies of Anti-globalization movements

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3. Assessment Mode

📋 Two Papers + School-based Assessment

• Paper 1: Data Analysis (2 hours 15 minutes, 50%)
  • Question Type: Provides text, images, or statistical data and requires comparison, verification, and evaluation of historical sources.
  • Key to High Scores: Be specific in citing data (e.g., “According to the curve in Data A…”) and present a balanced historical viewpoint (avoid absolute conclusions).
• Paper 2: Essay (1 hour 30 minutes, 30%)
  • Sample Question: “Nationalism in the 20th century Europe did more harm than good.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
  • Essay Framework:
    • Define key terms (e.g., nationalism)
    • Present arguments for (e.g., contributing to the unification of Germany)
    • Present counter-arguments (e.g., causing the Balkan conflict)
    • Provide a conclusion (contextualize with time and place)
• School-based Assessment (SBA, 20%)
  • Research Report: Example: “Comparing the Rise of Hitler and Mussolini”
    • Requires the use of primary sources and academic references.
  • Field Study: e.g., Special study at the Hong Kong History Museum or survey of WWII sites (e.g., Stanley Military Cemetery)

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4. Learning Difficulties and Breakthrough Strategies

🕰 Mastering Chronology:

• Create a dual-axis timeline to compare events in Eastern and Western history.

💡 Mnemonics:

• Remember key historical events, such as: “1492, Columbus sailed west to discover the New World.”

🔍 Concept Differentiation:

• Distinguish between concepts that are commonly confused, such as Capitalism vs. Imperialism, and Fascism vs. Nazism.

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5. Recommended Study Resources

Official Resources:

• Examination Bureau: “Sample Questions and Feedback,” “World History Curriculum and Assessment Guide”

Further Reading:

• Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
• The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

Digital Tools:

• Interactive Map: The Map as History
• Historical Source Database: Internet Modern History Sourcebook

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6. Past Performance Analysis

2023 Exam Results:

• Grades 5 and above: 2.1% of students
• Popular Topics:
  • “Cold War”: 35%
  • “Industrial Revolution”: 25%
  • “Colonialism”: 20%

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7. Innovative Teaching Methods

• Simulated Situations: Role-playing the Paris Peace Conference (negotiating between different countries) or Cold War Crisis decision-making games (Cuban Missile Crisis).
• Interdisciplinary Connections:
  • Economics: The Great Depression and Keynesianism
  • Geography: Resource conflicts and war relations

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8. University Pathways and Career Prospects

Local University Admissions:

• The University of Hong Kong (HKU): Specialization in World History Studies
• Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK): Global Studies (requires DSE World History 4 or above)

Overseas Pathways:

• UK: Some universities offer direct admission to second-year History programs.
• Australia: The subject is included in ATAR scoring, with Humanities subjects receiving weight.

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9. Key Exam Tips

📑 Data Analysis Three-Step Method:

1. Description: Objectively state the contents of the data.
2. Interpretation: Analyze the author’s position or the limitations of the historical source.
3. Application: Answer the core question of the topic, demonstrating comprehensive analysis.

✍ Essay Golden Structure:

1. Introduction (Define terms + stance)
2. Argument 1 (Facts + scholarly viewpoints)
3. Argument 2 (Counter-argument + rebuttal)
4. Conclusion (Comprehensive evaluation + historical insights)

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Conclusion

DSE World History is a subject that challenges students to think critically about global history while developing skills in analyzing historical sources and constructing well-argued essays. It offers students the tools to understand the connections between past events and contemporary issues. If you need further help with exam techniques, study schedules, or topic explanations, feel free to reach out!

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Note: This information is for reference only. For more details, please consult the official Hong Kong Education Bureau website: Hong Kong Education Bureau

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