IB Diploma Program | History

History is a dynamic discipline that engages with the past through evidence and inquiry. It fosters curiosity and encourages exploration by embracing multiple perspectives and interpretations. Studying history leads to a deeper understanding of human nature and the contemporary world.

In the IBDP History course, a global perspective is emphasized. It adopts a comparative and multi-perspective approach, exploring various types of history such as political, economic, social, and cultural aspects. The course strikes a balance between structure and flexibility, promoting historical thinking skills and the acquisition of factual knowledge. Critical thinking is paramount, enabling students to analyze and appreciate different interpretations of historical events.

Further, the DP history has six key concepts that hold significance: change, continuity, causation, consequence, significance, and perspectives. These concepts provide a framework for understanding historical events, facilitating a nuanced comprehension of the complexities of human experience across time.

In this article, we will be giving you an overlook of the IBDP History course aims and objectives, key features of the course and career benefits.

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Aims and Objectives of the course

IBDP History offers following aims and objectives:

  • Foster an understanding of and ongoing interest in the past.

  • Encourage students to appreciate the complexity of historical concepts, issues, events, and developments from multiple perspectives.

  • Promote international-mindedness by studying history from diverse regions of the world.

  • Develop historical consciousness, including a sense of chronology, context, and different historical perspectives.

  • Cultivate essential historical skills, such as effectively engaging with sources.

  • Facilitate reflection on the past to enhance students' understanding of themselves and contemporary society.

Ib diploma history.

Key features of the curriculum

  • Course offered at both HL and SL levels.

  • Both internal and external mode of assessment is used.

  • Offers teachers flexibility over topics to adapt to student needs and interests.

            -- Choose one out of five prescribed subject, each containing two case studies from different regions.

            -- Choose two out of twelve world history topics, each topic examples must be studied from more than one region.

            -- For HL only, choose one out of four regional options, and study three out of eighteen sections within the selected regional option.

Benefits of choosing this course

  • Enhances understanding of the past and fosters a continued interest in history.

  • Encourages critical thinking and appreciation of multiple perspectives on historical concepts, events, and issues.

  • Promotes international-mindedness through the study of history from diverse regions of the world.

  • Develops historical skills such as source analysis and effective engagement with historical materials, contributing to well-rounded historical literacy.

Want to enhance your IBDP History understanding?

Refer to the History resources section of Blen to get unlimited access to key concepts, theories, and exam-style questions.

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