Breadth Study — WJEC A-Level History

The 'Breadth Study' in WJEC A-Level History requires students to investigate a substantial period of history over a long timescale, typically 100 years or more. For example, the 'Breadth Study' on 'The American Century, c.1890–1990' explores the United States' rise to global power, examining political, economic, social, and cultural developments. This topic is crucial because it helps students understand how modern America was shaped by key events such as the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement. By studying a broad period, students develop skills in identifying long-term trends, making comparisons across time, and evaluating change and continuity.

The 'Breadth Study' is assessed through a two-hour written examination, worth 20% of the total A-Level qualification. Students must answer two essay questions: one on a key theme (e.g., 'The changing role of the federal government') and one that requires a synoptic overview of the entire period. Success demands a deep knowledge of the narrative, as well as the ability to analyse historical interpretations and deploy evidence effectively. This study complements the 'Depth Study' by providing a wider context for understanding specific events in detail.

Mastering the 'Breadth Study' is essential for developing a holistic understanding of history. It trains students to think like historians, recognising that historical change is rarely linear and that different factors—economic, social, political—interact over decades. This topic also fosters critical thinking about how historians construct narratives, making it a cornerstone of the A-Level course.

• →Change and continuity: Identifying what changes and what stays the same over a long period, e.g., the persistence of racial inequality despite legal reforms in the US.
• →Causation and consequence: Analysing the multiple causes of major events (e.g., the Great Depression) and their long-term effects on society and policy.
• →Interpretation and historiography: Understanding that historians disagree about the past; for example, debates over whether the New Deal was a radical or conservative response to the Depression.
• →Significance: Evaluating the importance of individuals, events, and developments, such as the impact of Martin Luther King Jr. versus grassroots activism in the Civil Rights Movement.

• Analysis and evaluation of historical change over at least 100 years.
• Understanding of causation, consequence, and significance of developments.
• Ability to make links and comparisons between different aspects of the themes.
• Construction of substantiated historical arguments and judgements.
• Understanding of the diverse nature of society and political, social, economic, and cultural developments.

• 💡Ensure essays cover the entire period to demonstrate breadth of knowledge.
• 💡Use specific examples to support arguments regarding change and continuity.
• 💡Focus on the 'pace and extent' of change when evaluating historical developments.
• 💡Structure essays to compare different aspects of the themes studied.
• 💡Ensure arguments are substantiated with clear evidence and historical concepts.
• 💡Tip 1: Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) in your essays. For example, make a clear point about change, support it with specific evidence (e.g., the 1935 Social Security Act), explain how it shows change, and link back to the question.
• 💡Tip 2: In the synoptic essay, explicitly compare different parts of the period. Use phrases like 'In contrast to the 1920s, the 1930s saw...' or 'While the early period was characterised by... the later period witnessed...'.
• 💡Tip 3: Show awareness of historical interpretations. Mention key historians (e.g., Eric Foner, Arthur Schlesinger) and their views. This demonstrates higher-level thinking and can boost your marks into the top band.

• Failing to cover the full chronological range of 100 years.
• Focusing too narrowly on one event rather than thematic change over time.
• Neglecting to make explicit links between the two themes.
• Providing descriptive narrative rather than analytical evaluation.
• Failing to address the 'American Century' concept in the context of global power.
• Misconception: The 'Breadth Study' is just about memorising facts and dates. Correction: While factual knowledge is essential, the exam rewards analysis, evaluation, and the ability to construct arguments. You must use facts to support interpretations, not just list them.
• Misconception: You can treat each decade in isolation. Correction: The 'Breadth Study' requires you to make connections across the whole period. For example, you should link the Progressive Era's reforms to the New Deal and the Great Society.
• Misconception: All historians agree on the causes of key events. Correction: Historiography is central. For instance, some historians argue the Cold War was caused by US aggression, while others blame Soviet expansionism. You must engage with these debates.