Depth Study: Part 1

Depth Study: Part 1 in WJEC A-Level History focuses on a specific period or theme in depth, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of historical events, individuals, and processes. This part typically covers the first half of the chosen depth study, such as 'The American Century, c.1890–1990' or 'Germany: Democracy and Dictatorship, c.1918–1945'. Students will explore key political, social, economic, and cultural developments, analysing causation, change, and continuity. The depth study is crucial because it trains students to evaluate primary sources, historiographical debates, and complex narratives, skills that are essential for the A-Level examination and beyond.

This topic matters because it provides a microcosm of broader historical themes—such as power, ideology, and conflict—within a manageable timeframe. For example, studying Germany 1918–1945 allows students to understand the rise of Nazism, the collapse of the Weimar Republic, and the impact of totalitarianism. By focusing on a single country or theme, students can trace cause and effect in detail, moving beyond surface-level knowledge to critical analysis. This depth of study is what distinguishes A-Level History from GCSE, requiring students to engage with scholarly interpretations and form their own evidence-based arguments.

In the wider subject, Depth Study: Part 1 connects to other components of the WJEC A-Level, such as the breadth study and the non-examined assessment (NEA). The analytical skills developed here—like source evaluation and essay structuring—are transferable across all papers. Moreover, the content often overlaps with modern history topics, providing context for contemporary issues. For instance, understanding the Treaty of Versailles (1919) in the Germany depth study illuminates ongoing debates about international relations and national identity. Mastery of this part is therefore foundational for achieving high marks in the final exams.