Depth Study: Part 2

Depth Study: Part 2 in WJEC A-Level History focuses on a specific period or theme in depth, requiring students to analyse complex historical developments, interpretations, and sources. This part typically covers the second half of a chosen depth study, such as 'Germany: Democracy and Dictatorship 1918-1945' or 'Russia: Autocracy and Communism 1894-1941'. Students must engage with historiographical debates, evaluate primary sources, and construct well-supported arguments about causation, change, and continuity.

This topic matters because it develops critical thinking and analytical skills essential for A-Level success. By studying a period in depth, students learn to assess conflicting interpretations and understand how historians construct narratives. For example, in the Germany depth study, students might evaluate whether the Weimar Republic was doomed from the start or whether the Nazi seizure of power was inevitable. Such analysis prepares students for university-level history and fosters a nuanced understanding of the past.

Depth Study: Part 2 fits into the wider WJEC A-Level History course by building on the breadth study (usually a period of around 100 years) and applying similar skills to a shorter, more focused period. It typically contributes to 20% of the final grade and is assessed through a written examination requiring source analysis and essay writing. Mastery of this component demonstrates a student's ability to handle complex historical material and construct coherent arguments under timed conditions.