History A Level Coursework Aqa

AQA A-Level History Coursework: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Choosing to study A-Level History with AQA is a commitment to in-depth historical analysis and rigorous research. The coursework component forms a significant part of your final grade, demanding a high level of independent study, critical thinking, and effective writing. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to excel in your AQA A-Level History coursework, navigating the complexities of research, argumentation, and presentation. We'll delve into the intricacies of the process, offering practical advice and examples to help you achieve your best possible grade.

Understanding the AQA A-Level History Coursework Requirements

The AQA A-Level History specification places considerable emphasis on independent research and historical analysis. Your coursework will require you to:

• Select a suitable topic: This is crucial and needs careful consideration, aligning with your interests and the resources available. AQA offers broad thematic areas, providing ample scope for individual exploration.
• Develop a focused research question: This question should be clear, concise, arguable, and directly address a specific historical issue within your chosen topic. A well-defined research question forms the backbone of your entire project.
• Conduct thorough research: This involves utilizing a diverse range of primary and secondary sources, critically evaluating their reliability and bias. Effective research is the foundation of a strong historical argument.
• Construct a well-structured essay: Your essay must present a clear, coherent, and well-supported argument, demonstrating a deep understanding of the historical context and utilizing evidence effectively. This involves developing a strong thesis statement and supporting it with detailed evidence.
• Demonstrate historical understanding and analysis: The assessment criteria heavily emphasize your ability to analyze historical evidence, interpret different perspectives, and construct a nuanced historical narrative. You need to show more than just knowledge; you need to demonstrate critical engagement with the historical subject matter.
• Adhere to AQA's marking criteria: A thorough understanding of the assessment criteria is paramount. This ensures that you focus your efforts on the key skills and knowledge that the examiners are looking for.

Stage 1: Choosing Your Topic and Research Question

Selecting the right topic is the first crucial step. Consider your interests within the historical periods and themes covered by your AQA specification. A topic you are genuinely passionate about will sustain your motivation throughout the lengthy research and writing process. Remember, a broad topic will lead to difficulty in managing the scope of your research. You need to narrow down your focus to a manageable size.

Examples of suitable topics (remember to refine these further into a specific research question):

• The impact of the Reformation on English society: This could be narrowed down to focus on a specific region, social group, or aspect of social change.
• The causes of the First World War: This broad topic needs to be focused, perhaps on the role of a specific nation or a specific event leading to the outbreak of war.
• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on women's lives: Again, specifying a region, social class, or type of work will significantly improve focus.
• The rise of Nazism in Germany: Focusing on specific aspects like propaganda, economic policies, or the role of specific individuals will aid your research.
• The Cold War in a specific country: This allows in-depth examination of Cold War dynamics in a localized context.

Once you've chosen a topic, formulating a strong research question is crucial. This question should be:

• Clear and concise: Easily understood and unambiguous.
• Arguable: Capable of being supported with evidence and allowing for different interpretations.
• Focused: Narrow enough to be covered effectively within the word limit.
• Historically significant: Addresses a question of importance within the historical period.

Examples of strong research questions:

• To what extent was the English Reformation driven by religious conviction rather than political ambition?
• How significant was the role of Austria-Hungary in triggering the First World War?
• Did the Industrial Revolution improve or worsen the lives of working-class women in Manchester?
• What role did propaganda play in the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany?
• To what extent did the Cold War proxy conflict in Korea influence the global political landscape?

Stage 2: Conducting Thorough Research

This stage involves gathering evidence to support your arguments. AQA coursework requires a strong balance between primary and secondary sources.

Primary Sources: These are materials from the time period being studied. Examples include:

• Original documents: Letters, diaries, government records, legal documents.
• Images and photographs: Provide visual context and perspectives.
• Oral histories: Interviews with individuals who lived through the historical period (though access may be limited).
• Objects: Artifacts that can provide insights into material culture and daily life.

Secondary Sources: These are interpretations and analyses of historical events written after the period under study. They include:

• Academic books and journal articles: Provide in-depth analyses and scholarly interpretations.
• Biographies and memoirs: Offer personal perspectives and interpretations.
• Reliable websites and online databases: Provide access to a wide range of sources but require careful evaluation for credibility.

Critical Evaluation of Sources: This is crucial. You must analyze the reliability, bias, and limitations of each source. Consider the author's perspective, their intended audience, and the potential influence of historical context on their interpretation of events. Note down your critical evaluation of each source you use.

Stage 3: Structuring and Writing Your Essay

A well-structured essay is vital for achieving a high grade. Follow a logical flow, building your argument step-by-step.

Structure:

• Introduction: Clearly state your research question and thesis statement (your answer to the research question). Outline the main points you will cover.
• Main Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your argument, providing evidence from your research. Use topic sentences to clearly state the point of each paragraph.
• Evidence and Analysis: Integrate your evidence seamlessly into your argument, analyzing its significance and relevance. Explain how each piece of evidence supports your thesis.
• Counter-arguments: Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and address them effectively. This demonstrates critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the historical context.
• Conclusion: Summarize your findings and restate your thesis in a new and insightful way. Reflect on the broader implications of your research.
• Bibliography: A complete list of all the sources you consulted, following a consistent citation style (e.g., Harvard, Chicago).
• Footnotes/Endnotes: Provide detailed citations for all the evidence you use in your essay.

Writing Style:

• Clarity and precision: Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and ambiguity.
• Accuracy: Ensure all your facts are accurate and properly cited.
• Objectivity: Present your argument in an objective manner, avoiding personal opinions or biases.
• Formal tone: Maintain a formal and academic tone throughout your essay.

Stage 4: Meeting the AQA Marking Criteria

Understanding the AQA marking criteria is absolutely essential. They generally assess the following:

• Knowledge and Understanding: Your demonstrated grasp of the historical context, key events, and relevant individuals.
• Analysis and Interpretation: Your ability to critically evaluate sources, analyze evidence, and develop a coherent historical argument.
• Use of Evidence: The quality and relevance of the evidence used to support your claims.
• Structure and Organisation: The clarity, coherence, and logical flow of your essay.
• Communication and Expression: The clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of your writing.
• Citation and Referencing: Accuracy and consistency in your citation style.

Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the specific marking criteria for your AQA A-Level History coursework. This will help you focus your efforts on the areas that will earn you the most marks.

Stage 5: Proofreading and Editing

Before submitting your coursework, proofread and edit it carefully. Check for:

• Grammatical errors: Ensure your writing is free from grammatical errors and typos.
• Spelling mistakes: Double-check all spellings.
• Clarity and flow: Ensure your argument is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
• Accuracy of information: Verify the accuracy of all your facts and figures.
• Consistency of citation: Ensure all your citations are consistent and accurately formatted.

Ask a friend or teacher to proofread your work for a fresh perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What word count is expected? The exact word count will be specified in your AQA specification. Adhere to this strictly.
• What citation style should I use? AQA usually allows flexibility, but consistency is key. Choose a style (Harvard, Chicago, etc.) and stick to it throughout.
• Can I use online sources? Yes, but critically evaluate their reliability and credibility. Prioritize academic sources where possible.
• What happens if I plagiarize? Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and will result in severe penalties, including failure of the coursework.
• When is the coursework deadline? Check your AQA specification and school timetable for the precise deadline. Plan your work well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Conclusion

Succeeding in your AQA A-Level History coursework requires careful planning, rigorous research, and effective writing. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the AQA marking criteria, you can develop a well-structured, insightful, and compelling essay that demonstrates your historical understanding and analytical skills. Remember, dedication, organization, and a genuine interest in your chosen topic are key to achieving a high grade. Good luck!