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Slavery (A-level History NEA): Home

The Enquiry Question

‘Lord Mansfield’s ruling in the Somerset v. Stewart case of 1772 was the most important turning-point in this period, leading to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1838.’ Assess the validity of this view in regard to the period, 1730-1838

This question requires you to analyse change: the reasons for change and the extent of change [leading to a specific outcome] over a period. You will need to consider continuity: the forces operating to prevent change and how these were overcome.You must clearly demonstrate that you have considered the whole period.

Contents - quick links

On this tab:

Other tabs:

  • Books and book chapters:
    • Gives links to all the recommended texts and details of how to borrow them, plus downloadable PDF scans of key chapters.
  • Articles:
    • Gives links to a large number of relevant JSTOR articles, plus advice on other databases you might wish to use.
  • Using sources in your work:
    • Gives advice on note-making and citing and referencing

Deadlines

Winter Term

Week 6 [Monday] – 12th October: Draft of the Core Essay [2000 words & footnotes].

Week 9 [Monday] – 2nd November: Polished Draft of the Core Essay submitted.

Week 11 [Monday] – 16th November: Interpretations Evaluation [1000 words].

Week 13 [Monday] – 30th November: Primary Sources Evaluation [1000 words].

Spring Term

Week 5 [Monday] – 8th February: First Full Draft [with footnotes] completed.

Week 7 [Monday] – 22nd February: Completed CW Essay – First Submission.

Week 11 [Monday] – 22nd March: Final Submission of CW [for final assessment].

Demand of the NEA

The important information about Component 3

  1. It contributes 20% of your total AL qualification
  2. It comprises one, independently researched, extended essay
  3. Your answer must not exceed the word limit of 4500 words [5 mark penalty]
  4. Your answer must cover a chronological range of least 100 years
  5. It must incorporate evaluation of primary evidence as part of your analysis
  6. It must incorporate evaluation of different interpretations as part of your analysis
  7. Your teacher is allowed to advise you but cannot plan your work
  8. Your teacher is not allowed to mark your drafts but can discuss your progress
  9. ‘Polished Draft’ must be submitted by the start of Week 12 of the Winter Term.
  10. The final submission date is the end of the Spring Term [before the Easter break]
  11. There are important intermediary ‘staging-post’ deadlines

What is the point of Component 3?

  1. To enable you to develop an understanding of a fascinating topic
  2. To allow you to prepare for university-style assessments
  3. To introduce you to the formal requirements of scholarly research
  4. To prompt truly independent work
  5. To allow you to lay a strong foundation for your final qualification

Booklet

An electronic copy of your coursework guide to use when you don't have yours with you. Please DO NOT print this out. You already have a print copy.

PDF iconSlavery coursework guide

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