The IB Diploma Programme (DP) history course is a 20th Century world history course based on a comparative and multi-perspective approach to the subject. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural history. There is a balance of structure and flexibility so that students have some choices over the direction of their studies. The course emphasizes the importance of encouraging you to think historically and to develop historical skills, as well as gaining factual knowledge. It puts a premium on developing the skills of critical thinking, and on developing an understanding of multiple interpretations of history. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past.