YCIS Geography | Individuals and Society

Subject Name: Individuals and Society

Subject Title: Geography

Overview of the Course:  Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and physical processes in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Student will develop an understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between people, places, spaces, and the environment at different scales. Develop a critical awareness and consider complexity thinking in the context of the nexus of geographic issues, including acquiring an in-depth understanding of how geographic issues, or wicked problems, have been shaped by powerful human and physical processes and synthesizing diverse geographic knowledge to form viewpoints about how these issues could be resolved. Understand and evaluate the need for planning and sustainable development through the management of resources at varying scales.

Course Objectives:

There are four assessment objectives (AOs) for the SL and HL Diploma Programme geography course.

Having followed the course at SL or HL, students will be expected to do the following.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified content

1.1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the core theme—global change

1.2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of two optional themes at SL and three optional themes at HL

1.3. At HL only, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the HL extension—global interactions

1.4. In internal assessment, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a specific geographic research topic

2. Demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge and understanding

2.1. Apply and analyse geographic concepts and theories

2.2. Identify and interpret geographic patterns and processes in unfamiliar information, data, and cartographic material

2.3. Demonstrate the extent to which theories and concepts are recognized and understood in particular contexts

3. Demonstrate synthesis and evaluation

3.1. Examine and evaluate geographic concepts, theories, and perceptions

3.2. Use geographic concepts and examples to formulate and present an argument

3.3. Evaluate materials using methodology appropriate for geographic fieldwork

3.4. At HL only, demonstrate synthesis and evaluation of the HL extension—global interactions

4. Select, use, and apply a variety of appropriate skills and techniques

4.1. Select, use, and apply the prescribed geographic skills in appropriate contexts

4.2. Produce well-structured written material, using appropriate terminology

4.3. Select, use, and apply techniques and skills appropriate to a geographic research question

Course Content:

Paper 1

Geographic themes—seven options

Two options are studied at SL, and three at HL

• Freshwater—drainage basins

• Oceans and coastal margins

• Extreme environments

• Geophysical hazards

• Leisure, tourism, and sport

• Food and health

• Urban environments

Paper 2

SL and HL core

Geographic perspectives - Global Change

· Population distribution—changing population

· Global climate—vulnerability and resilience

· Global resource consumption and security

Paper 3

HL only

Geographic perspectives - Global Interactions

• Power, places, and networks

• Human development and diversity

• Global risks and resilience

Internal Assessment:

Internal assessment is an integral part of the course and is a compulsory component for both SL and HL students. It enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with examination papers. It focusses on fieldwork, leading to one written report based on a fieldwork question, information collection and analysis with evaluation.

External Assessment:

SL:  Paper 1: (Geographic themes, two options are studied at SL)35%

Paper 2: (Geographic perspectives—global change) 40%

Internal Assessment: (Fieldwork) 25%

HL:  Paper 1: (Geographic themes, three options are studied at HL) 35%,

Paper 2: (Geographic perspectives—global change) 25%

Paper 3: (Geographic perspectives—global interactions) 20%

Internal Assessment: (Fieldwork) 20%

Subject Pathway:

Having studied IGCSE Geography prior to IBDP Geography can be an added advantage, although no prior knowledge of Geography is needed to enter the course.

Where can a career in Geography take you? Here is a selection of possible careers. Cartographer, Commercial/residential surveyor, Environmental consultant, Geographical information systems officer, Planning and development surveyor, Secondary school teacher, Town planner, International aid/development worker, Nature conservation officer, Tourism officer, Transport planner.