Caribbean Studies

Skills assessed in Caribbean Studies Essays

Examine the ways in which either droughts or landslides influence Caribbean Culture. 30 marks Skill Requirements Example 20

marks 30 marks

Knowledge - Definitions - Description of the

phenomenon/phenomena in question - Types - Causes - Listed effects - Names of theorists and theories - Outline of theories - Titles and findings of studies/research

- Definition of natural events, hazards, disasters, Caribbean, society and culture

- Types of droughts and landslides - Various causes of droughts or

landslides- List of effects (throughout the essay)- Mention of cases or examples of the

occurrence of landslides in the Caribbean

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Use of Knowledge

- Analysis- classification of the information into useful categories

- Presentation of points using useful categories

- Use of factual evidence/examples and or theories to support and/or evaluate points

- Making inferences from facts/information presented

- Detailing effects in categories such as political, social, positive, negative etc.

- Using evidence from cases or examples to support points given

- Inferences or explanations of how categorical effects have come to shape or influence the nature of Caribbean society and culture

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Example Given the frequency and usual magnitude of the occurrence of either hazard and their categorical effects, the following can be noted of how they influence Caribbean society and structure Economic - Vulnerability of Caribbean economies - Reinforcement of an economic culture of dependence, borrowing, debt for many Caribbean countries- Fluctuation in prices, inflation and importation have become the expected/norm- Disaster management now underscores the need for, and is one area in which substantial regional integration

(economic, social) is evident, especially where the use of advanced technology is concernedSocial - Food security is a concern for all Caribbean countries - Highlights and reinforces social inequalities – seen in the differences in risk management between the rich and the

poorCultural - Reinforcement of the culture of migration, outward looking attitudes - Necessitates and brings out the resourcefulness of Caribbean people - Mitigation and to some extent, prevention is becoming a cultural norm – promoted through bodies such as NEPA,

reflected in our laws, building codes etc. Institutional culture reflects the same.- Growing importance of expansion of occupational opportunities for geologists, seismologists and other geographers - Embracing the associated technology to enhance our securityEnvironmental - Constant change and diversity in the environment –- Human interventions in the landscape e.g. Dams, gabion baskets, afforestation, etc. Communication and Enquiry

- Identification of sources - Consistent use of a writing convention - Use of a variety of sources - Proper application of the rules of English grammar and spelling - Logical arrangement of arguments - Introduction which highlights the issue and states how it will be dealt with- A conclusion which presents a judgment or overall assessment of the issue

being examined

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