Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding

(Strands: Context, Subject-specific terminology and concepts)

The essay must demonstrate an effective understanding of the place of the research question in a broader context of global politics and the theoretical discipline, establishing links between the political issue investigated and political institutions, actors and theories. Additionally, students should demonstrate an awareness of how social and cultural contexts and biases can affect understandings of political issues.

Students must be able to demonstrate both a sound understanding of, and the ability to employ accurately, the terminology and concepts relevant to the research topic. Where it is deemed useful to clarify meaning or context, students may provide further explanation or definition of selected terms or concepts. A solid use of the key concepts of the global politics course is particularly expected.

If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered, no more than four marks can be awarded for this criterion. This applies to global politics essays where the issue is not contemporary. (“Contemporary” is defined here as an issue that is relevant during the student’s lifetime.)

Overall Criterion Expectations:

• To what extent does the research relate to the subject are/discipline used to explore the research question.
• To what extent is this knowledge and understanding demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

Total Marks Available: 6

5-6

Knowledge and understanding is excellent.

• The selection of source materials is clearly relevant and appropriate to the research question.
• Knowledge of the topic/discipline/issue is clear and coherent and sources are used effectively and with understanding.

Use of terminology and concepts is good.

• The use of subject specific terminology and concepts is good.
• The use of subject-specific terminology and concepts is accurate and consistent, demonstrating effective knowledge and understanding.

3-4

Knowledge and understanding is good.

• The selection of source material is mostly relevant and appropriate to the research question.
• Knowledge of the topic/discipline(s) issue is clear; there is an understanding of the sources used but their application is only partially effective.

Use of terminology of concepts is adequate.

• The use of subject-specific terminology and concepts is mostly accurate, demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding.

If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered no more than four marks can be awarded for this criterion.

1-2

Knowledge and understanding is limited.

• The selection of source material has limited relevance and is only partially appropriate to the research question
• Knowledge of the topic/discipline(s)/issue is anecdotal, unstructured and mostly descriptive with sources not effectively being used.

Use of terminology and concepts is unclear and limited.

• Subject-specific terminology and/or concepts are either missing or inaccurate, demonstrating limited knowledge and understanding.

1. The research question being investigated is put into the context of the subject/discipline/issue.

• Demonstration of the appropriate and relevant selection and application of the sources is identified.

2. Knowledge and understanding of the topic chosen and the research question posed is demonstrated with appropriate subject-specific terminology.

• The use of subject-specific terminology and/or concepts is an indicator of knowledge and understanding of the discipline(s)/issue discussed.

3. Sources/methods are assessed here in terms of their application to support knowledge and understanding in response to the research question.

From the Principal Examiner: Many students showed a relevant application of sources; essays were structured but concepts were at times weak, and only partially effective. Use of terminology was mostly accurate, but not always enough to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding. As per the wording of criterion B, “The essay must demonstrate an effective understanding of the place of the research question in a broader context of global politics and the theoretical discipline, establishing links between the political issue investigated and political institutions, actors and theories. Additionally, students should demonstrate an awareness of how social and cultural contexts and biases can affect understandings of political issues.”