Humanities

CSEC Caribbean History

There is no attempt in the syllabus to promote one organising principle or interpretation of Caribbean History. While a thematic arrangement has been imposed on the course of Caribbean History, the content within each theme has been stated in such a way as to permit exploration of a variety of organising principles. Nevertheless, the selection of themes and their content has been informed by a desire to promote a distinctly Caribbean perspective. This perspective acknowledges the need for a respect of human life and a cultural heritage that values harmony and cherishes diversity as a strength.

The thematic approach has been adopted because it lends itself to detailed treatment of the type that allows the student to practise the various skills of the historian. However, by grouping themes and by requiring students to study an overview, a core of topics, the syllabus seeks to maintain chronology as an important aspect of the study of history.

The syllabus consists of a Core and nine Themes. The Themes are arranged in Sections A to C. Students are required to study the Core and to study in detail one Theme from each of the three Sections (A, B, C).

SECTION A

1. The Indigenous Peoples and the Europeans

2. Caribbean Economy and Slavery

3. Resistance and Revolt

SECTION B

4. Metropolitan Movements towards Emancipation

5. Adjustments to Emancipation, 1838 – 1876

6. Caribbean Economy, 1875 – 1985

SECTION C

7. The United States in the Caribbean, 1776 – 1985

8. Caribbean Political Development up to 1985

9. Caribbean Society 1900 – 1985

CSEC Geography

Geography is concerned with spatial expression, human and natural systems and the interrelationships between them. It facilitates an understanding of both the issues emerging from human exploitation of natural resources and how natural resources may be managed to assure sustainability. It contributes to an awareness and understanding of the natural environment and fosters an appreciation of its sustainability. It also encourages the development of a sense of responsibility in using and conserving the natural resources of the planet.

The study of Geography, therefore, prepares an individual not only for a career in fields such as environment planning and management, international relations and geographical information systems, but also helps to develop skills that contribute to more meaningful and enjoyable travel and related leisure activities.

The Geography Syllabus, though not limited to a study of the Caribbean, focuses on areas of study that are particularly relevant to Caribbean students. The syllabus utilises Field Studies to concretise the link between the subject matter of Geography and the methods of investigation associated with it. Students have an opportunity to observe, experience, reflect on, and draw conclusions about the intricate interdependence and interrelationships that comprise the human and natural systems.

The syllabus is organised under four main sections, namely, Map Reading and Field Study; Natural Systems; Human Systems and Human-Environment Systems.

CSEC Social Studies

Social Studies contributes to the effective development of the learner by increasing personal and social awareness, and by placing emphasis on values as well as on social and interpersonal relationships. This syllabus seeks to ensure that students develop the necessary skills and at the same time introduces them to knowledge of social phenomena that may enhance their effectiveness as social participants in the Caribbean community. It is also intended that, through the syllabus, the process of valuing would be made conscious so that persons become aware of their position, thus enabling them to bring conscious criteria to bear on their choices as social participants.

Although the main focus of the syllabus is the Caribbean, opportunities have been provided for the treatment of international issues which have a bearing on Caribbean development.

The syllabus content is organised into three major sections. Students are required to complete Sections A and B and one Option from Section C.

Section A

Individual, Family and Society

Section B

Sustainable Development and Use of Resources(i) Development and Use of Resources(ii) Regional Integration

Section C

Options: C1 – Communication

C2 – Consumer Affairs

C3 – Tourism

CCSLC Social Studies

The inclusion of Social Studies in the school curriculum is influenced by the premise that an understanding of self, family, community, region and the world, will foster an appreciation of self and the environment. Learners will be sensitised to the need to respect themselves and others irrespective of ethnicity, status, belief, gender or class. The syllabus aims to equip young adults with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that would enable them to develop competencies to negotiate the increasingly complex and dynamic global environment in which they live and work.

The approach to the delivery of the subject is interdisciplinary, drawing from a variety of other disciplines including History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology and Economic, and explores the interaction between individuals and their physical and socio-cultural environment.

The syllabus seeks to instil tenets of the Ideal Caribbean Person as articulated by the CARICOM Caribbean Education Task Force (CTF) and adopted by the CARICOM Heads of Government at their 18th Summit. To this end, the syllabus contains objectives and content intended to nurture and improve students’ social responsibility, personal management skills and foster a positive work ethic.

On completion of the programme, students will have acquired the competencies to deal with issues and challenges faced in their daily lives and are able to function effectively as productive citizens. For those seeking employment immediately on leaving secondary school, the programme provides the necessary marketable social skills for effective participation in the world of work.

The syllabus is arranged in five modules namely:

MODULE 1 DIMENSIONS OF SELF

MODULE 2 COMMUNITY INTERACTION

MODULE 3 RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

MODULE 4 REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

MODULE 5 THE GLOBAL VILLAGE