- Chinese Studies (SL only)
- Economics (HL only)
- Business and Management (SL only)
- Geography (HL and SL)
- History (HL only)
- Political Thought (SL only)
Chinese Studies
Nature of the Subject
China is the home of one of the world’s great civilisations. Chinese culture and civilisation has evolved continuously for almost 4000 years, and she is the only survivor of the great “ancient” civilisations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, Greece and Rome. Mainland China today has almost one quarter of the world’s population and is an emerging great power. Awareness of the values and achievements of this civilisation is a highly desirable element in a curriculum geared to international understanding. It is particularly relevant and important to a college like Li Po Chun United World College set in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. There is a burgeoning desire on behalf of our overseas students to learn about Chinese civilization, and this course will ideally complement our Chinese language courses.
Chinese Studies is an interdisciplinary course which explores the broad range of Chinese civilisation and culture, and seeks to put it into a world context. The course attempts to give students an understanding of Chinese culture through history, art, philosophy, sociology, literature, politics, economics, science and technology, and international and culture relations. The study of a vast and complex civilisation over such a span of time dictates a selective approach to the subject, and attention is given to highlighting key areas of experience and achievement, bringing out their essential characteristics and where appropriate, relating them to other civilizations.
The course is offered at Standard Level as a Group 3 subject. It has practically no overlap with other IB subjects apart from some minor consideration of the mechanisms of Mainland China’s command economy and market socialism (Economics).
Aims
The course, which is suitable for students who have little or no prior knowledge of Mainland China, aims to :
- promote knowledge and understanding of the essence and achievements of traditional, modern and contemporary Mainland China;
- develop an awareness of the varieties of world culture;
- develop the ability to recognise the achievements and failures of the student’s own society and civilisation;
- encourage an appreciation of the ways in which the Chinese have tacked the problems of organising a state;
- develop an awareness of both continuity and change in the development Chinese civilisation through time.
Assessment
Set Coursework = 30%
Examinations = 50%
Continous Assessment = 20%
Jason Jiang
Economics
Nature of the subject
(Higher Level only)
Economics is a dynamic social science, forming part of the study of individuals and societies. The study of economics is essentially about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation. Although economics involves the formulation of theory, it is not a purely theoretical subject: economic theories can be applied to real-world examples. The scientific approach characterizes the standard methodology of economics. This methodology can be summarized as a progression from problem identification, through hypothesis formulation and testing, arriving finally at a conclusion.
Alongside the empirical observations of positive economics, students of the subject are asked to formulate normative questions. Encouraging students to explore such questions and to apply theories in an international context form the central focus of the economic course.
Economics has an important role to play in promoting international cooperation and mutual understanding because of its focus on global issues. This course aims to promote an awareness of how the impact of economics can both improve cooperation and understanding between countries and, unfortunately, cause extensive damage. To achieve this understanding, students will be taught to consider economic theories, ideas and happenings from the points of view of different individuals, nations and cultures in the world economy.
The teaching of Economics at Higher Level is seen as an in-depth introduction. It issometimes necessary to examine in detail certain relatively complicated theories. The Higher Level course is designed for students intending to study Social Science and more specifically for those aiming to specialise in Economics at college or university level.
Students will have to provide a portfolio of economic commentaries throughout the two years. This will be completed before the examinations take place in the second year and will account for 20% of the final grade.
The aims of the economic course at higher level are to:
- provide students with a core knowledge of economics
- encourage students to think critically about economics
- promote an awareness and understanding of internationalism in economics
- encourage students¡¦ development as independent learners
- enable students to distinguish between positive and normative economics
- enable students to recognize their own tendencies for bias.
The Syllabus consists of five sections:
- Introduction to economics
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- International economics
- Development economics
Assessment
| Externally assessed | Paper 1 | 20% | Extended response questions (1 hour) |
| Paper 2 | 20% | Short answer questions (1 hour) | |
| Paper 3 | 40% | Data response questions (2 hours) | |
| Internally assessed | Four commentaries | 20% | throughout the two years |
Esther Chau & John Tonks
Business and Management
(Standard Level only)
Business and management is a rigorous and dynamic discipline that examines business decision-making processes and how these decisions impact on and are affected by internal and external environments. It is the study of both the way in which individuals and groups interact in an organization and of the transformation of resources.
The Standard Level diploma programme is designed to give students an understanding of business principles, practices and skills. The course considers the diverse range of business organizations and activities and the cultural and economic context in which business operates. Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making and the day-to-day business functions of marketing, production, human resource management and finance. Links between the topics are central to the course, and this integration promotes a holistic overview of business activity.
Final assessment consists of internal coursework and two examination papers, each accounting for 25% and 75% respectively of the total grade. The ideals of international cooperation and responsible citizenship are at the heart of Diploma Programme business and management. Students should be able to make sense of the forces and circumstances that drive and restrain change in an interdependent and multicultural world. The business and management course will contribute to students’ development as critical and effective participants in local and world affairs. By the end of the course, students will have a complete overview of how businesses operate in the international environment and appreciate the ethical issues associated with management.
The Syllabus consists of five core topics:
Topic 1: Business organization and environment
Topic 2: Human resources
Topic 3: Accounts and finance
Topic 4: Marketing
Topic 5: Operations management
Assessment
| Externally assessed examination | Paper 1 | 35% | Extended response questions (1 hour) |
| Paper 2 | 40% | Short answer questions(1 hour) | |
| Internally assessed coursework | One commentary,maximum 1,500 words | 25% | Based on three to five supporting documents about a real issue or problem facing a particular organization. |
John Tonks
Geography
2010 class – field trip to Tung Ping Chau
Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions and examines the processes behind them. It also investigates the way that people adapt and respond to change and evaluates management strategies associated with such change.
Geography as a subject lends itself well to the Internationalism of both the UWC movement and the IB. The geography course embodies global and international awareness in several distinct ways. It examines key global issues, such as poverty, sustainability and climate change. It considers examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international. Inherent in the syllabus is a consideration of different perspectives, economic circumstances and social and cultural diversity. Geography seeks to develop international understanding and foster a concern for global issues as well as to raise students’ awareness of their own responsibility at a local level. Geography also aims to develop values and attitudes that will help students reach a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interconnected world.
Distinction between SL and HL
Students at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) in geography are presented with a syllabus that has a common core and optional themes. HL students also study the higher level extension.
Geography and prior learning
The geography course requires no specific prior learning. No particular background in terms of specific subjects studied for national or international qualifications is expected or required. The skills needed for the geography course are developed within the context of the course itself.
Syllabus components
Part 1: Core theme—patterns and change (SL/HL)
1. Populations in transition
2. Disparities in wealth and development
3. Patterns in environmental quality and sustainability
4. Patterns in resource consumption
Part 2: Optional themes (SL/HL)
A. Freshwater—issues and conflicts
B. Oceans and their coastal margins
C. Extreme environments
D. Hazards and disasters—risk assessment and response
E. Leisure, sport and tourism
F. The geography of food and health
G. Urban environments
Part 3: HL extension—global interactions (HL only)
1. Measuring global interactions
2. Changing space—the shrinking world
3. Economic interactions and flows
4. Environmental change
5. Socio-cultural exchanges
6. Political outcomes
7. Global interactions at the local level
Internal Assessment (SL/HL)
A field trip is conducted in February leading to one 2500 written report based on a research question.
Julie Harris
History
Offered Only at the Higher Level
The History course offered at LPCUWC is the Asian History regional option. The course focuses on modern and near contemporary History with a heavy emphasis on China from the late 19th century until the death of Deng Xiaoping. Among the other topics covered are wars, single party states and the new international order created by the treaties concluded at the end of WW1.
We use a variety of approaches to cover the material, such as debates, mock trials, the preparation of multi-media presentations and role-plays. All of these are used to enable students to develop a critical understanding of the major, political, cultural, economic and social forces that have shaped our present world, with more emphasis on the political aspects in accordance with the UWC ideals of educating active citizens. Equally important will be the focus on teh role played by specific individuals in shaping our reality.
As 80% of the evaluation in the course consists in an examination in three parts at the end of a two year period of study that will require answers in the frm of essays, students will be given extensive training in writing them. In addition to the examination, students will also have to undertake a written Historical Investigation (1500 – 2000 words) on a topic related to Modern History of their choice. Guidance will be offered throughout the process of completing this assignment (due in the second year). It will be assessed internally although moderated externally. Examples of previous investigations are available for the students to concult.
Sylla Cousineau
Political Thought
Nature of the Subject
Although it is one of the oldest academic disciplines, Politics remains one of the most important in understanding the complexities and problems of our multi-cultural world. In studying Politics students will need to confront many of the fundamental issues affecting our lives today and ultimately reflect on the nature of humanity itself.
This course aims to draw on some of the ‘great texts’ of political theory in order to introduce students to a range of political ideas, which cut across national boundaries. These are mostly from the Western tradition and would include the like of Machiavelli, John Stuart Mill and Marx. At Li Po Chun, we will try to also look at Asian thinkers such as Lord Shang, Han Feizi or Kautilya. Key concepts like freedom, rights, equality, justice and democracy, although informed by different cultural perspectives, remain at the heart of contemporary political discourse. The course is based on the assumption that an appreciation of such concepts develops most effectively when students have first been introduced to the work of some of the ‘classical’ thinkers. With these building blocks in place, a deeper understanding can then be gained of contemporary issues and debates.
As Political Thought is a school based syllabus, it is only offered at the SL level at the present time.
Aims
The aims of the Political Thought course are to:
- introduce some major political concepts and works of political theory.
- develop awareness and understanding of the nature of political issues and problems.
- develop the ability to interpret and evaluate political information.
- promote the development of independent and critical judgement and communication of such judgements with clarity and coherence.
- encourage a critical awareness of different ideological perspectives.
Objectives
Having followed the Political Thought course, candidates will be expected to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the political concepts and theories studied.
- analyse and evaluate material critically with appropriate use of evidence.
- recognise different ideological interpretations and demonstrate the ability to construct independent and convincing arguments.
- communicate ideas and arguments clearly and coherently.
- recognise connections between political theory and contemporary political issues.
- plan, organise and present an investigation of a relevant political issue.
Assessment
- Set coursework=30%
- Final examination (2 papers=2 ½ Hours)=70%
Sylla Cousineau
This page was last updated on November 9, 2009.
