The Academic Program > Humanities Department

Group 3 -- Individuals and Societies

• Chinese Studies (SL only)
• Economics (HL only)
• Geography (HL and SL)
• History (HL only)
• Business and Management (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 = 60%
Continous Assessment = 10%

Jason Jiang

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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:

1. provide students with a core knowledge of economics
2. encourage students to think critically about economics
3. promote an awareness and understanding of internationalism in economics
4. encourage students¡¦ development as independent learners
5. enable students to distinguish between positive and normative economics
6. enable students to recognize their own tendencies for bias.

The Syllabus consists of five sections:

1. Introduction to economics
2. Microeconomics
3. Macroeconomics
4. International economics
5. Development economics

Assessment

Esther Chau & John Tonks

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Geography

 
Field Trip in Lamma Island       Field Trip in Cheung Chau

Nature of the Subject
Geography is about people and their relationships with their environment. In contemporary society there are many pressing issues related to changing populations, where people live, their environmental constraints, use of resources and level of development. We examine these issues focusing on the questions ¡§where?¡¨ and ¡§why?¡¨ Geography also has an applied dimension in that it helps decision-makers in planning for development. It also plays a crucial role in fostering international understanding and a respect for different cultures.

The content core for both SL and HL courses includes:

• A study of the dynamics of population
• Processes and issues of development
• Nature, distribution and management of resources.

Accompanying the core is a series of options encompassing physical and human geography. SL candidates will study three and HL candidates will study five of the following options:

• Drainage Basins
• Lithospheric Processes and Hazards
• Coasts
• Arid Environments
• Ecosystems and Society
• Climatic Hazards
• The Regional Concept
• Settlements
• Economic Activities and Change
• Globalization
• Topographical Mapping

This course is strongly skills oriented and highlights the distinctive use of mapping and IT techniques by Geographers.

Assessment

HL assessment is based on two exams (75%) and one written fieldwork report (2500 words)

SL assessment is based on two exams (80%) and one piece of coursework (1500 words)

Julie Harris

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History

Higher Level only

The history course at Li Po Chun College involves a study of modern World History from the nineteenth century to recent times with a special focus on China and Japan. A variety of teaching approaches will be used to enable students to develop a critical understanding of the major political, economic and cultural forces, which have shaped our present world, with the major emphasis being on politics in accordance with the UWC ideals of educating active citizens. Equally importantly, the crucial role played by specific individuals in shaping our reality will also be considered. Students will be expected to engage in class discussions, will learn to write argumentative essays, and will also be involved in team work, an example of which would be our mock historical trials, debates, or even making a short historical movie.

The program includes a thematic study of the ¡§causes, practices and effects of war¡¨, and ¡§the rise and rule of single party states¡¨.

Specific references will be made to: The end of WW1, Second World War, the Russian and Chinese Civil Wars, the Vietnam War, and single party rule in Russia and China as well as in Germany.

Students will also have to undertake a written HISTORICAL INVESTIGATION (1500-2000 words) on an historical question of their choice. This will be completed before the examinations taking place at the end of their 2nd year and will account for 20% of the final grade.

Sylla Cousineau

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Business and Management

The IB Business and Management Standard Level diploma programme is designed to give students an understanding of business principles, practices and skills. The syllabus covers the main business functions: marketing, human resource management and finance. Emphasis is placed on application of tools and techniques. As part of their assessment, students will carryout an analysis of a working business to solve a business problem. 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.

John Tonks

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