AS and A2 World Development(WJEC) – from September 2008

www.wjec.co.uk

What is World Development?

• An exploration of the social, political, economic and environmental
  factors that connect local, national and international communities within an increasingly interdependent world.

• An examination of the relationships between more and less developed countries.

What are the major themes? 

• Interdependence

• Poverty

• Sustainable development

• The world economy

• Social justice

• Globalisation

• Trade and aid

• Environmental issues

Course Content

AS

Unit 1   35% (70%)

• 2 hour examination.

• 100 marks140 UMS.

• 4 compulsory structured questions based on Themes 1 and 2.

Theme 1: Development, Resources and Global Citizenship

• Basic Human needs and the impact on resources

• Environmental limits and the effect on use of resources

• Responsible use of resources and sustainable development

• Competing claims on resources

• Different approaches to sustainable development

Theme 2: Poverty and inequality

• Measuring and defining poverty.

• Addressing poverty and inequality.

• International debt and the impact on poverty and inequality.

• Inequality in different social groups.

• International initiatives to raise awareness of and reduce poverty.

Unit 2   15% (30%)

• Portfolio (Coursework)

• 50 marks60 UMS

• A.An analysis of 3 articles – 500 words based on Theme 1.

• B. Comparative essay – 1000 words based on Theme 2.

A2

Unit 3   35%

• 3 hour examination.

• 100 marks140 UMS

• 1 compulsory structured case study question based on unseen resources.

• 1 essay from a choice of 2 based on Theme 3.

• 1 essay from a choice of 2 based on Theme 6.

Theme 3: Perspectives of development

• The contested and evolving concept of development.

• Interpretations of development.

• How the concept of development varies between groups with different values and attitudes.

• Economic, social, political and environmental perspectives on development.

• Role of empowerment and participation of individuals and communities in development.

• The contested concept of sustainable development.

Theme 6: Social Development

• The relationship between population and resources.

• Role of women in development.

• Role of education in sustainable development.

• Role of health in sustainable development.

• Role of cultural and religious diversity in development.

• Migration as an indicator of inequalities.

Unit 4   15%

• Individual report (Coursework)

• 60 marks60 UMS

• 3000 words on a research topic, based on any of the themes at AS or A2.

  
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