Course

Course Summary

Credit Type:

Exam

ACE ID:

CAIE-0018

Organization's ID:

Global Perspectives & Research 9239

Organization:

Cambridge Assessment International Education

Location:

International

Length:

3+ hours

Dates Offered:

Credit Recommendation & Competencies

Level	Credits (SH)	Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate	6	Academic Writing and Communication for the Social Sciences

Credit is recommended for examinees scoring "E" or higher on either AS or A Level Exams. This exhibit is being recommended for a total of six semester hours for students who complete both the AS and A level exams. For examinees completing the AS level exam, three semester hours in Academic Writing for the Social Sciences is recommended.

Description

Objective:

The Cambridge International AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research course/exam develops learners’ thinking skills of analysis, evaluation and synthesis through considering a range of global topics. Learners will develop skills of independent enquiry and learn about appropriate research methods and methodology. Learners will be encouraged to develop research, reasoning and communication skills systematically, using an approach called the Critical Path. This approach helps them to interrogate information, explore different
perspectives and communicate personal reflections. Learners are encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively, with respect for and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Learners can draw upon knowledge and understanding gained from studying other subjects and will develop skills that are interdisciplinary and highly transferable to other subjects.

At the AS Level, the Global Perspectives & Research examination has two components. Paper 1 allows 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer compulsory questions based on sources provided with the exam paper. Students analyze and evaluate argument, interrogate evidence, and compare perspectives. Paper 2 requires students to submit an essay of 1750-2000 words researching a global issue of their own choice from topics studied during the course.

At the A Level, the Global Perspectives & Research examination requires two additional components. Paper 3 requires students to work in teams to identify a local problem with global relevance. Each team member researches the problem from a distinct perspective and suggests a solution based on their research findings. They must submit two pieces of work for evaluation: 1) a recorded individual presentation on their research and proposed solution to the team problem, and 2) an essay reflecting on the effectiveness of the team’s collaboration and their own learning. Paper 4 requires independent research on a topic of their own choice wherein they devise and develop a research question and then conduct the necessary research to address the question. They must submit a research log and a report of up to 5000 words aimed at a non-specialist reader. Marks from Papers 1 & 2 at the AS Level are carried forward and combined with Papers 3 and 4 to comprise the complete assessment at the A Level.

Skills Measured:

There are three assessment objectives covered by the examinations.
For Objective 1, Research, Analysis and Evaluation, students are evaluated on their ability to
• identify and analyze arguments, evidence and perspectives
• synthesize and evaluate arguments, evidence and perspectives
• locate through research a range of appropriate sources and perspectives
• use research to support judgements about arguments and perspectives
• design and manage a personal research project using and evaluating appropriate research methods and methodology (A Level only)
• select and analyze appropriate concepts, arguments, perspectives and evidence from a range of source materials and use these in the personal research report (A Level only).
For Objective 2, Reflection, students must
• acknowledge different perspectives and evaluate their impact on the learner’s own standpoint
• consider the extent and limits of the learning and research that has been undertaken
• reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of collaboration with others (AS Level only)
• reflect on and justify the scope, nature and limitations of the learner’s own research report (A Level only)
And for Objective 3, Communication, students must
• produce structured, written arguments using appropriate terms and referencing where applicable
• produce a structured presentation using language appropriate for the audience (AS Level only)
• communicate information visually in order to engage an audience (AS Level only)

Instruction & Assessment