csec_caribbean_history syllabus

CSEC Caribbean History - Syllabus Overview

Introduction

• CSEC Caribbean History syllabus promotes diverse interpretations of history, without favoring any specific organizing principle.

• Emphasizes a Caribbean perspective that respects cultural diversity and human life.

Syllabus Structure

• The syllabus includes a Core and nine themes divided into three sections (A, B, C).

Core Topics

• Overview of key trends in Caribbean History, encompassing themes such as:

  • Interaction among major groups (Indigenous Peoples, Africans, Asians, Europeans).

  • Enslavement and emancipation.

  • 19th-century challenges to society.

  • United States' involvement in Caribbean development.

  • 20th-century independence movements.

Themes Overview

1. Indigenous Peoples and Europeans

   • Covers migration and settlement, interactions, and cultural impacts.

2. Caribbean Economy and Slavery

   • Focuses on economic transitions, slave labor systems, plantation economies, and cultural influences on society.

3. Resistance and Revolt

   • Outlines forms of resistance, significant revolts, consequences, and participants.

4. Metropolitan Movements toward Emancipation

   • Discusses revolts and emancipation movements in context of abolitionist movements.

5. Adjustments to Emancipation, 1838-1876

   • Explores labor dynamics, economic adjustments, social changes post-emancipation.

6. Caribbean Economy, 1875-1985

   • Evaluates economic diversification and industrial efforts over time.

7. US Influence in the Caribbean

   • Focuses on America's political, economic, and military interventions and cultural impacts.

8. Political Development up to 1985

   • Examines Caribbean movements toward independence and regional integration processes.

9. Caribbean Society, 1900-1985

   • Explores social dynamics, changes in societal structure, and cultural evolution.

Examination Format

• CSEC Caribbean History is assessed through multiple-choice questions (Papers 01, 02) and School-Based Assessment (Papers 03/1 and 03/2).

• Assessment Details

  • Paper 01: 60 multiple-choice questions (35% of total scores).

  • Paper 02: Essay questions requiring analytical responses (44% of total).

  • Paper 03/1: School-Based Assessment (SBA) (21% of total).

Recommendations for Success

Study Strategies

• Familiarize with key terms and concepts specific to Caribbean History.

• Engage in critical exercises targeting interpretation skills, chronological understanding, and thematic analysis.

• Utilize primary sources for contextual understanding and comparative analysis.

Regarding Assignments and Projects

• Uphold integrity in work submitted, combating plagiarism through proper source citation.

• Ensure topics meet the syllabus criteria, remain relevant, and invite critical engagement.

Performance Insights

• Students should be mindful of assessment expectations concerning depth and clarity in responses.

• Practical experiences (museum visits, local histories) should be integrated into teaching strategies.