Page 7 - CAPE Caribbean Studies Study Guide Sample_Neat

Caribbean Studies – an overview

to and learn to appreciate the events that led to independence in the region,
both politically and economically.

3: Characteristics of society and culture
The culture and society of the Caribbean is uniquely complex due to
the historical migrations to the Caribbean. You must be aware of the
characteristics of society and culture and be able to link aspects of the various
territories’ cultures and the migratory groups to these characteristics.
4: Identity and social formation

Cultural studies, sociology and history are the major disciplines found in this
theme. You should be aware of the concept of cultural diversity, and assess the
positives and negatives of this in the region. The various cultures of the groups
in the region are considered, and it is necessary to understand the systems of
social stratification in terms of historical and contemporary times.
5: Impact of geographical phenomena

Geography is the central theme here, although sociology and economics
theory must also be used. You must be able to understand the factors
surrounding the causes of earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, soil erosion,
droughts and floods. The idea is to understand how these factors affect the
Caribbean region socially, politically, economically, technologically and
ecologically.
6: Impacts of social institutions on Caribbean people

The social institutions of family, education, religion and the justice system
are explored in this theme. You must be aware of the significant functions of
these institutions and also understand the historical events surrounding the
institutions in the Caribbean.

7: Caribbean arts and popular culture in the region and its
diaspora

Caribbean art forms, ranging from music and festivals to culinary practices, are
identified and explained. The key persons who contributed to the development
of the art forms are also identified. You are expected to assess the contribution of
Caribbean art and popular culture in both the Caribbean and its diaspora to the
development of Caribbean society and culture.
8: Caribbean global interactions

This theme is subdivided into two areas:
■ the influences of the Caribbean on extra-regional countries
■ the influences of extra-regional countries on the Caribbean.
The first theme explains the political issues in the extra-regional countries
that have been caused by the large contingent of Caribbean nationals living
there. The influences of Caribbean festivals, religions and migratory labour
forces on the economies of extra-regional countries by Caribbean nationals
are explained.
The second theme explains how the extra-regional countries influence the
Caribbean. You must understand and be able to explain the consumption
patterns, the art forms, education systems, political systems and ideologies,
sports and religions of these countries.

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