Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form 5 Subjects (CSEC) - Humanities > Social Studies

This course covers the CSEC Social Studies syllabus, preparing students for effective social participation in the Caribbean community. The syllabus emphasizes developing critical thinking, decision-making, and social inquiry skills, while fostering an understanding of social phenomena and the importance of values in shaping social interactions. The curriculum is organized into three sections:

Section A: Individual, Family, and Society

This section explores the individual's role within various social structures, including the family, community, and nation. Topics covered include:

• The Family: Concepts of kinship, family types (nuclear, extended, single-parent, sibling households), functions of the family (procreation, socialization, economic support, emotional support), roles and responsibilities of family members, changing family structures, preparation for parenthood, effective parenting, and legal aspects related to inheritance, child care, separation, divorce, and domestic violence. It also addresses contemporary social issues affecting Caribbean family life, such as teenage pregnancy, street children, alternative lifestyles, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, sexually transmitted diseases, child abuse, poverty, desertion, suicide, incest, domestic violence, and trafficking in persons. The care and concern for the aged and those with special needs are also examined.
• Social Groups and Institutions: This section defines and examines the characteristics of primary, secondary, formal, and informal groups, as well as the requirements for group cohesion. It explores different types of social interaction within and among groups, including competition, conflict, cooperation, and compromise. The characteristics and functions of institutions in society (economic, educational, recreational, religious, and political) are also studied.
• Government and Citizenship: This section covers electoral processes and systems, the structure and functions of government (legislature, executive, judiciary, security systems), the relationship between citizens and government, human rights, freedoms and responsibilities, the role of the Ombudsman, and the essentials of good governance. It also explores the influence of media, campaign advertising, and public opinion on elections and voter participation.

Section B: Sustainable Development and Use of Resources

This section focuses on the sustainable development and utilization of resources within the Caribbean region, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Topics include:

• Population: Concepts of population structure, distribution, and change, including factors influencing birth rates, death rates, and migration. The use and sources of population statistics for planning purposes are also examined.
• Human Resource Development: This section explores the importance of developing a skilled and productive workforce through nutrition, health care, education, training, and cultural development. Factors influencing employment, unemployment, and underemployment are also considered, along with the process of choosing a career or becoming self-employed.
• Natural Resources: This section covers the location, use, and sustainable development of renewable and non-renewable resources in the Caribbean. It examines proper and improper resource management practices and their effects on the environment and population.
• Regional Integration: This section explores the concept of regional integration, its stages, challenges, and benefits. It examines the roles of various regional organizations (CARICOM, OECS, ACS, CSME) and the factors that promote and hinder integration. The role of individual citizens, business organizations, and government in the integration process is also discussed.

Section C: Options

Students are required to choose one of the following options:

• C1: Communication: This option explores various forms of communication, the influence of geographical, socio-cultural, and technological factors on communication, the role of mass media in regional integration, the impact of global media on Caribbean society, and the protection of creative and artistic work.
• C2: Consumer Affairs: This option covers consumer rights and responsibilities, factors influencing consumer demand, consumer protection agencies, thrift, saving, credit unions, the effects of devaluation and inflation, globalization and trade liberalization, and the consumer's role in sustainable development.
• C3: Tourism: This option examines the types and development of tourism products in the Caribbean, the contribution of tourism to the economy, employment and career opportunities in the tourism industry, the impact of tourism on the physical and socio-cultural environment, government policies related to tourism, and the role of local, regional, and international agencies in tourism development.