IDEA EXPLORATION: World Studies Extended Essay (EE)
The World Studies Extended Essay (WSEE) is a distinctive component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, challenging students to engage with complex, contemporary, and globally significant issues at the intersection of two or more disciplines. Unlike traditional extended essays, the WSEE emphasises interdisciplinary research and global relevance.
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## Writing a World Studies Extended Essay
The process begins with identifying a pressing global issue, such as climate change, migration, or digital inequality. The issue must be relevant at the international, regional, or national level, and must transcend the boundaries of a single academic discipline.
The research question must draw on at least two IB Diploma Programme subjects, such as Environmental Systems and Societies and Geography, or Economics and Psychology. This fusion of disciplines is central to the WSEE.
A clear, focused, and answerable question reflecting both the interdisciplinary nature and the global significance of the issue is then formulated. The question should not be too broad, allowing for in-depth research within the 4,000-word limit.
Appropriate and relevant research methods from each contributing discipline are applied. This may include literature reviews, data analysis, case studies, surveys, or comparative studies. The choice and justification of methods are crucial and must align with the interdisciplinary focus.
An analysis of findings is conducted using concepts and theories from both disciplines, showing how they interact. The essay should evaluate the complexity of the issue, rather than merely describing it. A reasoned argument is constructed and supported with evidence from both fields.
The essay is structured according to academic conventions, including a title page, table of contents, introduction, methodology, analysis, conclusion, and bibliography. Consistent formatting and proper citation are essential.
The research process is documented, challenges are reflected upon, and the understanding of the global issue is shown to have evolved. This reflective dimension is assessed as part of the engagement criterion.
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## Unique Characteristics of the World Studies Extended Essay
| Feature | Description | Comparison to Other IB EEs | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | **Interdisciplinary** | Must draw on at least two IB Diploma subjects, integrating their perspectives and methods. | Most other EEs focus on a single subject. | | **Global Focus** | Addresses issues of international or regional significance, not just local or national. | Traditional EEs may be more localized. | | **Complexity** | Encourages exploration of multifaceted problems where single-discipline approaches are insufficient. | Other EEs may analyse more narrowly defined topics. | | **Reflection** | Requires students to reflect on their research process, learning, and personal growth. | Reflection is emphasised in all EEs but is especially salient in WSEE. | | **Assessment Criteria**| Assessed on focus/method, knowledge/understanding, critical thinking, presentation, and engagement. | Same criteria as other EEs, but applied to an interdisciplinary, global context. |
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## Key Assessment Criteria
- **Focus and Method**: The research question must be clear, focused, and interdisciplinary. The methodology should be appropriate and well-justified for both disciplines involved. - **Knowledge and Understanding**: Demonstrates a solid grasp of key concepts and terminology from both subjects, and shows how they apply to the global issue. - **Critical Thinking**: Presents a nuanced, evidence-based argument that critically evaluates the issue from multiple disciplinary perspectives. - **Presentation**: The essay must be well-organised, clearly structured, and properly formatted according to academic standards. - **Engagement**: Includes personal reflection on the research process, challenges faced, and intellectual growth, showing genuine engagement with the topic.
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## Examples of World Studies Extended Essays
Examples of WSEE topics include:
- Example 1: Climate change and its impact on coastal communities. The research question is: How does climate change affect coastal communities, and what interdisciplinary strategies can mitigate its impacts? - Example 2: The role of social media in political movements. The research question is: How has social media influenced political movements in the 21st century, and what are the implications for democracy? - Example 3: The impact of social media on political movements, public opinion, and civic engagement. The research question is: How has the use of social media platforms influenced political movements, and what are the implications for democracy, social behaviour, and civic engagement? - Example 4: Global Health Crisis Management: The Case of COVID-19. The subject Biology is integrated, studying the virology and epidemiology of COVID-19. Sociology is integrated, assessing the social implications, including public health measures, misinformation, and societal resilience. Economics is integrated, evaluating the economic impact of the pandemic and government responses. Information Technology is integrated, exploring the algorithms and technological aspects of social media platforms.
Lessons learned from Example 4 propose improvements for future global health crisis management.
The World Studies Extended Essay prepares students for the interconnected challenges of the 21st century, fostering both academic excellence and global citizenship.
Education and self-development can be achieved through the process of writing a World Studies Extended Essay (WSEE), as it encourages lifelong learning by challenging students to engage with complex, contemporary, and globally significant issues at the intersection of two or more disciplines. The learning process involves formulating a clear, focused, and answerable research question that draws on at least two IB Diploma Programme subjects and applying appropriate and relevant research methods from each contributing discipline.
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