The World Studies Extended Essay (EE) is a unique component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme that allows students to explore global issues through an interdisciplinary lens. This type of EE encourages students to integrate knowledge from two or more IB subjects, fostering a deeper understanding of complex global challenges. At RevisionDojo, we’re here to help you grasp the essence of a World Studies EE and provide you with examples and ideas to get started.
What Makes a World Studies EE Unique?
A World Studies EE:
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines perspectives from different subjects to explore global issues.
- Global Relevance: Focuses on topics that have significance and impact beyond local or national boundaries.
- Critical Analysis: Encourages a deep, analytical approach to understanding and addressing global challenges.
Structure of a World Studies EE
- Introduction
- Define the topic and its global relevance.
- State the research question clearly.
- Outline the interdisciplinary approach.
- Body
- Literature Review: Discuss existing research and perspectives.
- Methodology: Explain how you will gather and analyze data.
- Analysis: Present your findings from different subject perspectives.
- Conclusion
- Summarize key findings.
- Discuss the implications of your research.
- Suggest possible solutions or further research areas.
- References and Appendices
- Include all sources cited.
- Add any supplementary materials.
Examples and Ideas for World Studies EE
Example 1: Climate Change and Its Impact on Coastal Communities
Research Question: How does climate change affect coastal communities, and what interdisciplinary strategies can mitigate its impacts?
Subjects Integrated:
- Geography: Examine the physical changes in coastal regions due to rising sea levels and increased storm frequency.
- Economics: Analyze the economic impact on local communities, including fishing, tourism, and property values.
- Environmental Science: Explore sustainable practices and technologies to protect coastal ecosystems and communities.
Approach:
- Data Collection: Use satellite imagery, economic reports, and scientific studies.
- Analysis: Compare case studies from different coastal regions worldwide.
- Solutions: Propose interdisciplinary strategies combining environmental science and economic policies.
Example 2: The Role of Social Media in Political Movements
Research Question: How has social media influenced political movements in the 21st century, and what are the implications for democracy?
Subjects Integrated:
- Politics: Investigate the role of social media in organizing and mobilizing political movements.
- Sociology: Analyze the impact on social behavior, public opinion, and civic engagement.
- Information Technology: Explore the algorithms and technological aspects of social media platforms.
Approach:
- Data Collection: Gather data from social media analytics, political case studies, and surveys.
- Analysis: Examine specific political movements, such as the Arab Spring or Black Lives Matter.
- Implications: Discuss the positive and negative effects on democratic processes.
Example 3: Global Health Crisis Management: The Case of COVID-19
Research Question: What lessons can be learned from the global management of the COVID-19 pandemic to improve future responses to health crises?
Subjects Integrated:
- Biology: Study the virology and epidemiology of COVID-19.
- Economics: Evaluate the economic impact of the pandemic and government responses.
- Sociology: Assess the social implications, including public health measures, misinformation, and societal resilience.
Approach:
- Data Collection: Use public health data, economic reports, and sociological studies.
- Analysis: Compare the responses and outcomes in different countries.
- Lessons Learned: Propose improvements for future global health crisis management.
Tips for Choosing a World Studies EE Topic
- Identify a Global Issue: Choose a topic that has significant global implications and can be explored from multiple perspectives.
- Integrate Subjects: Ensure that your topic naturally integrates two or more IB subjects, providing a comprehensive view of the issue.
- Access Resources: Make sure you have access to the necessary resources, including data, literature, and expert opinions.
- Seek Guidance: Discuss your ideas with your teacher or IB coordinator to refine your research question and approach.
Overall,
A World Studies EE offers a unique opportunity to explore complex global issues through an interdisciplinary lens. By integrating knowledge from different subjects, you can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and propose well-rounded solutions. Ready to start your World Studies EE journey? Dive into RevisionDojo’s resources for more tips and tools to help you succeed!
