Group 3
Individuals and societies
All students in the IB Diploma Programme must study one subject from the subject Group 3: Individuals and Societies. At BG we offer the following subejcts in this subject group: History, Geography, Economics and Business Management. All subjects are described below.
History (SL/HL)
The aims of history is to gain in depth historical knowledge from different periods and cultures. In history, students will develop international awareness and gain an understanding of people living in a variety of places. Furthermore, students will develop an understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations, and they will practice the skill of communicating historical knowledge. In history, we also seek to gain a better understanding of present societies through an understanding of the past.
The teaching will encourage a holistic approach, with political, social economic, cultural and gender issues integrated into the study of each topic.
The students will also carry out a historical investigation which is the student's own work, planned together with the teacher. The investigation offers the students a chance to work independently and in-depth on a topic of their own choice. The activity demands that the students select, evaluate and use historical sources and write an investigation of approximately 2200 words.
History Syllabus Outline
History courses
SL & HL
The move to global war
This topic focuses on military expansion from 1931 to 1941 with focus on the following case studies: Japanese expansionism from 1931 to 1941 and German and Italian expansionism from 1933 to 1940. There is a focus on the international, political, economic and ideological causes of expansion.
SL & HL
Authoritarian states in the 20th century
This topic explores the conditions that led to the rise of authoritarian states in the 20th century, as well as the methods used by political parties and leaders to rise to power. The topic looks into both political, ideological, economic and cultural factors that led to the development of authoritarian forms of government in different parts of the world in the 20th century.
SL & HL
The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries in the 20th century
This topic focuses on superpower rivalries during the Cold War 1945-1991. The focus is on how the Cold War did not remain static but changed according to styles of political leadership, ideological beliefs and economic factors. The topic aims to promote an international perspective on the Cold War by requiring the study of Cold War leaders, countries and crises from more than one region of the world.
Only HL
Imperial Russia, revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union (1855–1924)
This topic investigates the later parts of Tsarist Russia; its collapse in the 1917 revolutions and the rule of Lenin. There is a focus on the concepts of change and continuity, with consideration of the social, economic and political factors that brought about change.
Only HL
Europe and the First World War (1871–1918)
This topic focuses on the causes of the First World War. It covers the breakdown of European diplomacy before 1914 and the crises that occurred in international relations. It also covers how the war affected the home fronts in different countries and investigates the reasons for the Allied victory.
Only HL
Diplomacy in Europe (1919–1945)
This topic addresses international relations in Europe between the two world wars. It looks at the consequences for international relations of the First World War and the attempts to set up a new international system with the creation of the League of Nations. It also looks specifically at the foreign policies of Italy, Germany, France, Britain and the Soviet Union. It concludes with a study of the Second World War, looking particularly at the impact of the war and the reasons for Allied victory.
Business management
Business Management (SL/HL)
Business and management is the rigorous and critical study of the ways in which individuals and groups interact in a dynamic business environment. It is an academic discipline that examines how business decisions are made and how these decisions make an impact on internal and external environments. The ideals of international cooperation and responsible citizenship are at the heart of business and management.
Birkerød Gymnasium offers both High Level (240 hours) and Standard Level (150 hours)
Syllabus Outline:
1: Introduction to Organizations
- Types of Organizations
- Growth and Evaluation
- Organizational Objectives
- Ethical Objectives
- Stakeholders
- The External Environment
2: Marketing
- The Role of Marketing
- Market Research
- Market Plans
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Distribution
- International Marketing
3: Human Resource Management
- Human Resource Planning
- Organization Structure and Communication
- Motivation and Leadership
4: Accounting and Finance
- Source and Application of Funds
- Investment Appraisal
- Cash Flow Forecasts
- Break-even Analysis
- Final Accounts
- Ratio Analysis
5: Internal Assessment:
- Standard Level: 1500 word written commentary,
- High Level: 2000 + word written report
6: Exam
- The SL exam consists of two written papers hours based on compulsory questions of a case study (1 hr. 15 min) and data-response questions based on one or more sections of the syllabus (1 hr. 45 min.)
- The HL exam also consists of two papers constructed as the SL exams, however, each exam is 2 hrs. 15 min. in length.
Geography
Geography (SL/HL)
What is IB Geography?
Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions and examines the processes behind them. It also investigates the way that people adapt and respond to change and evaluates management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between spaces and places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from a range of perspectives. Within group 3 subjects, geography is distinctive in that it occupies the middle ground between social sciences and natural sciences.
The Diploma Programme geography course integrates both physical and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both scientific and socio-economic methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position between both these groups of subjects to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas.
The Aims of IB Geography are to:
- Develop an understanding of the interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment
- Develop a concern for human welfare and the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need for planning and sustainable management
- Appreciate the relevance of geography in analysing contemporary issues and challenges, and develop a global perspective of diversity and change.
- Geographic skills—integrated throughout the course
Part 1: Optional themes (SL/HL)
There are seven optional themes.
Two options are studied at SL, and three at HL
• Freshwater—drainage basins
• Oceans and coastal margins
• Extreme environments
• Geophysical hazards
• Leisure, tourism and sport
• Food and health
• Urban environments
Part 2: Core theme—patterns and change (SL/HL)
There are three compulsory topics in the core theme “Geographic perspectives—global change”.
• Population distribution—changing population
• Global climate—vulnerability and resilience
• Global resource consumption and security
Part 3: HL extension—global interactions (HL only)
There are three compulsory topics in the HL extension “Geographic perspectives—global interactions”.
• Power, places and networks
• Human development and diversity
• Global risks and resilience
Fieldwork report based on information collection in the field and subsequent analysis and evaluation of the collected data.
Economics
Economics (SL/HL)
The following is from the IBO guideline.
BG offers High Level Economics (240 hours) as well as Standard Level (150 hours).
Economics is a dynamic social science, forming part of Group 3 - Individuals and Societies. The study of economics is essentially about dealing with scarcity, resource allocation and the methods and processes by which choices are made in the satisfaction of human wants. As a social science, economics uses scientific methodologies that include quantitative and qualitative elements.
The IB Diploma Programme economics course emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. These economic theories are not to be studied in a vacuum - rather, they are to be applied to real-world issues. Prominent among these issues are fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, economic development and environmental sustainability.
The Standard level course consists of 150 teaching hours over the two year period.