CARIBBEAN STUDIES –PAST-PAPERS –PAPER 02

CHANDRADATH MADHO CHANDRADATH.MADHO@GMAIL.COM 427-5873

Defining the Caribbean- Module 1 Objective 1

The Caribbean is a diverse and complex term with the Caribbean itself understood in many
ways by researchers. Explain four ways in which the concept of the Caribbean is defined by
researchers. (20marks) 2016

"The ideal way to describe the Caribbean is by using political and historical definitions." With
the use of examples, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. (30 marks)
2013

Historical Processes- Module 1 Objective 2

Describe the major migration into the Caribbean that greatly impacted society and culture. (20
marks) 2010

Using examples, describe FOUR ways in which indigenous peoples have contributed to the way
of life in the Caribbean. (20 marks) 2014

“The history of the Caribbean is a history of the exploitation of labour.” Discuss with reference
to TWO of the following labour systems: (I) Encomienda (ii) Slavery (iii) Indentureship
(30 marks) 2006

Using examples from the Caribbean, explain how Caribbean people throughout history have
responded to oppression. (20 marks) 2008

Describe the contribution of peasant groups to the development of Caribbean society in the
period after emancipation. (20 marks) 2007

To what extent can it be argued that genocide and revolution are central themes in Caribbean
history? (30 marks) 2011

“Internal Self Government was the most important movement towards independence in the
Caribbean.” Discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. (30 marks) 2015

Caribbean Society / Culture - Module 1 Objective 3

Using 3 examples from the Caribbean explain the relationship between culture and society. (20
marks) 2011

Using examples from the Caribbean, explain TWO of the following concepts: (i) Cultural erasure
(ii) Cultural retention (iii) Cultural renewal (20 marks) 2008

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Assess the role of ONE of the following in the formation of Caribbean identity: (i) African
Caribbean culture (ii) Indo- Caribbean culture (30 marks) 2008

“Cultural practices are never erased; they are transformed.” Using examples from the
Caribbean, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. (30 marks) 2012

Explain four ways in which the historical experiences and culinary practices have shaped food
choices today. (20 marks) 2016.

Caribbean identity and social formation- Module 1 Objective 4

“United we stand, divided we fall.” Examine the extent to which social challenges faced by
people in the Caribbean region may hinder Caribbean unity. (30 marks) 2014

“All ah we is one.” Discuss the social challenges faced by Caribbean people in achieving
Caribbean unity. (30 marks) 2006

Discuss the challenges for Caribbean society as it seeks to achieve national unity in a context of
cultural diversity. (30 marks) 2003“There is no single Caribbean culture.” Do you agree? Provide
arguments and examples to support your answer. (30 marks) 2009

Drawing from your own experiences, discuss the extent to which the concept of “Caribbean
identity” is a myth or a reality. (30 marks) 2005

Account for the changing role that race, colour and ethnic affiliation play in Caribbean society
and culture. (30 marks) 2009

While some men in the highest social strata have been able to maintain their traditional
position in the family, education system and the labour force the majority are being replaced by
women rising in all spheres of society. Errol Miller (1991 Discuss the extent to which you agree
with this view taking into account gender practices in the Caribbean. (30 marks) 2016.

Describe the causes of social stratification in Caribbean countries. (20 marks) 2004

“Social stratification continues to be a key feature of Caribbean society.” Using examples to

support your answer, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. (30 marks)
2012

Examine FOUR factors that promoted social mobility in the Caribbean. (20 marks) 2015

Explain three ways in which Creolisation has impacted upon the Caribbean art forms (20
marks). Specimen Paper 2017Caribbean societies are going through cultural change like
acculturation, transculturation and creolisation. To what extent are these practices occurring?
(30 marks) 2016

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Geographical Processes Module- 1 Objective 5

The Caribbean is unprepared to cope with natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and
earthquakes. Evaluate this statement. (30 marks) 2001 Assess the measures that Caribbean
countries can realistically undertake to minimize the danger posed by earthquakes. (30 marks)
2004

Examine THREE strategies that Caribbean countries can use to minimize the impact of
earthquakes in the region. (20 marks) 2012

“Flooding is caused by a combination of natural and man- made factors.” Discuss the extent to
which flooding is a MAJOR environmental hazard in the Caribbean. (30 marks) 2010

Discuss the social and economic impact of natural disasters on the Caribbean. (30 marks) 2008

Describe the importance of coral reefs to the culture and society of the Caribbean. (20 marks)
Describe the value of coral reefs to Caribbean society and culture. (20 marks) 2005

Examine FOUR factors which have caused coral reefs in the Caribbean to be threatened with
extinction. Include examples in your response. (20 marks) 2013

Examine THREE measures that Caribbean countries can implement to minimize the danger
posed to coral reefs in the region. (20 marks) 2009

Describe how the physical landscape has influenced settlement patterns in the Caribbean. (20
marks) 2003

Explain 3 ways in which the physical landscape has influenced settlement patterns in the
Caribbean. (20 marks) 2011

Examine FOUR ways in which settlement patterns in the Caribbean have been influenced by
the physical landscape. (20 marks) 2015

Using examples, describe FOUR measures that can be taken to minimize the impact of soil
erosion in the Caribbean. (20 marks) 2014

Impact of Societal Institutions- Module 1 Objective 6

To what extent do European cultural institutions continue to dominate Caribbean society and
culture? (30 marks) 2005

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European cultural institutions continue to impact Caribbean society and culture in the
independence period. To what extent do agree with this statement? (30 marks) 2011

Describe how education, as a social institution, impacts on Caribbean society and culture. (20
marks) 2005

Describe THREE ways in which education facilitated the colonial agenda in the Caribbean. (20
marks) 2010

Assess the ways in which colonial education impacted the formation of Caribbean society and
culture. (30 marks) 2013

Examine at least FOUR challenges being faced by the justice system in Caribbean society and
culture today. (20 marks) 2006

Examine THREE ways in which the justice system, as a social institution, impacts on society and
culture. (20 marks) 2009

Assess the extent to which religion continues to dominate the life of Caribbean people. (30
marks) 2007

Diaspora/ Extra regional influences –Module 1 Objective 8

Describe the impact of Rastafarianism on cultural practices beyond the Caribbean region. (20
marks) 2001

Examine the impact of Rastafarian culture on the metropolitan societies of North America and
Europe. (30 marks) 2010

Describe FOUR ways in which the Rastafarian culture has impacted the societies of
metropolitan countries. (20 marks) 2013

Caribbean festivals such as Caribana and Notting Hill Carnival in England and Labour Day in
Brooklyn, New York have a positive effect on the economies of the host countries.” Discuss. (30
marks) 2001

Describe FOUR ways in which Caribbean society and culture impact upon the economies of
extra regional countries. (20 marks) 2006

“Caribbean migrants in the United Kingdom and North America have had a limited impact on
those societies.” Present arguments for OR against this statement. (30 marks) 2007

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CHANDRADATH MADHO CHANDRADATH.MADHO@GMAIL.COM 427-5873

“The Caribbean needs its diaspora in order to fully understand itself.” Examine the extent to
which Caribbean diasporic communities influence the formation of Caribbean identity. (30
marks) 2014

Caribbean migrants in the United Kingdom and North America have a limited impact on these
societies. Present arguments for or against this view. (30 marks) Specimen 2017

To what extent is extra-regional migration a major loss for Caribbean society? (30 marks)
2018

Development Indicators –Module 2 Objective 1

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using GDP per capita measurements as an
indicator of development. (20 marks) 2018

Describe FOUR ways in which Caribbean countries can increase their levels of productivity. (20
marks) 2012 / 2004

Explain FOUR measures which a government can use to encourage entrepreneurship. (20
marks)

Outline FOUR indicators of development and describe their relevance as indicators of

development in the Caribbean. (20 marks) 2007

Using examples from the Caribbean, describe the importance of EACH of the following
concepts: Economic development, Political development or Social development (20 marks)
2009

Describe the contribution made by Caribbean governments to sustainable development in the

region. (20 marks) 2008

Discuss 3 similarities and 3 differences between sustainable and economic development. (20
marks) 2011

In light of the region’s vulnerable environment, discuss the extent to which sustainable
development is a viable option. (30 marks) 2015

Factors promoting / hindering development - Module 2 Objective 2

For a named Caribbean country, describe the factors that may be hindering the process of
development. (20 marks) 2005

Suggest ways in which the tourism industry in the Caribbean can further advance development
in the region. (30 marks) 2005
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CHANDRADATH MADHO CHANDRADATH.MADHO@GMAIL.COM 427-5873

Describe FOUR challenges faced by Caribbean governments in their efforts to promote tourism
development. (20 marks) 2006

“Tourism has advanced development in the Caribbean.” Present arguments for AND against
this statement. (30 marks) 2009

“The Caribbean needs sustainable tourism.” Discuss the extent to which you agree that it is
feasible for the Caribbean to practise sustainable tourism. (30 marks) 2012

Discuss FOUR measures that can be taken by Caribbean government to promote economic
growth during a recession. (20 marks) 2014

Explain four factors in which global economic conditions influence the economic options of
regional governments. (20 marks) 2016

Discuss FOUR ways in which the distribution sector in the Caribbean can contribute to the
overall growth and development of the region and its diaspora. (20 marks) 2014

Explain how the distribution of wealth in a Caribbean country impacts on its development. (20
marks) 2007 Examine the evolution of the labour movement in the Caribbean from colonialism
to globalisation and state three impacts on regional development. (30 marks) 2016

Globalization- Module 2 Objective 3

“Imported technology has marginally improved the economies of the Caribbean.” To what
extent do you agree with this statement? (30 marks) 2003

Describe FOUR ways in which technology facilitates globalization in the Caribbean. (20 marks)
2008

Describe FOUR ways in which technology has advanced development in the Caribbean. (20
marks) 2012

“Globalization benefits the rich and powerful countries more than it benefits the nations of the
Caribbean.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (30 marks) 2001

Describe FOUR ways in which the process of globalization is affecting the development of the
Caribbean. 2006

Examine TWO ways in which EACH of the following organizations facilitates development in the
Caribbean: The World Bank & The World Trade Organization (WTO) (20 marks) 2013

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CHANDRADATH MADHO CHANDRADATH.MADHO@GMAIL.COM 427-5873

Discuss FOUR ways in which structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) impact development in
the Caribbean. (20 marks) 2015

Explain how globalisation affects trade and labour in the Caribbean. (20 marks) Specimen 2017.

Regional Integration –Module 2 Objective 4

“CARICOM cannot last for five more years!” Discuss the extent to which you agree with this
statement in view of the challenges faced by CARICOM. (30 marks) 2012

Discuss the extent to which the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in its present form, is
capable of responding to the economic challenges of globalization. (30 marks) 2015

‘Unless there is political harmony and social justice, integration as proposed by CARICOM is
only a dream.” Evaluate this statement. (30 marks) 2001.

Discuss the view that a major challenge to the integration movement in the Caribbean is the
wide disparity in levels of development among member countries of CARICOM. (30 marks) 2004

“Freedom of movement poses the greatest challenge to establishing the CSME.” To what extent
do you agree with this statement? (30 marks) 2006

“The ultimate goal of CARICOM is to institute a single government for CARICOM member
states.” If this goal becomes a reality, discuss the ways in which this development may help OR
hinder the movement towards Caribbean integration. (30 marks) 2009

Describe THREE factors that encourage Caribbean integration, and assess the impact this
integration is likely to have on social, political and economic development of the region. (30
marks) 2007

Discuss the view that freedom of movement is the key factor hindering integration in the
Caribbean region. (30 marks) 2011

Sports in the Caribbean –Module 2 Objective 5

“Sports has made a great contribution to the development in the Caribbean.” To what extent
do you agree with statement? (30 marks) 2003

To what extent do sports in the Caribbean provide educational opportunities for Caribbean
people as well as a route to Caribbean nationalism? (30 marks) 2006

“West Indian cricket, once the pride and joy of Caribbean sports fans worldwide, has in recent
years often lacked competitiveness in test matches.” Assess the impact of this “lack of
competitiveness” will have on regional cricket in general and on the region’s development
specifically. (30 marks) 2007

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CHANDRADATH MADHO CHANDRADATH.MADHO@GMAIL.COM 427-5873

For ONE named Caribbean country, examine its commitment to human development through
sports. (30 marks) 2010

Discuss 4 challenges that are faced by Caribbean governments in using sports as a means of
facilitating development in the region. (20 marks) 2011

Discuss the extent to which sports have contributed to the development of Caribbean identity
regionally and in the diaspora. (30 marks) 2013

Movements and Intellectual traditions – Module 2 Objective 6

Describe how one art form or expression of popular culture has contributed significantly to the
economic development of Caribbean countries. (20 marks) 2003

Discuss FOUR ways in which popular movements in the Caribbean have shaped the region’s
political identity. (20 marks) 2015

“In the 1960’s, the dependency theory attempted to explain underdevelopment in the
Caribbean.” Discuss the extent to which the Dependency theory is still useful in explaining
Caribbean development in the twenty first century. (30 marks) 2014

Discuss the extent to which indigenous perspectives have contributed to the re-shaping of
thoughts on Caribbean development. (30 marks) 2018

Mass Media- Module 2 Objective 7

Describe how political interference has affected mass media’s ability to contribute positively to
the development of the Caribbean region. (20 marks) 2003

Examine how freedom of the press impacts on development in the Caribbean. (30 marks) 2005

“The mass media in the Caribbean is pre- occupied with sensational news reporting such as
crime and violence- rapes and burglaries- with little focus on the region’s economic,
educational and other developmental issues.” Give arguments for AND against this statement.
(30 marks) 2010

“Freedom of the press is a necessity in all Caribbean countries” Do you agree? Provide
arguments and examples to support your answer. (30 marks) 2008/ Specimen 2017

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CHANDRADATH MADHO CHANDRADATH.MADHO@GMAIL.COM 427-5873

Social Justice –Module 2 Objective 8

Discuss the extent to which the inequitable distribution of wealth in Caribbean countries can be
regarded as a breach of social justice. (30 marks) 2004

“Many Caribbean people continue to experience discrimination in their own countries.”

Discuss this statement with reference to age, ethnicity and class. (30 marks) 2008

“Development is directly related to the ability of citizens to exercise their fundamental

democratic rights.” Do you agree? Using examples from the Caribbean, assess the validity of
the statement above. (30 marks) 2013

“Discriminatory practices limit the potential of the Caribbean to facilitate development.”

Discuss this statement with reference to discrimination in the Caribbean based on ethnicity and
sexual orientation. (30 marks) 2014

“Breaches in social justice hinder development by perpetuating inequality in the Caribbean.”

Discuss this statement with reference to age and class. (30 marks) 2011

Describe FOUR ways in which the empowerment of women can promote development in the
Caribbean. (20 marks) 2013

Describe THREE ways in which discrimination against women hinders development in the
region. (20 marks) 2009 / 2005