Describe aspects of a New Zealand contemporary geographic issue 3 credits Internal assessment

This achievement standard involves analysing the geographic nature of, and viewpoints relating to, a contemporary issue. It also includes evaluating courses of action and making a recommendation.

The assessment is resource based e.g. you get a Resource Booklet based upon one particular contemporary geographic issue. You will need to use the information in that booklet, your notes, and your knowledge learned in class to complete the activities in the assessment.

Important Vocabulary –analyse means to examine and explain the component parts, and their relationship to determine the geographic nature of an issue –in detail relates to depth or breadth, which can be quantitative or qualitative –comprehensively relates to depth and breadth, which can be quantitative and/or qualitative

The geographic nature of an issue relates to - its location –its effect on people -Its effect on the environment –it may include discussion of the nature of the arguments (e.g. political, economic, social, environmental), and geographic ideas

Activities in groups of 4 Try and list 10 issues you have heard about lately Circle those which are “geographic” Annotate why the circled issues are “geographic” in nature Highlight those issues which can be considered to be “contemporary” Put a star next to all those issues which are “contemporary geographic issues”

A contemporary issue is one that has implications for people A contemporary issue is one that has implications for people -now and/or… –in the future –“implications” means that it is going to affect people or be relevant to people

Choose one of the issues you metioned earlier and write why it is a contemporary geographic issue

Explain viewpoints –explain viewpoints requires an explanation of why people or groups hold a particular viewpoint –A viewpoint is what someone THINKS/FEELS about an issue e.g. – for it / supports it –slightly for it –neutral about the issue –undecided about the issue –slightly against it –totally opposed/against it

A viewpoint belongs to a person You can’t talk about a viewpoint without talking about that person A person has a particular viewpoint because of their beliefs, background, culture, experiences in life, economic status, their job etc.

Spot the perspective… I’m against this building project because it will pollute the local river catchment system I’m for this building project because it will means lots of people in our local community will get jobs and local businesses will make more money I’m against this building project because its going to mean that a large number of heritage buildings get destroyed or removed from the local district

“courses of action”??? –courses of action refer to responses to the issue that may bring about resolutions –“courses of action” = possible options / different things you can do to address the issue –evaluate means to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different courses of action e.g. list the good things and bad things about each possible course of action

“recommendation”??? –a justified recommendation demonstrates why the chosen course of action is better than the alternatives –a fully justified recommendation is an in- depth response that uses clarity of argument and holistic understanding to demonstrate why one course of action is better than the alternatives.

Perspectives = SPEECH Social perspectives – looking at the issue in terms of people’s history, well-being, health, happiness, family, community etc. Political perspectives – looking at the issue in terms of fairness, interest groups, ideology Economic perspectives – looking at the issue in terms of money, wealth, profit, investment Environmental perspectives – looking at the issue in terms of its effect on the natural landscape, plants and/or animals Cultural perspectives – looking at the issue in terms of people’s culture, traditions Viewing things HOLISTICALLY means taking in many different viewpoints and perspectives

This course of action [identify it] is best because….because…. This course of action is best from a number of different perspectives…