Researching the case study:
According to the IB 'the case study selected for each chosen topic should allow for a thorough and detailed exploration of a global political challenge, in a particular real-life situation. Each case study selected and the political issue investigated therein should be contemporary, clearly relevant and explicitly linked to one of the global challenges listed as well as to the core units of the course. Students should ask themselves how each case they suggest to investigate relates to the wider context of global politics and how they can bring the knowledge and understanding they have gained elsewhere in the course to bear on the cases. The political issue selected for exploration should be focused and specific.'
So, what exactly do they mean by focused and specific. Here's some examples:
'Water supply' is too broad and not sufficiently focused. 'The 2011 drought and the Yangtze river in China - viability of China's water diversion plans' is a much better title.
Again, 'Terrorism' is far too broad in scope and insufficiently focused. But, 'The 2008 Mumbai bombings - motivations for terrorism in India' is much more focused and specific.
You get the idea? This is quite similar to the process you went through as you developed the title for your EE (Who said the IB wasn't all about making links?)
Questions to consider:Very helpfully, the IB have provided a list of questions you should explore during the research phase of this activity - remember, you should already be thinking about connections between the discrete pieces of information you collect in order to build towards a successful final presentation:

Data, background and political issues
• What data exist on the case, how valid is the data analysed and to what extent is the data contestable?
• Who are the principal actors and stakeholders?
• What is happening?
• Which terms are central to understanding the case?
• What are the indicators that this case is a global political challenge?
• Which other similar cases are relevant for understanding this case?
• Which political issues manifest themselves in the case? On which issue should I focus my presentation?

Causes, impact and responses to the political issue:
• What factors are causing this situation?
• What are the political, social and economic impacts of the issue at various levels of global politics on various actors and stakeholders?
• What are the responses to the issue at various levels of global politics by various actors and stakeholders?
• How do interpretations of the issue vary by actor and stakeholder?
• What considerations influence how the issue will play out?


Reflection:
• How can I use the key concepts, theories, ideas and examples I have learned in the core units to analyse this case and political issue?
• In what ways is this case a manifestation of the chosen global political challenge?
• Which wider issues or developments in global politics are relevant in understanding this case?
• What is the particular significance of this case?
• What other interpretations of or points of view on the case are possible?

Using sources effectively
You will already be familiar with the importance of selecting reliable and valid sources from your work on the EE as well as other subjects including Global Politics. Some words of wisdom from the IB subject guide, however... 'Students’ research can be based on primary and secondary material, though the emphasis is likely to be on secondary sources. Newspaper, magazine and journal articles, textbooks, carefully selected websites, images and audio-visual materials are all legitimate secondary sources. Good research practice requires that the sources represent a balance of views.
A coversheet for each presentation must be submitted along with the recording. The coversheet includes a bibliography. All sources used in preparation of the presentation must be included in the bibliography.'



Preparing for the presentation:
Now that you have carried out sufficient research, it is time to start thinking about you bring it all together in order to create a succssful presentation. Remember, it is a 10 minute oral presentation that will be videoed.
It is important to realise that the IB do not give a prescribed format and structure of the presentation. Whilst this is nice on one level, it does mean that you need to give some thought as to how you present your case study so as to best meet the assessment criteria. Here's what the subject guide has to say. 'In planning their presentations, students should bear in mind that in addition to research skills, the HL extension aims to develop their skills to deliver a thought-provoking and informative presentation to a professional audience. In the real world, professionals may not base their presentations around a set of research prompts such as those given above; rather, they would attempt to create an original and creative delivery of their arguments. With this in mind, students are encouraged not to use the given questions for research as a set structure for their presentation. Clearly the presentation needs to address the more factual aspects of the case, but this should occur when pertinent to understanding the political issue rather than as a list at the beginning of the presentation. Given the objectives of the task and the assessment criteria, the structure and format chosen should be such that the presentation is centred on analysis and evaluation of the case and the political issue. This includes establishing clear links to the core units and reflecting on the wider implications of the case.
Students should be particularly wary of the pitfall of focusing on the historical aspects of the case; the analysis and evaluation should concentrate on contemporary aspects of the political issue.'
You might find the following questions helpful to consider when planning your presentation:
 

1. How will I set the stage?

2. Which points and perspectives do I want to consider?

3. How will I conclude?

It may well be helpful for you to formulate a central question - closely linked to your political issue - that you attempt to answer during the course of your presentation.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• Visual aids, such as PowerPoint slides, are only permitted for showing visual information (eg tables, diagrams, maps, photos) and should be carefully employed only when they enhance the argument or audience engagement.

• Students may use limited notes or prompt cards when delivering their presentations, but the content may not be written out and read aloud.