What is it and why should I do it?
Unit One is titled Politics, power and political actors, and focuses on how political actors use power to resolve issues and conflicts over how society should operate. These actors may be local, national, regional or global. Students examine how power may be used by political actors to achieve their interests and they focus on a close study of a contested political issue in Australia. Students then investigate the power of global actors who are able to use their power across national and regional boundaries to achieve their interests and cooperate with other actors to solve conflicts, issues and crises.
Unit Two, Democracy: stability and change explores democratic principles in the Australian context. Students complete an in-depth study of a political issue or crisis which challenges basic democratic ideas or practice. Students then investigate the degree to which global political actors and trends can challenge, inhibit or undermine democracy.
The ability to analyse different political perspectives and to develop independent and critical thinking skills, are key aims of this course. Please note this is a new study design for 2024 and the course has changed significantly from 2023 and previous years.
What will I do in class?
Classes will involve a range of tasks from discussions and presentations through to a range of formal written responses. Contemporary issues and challenges of the last ten years will be a focus. Class discussions and the viewing of a range of media is encouraged.
How much homework will I have?
Several hours of homework per week is anticipated and will generally take the form of individual research on current domestic and global political issues, the completion of set questions and the preparation for upcoming SACs.
How do I satisfactorily complete the unit?
Assessment will involve several essays/research projects, both formal and informal presentations and the completion of tests to demonstrate understanding of key concepts covered. .