VCE Global Politics unit 1 & 2

Unit 1: Ideas, actors and powers

In this unit students are introduced to the key ideas relating to the exercise of political power. They explore how these ideas shape political systems and in particular the characteristics of liberalism. They consider the nature of power in Australian democracy and in a non-democratic political system. They also explore the nature and influence of key political actors in Australia: political parties, interest groups and the media. All these forms of participation in Australian democracy influence the political agenda. This unit is contemporary in focus and students must use examples and case studies from within the last 10 years.

AREAS OF STUDY

Power and ideas

Political actors and powers

Unit 2: Global Connections

This unit introduces students to the global community and the global actors that are part of this community. In Area of Study 1 students explore the myriad ways lives have been affected by the increased interconnectedness – the global links – of the world through the process of globalisation. In Area of Study 2, students consider the extent to which global actors cooperate and share visions and goals as part of the global community. They investigate the ability of the global community to manage areas of global cooperation and to respond to issues of global conflict and instability. This unit is contemporary in focus and students must use examples and case studies from within the last 10 years. However, contemporary issues and events may need to be contextualised for students and this may require some investigation prior to this timeframe.

AREAS OF STUDY

Global Links

Global Cooperation and Conflict