Scotch College

VCE: Politics

Rationale

VCE Australian and Global Politics is the study of contemporary power at both national and global levels. Australian Politics is the study of how power is gained and exercised. Global Politics is the study of the political, social, cultural and economic forces that shape interactions between state and non-state actors in the twenty-first century.

Students may choose all three or any combination of the three studies offered. The Australian and Global Politics courses focus on understanding of the contemporary world through studies of national and international political issues, contemporary problems and events and the forces that shape these. All of the studies offer the opportunity to engage with key contemporary political, social and economic issues to encourage more informed citizenship of local, national and international communities.

Units 1 and 2: (Year 11): Australia and Global Politics

Units 3 and 4: (Year 12): Australian Politics

Units 3 and 4: (Year 12): Global Politics

Australian and Global Politics

Rationale

In this Unit students are introduced to the study of Politics as the exercise of power by individuals, groups and nation-states.

Structure

Unit 1: The National Citizen:

• What opportunities exist for Australians to participate in the political system?
• What are the ideas/aims of the most significant political movements in Australia?

Unit 2: The Global Citizen:

• How do citizens in the twenty-first century interact? How have our lives been affected by globalization?
• What challenges do key global actors such as the United Nations and NGOs, face?

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Examination

Tests and Assignments

Practical Work

Australian Politics

Rationale

This study is an overview of Australian Politics. Students begin by comparing the practice of Australian Politics and government with democratic ideals. They look in detail at the major elements of Australian representative and liberal democracy. Students also compare the Australian political system with one other contemporary democratic nation, probably the United States. Although the focus is contemporary, historical examples are also used.

In the second half of the year, students look at Australian federal public policy formulation and implementation. Looking first at domestic and then foreign policy, they examine the complex factors which can lead to changes and compromises within government decision-making.

Structure

Unit 3: Evaluating Australian Democracy

Students look at the key values and principles of democracy and compare them to the operation of the contemporary Australian political system. After this comparison of theory and practice, they look at the way Australian democracy compares to another democracy (US, UK, Germany or India).

Unit 4: Australian Public Policy

A study of the influences on the Commonwealth Government's policy decisions and actions. When a government faces a national emergency or has a strong mandate, this often makes policy formulation more straightforward than if an electoral margin is tight or issues are controversial. Students then look at government foreign policy, using terms such as ‘the national interest' and examining the main foreign policy challenges faced by Australian governments in the last ten years.

Assessment

Unit 3: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 and 4: Examination 50 per cent

Global Politics

Rationale

This study encourages a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary world, especially with regards to key global actors and looks at challenges that face the global community. Students explore the concepts of national interest and power, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and study global crises and responses. Students also analyse various debates relevant to the international community in the twenty-first century.

Structure

Unit 3: Global Actors

Focusing on the core concepts of national interest and power, this unit allows students to develop an understanding of key global actors, their aims, roles and power. Key actors may include not only politicians and governments but also ‘non-state' actors, such as non-government organisations (e.g. Amnesty International) and terrorist organisations.

Unit 4: Global Challenges

This Unit focuses on the key global challenges facing the international community in the twenty-first century. Students analyse key ethical debates and the notion of global citizenship. Students also study the context and causes of global crises and consider the effectiveness or responses.

Assessment

Unit 3: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 and 4: External Examination 50 per cent