Scotch College

VCE: Politics

Rationale 

Understanding of the contemporary world is based on an introduction to both National and International Politics. Knowledge of contemporary politics begins by considering the key concepts and ideas of representation, power and democracy, through a comparison of a democratic and a non-democratic system.  The role of leadership and the ability to exercise power are examined.  A global focus on international relations and the events that shaped these relations completes the concepts studied.

Students may choose all three or any combination of the three studies offered. The courses combined in International Politics 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 & 2 (Year 11): Australia and Global Politics (formerly Political Studies) 

Units 3 & 4 (Year 12): National Politics (formerly Political Studies) 

Units 3 & 4 (Year 12): International Studies 

International Politics

Rationale 

This study enables a focus on International political institutions comparing governmental forms as they are represented by different states in a modern context.  

Structure 

Unit 1: Politics, Power & People – An introduction to:

i the basic political concepts of politics – power and authority, democracy, representation, legitimacy, citizenship and participation through comparison of a democratic and non-democratic state

ii the role of leadership and leadership styles

Unit 2: The Global Picture 

i the key concepts of imperialism, internationalism, globalisation, nations, states, power, power blocs, national interest and the factors which influence them

ii the international community focusing on the nature and implications of a ‘global community’

Assessment

Unit 1 & 2: Examination

Tests and Assignments

Practical Work

National Politics

Rationale 

This study enables a focus on Australian political institutions (as an example of a ‘Westminster’ style of government) in comparison with that of the United States, focusing on (i) the extent and ways in which each fulfil democratic values and (ii) how foreign policy is formed and implemented. 

Structure 

Unit 3: Democracy in the Making 

A comparative study of democratic practices and institutions of Australia’s Westminster style system with the US Presidential style, focusing in particular on the respective achievement of democratic values. 

Unit 4: The Challenge of Power 

A study of the factors and forces influencing the formation and implementation of Australian foreign policy.

Assessment

Unit 3: School-Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School-Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 & 4: Examination 50 per cent

International Studies

Rationale

This study encourages a sophisticated understanding of the contemporary world, especially with regard to increasing global interdependence, the operation of national interest and power and the conflicts which these general globally and regionally and how Australia responds to these global and regional challenges. 

Structure 

Unit 3: Global issues and conflicts

Focusing on increasing interdependence in the contemporary world, this unit covers the core concepts of globalisation and internationalism and contemporary global conflicts where conflicts since the end of the Cold War including the ‘war on terror’, and the role of the US as the world’s major superpower.

Unit 4: International Relations

Focusing on the key concepts of national interest and power this unit considers the application, nature and implications of power in the Asia-Pacific region, and the key elements and factors influencing Australian foreign policy. 

Assessment

Unit 3: School-Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School-Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 & 4: External Examination 50 per cent