YEAR11HANDBOOK–VCEUNITS1&2

AUSTRALIAN & GLOBAL POLITICS

UNIT1THENATIONALCITIZEN

UNIT2THEGLOBALCITIZEN

This unit introduces students to the study of politics as the exercise of power by individuals, groups and nation-states. AREAS OF STUDY 1. Power, politics and democracy

This area of study focuses on the nature and purpose of politics in Australia. Students investigate political power in both formal and non-formal contexts. They explore how power is gained, excercised and challenged.

2. Exercising and challenging power In this area of study students consider how and why people, both as individuals and in groups, become involved in politics. Students are introduced to a range of political ideologies and movements.

LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of this unit the student should be able to: Outcome 1 Demonstrate an understanding of power and influence. Show an understanding of democratic principles and the characteristics of Australian democracy. Outcome 2 Demonstrate an awareness of the motivations for political involvement. Show an understanding of a range of political ideologies and movements. ASSESSMENT The award of satisfactory completion for this unit is based on a selection of assessment tasks that may include:

‐ Tests ‐ Essay/s ‐ Analysis of sources

This unit focuses on the contemporary international community. AREAS OF STUDY 1. Global threads

In this area of study students investigate the way twenty-first century citizens interact with the world. Students investigate the role of international non-government organizations (NGOs) such as Wikileaks or social threads such as Facebook and Twitter.

2. Global cooperation and conflict This area of study focuses on the nature of the international community. Students will study examples of global cooperation and global conflict.

LEARING OUTCOMES On completion of this unit the student should be able to: Outcome 1 Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which the lives of citizens in the twenty-first century are interconnected as ‘global citizens’. Outcome 2 Describe and analyse the international communities ability to manage cooperation and conflict. ASSESSMENT The award of satisfactory completion for this unit is based on a selection of assessment tasks that may include:

‐ Tests ‐ Analysis of sources ‐ Essay/s ‐ Case Study