Learning Area Leader: Ms Burley
VCE Politics is the study of contemporary power, conflict and cooperation in a world that is characterised by unpredictability and constant change. In this study students investigate contemporary issues of conflict, political stability and/or change within Australia, the Indo-Pacific region and globally. They consider how national and global political actors respond to issues and crises such as national political reform, climate change, violent conflicts, human rights, sustainability and development, inequality and global economic instability. Students analyse the sources and forms of power available to these political actors and the consequences of their use. Students consider how political actors pursue their interests and the political significance of their actions in responding to national and global issues and crises. Throughout this study, students examine Australia’s place in the region and globally.
Career Paths / Future Directions:
Ministerial support, public affairs, Government policy, Journalism, Law (International), Research, Diplomacy, Communications officer
Unit 1 – Politics, power and political actors (Code: POLG11)
Description
In this unit, students learn that politics is about how political actors use power to resolve issues and conflicts over how society should operate. Each area of study focuses on concepts that form essential disciplinary knowledge, and which allow students to gradually build on their understanding of what it is to think politically.
Students consider the concept of power by examining why and how political power is used, with special attention to the way national and global political actors exercise power and the consequences of that use. Students examine how power may be used by political actors in various states 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 can use power across national and regional boundaries to achieve their interests and cooperate with other actors to solve conflicts, issues and crises.
Outcomes
To explain the sources of power and legitimacy of national political actors and analyse the political significance of Australian political actors’ use of power in a contested domestic political issue.
To analyse the power, interests and perspectives of global political actors and evaluate their political significance in at least one global issue.
Assessment
Source Analysis
Inquiry tasks
Simulations
Short answer test
Extended response
Examination
Unit 2 – Democracy: stability and change (Code: POLG22)
Description
In this unit, students investigate the key principles of democracy and assess the degree to which these principles are expressed, experienced and challenged, in Australia and internationally. They consider democratic principles in the Australian context and complete an in-depth study of a political issue or crisis that inherently challenges basic democratic ideas or practice. Students also investigate the degree to which global political actors and trends can challenge, inhibit or undermine democracy, and evaluate the political significance of these challenges. Each area of study focuses on concepts that form essential disciplinary knowledge, and which allow students to gradually build on their understanding of what it is to think politically.
Outcomes
To analyse at least one Australian political issue and evaluate the extent to which Australian democracy and democratic principles are upheld. Outcomes continued
To analyse at least one global challenge to the legitimacy and spread of democracy and evaluate the political significance of this challenge to democratic principles.
Assessment
Source Analysis
Inquiry tasks
Simulations
Short answer test
Extended response
Examination