Year 11 Politics Units 1 and 2
Overview
VCE Politics is a contemporary subject which examines world events of the last 10 years. You will learn the basic building blocks of political science – the major actors, how they use their powers, and the rules within which they operate.
In Unit 1 you will be introduced to political power and how actors use it. You will study a contested domestic political issue, and how influential Australian actors clash and collaborate to try to achieve the outcome they want. You will also examine a global political issue, and how international actors use their power to achieve their interests and impose their perspectives on others.
Unit 2 examines the global challenges democracy faces in an age of disinformation, populism, and mistrust of political processes. You will look the extent to which democracy in Australia is being challenged, as well as a range of international challenges to democracy including authoritarianism, populism, totalitarianism and religion.
Who is it for?
VCE Politics is for students who enjoy keeping up with current events in the news, or have an interest in international problems including conflict, disinformation, challenges to democracy, and how power is used. If you’re considering tertiary study in an area like politics, economics, journalism, law, or education, you should consider studying VCE Politics.
What do you do?
You’ll spend a lot of time discussing and reading about current events, analysing news and analysis in video, podcast, infographic, and news article forms. You will work together with your peers to give briefings to the class on particular topics. You will write short answer responses and extended answers to questions about the material being covered.
What skills do you need?
High level reading comprehension and analytical writing skills will help students studying VCE Politics.
What skills do you develop?
VCE Politics develops your critical thinking and reasoning skills. Politics students become experts at sorting fact-based perspectives from those based on misinformation. You will learn how to use high quality evidence to support a perspective, and put those views into writing.
Requirements
You need regular access to online course content and weekly online classes.
Things you can do now
Students interested in studying VCE Politics can start watching and reading quality news analysis now. Make sure you look at both domestic and international current events and issues. Below are a list of recommended sources for high quality coverage of world events, including a range of perspectives;
www.abc.net.au (ABC News Australia)
www.bbc.com (BBC World News)
www.aljazeera.com (Al Jazeera News)
www.voanews.com (Voice of America News)
www.amnesty.org.au (Amnesty International Australia)
Things to have a look at
VCAA – Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
VCAA page for VCE Politics