Global Politics SL/HL

Description

Tutor: 

Sando Machera

1) Global Politics in the IBDP: 

The 21st century is characterised by rapid change and increasing interconnectedness, impacting individuals and societies in unprecedented ways and creating complex global political challenges. Global politics is an exciting, dynamic subject that draws on a variety of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, reflecting the complex nature of many contemporary political issues. The study of global politics enables students to critically engage with different and new perspectives and approaches to politics in order to comprehend the challenges of the changing world and become aware of their role in it as active global citizens. The Diploma Programme global politics course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, as well as to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies. It also invites comparison between such examples and case studies to ensure a wider and transnational perspective. The core units of the course together make up a central unifying theme of “people, power and politics”. The emphasis on “people” reflects the fact that the course explores politics not only at a state level but also explores the function and impact of non-state actors, communities, groups and individuals. The concept of “power” is also emphasised as being particularly crucial to understanding the dynamics, tensions and outcomes of global politics. Throughout the course, issues such as conflict, migration or climate change are explored through an explicitly political lens: “politics” provide a uniquely rich context in which to explore the relationship between people and power.

Global Politics Aims:

The aims of the global politics course at SL and HL are to enable students to:

• 1. understand key political concepts and contemporary political issues in a range of contexts
  2. develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity
  3. understand, appreciate and critically engage with a variety of perspectives and approaches in global politics
  4. appreciate the complex and interconnected nature of many political issues, and develop the capacity to interpret competing and contestable claims regarding those issues.

2) Syllabus Outline: 

Part 1: People, Power and Politics  

• • Power, sovereignty and international relations
  • Human rights
  • Development
  • Peace and conflict

Part 2: Global Political Challenges (HL) 

Political issues in two of the following six global political challenges researched and presented through a case-study approach:

• • Unit 1: Environment
  • Unit 2: Poverty
  • Unit 3: Health
  • Unit 4: Identity
  • Unit 5: Borders
  • Unit 6: Security 

Part 3: Internal Assessment – Engagement Activity 

3) Assessment Outline: 

SL: 

• • Paper 1: Core Units – Stimulus based paper on topic from one of four units (75 minutes)
  • Paper 2: Core Units – Extended response based paper on all four units (105 minutes)
  • Internal Assessment: Field Work – Written Report

HL 

• • Paper 1: Core Units – Stimulus based paper on topic from one of four units (75 minutes)
  • Paper 2: Core Units – Extended response based paper on all four units (165 minutes)
  • Internal Assessment: Field Work – Written Report
  • HL Extension: Two video recorded oral presentations (10 minutes maximum each) of two case studies chosen from two different HL extension topics

For more information check out the: IB Global Politics Guide

Image source: https://wfuna.org/not-under-un-flag