Global Politics - Leigh Academy Strood

KS5: IB Global Politics

What is being studied?

The IB Global Politics HL course delves into fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability, and peace within various contexts. It aims to develop a deep understanding of political activity at local, national, international, and global levels, and how these issues affect individuals’ lives.

The curriculum is structured around a common core for both SL and HL students, focusing on the central unifying theme of “people, power, and politics.” This core is now framed around a single core unit and three thematic studies:

Core Theme: Understanding Power and Global Politics

Explores fundamental political concepts like Power, Sovereignty, Legitimacy, and Interdependence.

Thematic Studies:

Rights and Justice: Examines contested notions of rights and their implementation.
Development and Sustainability: Investigates different approaches to development and the challenges of sustainability in a globalized world.
Peace and Conflict: Analyzes the causes, dynamics, and resolution of conflicts, and different approaches to achieving peace.

For Higher Level (HL) students only, there’s an HL Extension that involves an in-depth examination of two contemporary Global Political Challenges (GPCs) through a case studies approach. The eight GPCs from which students choose two are:

Borders
Environment
Poverty
Health
Technology
Identity
Security
Inequality

HL students are expected to conduct independent research on case studies connected to these challenges, emphasizing their interconnected nature and potential solutions.

Why is it being studied?

The course is designed to:

Foster an understanding of the world: Equip students with the knowledge and analytical tools to comprehend how the world operates politically, and what drives or hinders change.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills: Encourage students to analyze contemporary political issues from multiple perspectives, evaluate competing claims, and synthesize information from diverse sources.
Promote international-mindedness: Cultivate an awareness of different perspectives and foster dialogue and debate on global political issues.
Encourage active global citizenship: Inspire students to engage actively with global politics and develop a sense of agency in addressing political challenges.

Ground abstract concepts in real-world examples: Connect theoretical political concepts to contemporary, real-world case studies to enhance understanding and application.

When is each unit studied?

The IB Global Politics course is a two-year program (240 recommended teaching hours for HL). While the exact timing of units will vary by school and teacher, the general structure involves:

Year 1: Typically focuses on the Core Theme: Understanding Power and Global Politics and begins with the Thematic Studies (Rights and Justice, Development and Sustainability, Peace and Conflict). The Political Engagement Project (Internal Assessment) often begins during this year, allowing students time for experiential learning and research.

Year 2: Continues with the Thematic Studies and dedicates significant time to the HL Extension: Global Political Challenges. This involves in-depth research and preparation for Paper 3. Revision for all external assessments (Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3) takes place in the lead-up to the May examinations.

Assessment

Internal Assessment

External Assessment

Weighting: 20% of overall grade

Political Engagement Project (20%):

Description: A written report based on experiential learning and research into a political issue of interest. HL students are expected to spend approximately 35 hours on this project (compared to 25 hours for SL).
HL Specifics: HL students must conduct further research to formulate and present a recommendation for a course of action related to their chosen political issue. They are allowed an additional 400 words for this separate section.

Assessment Criteria: The criteria focus on explanation and justification, process, analysis and synthesis, evaluation and reflection, and communication, with an additional assessment for the HL recommendation.

Weighting: 80% of overall grade

Paper 1 (20%):

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Format: Source-based paper with structured questions. Integrates syllabus elements from the Core Theme: Understanding Power and Global Politics. There is a stronger emphasis on the relevance and diversity of sources.

Paper 2 (30%):

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Format: Extended response paper. Links content from the Thematic Studies (Rights and Justice, Development and Sustainability, and Peace and Conflict). Includes both questions directed at a single thematic study and cross-thematic questions to encourage knowledge integration. HL students will answer three questions from a choice of eight.

Paper 3 (30%):

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Format: New stimulus-based paper linked to the HL Extension inquiries around Global Political Challenges. Students will utilize knowledge and evidence gathered from their own researched case studies to respond to the questions. This replaces the previous HL oral presentations.