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Global Studies

Year 9 - Elective

Length of Course: Semester
Department: Humanities
Head of Department: Mr Greg Naylor
Year Available: 2025

Global Studies investigates contemporary power and international issues, exploring the nature of government, relationships between countries and ethical issues. It is a rich interdisciplinary subject providing opportunities to learn about the modern world, that draws on curriculum content from History, Geography, and Civics and Citizenship. The subject looks at our global community, exploring both conflict and cooperation in the modern era. Students analyse what progress and change can be achieved by global political action. This subject is designed for students who are keen Humanities scholars, are passionate about ethical and international issues, and perhaps interested in learning about the law, politics, international relationships or aid in the future.

Curriculum focus

Power and Politics

Students explore the Australian democratic system and compare our system with non-democratic systems in other countries. We explore the values which underpin different political systems, the structures of the governments, and the role of citizens in government processes.

International Law and Justice

This topic provides a background to the United Nations as an international organisation, its purpose, its work and significant achievements. Students will also learn about the International Criminal Court and the Court of Justice, as well as measures taken by the international community against countries and organisations who breach expected standards. This will be explored through case studies such as immigration law, international crime and war crimes.

Global Crises

By working through a case study in some depth, students will gain valuable background understanding of significant global issues such as terrorism, asylum seekers, or slavery and human trafficking. The case study will include analysing source material, exploring interconnections, and the impact on economies, human and urban development.

Assessment

A range of language-rich assessment tasks will be used including:

  • Source analysis work, including mapping and data analyses

  • In-depth written assignments, such as case studies and argumentative essays

  • Individual research and oral presentations

  • Some project-based tasks, working with organisations and external parties

  • A Semester Examination

Key Resource

Required resources will be listed on the Booklist