At a glance
A course where students explore how the world works. Students investigate global politics and big issues, using real case studies and data. They learn why people disagree about what “progress” looks like, and how countries and groups respond to global challenges and opportunities.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- are curious about world events, global issues and different points of view
- like debating ideas and asking “why is this happening?”
- want strong research, critical thinking and communication skills
About this course
Global Studies helps students understand global politics and how decisions are made on a world scale. Students examine global actors, global processes, global challenges and global opportunities. They use different theories and perspectives to interpret world systems, and learn to research widely and communicate their findings in written, spoken and digital formats.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- international relations, politics and security studies
- law, economics, business and communications
- community leadership, advocacy and active citizenship
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Global Actors
This unit explores the different groups and organisations that shape global politics (for example countries, NGOs, corporations and communities), and how they gain and use power.
Students will:
- investigate how global actors build influence and legitimacy
- compare different viewpoints about who holds power and why some groups are excluded
Global Processes
This unit explores the global processes that shape the world order (such as cooperation, negotiation, conflict management and international agreements), and how these processes help or hinder relationships between global actors.
Students will:
- explore how global processes operate and how effective they are
- evaluate how processes could be improved to support the common good
Global Challenges
This unit explores major issues that create tension and challenge communities around the world, and how global actors and processes respond.
Students will:
- investigate how power, self-interest and collective action shape responses to global challenges
- reflect on how challenges connect to their lives and what action is possible
Global Opportunities
This unit explores what progress can be achieved through global action, and who benefits from change and reform.
Students will:
- analyse examples of global change (such as agreements, declarations or reform efforts)
- develop a preferred future and explain what actions could help achieve it