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Power Dynamics

What's it all about?

In society there are power dynamics all around us. Students will learn about power and how it is obtained at an individual level, group level and between different countries. Students will have the opportunity to investigate real world examples of their own choice to demonstrate their learning.

What type of things will I do?

  • Investigating real world examples to answer questions – both individually and as groups.

  • Sharing your ideas with the class to discuss the issues.

  • Investigating issues that are relevant to you.

  • Using evidence to formulate opinions.

  • Learning how to strategically investigate.

  • Critically analysing the views of others.

What will I learn?

TOPIC 1

Power dynamics and individuals

  • Defining power

  • Different types of power including social, cultural, economic, political

  • Theories of power including functionalist and Marxist (conflict), social interactionist theories of power

  • How do individuals obtain data and how do they use it?

  • Applying these theories of power to real world examples.

TOPIC 2

Power dynamics and groups

  • How to groups within society arise?

  • Examples of powerful groups within society and how they use their power

  • Examining real world examples to determine whether group power structures can be changed

TOPIC 3

Power dynamics and countries

  • Examining how countries gain power on the international stage

  • Factors that limit a nation’s power on the international stage

  • International law and national sovereignty

  • Applying theories to international real world examples (country level)

What can this lead to?

POSSIBLE PATHWAY 

YEAR                               COURSES OFFERED 

YEAR 10                              Humanities 

YEAR 11                              Economics, Sociology, Geography, History, Legal Studies, Theory of Knowledge 

YEAR 12                              Economics, Sociology, Geography, History, Legal Studies, Theory of Knowledge 


Why choose this subject?

Choose this subject if you are interested in learning about:

  • Thinking about how society works.

  • Investigating issues relevant to you through different perspectives.

  • How to weigh up evidence to support a conclusion.

  • Your own ability to affect the world you live in.

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