International Politics 30

Based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies curriculum, International Politics 30-1 is a course that falls under the Alberta Learning CTS Political Science Program of Studies. Political Science is a dynamic social science, forming part of the study of individuals and societies, but more specifically looks at how power is achieved, maintained and exercised at the international level. The objective of this course is to give the student an understanding of the development and importance of international relations. This understanding is brought about by examining such concepts as the balance of power, dynastic marriages, territorial rivalry, ideological rivalry, international peace forums and international economic relations. Students will engage in active inquiry and application of knowledge and critical thinking skills to identify the relevance of an issue through the development of informed positions and respect for the positions of others. This course will also seek to develop young citizens who are informed and engaged in current affairs. Ongoing reference to current affairs adds relevance, interest and immediacy to local, provincial, national and global issues. Additionally, the learning in this course can be enhanced through a significant experiential learning component as students will have the opportunity to participate in Model United Nations simulations, mock trials and debates.

Three units of study comprise this course: (1) Rise of Nation States, (2) Liberalism and Realism, and (3) Justice.

IB DP History SL, Y2 / IB DP History HL, Y2

PREREQUISITE: IB DP History SL, Y1 or B DP History HL, Y1

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) history course is a world history course based on a comparative and multi-perspective approach to history. It is a rigorous intellectual discipline focused on key historical concepts of change, causation, significance, perspectives, continuity and consequence. Studying history develops an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of modern liberal thought and the tenets of competing ideologies is important in developing active, informed and responsible citizens. This understanding will enable students to effectively investigate, analyze and evaluate government policies and actions and develop individual and collective responses to contemporary local, national and global issues.

In this course, students appreciate that history is a dynamic, contested, evidence-based discipline that involves an exciting engagement with the past. An exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry, students appreciate that history is an interpretive discipline, allowing the opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and a plurality of opinions. These understandings are achieved in three units of inquiry: (1) The Evolution and Development of Democratic States, (2) Authoritarian States, and (3) Rights and Protests.

• While the course content is essentially the same for SL and HL students, the assessment requirements are different. HL students complete three externally assessed papers, while SL students complete two externally assessed papers. HL and SL students also complete an internally assessed formalized historical investigation.

• Students sit an IB examination in May.

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

• Students receive 5 credits for Social Studies 30-1.