Global Politics

DP global politics is a course for students who want to understand more about how the world they live in works and what makes it change or prevents it from changing. The course draws on a variety of disciplinary traditions in the study of politics and international relations, and more broadly in the social sciences and humanities. Students build their knowledge and understanding of the local, national, international, and global dimensions of political activity and processes by critically engaging with contemporary political issues and challenges. The course integrates concepts, content, and contexts through inquiry. Concepts such as power, sovereignty, legitimacy, and interdependence are explored and examined critically throughout the course. Content informs inquiries through a variety of global politics topics, encompassing political systems and actors, power interactions, frameworks, treaties and conventions, terminology, and analysis models. Contexts diversify, shape, and channel inquiries through contemporary real-world examples and cases. The flexible syllabus allows educators to build the course around their students' contexts and interests, as well as contemporary events and developments in global politics. Thinking, analysis, and research skills are fostered through guided and independent inquiries into political issues and challenges, with a special focus on identifying and engaging with diverse perspectives.