Studying Politics within the IB

IB GROUP 3 WORLD POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (STANDARD LEVEL)

Course description

Contemporary issues such as globalisation, climate change, the rise of international terrorism and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have made the study world politics increasingly relevant. This Standard Level School Based Syllabus (SBS) aims to familiarise students with the organisation, behaviour, and decision-making processes of governments, international organisations and other bodies at international, national and sub-national level.

The syllabus content is divided into five sections:

Section I - The Underlying Principles of Modern World Order and Power

Section II - World and Regional Integration and Governance

Section III - Human Rights and International Law

Section IV - Conflict, Peace and Reconstruction

Section V - Selected Contemporary Geopolitical Issues

Assessment

Paper 1 (1½ hours):

·         Based on Sections I and II of the Syllabus

·         Essay-based

·         40% of the total marks

Paper 2 (1½ hours):

·         Based on Sections III and IV of the Syllabus

·         Source-based structured questions

·         40% of the total marks

Coursework Portfolio:

·         Based on Section V of the Syllabus

·         25% of the total marks

Requirements

World Politics and International Relations is a subject that should appeal to pupils who take an active interest in current affairs. A good standard of written English is essential to success in both the examination and the coursework elements of the assessment. Some of the skills that you will need when studying the subject are similar to those you may have developed when studying History or other Humanities subjects earlier in your school career (e.g. essay writing, data response). World Politics and International Relations combines well with subjects such as English, History, Economics and Modern Languages. Those opting to pursue Higher Level courses in a number of non-humanities subjects might consider taking this course as a complimentary subject. Pupils taking up the Subject in the Lower Sixth will normally be expected to have achieved an A grade in GCSE English and at least one other Humanities subject (e.g. History, Geography, or Religious Studies).

Potential careers

IB World Politics and International Relations is an academic, essay-based subject. The study of Politics in general is well regarded by universities and employers and many pupils pursue the subject through to degree level. Others move from studying Politics to reading Law at university. Politics is often studied alongside Modern Languages by those intending to read European Studies or International Relations at university. It can also provide a route into PPE and related courses.