Hagley Community College

12 Philosophy and Politics (12PHI)

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Nadene Brouwer, Ivan Andrews.

Recommended Prior Learning

Open Entry
This is a literacy rich subject

12 Philosophy and Politics

This is a course in political and ethical philosophy, built around Social Studies achievement standards. Come and join for wide ranging discussions, a space aiming to foster curiosity, and an approach to philosophy that it very grounded in the real world.

Course Components

Explore ethical decision-making
Gain an understanding of some key ideologies, and ideas about what the world should look like
Develop the ability to connect abstract ideas with their real world consequences.
Apply skills of philosophical inquiry
Organise ideas into reasoned arguments

Course Overview

Term 1
A.S. 91280 v2 Social Studies 2.2 - Conduct a reflective social inquiry 5 credits.

This will be on a topic in Political Philosophy, exploring ideological perspectives on freedom, justice, and power.

Past topics have Included:
2019 Police withdrawal from Auckland Pride, exploring Liberalism and Marxism.
2006 Waihopai Spy base raid, exploring perspectives on our moral responsibility to follow laws.

Term 2
A.S. 91282 v2 Social Studies 2.4 - Describe personal involvement in a social action related to rights and responsibilities, 5 credits.

Different students will wish to plan different Social Actions, and there is some room to work on this in groups. Students will have support in class to plan and undertake a social action that interests them, and is of a manageable scale and level of ambition. Writing a letter to a local council or organisation is a good lower commitment option for this project. Higher commitment possibilities are endless.

Students who wish to attempt the exam at the end of the year must attend the practice exam.

Term 3
A.S. 91283 v2 Social Studies 2.5 - Describe a social action that enables communities and/or nations to meet responsibilities and exercise rights, 4 credits.

In this unit on ideology and ethics we will explore perspectives on recent political movement. The specific context will be decided in consultation with the class.

Term 4
Optional Exam in November, 4 credits
A.S. 91281 v2 Social Studies 2.3 - Describe how cultural conflict(s) can be addressed.

This is a resource-based exam for which substantial preparation is required.

Learning Areas:

Social Science

Assessment Information

Possible Credits
External - 4 credits (optional)
Internal - 14 credits