2025 Y6 GP Power (Part 1) Notes

2025 Y6 GP: Power (Part 1) Why consider Power, What is Power, Origins/Sources of power, Who wields Power (Stakeholders), Manifestations/Examples of Power Essential Questions (EQs) in the Theme of Power Essential questions are open-ended, thought-provoking questions that help to foster deeper questioning about a subject/theme. These questions often prompt you to think deeper about the central tensions in the subject/theme, as well as investigate the relationships between concepts , and analysis of changes , if any, across time and societies . In answering these questions, we deepen our understanding of the concept(s) involved, which would enable us to see and appreciate the connections across topics – e.g. How are the central ideas/tensions in the theme of Power observed across different topics such as International Relations, Politics and Governance, the Media, Science and Technology, Religion etc.? Think about the following EQs as you delve into Part 1 of the lecture series on Power. Jot down your ideas, connections with case studies/examples of power at work, and questions about the theme as you learn. Organisation of Notes – Part 1’s Lecture on Power will explore the following EQs: 1. Why study the theme of power? 2. Definition: What is power? 3. Origins/Sources of power: Where does power come from? Who/what accords/bestows power? 4. Stakeholders : Who has power? In what aspects? 5. Manifestations/Examples of Power : How is power seen/used around us? What are the different ways in which power plays out in individuals’ lives, in society and in the world around us? 1. Why study the theme of Power? A) “GP is Life” → Ubiquity of Power in our lives: ● ‘I need a power nap now!’ - Power is a need intrinsic to humans ● ‘The Power of Love’ (song title, theme in books) - Power can exert its influence through emotions that motivate actions → for good or bad, depending on the extremity of the emotion and purpose ● ‘By the power invested in me’ (solemnising marriage) - Power can be enshrined in our enactment of rituals and ceremonies ● ‘The power of attorney’ - Power can be summoned through legal rights and processes ● ‘The powers that be’ - Power is felt by the individual as an invisible hand that governs all aspects of our lives , and can inspire fear / conformity . ● ‘Hard power ’ - A concept: What does this mean? ● ‘Soft power ’ - A concept: What does this mean? ● ‘ Power struggle’ - Conflicts often arise