AS Citizenship

AS Citizenship

What is Citizenship?
Citizenship combines elements of the law, politics and sociology courses and builds on your knowledge in these subjects to help you to understand the role of the citizen from a Social Science perspective. The AS course covers 2 units concerning Unit I Identity Rights and Responsibilities and Unit 2 Democracy, Active Citizenship and Participation.

The Unit 1 is concerned with the role of the citizen as an individual and as part of the community. It focuses on identity and how each citizen has rights which need to be given status through legislation and the need for these rights to be balanced by responsibilities to the community. This Unit will also look at perceptions of being -British†and study the multicultural nature of British Society. A key theme will be the question: -Are we all equal citizens?.

The syllabus will include case studies of legal cases and the Human Rights Act 1998 and knowledge of current affairs.

Unit 2 develops the role of the citizen in terms of Community Action and Active Citizenship. This will include studying the role of pressure groups, the media and recognising how the active citizen participates in a political community. It will include in depth studiesof several campaigns. This Unit will also look at how the individual citizen can work towards bringing about change.

Is Citizenship suitable for me?
Students have told us that this course has significantly helped in their other social science subjects by giving a different perspective and through linking the topic areas across the curriculum. It is about the world you live in so you need to be actively interested in your future through reading newspapers and watchingcurrent affairsprogrammes. It is an interesting subject whatever you decide to study in the future.

How will I learn?
You will be taught in a wide variety of ways Formal teaching through lectures will be complemented by individual and group research, discussions, visiting speakers and interactive exercises and case studies based on material that you will heave studied prior to each session.

How will I be assessed?

AS Unit 1 -Identity, Rights and Responsibilities

Written Paper, 1 hour 15 minutes

The question paper consists of two sections:

• Section A: Identity
• Section B: Rights and Responsibilities

Each section contains one compulsory source-based question followed by two mini-essay questions.

40% of the total AS marks.

AS Unit 2 -Democracy, Active Citizenship and Participation

Written Paper, 1 hour 30 minutes.

The question paper consists of two sections:

Section A: Making a Difference

This section contains one compulsory source-based question followed by two mini-essay questions.

Section B: Active Citizenship

Candidates must answer one structured question based on their active citizenship participation. As part of the assessment for this unit, candidates should bring their completed Active Citizenship Profile into the examination and use this information to analyse and evaluate their own evidence and reflection in response to the questions set.

60% of the total AS marks.

Progression
Citizenship will allow you to understand your role in society. It is highly valued by employers as it will help you to increase your awareness of society. In particular, Citizenship complements studies in Social Sciences and Humanities, such as Government & Politics, Sociology, History, Law, Religious Studies and Economics. It is particularly relevant for people-based careers such as Media, Personnel, The Civil Service and the Uniformed Services.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbook and stationery, computer discs or memory sticks and calculators (where appropriate). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential: £15 for textbook

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.