AS/A2 Politics

AS/A2 Politics
AS/A2

Politics is about power and conflict and concerns issues ranging from the provision of local sporting facilities to the decision to go to war. You will have the opportunity for lots of discussion drawing on your opinions, research and recent political events. You will visit key political institutions such as Parliament. You will be encouraged to see and hear prominent politicians at special conferences and listen to guest speakers, such as pressure group representatives, local MPs, and councillors.

AS Course Content
1: People and Politics

2: Governing the UK

In these, you will focus on the political system and key political concepts, studying the role of Prime Minister, the Houses of Parliament and the electoral process, and concepts such as power, democracy and freedom. It is very much about the present, so it is vital that you monitor the media to be aware of current events. For example, in our study of pressure groups, students usually examine an issue which concerns them such as abortion, GM crops, drugs legislation or global warming.

A2 Course Content
1: Introducing Political Ideologies

2: Other Ideological Traditions

You will examine the major political ideologies that the world has experienced. We explore the nature of humankind, for example: are we all capable of good and evil? Do we need laws to govern our behaviour? Are we all born equal? To answer these questions you will study the principal political ideologies. Socialism, conservatism, liberalism, multiculturalism, ecologism, feminism, anarchism and nationalism are all examined in depth and related to the British experience.

Is Politics for you?

You will enjoy and benefit from Politics if you:

l are interested in current affairs and the way our country is run;

l would like the opportunity to see the political system in action as well as studying underlying theories;

l are keen to debate the issues and question participants in the political system;

l want to become more effective at expressing arguments verbally and in writing.

Politics and your future

Politics can lead to a wide range of further studies and careers including business, law, journalism, economics, media and philosophy.

Assessment

Assessment is by examination.