Politics

Politics

GCE Advanced Level AS/A2

Course Content
The Politics AS course lasts one year and two modules will be studied. Both will be assessed by examination.

AS Modules consider UK government and Politics.

Unit 1 will deal with Political parties, pressure groups, electoral systems (including UK parliamentary elections), voting behaviour, and ideology.

Unit 2 deals with the executive (PM and Cabinet), the legislative (Parlaiment), the role of the judiciary and the protection of civil rights and liberties, the constitution, the EU, local government and devolution.

The A2 course also lasts one year and builds on the units studied at AS Level. Two further modules are studied and both are examined.

Unit 3 US elections, voting behaviour, political parties and pressure groups.

Unit 4 A study of the US Constitution, federalism, the Presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court.

How it is Taught
Politics is assessed by examination only and is taught in a variety of ways, these include

• Class discussion of topical issues.
• Debates and individual presentations.
• Visits and guest speakers (e.g. local MP, member of House of Lords, local councillors).
• Use of videos and BBC Parliament.
• Internet sources and ICT.
• Use of journals such as the Politics Review.
• Reading and research using the College and Departmental libraries.
• Essay writing, note making and interpreting data.

Examination Details

AS Modules :% of AS Level

Unit 1 : 50%

Unit 2 : 50%

A2 Modules :% of A2 Level

Unit 3 : 50%

Unit 4 : 50%

Useful/Common Subject Combinations
Many of the skills that the Politics course develops are similar to other humanities subjects, and include the ability to evaluate and assess evidence, defend a point of view articulately and persuasively, criticise a rival point of view sensitively and with confidence, and present ideas fluently in both written and verbal ways. Politics underpins all aspects of human endeavour and as such is a valuable subject in its own right. It combines particularly well with History, Law, Economics, Sociology, Languages, Geography, Psychology, Philosophy and Business Studies.

Careers and HE Information
Some students go on to study Politics at university; at degree level there has been a significant growth in the number of students studying Political Science over the last decade. However, for many students the study of Politics to AS/A2 level has given them the necessary understanding of political processes to be of value in their chosen career. Careers for which Politics is directly relevant include journalism, local government, civil service, law, political research, teaching, accountancy, and management.

Other Relevant Information
Students thinking of studying Politics should

• Enjoy debating controversial issues.
• Have an interest in current affairs.
• Want to know the strengths and weaknesses of our current political systems.
• Wish to understand the background to events, conflicts and issues in the modern world.
• Be tolerant of the views of others but confident to present rival viewpoints persuasively.
• Not take what they read in newspapers or see on TV for granted.
• Retain a healthy questioning scepticism.
• Be prepared to become passionate about some political issues.