Politics & Government

Overview
This course investigates UK government and politics in Year 12 and US government and Ideologies in Year 13. We use a variety of teaching methods; lectures, discussion, student presentations and role-play, video material, study packs. Students must be prepared to read widely around the subject and to undertake independent study utilising the press, journals, television and radio .

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Covers:
- the nature of participation in the political process and voting behaviour.
- the nature of representation and the role of elections.
- the role of political parties.
- the importance of pressure groups and pressure group behaviour.
Unit 2: Covers:
- the British Constitution and the Judiciary.
- Parliament and government relationships.
- the Prime Minister and Cabinet system, policy making and implementation.
- elected local and devolved government in the UK and the European Union .

A2 Level
Unit 3: Covers:
- the core beliefs and values associated with liberalism, socialism, conservatism and fascism and the impact of these ideas on contemporary politics.
Unit 4: Covers:
- the key political institutions of the US system - the President, Congress and the Supreme Court.
- the central role of the Constitution in the political process.

Assessment
No Coursework
Examination (100%)
Examining Board – AQA.

Special Entry Requirements
None.

Prohibited Options
None.

Career and Progression Opportunities
This subject is appropriate for those intending to study the Social Sciences post A Level at University. It is also a useful subject for Law. Our experience indicates that a variety of employers in both the private and public sectors value the qualification.

Coursework
There are no coursework requirements in AS and A2 Politics and Government.

Teaching Methods
The department utilises a variety of teaching methods to deliver the specifications. These include lectures, group work, presentations, simulation exercises and IT-based activities.
 
Course Activities
Students are given the opportunity to attend a variety of courses and conferences during their two years of Advanced Level study.

Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
Politics and Government combines well with other Social Science courses such as Psychology, Politics and Media Studies, as well as History and Economics.

Other Information
There may be an opportunity to take a trip to New York City in the USA as part of this course.

Find out more in our Politics Podcast

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.