Politics is a fascinating subject to study; Cicero called it
"History on the wing". It is a fast moving subject and always
changing. Who would have imagined that we would have coalition
government in the UK or that a Scottish Nationalist administration
in Edinburgh would be looking to seek a referendum on independence
for Scotland? Politics helps you understand how the world is
shaped.
The Department offers the AQA 'A' Level course in
Government and Politics. The course involves studying four modules;
the two 'AS' modules focus on British politics whilst the two 'A2'
modules cover American politics. There is no coursework and the
four examinations are spread throughout the two years of study.
Lessons are lively with lots of opportunity to participate in
debate. Topics covered at 'AS' include participation and voting
behaviour; electoral systems and pressure groups and protest
movements. We also study the British Constitution and judiciary,
the core executive and Parliament. At 'A2' we examine the role of
political parties, elections and voting, the US Constitution,
Congress, the presidency and the Supreme Court.
In recent years we have had Department visits to
London to tour Parliament and to Edinburgh to see the Scottish
Parliament. Politics students have also participated alongside
History students in the USA trip to New York and Washington
D.C.