AS/A Level Government and Politics
Awarding Body: AQA
AS and A Level Government & Politics
AS: 1 Year
A Level: 2 Years
Course Codes: GOVS*, GOV2*
Is this the right course for me?
This subject is offered as part of the Full-Time A Level Programme. Please refer to the Full-Time A Level Course information sheet for further details.
AS Government and Politics will give you a chance to acquire knowledge and understanding of the political dimension within your own and other societies including knowledge of patterns of authority and of the power displayed by various interest groups.
By taking this course you will be able to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes. You will also be able to understand how the rights and responsibilities of individuals within the UK and US representative systems affect decision-making and how governments try to encourage participation in the democratic process.
The course as a whole consists of four modules of which two are taken in the first year at AS level. These are:
- Unit 1 - People, Politics and Participation.
- Unit 2 - Governing Modern Britain.
"The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it." -- John Stuart Mill, On Liberty
"Don't vote, it only encourages them." - Old anarchist proverb
"When the president does it, that means it's not illegal" - Richard M. Nixon
What do I need to join the course?
Standard programme entry requirements, as per the Full-Time A Level Course Information Sheet.
What does the course involve?
In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop your competence in one or more of the Key Skills (Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology), drawing evidence from coursework, projects, presentations etc. Please refer to the 'A' level Programme information sheet for further details. Subject tutors will also brief you thoroughly on how the Key Skills fit into History at the start of the course in September.
What about further study after the AS?
The AS course itself is self-contained but leads on to a second year for the full A level qualification. Module results in the AS and A2 courses are combined to provide an A level after two years.
The A2 course also comprises two modules. The Politics of the USA and The Government of the USA. In the first of these modules we will look at political Parties, Ideologies, Elections and Pressure Groups found in the USA. In the second module we will look at the USA Constitution, the executive and legislative branches of US government and the role of Supreme Courts in America.
To progress to A2 you will need to have the standard entry requirements for AS level, plus AS Government and Politics at grade D. Students with AS Government and Politics at grade E will be considered on the basis of their capacity to make further progress as shown by attendance and work records and other evidence.
Relevant Texts:
US & Comparative Government & Politics, Bennett, Philip Allan,2005
AQA Government and Politics, Duncan Watts, Nelson Thornes, 2008 .
Journals, such as, Politics Review and Talking Politics.
Websites, for example, provided by Government, universities and newspapers.
How will I be assessed?
All modules in the AS course are assessed externally by examinations. Each of these account for 331/3% of the total marks awarded at AS level.
What can I do when I complete the course?
This course will provide you with the basic research and analytical skills required for a number of degree courses and will ease the transition to higher education. Also most employers value History A level as it shows a keen awareness of contemporary issues and that a prospective employee has an enquiring mind.
Will I have to pay any additional costs?
Only for any trips associated with the course, such as politics conferences/seminars or a visit to The House of Commons.
How do I apply?
Please refer to the Full-Time A Level Programme information sheet.
Should you require this Course Information Sheet in a different format, for example in a larger font or electronically, please contact the Information Team on (01473) 382211. They will be happy to help.
This Information Sheet is for promotional purposes only and is not intended to form part of the agreement between the College and students.
The information contained within this Information Sheet is correct at July 2009.