|
|
|
A-Level PoliticsTSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > A Levels > A-Level Subject Guides II > A-Level Politics
A-Level PoliticsBackground information about studying PoliticsPolitics affects everything we do in life and the Government and Politics course at A-Level takes a look at what the major functions of government and politics in Britain and beyond. The political aspect covers the major components of the democratic process; parties, pressure groups and elections. The Government aspect focusses specifically on how a country is run and the various bodies that work together to govern a country. This includes a lot of about the various arms of government; executive, legislature and judiciary, and also looks at the constitution. At A2 similar topics are studied but in the context of the USA. There are also opportunities to further explore the theory behind politics including ideologies within other A2 units. What can I expect when studying Politics?DifficultyWhilst there is a lot to learn on most politics courses, few people consider it a particulary difficult course when compared to some A levels. This said,there is some complex vocabulary and concepts to be learnt. There can, however, be a large volume of material to memorise for exams, so make sure you're prepared for that. WorkloadUsually quite a textbook and essay based subject politics seems to have an average workload. Required Individual StudyOutside teacher set work, there is unlikely to be much background reading. Teachers may however ask you to research topics. Particularly for UK Politics it can be really helpful to read at least a newspaper a week, or to read the news online. If you are doing US politics then Time magazine can be very helpful. You can get by without doing this but it helps your understanding. How is it assessed?ExamsUsually two exams a year. CourseworkOn most courses,none PracticalsNot in the normal sense of them. Field trips and excursionsMost schools will be offered the opportunity to go to AS and A2 Revision lectures held at universities across the country. It will normally be up to your school whether or not they attend. Where can I go with a Politics A-LevelIt is a good subject for both humanities and social science degrees. User OpinionsUsername: sunset-twilight What I like about studying this subject: You'll definitely get marks for your own opinion, though ofcourse you have to state different sides of the argument! What I dislike about studying this subject: Depending on what sort of person you are, it can be REALLY dull at times. But for most its simply an easy and achievable A.
Username: Amit92 Before I started this A-level in 2008. I had absolutely no clue about the basic political framework in the UK, let alone what an MP was, and did in Parliament. The first few weeks of the course were quite difficult, having to take in high volumes of information and knowledge. The subject is fun and enjoyable but certain areas can be boring. This subject really improves your essay-writing skills and English grammar. I have most definitely witnessed a huge improvement in my writing skills from the start of the course in 2008 to date (2010). If you want to learn about the Political framework of the UK and arising problems related to the issue. If you want to learn about Ideologies from Liberalism to Fascism and the Political framework of the USA from the day the British left. Then this is a perfect subject for you to choose! The most beautiful element of Politics A-level is how History is phased into the subject. You have the best of both subjects for the price of one. If you enjoy reading/watching the news, then this subject will grant you an guaranteed 'A'. If you want to study: Law, Economics, History, English Literature, English Language, Sociology, Philosophy, International Relations at University. Then choosing A-level Politics is a real asset. Username: Cast.Iron I have greatly enjoyed this A-Level, however I found the AS course to be infinitely more 'useful' than the A2. That said, not everybody does the same course. As has previously been mentioned, there is a large amount of information to revise for this subject. By large, I mean it is the largest out of all of my subjects and it is considered to be 'less academic'. This course, I think, involves more revision than History or English Literature, both of which I took at A2. That said, the subject itself and the exams are not too difficult providing that you know the information. I would advise this subject if, first of all, you have an interest in the UK political system and secondly, if you have the willpower to revise a lot of information. Forget what was said above about little work outside of the classroom, you need to be up to date with topical political issues. Furthermore, do not be perturbed from taking Politics on the grounds that it is not as academic as perhaps other subjects. It is by no means an 'inferior' subject and it will not prevent you from going to the top universities, including Oxbridge. PM me if you have any further questions. Also See |
|
||||||||||||||||
