Fast Track A Level Politics

Fast Track A Level Politics (2017) Course Content

Fast Track A Level Politics (2017) Unit 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas (Liberalism; Conservatism; Socialism) (9PLO/01)

In this unit you will examine and critically evaluate British Democracy, including:

• Democracy and participation.
• Political Parties.
• The British electoral systems and alternatives.
• Voting behaviour, including the influence of the media.
• The three core political ideology of Liberalism: Conservatism and Socialism.

Fast Track A Level Politics (2017) Unit 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas (Nationalism) (9PLO/02)

In this unit you will understand and critically evaluate the workings of the British Constitution. In addition, with the growing popularity of Populist and Nationalist political ideology, you will explore the different ideas behind Nationalism. Your studies will include:

• The separation of powers – Monarchy, Parliament, Government and the Judiciary.
• Devolution, how it operates and how it has impacted on the United Kingdom.
• The European Union´s impact on British sovereignty and governance with some debate of the potential effect of Brexit.
• The different forms of Nationalism, from simple patriotism to the more sinister extreme beliefs.

Fast Track A Level Politics (2017) Unit 3: Comparative Politics (9PLO/03a)

In this unit you will examine and assess the workings of the Government and Politics of the United States of America and make evaluative comparisons with the United Kingdom. The unit includes:

• The US Constitution and Federalism.
• US Congress and Senate.
• The US Presidency.
• US Supreme Court and its role in protecting civil rights.
• US Democracy and participation.

Assessment Objectives

AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues.

AO2 – Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences.

AO3 – Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions.

Paper 1 UK Politics: 2 hours

Section A: Political Participation requires candidates to choose two questions from a choice of 4. Each answer being worth 30 marks.

Section B: Core Political Ideas requires candidates to answer one question from a choice of two. The answer is worth 24 marks.

Paper 2 UK Government: 2 hours

Section A: UK Government requires candidates to choose two questions from a choice of 4. Each answer being worth 30 marks.

Section B: Non- Core Political Ideas requires candidates to answer one question from a choice of two. The answer is worth 24 marks.

Paper 3 Comparative Politics: 2 hours

There will be:

One compulsory question on comparative theories, worth 12 marks.

Plus

One short answer question from a choice of two, worth 12 marks.

Plus

Two 30-mark questions from a choice of three.

Assessment and Tutor Support

The course is assessed via written exams at the end of the two year course of study. However, assignments are included within each unit to assess your progress and provide feedback. These are sent to your tutor and you will receive feedback and guidance on your work. You will have access to online tutor support for the full duration of your course.

Qualification

The title of this qualification as will appear on certificates is the Edexcel A Level Politics (9PLO)

All the exams must be taken and passed to achieve the full A-Level qualification The AS-level title as will appear on certificates is the Edexcel AS Politics (Specification number: 9PLO)

The AQA AS and A-Level are linear courses, which means that you will sit your exams at the end of your AS course (for AS students) or at the end of the full A-Level course (For full A-Level students)