Government and Politics

Course summary

Politics and Government is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get behind the headlines. It is well respected by top universities and requires both historical depth and for students to study in real time and be up to the minute. Students learn how to analyse evidence and arguments, discuss and argue from an informed point of view and communicate effectively. Studying Politics allows you to hear a wide range of opinions in lively class debates and helps you to understand fundamental things about our society. It is particularly useful for those going on to study any of the humanities or social sciences, and the analytical and communication skills acquired are transferable to careers in journalism, publishing, law, the civil service, pressure groups, political consultancy, education or business. Previous students have gone on to write for the Economist, edit the Huffington Post, they are barristers, financial consultants in the City of London, advisors (for example, to John Prescott), one former student is a Member of the European Parliament, and others are research assistants to leading politicians and lobbyists. The British element of the course involves the study of electoral systems; voting behaviour; political parties; pressure groups; the British Constitution, judiciary and rights; parliament; the prime minister, cabinet and civil service; regional assemblies and the European Union. In Year 13 you will also study US Government and Politics. Topics include US electoral process; US political parties; US voting behaviour; US pressure groups; the US constitutional framework; the US legislature: the US executive; and the US Supreme Court. You will also study and be examined on Political Ideologies including conservatism, socialism, liberalism and feminism.