Higher Politics
Progression Pathways
The diagram below shows the progression pathways in this subject:
SCQF Level 6
Subject: HIGHER POLITICS
Aims of the Course
We are delighted to offer the Higher Politics course to senior Preston Lodge students for the first time this year. Although there are some similarities in the skills of the Higher Modern Studies and Higher History courses, Higher Politics provides students with the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of political structures at home and around the world. Its theoretical perspective enables learners to identify, explore and analyse political issues from the past and present in order to develop their own views and perspectives on political concepts and systems.
With an US Presidential election and a General Election in the UK on the horizon this is an ideal time to learn about the political systems and see them in action!
*Please note - Higher Modern Studies and Higher Politics are recognised as two entirely separate qualifications by colleges and universities.
Course Content
The course makes a distinctive contribution to the curriculum by offering three units of study:
Unit 1: Political Theory - in this unit we introduce students to Locke, Hobbes, Marx, Lukes, Weber, Plato, Schumpeter, Dahl, and Disraeli - to name a few! The students will learn about the theory connected to each one, how they relate to modern society, and make comparisons between them.
Unit 2: Political Systems - this section provides students with the opportunity to compare the detailed workings of the US political system with the UK. For example, who is the most powerful - the US President or the UK Prime Minister? How do the judicial systems compare when trying to protect the rights on individuals? And why is it so difficult to change guns laws in the USA?
Unit 3: Political Parties and Elections - in this section we study the dominant ideas of political parties, specifically The Conservative Party and the The Scottish National Party, as well as how they fight campaigns and win elections. This section also includes gaining an understanding of the impact of grassroot, media, and new technology campaigns to target voters. This is linked to the rational choice, party identification, and sociological voting behaviour models.
Course assessment
In addition to the final exam which is worth 80 marks, learners are required to complete an independent piece of research which is worth 30 marks of the overall grade.
