3a/3b - Churchlands Senior High School

POLITICS AND LAW 3A/3BPREREQUISITESSatisfactory grades in Politics and Law 2A/2B or another Society and Environment subject.Consideration will be given to students who have achieved good grades in English or English Literature.RATIONALEPolitics and Law is a critical study of the processes of decision- making concerning society’s collectivefuture .The study of politics examines the structures and processes through which individuals andgroups with different interests, beliefs and goals, deliberate and negotiate in order to make choices,respond to changing circumstances and enact laws.The study of Politics and Law contributes to students’ intellectual, social and ethical development. Thecourse aims to support all students in developing a sense of identity, and a sense of political, legal,cultural and social awareness.The course also challenges students to critically examine the effectiveness of political and legalsystems using criteria such as openness, responsiveness and accountability of those systems .At thesame time, the skills and values developed in the Politics and Law course aim to allow students tobecome informed, active and effective participants in the political and legal decisions that affect theirlives and the future of their communities at the school, local, state, national and international levels.3A/3B UNIT OUTLINEUNIT 3AThe focus for this unit is political and legal power. Students critically examine how the roles of theexecutive, legislative and judicial arms of government maintain and develop the law.UNIT 3BThe focus for this unit is rights and governance. Students critically examine the ways political and legalsystems respond to contemporary civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights issues.Outcome 1: Political and legal systemsStudents understand and examine the principles of the executive, legislative and judicial power intheory and in practice in Australia, and at least one other political and legal system.Outcome 2: Political and legal issuesStudents understand and examine proposals to change the Australian Constitution using contemporaryissues related to political and legal power.Outcome 3: Political and legal researchStudents research and critically examine the operation and key features of political and legal systems.ASSESSMENTStudents will be assessed throughout the year on a range of activities which include:Explanations Tests, short and extended written responses 20-40% WeightingSource analysis Responses to resources provided 20-40% WeightingInvestigation Open-ended or directed research tasks 20-40% WeightingExams Combination of short answers, source analysis 20- 30% Weightingand essaysCAREER OPPORTUNITIESPolitics and law can be a valuable background to careers such as law, political advocacy, publicadministration, teaching, journalism, government.55