Courses

Politics and Law

Year 11 and 12 ATAR Pathway|Humanities and Social Sciences

Politics and Law

Matt Hildebrandt
Curriculum Leader – Humanities and Social Sciences

Politics and Law

Tilly Spadaccini

Politics and Law is a critical study of the processes of decision-making concerning society’s collective future. The study of politics enables students to better understand their community and country. Students examine the structures and processes through which governments respond to individuals and groups with different interests and beliefs. The study of politics examines the systems governing our community, in response to the need for regularity, consistency and justice, based upon collective human experience.

Courses

Year 11 ATAR Course

Unit 1 - Political and Legal Systems

Students will critically examine the principles, structures and processes of the Australian political and legal system and other relevant systems. They will also develop their understanding of the principles of democracy and rule of law while investigating the mechanism, relationship and dynamics that exist between the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government. Study of this unit will involve consideration of at least one contemporary issue involving the legislative and judicial processes.

Unit 2 - Representation and Justice

Students will critically examine and assess political and legal systems in relation to representative democracy and justice. This will enhance student understanding of elections, the process of standing for office and the ways in which we can participate. Consideration is also given to the legal processes in Western Australia.

Assessments

  • Students will be assessed in terms of the four Politics and Law outcomes. The types of assessment will include:

     

  • Investigation – Research Inquiry
  • Explanation – Tests, essays etc.
  • Source Analysis – Analysis of Media Reports, Political Commentary, Political Cartoons, etc.
  • Examination

Year 12 ATAR Course

Unit 3 - Political and Legal Power

Students will examine how the roles of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government maintain and develop the law. They will also consider the influence of individuals, pressure groups, political parties, public opinion, the media and internal and external factors on law making.

Unit 4 - Rights and Governance

Students will examine the ways political and legal systems respond to contemporary civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights issues. They will also examine the ways countries can uphold or undermine democratic principles by examining their political and legal structures, means of exercising power, judicial independence, representation, the extent of popular participation, natural justice and the rule of law.

Assessments

  • Students will be assessed in terms of the four Politics and Law outcomes. The types of assessment will include:

     

  • Investigation – Research Inquiry
  • Explanation – Tests, essays etc.
  • Source Analysis – Analysis of Media Reports, Political Commentary, Political Cartoons, etc.
  • Examination