Politics and Society
AIMS OF SUBJECT:
Politics and Society aims to develop the learner’s capacity to engage in reflective and active citizenship, informed by the insights and skills of social and political sciences.
The objectives of Leaving Certificate Politics and Society are to develop:
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an understanding of the social systems within which people act: locally, nationally and more widely an understanding of concepts which underpin contemporary systems of government and of the diverse models for making these concepts operational.
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an understanding of and a respect for human rights and responsibilities, for human dignity and for democratic modes of governance.
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an understanding of and a respect for sustainable development.
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a commitment to and a capacity for active participation in the learner’s social and political worlds a commitment to and a capacity for critical, discursive and independent thinking.
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a commitment to and a capacity for engagement in peaceful and democratic means of resolving conflicts.
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a sense of care for others and a respect for and a valuing of diversity in all areas of human life within the parameters of human rights principles.
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the capacity to analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative social and political research data, and to use such data carefully in forming opinions and coming to conclusions.
RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:
Politics and Society aims to develop the learner’s capacity to engage in reflective and active citizenship, informed by the insights and skills of social and political sciences. The changing local, national and global environment presents many challenges and opportunities for young people. It also requires of them a range of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes so that they can achieve their goals in this environment.
These include:
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Skills in critically assessing information and its sources and in gathering and processing information.
-
Intercultural skills to enable them to communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds in employment and in other settings.
-
An understanding of the processes of globalisation and individualisation and their opportunities and challenges.
-
The imagination to think creatively and to propose new and alternative futures.
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A willingness to play an active role in their society.
-
A disposition towards taking responsibility for the outcomes of their actions.
SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:
Politics and Society is organised in four strands, each structured around key concepts.
These are:
STRAND 1
Power and decision-making
STRAND 2
Active citizenship
STRAND 3
Human rights and responsibilities
STRAND 4
Globalisation and localisation
ASSESSMENT:
Assessment for certification in Politics and Society will be carried out through two assessment components: 1. Report on a citizenship project (20% of the total marks). 2. Written examination (80% of the total marks).
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:
Politics
Local Government
EU Institutions
Civil Service
Teaching
Journalism
AIMS OF SUBJECT:
Politics and Society aims to develop the learner’s capacity to engage in reflective and active citizenship, informed by the insights and skills of social and political sciences.
The objectives of Leaving Certificate Politics and Society are to develop:
- an understanding of the social systems within which people act: locally, nationally and more widely an understanding of concepts which underpin contemporary systems of government and of the diverse models for making these concepts operational.
- an understanding of and a respect for human rights and responsibilities, for human dignity and for democratic modes of governance.
- an understanding of and a respect for sustainable development.
- a commitment to and a capacity for active participation in the learner’s social and political worlds a commitment to and a capacity for critical, discursive and independent thinking.
- a commitment to and a capacity for engagement in peaceful and democratic means of resolving conflicts.
- a sense of care for others and a respect for and a valuing of diversity in all areas of human life within the parameters of human rights principles.
- the capacity to analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative social and political research data, and to use such data carefully in forming opinions and coming to conclusions.
RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:
Politics and Society aims to develop the learner’s capacity to engage in reflective and active citizenship, informed by the insights and skills of social and political sciences. The changing local, national and global environment presents many challenges and opportunities for young people. It also requires of them a range of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes so that they can achieve their goals in this environment.
These include:
- Skills in critically assessing information and its sources and in gathering and processing information.
- Intercultural skills to enable them to communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds in employment and in other settings.
- An understanding of the processes of globalisation and individualisation and their opportunities and challenges.
- The imagination to think creatively and to propose new and alternative futures.
- A willingness to play an active role in their society.
- A disposition towards taking responsibility for the outcomes of their actions.
SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:
Politics and Society is organised in four strands, each structured around key concepts.
These are:
STRAND 1
Power and decision-making
STRAND 2
Active citizenship
STRAND 3
Human rights and responsibilities
STRAND 4
Globalisation and localisation
ASSESSMENT:
Assessment for certification in Politics and Society will be carried out through two assessment components: 1. Report on a citizenship project (20% of the total marks). 2. Written examination (80% of the total marks).
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:
Politics
Local Government
EU Institutions
Civil Service
Teaching
Journalism