This first section of the Higher Politics course will explore the political concepts of power, authority and legitimacy. It will also explore the view of relevant political theorists, notably the work of Steven Lukes and Max Weber, and analyse the relevance of these concepts today.

You will then move on to study the nature of democracy and the arguments for and against direct and representative democracy, including the works of relevant theorists.

Finally, you will study the key ideas of two political ideologies (Conservatism & Socialism) including the works of relevant theorists, and draw balanced conclusions about these ideologies.

You will explore relevant case studies from either local, national or international contexts, as well as different historical contexts.

The Teaching and Learning Plan is attached to this post so that you can see the scheme of work that should be completed to progress through this unit successfully.