Step 6Introduction

Context

Step 2Choosing the

issue

Step 3Brainstorming

Making a mind map

Step 4What research

methods?

Step 5Drawing up

a plan orstructure

Step 7Introduction

Aims

Step 8Description &justification of

RMs The Dissertation

Planning Step 1 -The Study Theme

Step 1Choosing the Study Theme

Choosing a Study Theme

Study Theme 1:Comparative Politics

Study Theme 2:Law and Order

Study Theme 3:The European Union

Context A:Functions of Political Parties

The nature, role, organisation, ideologies and electoral success of the main political parties within the political systems.

Analyse the role of and the advantages/disadvantages of two-party and multi-party systems.

Understand the importance of sectional interests within the systems.

Study Theme 1: Comparative Politics

Context B:Functions of Elections

Understand how the electoral system functions and their advantages and disadvantages.

Explain how the electoral systems interact with political parties in forming governments.

Analyse the major influences on electoral behaviour – main theories and trends in recent elections.

Study Theme 1: Comparative Politics

Context C:Decision-making in Central Government

Understand the role of the main institutions within the structure of central government and the process of decision-making.

Analyse the main influence on decision-making in central government including links with pressure groups, the media and public opinion.

Examine key issues in decision-making and demands for change, such as the need for a written constitution, demands for change to political structures and the role of a Bill of Rights for the individual.

Study Theme 1: Comparative Politics

Study Theme 1: Comparative Politics

Context D:Central & Devolved State Government

Understand the structures of central and devolved/state governments in the UK and either the USA or Germany.

Analyse the main influences on policy-making and its implementation in devolved governments in the UK and state governments in either the USA or Germany.

Examine the differences in the relationships between the central and devolved governments in the UK and federal state governments in either the USA or Germany.

Context A:Theories of law and order

Understand the nature and role of laws and values underpinning laws.

Analyse the nature and limits of individual rights in the UK.

Explain the concept of responsibility and duty within the framework of law and order.

Study Theme 2: Law & Order

Context B:Crime and public disorder in the UK

Understand the causes of different types of crime.

Explain the relationship between crime rates and factors such as location, social class, poverty, unemployment.

Analyse the social and economic effects of crime on individuals and groups.

Study Theme 2: Law & Order

Study Theme 2: Law & Order

Context C: Responses to crime and public disorder in the UK

Understand the role of the police, specific approaches to policing and the justice system in dealing with crime.

Analyse the response of government to issues concerning law and order.

Examine the policies of the main political parties with regard to law and order.

Study Theme 2: Law & Order

Context D:The Legal System

Understand the main theories of deterrence, punishment and rehabilitation.

Analyse the effectiveness of the penal system and its different forms of treatment and punishment for young offenders, in the UK.

Examine the arguments for and against reform of the UK penal system,making comparisons with the system in at least one other country.

Study Theme 3: The European Union

Context A: The UK and European Decision-making process

Understand the policies of the major political parties in the UK towards the EU and the UK’s involvement in it.

Understand the attitudes of the governments of major EU members towards the UK and UK membership of the EU.

Analyse the causes and consequences of conflict between the UK and the EU.

Study Theme 3: The European Union

Context B: Representation in the European Parliament

Explain the processes involved in elections to the European Parliament in the UK and in other member states.

Understand the nature of political groupings within the functional structure and organisation of the European Parliament.

Analyse the role of the European Parliament in the wider EU decision-making process.

Study Theme 3: The European Union

Context C: Decision-making in the European Union

Understand the functions and relative powers of the Council of Ministers and the the Commission, and their relative importance with the European Parliament.

Analyse the importance of Inter-Governmental Conferences and Summit Meetings.

Examine the nature of the main groupings of states within the EU and the purpose of these groupings.

Study Theme 3: The European Union

Context D: The European Union and the Wider World

Understand the arguments for and against expansion of the EU.

Explain the relationship between the EU and other major economic blocs and the developing world.

Analyse the function and organisation of the Western European Union.