Focus on Friday - integrating wider reading into class

In a previous posting I have written about how important it is for students to develop habits that will pay long term dividends in terms of extending their knowledge and understanding of British politics. I have double periods scheduled with my Upper Sixths every Friday and they offer the ideal opportunity to include sessions similar to the ‘Media Monday’ ones I do with my Lower Sixth groups - ideally with a bit of YouTube thrown in

Undertaking wider reading as part of the American Politics element of the course is arguably even more important than for the AS. It has been said that Britain and America are two nations separated by a common language. In the same way American politics is not simply US politics with a few of the names changed. The political systems of the two countries could hardly be more different, and the more students can expose themselves to all things related to American politics the easier it is to deal with the steep learning curve.

In a US election year, there is no shortage of coverage of American politics in the UK press.

Unsurprisingly, most commentators have sought to focus on analysing the ‘Palin effect’. Opinion is clearly divided on whether John McCain’s choice of running mate was sensible.

Sarah Baxter suggests that she has given the GOP campaign a shot in the arm

One of my favourite commentators, Andrew Sullivan, worries what McCain’s choice says about what kind of presidency he would operate

Paul Harris argues that the Palin choice has dramatically reshaped the campaign, by moving it from one centred on the economy and Iraq to one where moral issues have re-emerged

If that doesn’t satisfy you, a steady diet of the US section of the Economist will give you enough sustenance to see you through the final year of your A level Politics studies. This week’s is particularly good.

See the YouTube posting above where three right wing commentators slam the Palin choice - although it seems that they are now in a minority in believing it was a poor one