Each Threshold Learning Outcome (TLO) below has been divided into a number of subtopics. Those subtopics are expanded by looking at 3 specific questions:

1. What do first year politics students need to know and do in order to set them on their way to meet the TLOs in their third year?
2. What are the barriers to student learning?
3. What teaching strategies can we use to help students overcome these barriers?

The Good Practice Guide: First Year Politics has an overview of this website and specific strategies for teaching Politics in first year. Download it here.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of politics and governance.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate.
3. Apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and political behaviour.
4. Critically evaluate different interpretations of political phenomena.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the different research methods used to investigate political phenomena.
6. Demonstrate the capacity to use the different research methods used to investigate political phenomena.
7. Demonstrate the capacity to develop evidence-based argument and evaluation.
8. Gather, organise and use evidence from a variety of secondary and primary sources.
9. Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems.
10. Communicate effectively in oral and written work.
11. Recognise the importance of ethical standards of conduct in the research and analysis of politics.