Chapter 1 - Welcome to CSPE

Question 1

How many key concepts are there? What are they?

Answer 1

There are seven key concepts central to the study of CSPE:

1) Rights and Responsibilities
2) Human Dignity
3) Stewardship
4) Democracy
5) Law
6) Development
7) Interdependence

Question 2

What are the four units of study in CSPE?

Answer 2

• The Individual
• The Community
• The State (Ireland)
• The Wider World

Question 3

How is CSPE assessed?

Answer 3

Assessment of CSPE is carried out in two ways:

1. (60%) Submission of either:
   a) Report on an Action Project (RAP)
   OR
   a) Course Work Assessment Book (CWAB)
2. (40%) A written terminal examination

Question 4

What is an Action Project?

Answer 4

An Action Project involves you, the student, taking action on an issue
your class feels strongly about. Your action project must link into one of
the seven key concepts central to CSPE.

Question 5

Give an example of some possible action projects.

Answer 5

• Guest Speakers
• Visits
• Fundraising
• Surveys
• Mock Elections
• Awareness Days
• Tree Planting
• Recycling Campaign
• Letter Writing
• Lobbying
• Celebrating designated Days

Question 6

How many Action Projects should a student complete over the Junior Certificate course?

Answer 6

Students should complete two action projects over their three years of study. These action projects should link into one or more of the seven course concepts.

Question 7

Name some important days in CSPE.

Answer 7

–Human Rights Day
–Europe Day
–World Peace Day
–World Food Day
–United Nations Day
–World Environment Day

Question 8

What is CSPE?

Answer 8

Civic, Social and Political Education

CSPE is a Junior Certificate course that prepares
young people for active citizenship.

Active citizenship involves:
•Being aware of your rights
•Acting responsibly
•Getting involved in issues that affect you
•Getting involved in your community
•Caring for others in your community
•The CSPE course is based on human rights and social responsibilities.