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S1/S2 Modern Studies

How often will I get Modern Studies?

2 periods per week

What is Modern Studies?

Modern Studies tries to explain some of the important things that are happening in the world to-day.

For example:

What is the EU? How does it affect us?
What are the causes of crime? How do the police try and stop it?
What rights do young people have?
Why do we have politicians? What do they do?
What is terrorism?
What would your life be like if you lived in China or America?

All pupils will study units of work connected to the following themes :

S1

Living in a Democracy
Law and Order
Europe

S2

Conflict & Terrorism
Prejudice and Discrimination
The Divided World

What will I get to do?

• Take part in discussions
• Carry out surveys and present your findings
• Watch videos and take notes
• Use role play
• Research using the internet
• Answer questions from books and information sheets.

Will I have tests?

Most of the units last about 8 weeks and usually have a test at the end, especially in second year.

Homework

All the units have 2 main pieces of homework although there may be additional tasks like researching information from time to time.

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Standard Grade Modern Studies

Standard Grade – Foundation, General and Credit

What does it involve?

Modern Studies encourages an awareness of political, social and economic issues.

Units studied include :

UK and Scottish Politics

Racism in America

International Conflict

European Issues eg. the single currency

What kind of things will I get to do?

As well as formal written work, Modern Studies requires pupils to actively research aspects of the topics using methods such as the internet, conducting surveys, interviewing people and visits to the local community and further afield. Class discussions are also encouraged.

How will I be assessed?

There is an exam at the end of the course, which tests your Knowledge and Understanding and Enquiry Skills. There are regular assessments throughout the course and an exam in S3.

Will I get homework?

Homework will be given on a regular basis – usually in the form of exam practice questions.

See Ms James in Rm56 for an information sheet

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Intermediate 1/2 Modern Studies

Entry Requirements

Standard Grade 5 or 6 for Intermediate 1 in a social subject
Standard Grade 3 or 4 for Intermediate 2 in a social subject

Course Content

The course is split up into three units with a choice of topics to study within each unit.

1. Political Issues in the UK

This unit looks at the different types of government that affect our life in Scotland and how the media and pressure groups can affect what they do!

2. Social Issues in the UK

This topic looks at differences between Gender and Race in different areas of life – in politics, at work and the Law

3. International Issues in the UK

This unit looks at different political, social and economic situations in different parts of the world. We will study China.

Teaching Methods

As well as written work, students will have an opportunity to develop skills such as drawing conclusions, detecting bias and using evidence to support a viewpoint. Students are encouraged to do their own research by using the Internet, conducting surveys and questionnaires and interviews eg visits to the local community and further afield will be considered.

Assessment

Students must pass internal assessments for each unit throughout the year. There will be a prelim and an external exam in June, which will determine the grade. Intermediate 2 students can be entered for Intermediate 1 if necessary.

Homework

Homework will be given throughout the year, usually in the form of practice questions.

See Ms James in Rm 56 for more information

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Higher Modern Studies

Entry Requirements

Standard Grade in a social subject at Grade 1 or 2
Intermediate 2 in a social subject
Higher English or prospects of

Course Content

1. Politics in a Democratic Society

This unit is split into two different study themes :

The Government of Scotland

Voting – who can vote, why we vote the way that we do and is the result fair?

2. Social Issues in a Democratic Society

This topic looks at Healthcare in the UK and its’ importance in society.

3. International Issues

This unit is again, split into two Study Themes :

The Politics of Food looks at the Developing World concentrating on African countries whilst Ethnic Minorities in the USA looks at the political, social and economic problems of ethnic minorities in the USA.

Teaching Methods

Discussion and pupil opinion of the issues covered are very much encouraged at Higher level in addition to class written work including essays and reports.

Assessment

• Pupils must pass Learning Outcomes 1 and 2 for each of the three units
• In addition, LO3 must be achieved by writing a report
• There is a Prelim in March
• The external exam is in June to determine your grade

Homework

Regular homework is given out in the form of essays. In addition, pupils are encouraged to keep an eye on current affairs by watching the news or reading newspapers.

See Ms James in Rm 56 for an information sheet and to ask any questions

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Advanced Higher Modern Studies

Entry Qualifications

A good pass at Higher Modern Studies
A passes in other relevant Highers in S5 (English essential)

What is Advanced Higher Modern Studies?

Aims

To develop the following skills:

• organising and analysing complex data
• adopting a structured approach to research of a contemporary nature
• constructing and sustaining lines of argument
• presenting conclusions in a clear way
• critical analysis of political and social science research
• participating in debate and discussion in order to develop attitudes of open-mindedness and tolerance

Modern Studies also makes a general contribution to personal and social development, including the concept of participation and representation.

As a vital preparation for university, especially those going on to the social sciences, Modern Studies puts emphasis on the skills of communicating, independent learning, creative thinking and critical appreciation of the media.

Assessment

To gain an award you must pass

• unit assessments
• external exam which includes questions on

  Content each worth 30 marks	60 marks
  Research methods each worth 15 marks	30 marks
  Dissertation: On subject of choice	45 marks
  TOTAL	135 MARKS

Subject Content - Law and Order

This topic looks at aspects of the Criminal justice system in the UK.

See Ms James for further information in Rm 56

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