Modern Studies
Advanced Higher
Course Overview
The course is concerned with developing the pupil’s knowledge and understanding, evaluative and investigative skills. Pupils will develop an understanding of the importance of sound evidence gathered in a disciplined way. They will also critically assess a variety of political and social research methods and will carry out an independent research project to develop their investigative skills.
The overall theme of the course is ‘Law and Order and Research Methods’ and comprises two units, one of 80 hours and one of 40 hours as outlined below:
Unit 1: Social Issues: Law and Order and Research Methods
Context B: Understanding criminal behaviour
This includes; The nature and extent of criminal behaviour, evaluation of theories of criminal behaviour and the social and economic effects of criminal behaviour.
Context C: Responses by society to crime This includes; Theories and explanations of responses to crime, current responses to crime and evaluation of responses to crime.
Unit 2 – Researching Contemporary Issues
This unit will allow the pupil to carry out independent research leading to the production of a 5,000 word dissertation.
It will also include work around different research methods and how they can be applied.
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mrs J Irvine
Assessment Methods
External Exam: Question Paper - 90 marks
Project: Dissertation - 50 marks
Entry Requirements
Higher Modern Studies at Grade A or B.
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