Higher
Course Overview
Modern Studies opens up the world of contemporary society for learners. You will learn about current political and social issues in Scotland and internationally. The course will also develop your skills in evaluation, analysis and debate and will encourage you to take an active and informed role in society. The course is made up of three units:
Social issues in the UK: crime and the law
Legal Rights: Does the Criminal Justice System ensure we get our legal rights?
Causes of Crime: Can someone be born a criminal, or are their upbringings and surroundings to blame?
Impact of Crime: How does crime affect our country, as well as the victim and the offender?
Responses to Crime in the UK: Are prisons and community-based punishments effectively tackling crime?
Democracy in Scotland and the UK
Scottish, UK and EU Parliaments: What are the consequences of Brexit? Should Scotland become independent?
Representative democracy: What is the role of MPs, the prime minister, the cabinet and the House of Lords?
Voting: How does social class, age, and the media influence how people vote and how does voting works?
Participation in Politics: What is the role of Pressure Groups in UK democracy
International Issues: The War in Ukraine
Causes of the conflict in Ukraine: What are the political, social and economic causes of the conflict?
Impact of the conflict: In what ways are individuals, families and communities impacted? How has the conflict impacted governments and the wider international community?
Responses to the conflict: How effective have individual countries and international organisations been in tackling the conflict?
Homework
Homework will be set on a weekly basis. This may be exam style questions to consolidate learning, or preparation for the Higher Assignment or end of topic assessments.
Assessment Approaches
Course assessment at Higher:
Course Assessment: Assignment – 30 marks (27%)
Question Paper 1: 52 marks (47%)
Question Paper 2: 28 marks (26%)
Higher A or B Pass
Advanced Higher Modern Studies
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