The aim of Modern Studies is to develop knowledge and understanding of the modern world we live in and the issues that arise in it. The course is split into four main units of work:

• Democracy in the UK

You will build up your knowledge and understanding of the UK political system and how it works. You will study ways in which people can participate in politics, the House of Lords, the role of the Prime Minister and the influence pressure groups and the media have on decision making in the UK.

• Crime and the Law

You will study the types and causes of crime in Scotland. You will look at the role of the police in tackling crime. You will develop a detailed understanding of the justice system, including the courts and the prison system.

• International Issues - World Power

This unit will focus on a world power: the USA. You will study topics including the US political system and social inequalities in the USA.

Assignment: planning and undertaking a research topic of your choice.

You will receive regular feedback on your progress from homework tasks, end of unit assessments, timed questions and prelim exams.

Final exam: This will take place in the exam diet between April and June. There is one paper which is worth 80 marks. You have 2 hours 20 minutes to complete this.

Assignment: planning and undertaking a research topic of your choice.

You will complete an assignment, often based on fieldwork, which will be sent to the SQA to be marked and make up 20% of your final grade.

Unit assessments: Unit outcomes will be completed and assessed internally at appropriate times throughout the course. There is one resit allowed for each outcome.

Added value unit: planning and undertaking a research topic of your choice.

You will complete an added value unit internally marked by your teacher.

National 4 Modern Studies https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47443.html

National 5 Modern Studies https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47448.html