Higher Modern Studies
DURATION
1 year /240 Hours
COURSEWORK
Assignment 30% of award
EXAM
Question Papers 70% of award
COST
no cost
What will you learn?
To develop knowledge and understanding of political, social and international issues and to promote the development of the critical skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluating and decision making.
Unit Details:
1. Democracy in the United Kingdom
The role of representatives
The functions of the Houses of Parliament
Voting behaviour
Voting systems
2. Social Issues - Social Inequalities in the United Kingdom.
The nature of social inequalities
Impact of inequalities on different social groups
Measures taken to tackle inequalities
Collectivist versus individualist theories
3. International Issues - Politics of Development
Background to issues in sub–Saharan Africa
Political, Social and economic causes of underdevelopment in Africa
Consequences on individuals and countries
Attempts made by international organisations to resolve underdevelopment
Why do this course?
The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom (UK) and international contexts. Candidates develop the skills to interpret and participate in the social and political processes they encounter in their lives.
What will you experience?
A wide range of teaching strategies are used with classes, such as thinking skills, direct teaching, paired and/or group work. Work in class is supported through the use of work guides, text books, study notes, ICT and other digital media. Pupils are expected to take on responsibility for their learning.
A group or student-centred approach will be used but students will also work independently on self-supported tasks.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
Assessment
Question Paper 1
Section 1 Democracy – 20 marks
Section 2 Social Issues – 20 marks
Section 3 International Issues - 12 marks
Question Paper 2 - Source Based Questions – 28 marks
Assignment: Applying research and decision making skills to produce a report on a relevant modern studies issue. 30 marks.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry is at the discretion of the Principal Teacher Faculty, Humanities. However, as a guide:
A pass a the previous NQ level. i.e. for Higher, a pass at National 5.
Homework
Homework will be set by the class teacher on a regular basis, this will be available on TEAMs.
Progression and Employment
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
Progression
Advanced Higher Modern Studies
Employment
Modern Studies can provide the basis for a university degree in Politics/International Relations and a Modern Studies related career such as Teaching.
However more often the study of Modern Studies develops vocationally valuable skills which can help keep career opportunities open.
Students of Modern Studies can be found working in a wide range of careers such as:
Law
Journalism
The police service
Communication and the media
Learner Experiences
I enjoy doing timed questions as it allows me to improve my timing for other subjects as well. It also helps you with other exam skills.
I enjoy modern studies because you get to learn about law, police and politics and it helps you understand more about what is going on in the world.