Modern Studies

Humanities Department

The purpose of Modern Studies is to develop the learner’s knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. In these contexts, learners will develop an awareness of the social and political issues they will meet in their lives. This purpose will be achieved through successful study of the three Units of the Course.

Modern Studies makes a distinctive contribution to the curriculum by drawing on the social sciences of politics, sociology and economics and where appropriate, associated ideas drawn from other social subjects.

The Modern Studies course develops an understanding of the political and social processes which operate in the contemporary world. Skills which are developed include:

Participation in discussion and debate
Evaluating evidence and presenting conclusions
Decision Making/Report writing

At Lanark Grammar, we teach Modern Studies at National 3, 4, 5 and Higher.

Assessment

National 3

The National 3 Modern Studies course is internally assessed. A pass in each of the Units is required. Results are on a Pass/Fail basis.

National 4

The National 4 Modern Studies course is internally assessed. A pass in each of the Units is required plus a pass for the Value Added unit - a piece of research planned and carried out by pupils. Results are on a Pass/Fail basis.

Added Value unit

The assignment will allow learners to apply a range of skills as they research a contemporary issue of their choice, but most probably based on an area of the studies already met in Modern Studies.

National 5

At National 5 level pupils are assessed by an externally assessed exam paper. There is also an Assignment which is completed on a topic of the pupil's choice and written up in 1 hour of class time. Results are graded A-D. Both of these components are marked externally.

Higher

The course assessment in the Higher course is made up of 2 components:

External Exam

Paper 1: In this paper pupils will answer 3 questions from a selection of alternative. They will complete two 20-mark essays and one 12-mark essay - one from each of the three areas of the course. This paper is worth 52 marks, lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is externally marked.

Paper 2: This papers assesses the three skills in the course - identifying objectivity, reaching conclusions and deciding on the validity of specific sources of information. There are a total of 28 marks on offer and this paper lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. It is also externally marked.

Assignment: Students choose a topic and prepare a report as if they were an advisor to the government. Their assignment must advise which option the government should opt for with reasons justifying their choice.

Ideal Candidate

We have suitable courses for all levels. Pupils should have an interest in the Modern World and how it works. We look at how decisions are made and how we can influence them. There is also a sociological aspect when we examine issues within the topic of Crime and the Law.

What you will learn

National 3-5 Modern Studies

Democracy in Scotland.

Pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of the Scottish political system including the Scottish Parliament, how MSPs work for us and what pressure groups do to try to achieve their aims.

Social Issues in the United Kingdom - Crime and the Law

In the crime and the law context, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the causes of crime, the impact of crime on individuals and society and the role of individuals, the police, the legal system and the how we try to tackle crime.

International Issues

The study of a significant world power will focus on contemporary socio-economic issues and a study of its political system. We look at the USA - how it's political systems works, its influence globally and how disadvantaged groups experience the American Dream.

Higher Modern Studies

The Higher course is divided into three mandatory units dealing with political, social and international issues. Each Unit consists of various study themes and students will be instructed as to which themes they will follow.

Unit 1: Political Issues in the United Kingdom

Democracy in Scotland and the UK: