Modern Studies

Staff

Ms C Nixon

Ms A Drew (DHT)
COURSE INFORMATION
 

Higher Modern Studies

Entry level: Grade 1 or 2 in a social subject.

The course looks at political and social issues in Scotland, Britain and the world.

Skills learned will include:

a) Analysing political data (eg on general elections)

b) Developing a balanced attitude to modern world problems (eg famine)

c) Constructing lines of argument in essays (through good grammar)

d) Evaluating for political bias (especially party statements)

e) Taking part in discussion/debate (using tolerant views).


Course Content

Unit 1: Political issues in the UK

a) Decision making in Central Government
b) The Electoral System, Voting and Political attitudes.

Unit 2: Social issues in the UK

Income and Wealth in the UK: This unit looks at employment/unemployment; lifestyle; social class, gender and ethnic minorities; Government Policy on Employment and Welfare.

The decision making exercise in Paper 2 is based on this topic.

Unit 3: International Issues

· Ethnic Minorities in the USA: Distribution of Ethnic groups; social and economic progress; Political progress. Response of government and pressure groups.
· The Politics of Food. A study of North East Africa; reasons for food shortages; Response to food shortage: Role of International agencies and relief work.

ASSESSMENT

Regular graded essays and politically topical exercises, with class questioning and discussion.

The Higher exam in May consists of 2 papers: Paper 1 has essays on all 4 themes listed above. Paper 2 is a decision-making exercise on health care which is split into evaluating and report-writing sections.



MODERN STUDIES INTERMEDIATE 2

Entry Level: Standard Grade 3 or 4 or an Intermediate level award in another social subject.

Aims

· To develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary political social and international issues.

· To develop skills of evaluating.

Course Units

Political issues in the UK

· Power and influence on Decision making.

a) Scottish dimension in Central Government, Scotland Office and Scottish Parliament.
b) Influence of the media, pressure groups. Case study of pressure group in action, local or environmental.

Social issues in the UK

· Equality in Society: Gender and Race

a) Stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination
b) Major legislation concerning gender and race
c) Gender and race at work
d) Gender and race in politics
e) Gender and race – health issues

· Crime and Law in Society

a) Types of crime, reasons for crime.
b) Law, legal minimum ages: buying and consumption of alcohol; Drugs Laws; Road Traffic Laws.
c) Police: Organisation; Different types of Policing.
d) The Scottish Court System.
e) Juvenile justice system, Children’s Hearings.

International Issues

· China

a) Profile of main regional and cultural features of China.
b) Lifestyles: housing, education, amenities. Change in countryside and in towns.
c) Human rights issues: Tibet government and global response.

Assessment

External assessment - exam 2 hours.