Purpose and Aims of the Course
The purpose of Modern Studies is to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. This purpose will be achieved through successful study of the Course Units which focus on the democratic political system in Scotland and the UK, social issues in the UK and The USA.
Through the Modern Studies Course, learners will undertake a coherent study of contemporary society with concepts and themes being revisited and built upon across Units. It will develop the skills to help learners interpret and participate in the social and political processes they will encounter now and in the future.
Modern Studies makes a distinctive contribution to the curriculum by drawing on the social sciences of politics, sociology and economics and where appropriate, of associated ideas drawn from other social subjects. It thereby adopts a multi-disciplinary approach.
You will learn to access and use information from different kinds of sources, think critically about evidence and be able to draw conclusions. You will be given the opportunity to justify your arguments in discussion and debate. By looking at current issues, we hope you will develop the ability to communicate your own stances on them, identify bias and come to logical, supported conclusions.
We will be delivering the course through a huge variety of written and visual materials. As well as teacher-led discussions, we aim to work collaboratively be it doing research, note taking, presentations or debates.
Is modern studies for me?
You will enjoy this subject if:
- you are interested in politics and government
- you enjoy looking critically at what people say and write
- you want to expend your knowledge of different political systems
- you are interested in people and the differences in people’s political ideals
‘Pupil quote will go here’
Pupil name and class here
Developing and applying factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding and giving detailed explanations and analysis of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations which make up political life in Scotland and the UK; social issues in Scotland and the UK; and The USA.
Each unit will be assessed internally under supervision. The course will be assessed externally by an examination consisting of six knowledge questions and three source questions. There is also an assignment chosen from one of the three units, which is allocated one hour for writing up.
Developing and applying factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding and giving detailed explanations and analysis of the main democratic processes, institutions and organisations which make up political life in Scotland and the UK; social issues in Scotland and the UK; and The USA.
N5
As short answers, source handling and knowledge of current issues is a vital part of the lessons, regular homework to develop these skills is an integral part of the course. Students must submit knowledge questions and completed source questions regularly and wide reading is essential.
Higher
As essay writing, source handling and knowledge of current issues is a vital part of the lessons, regular homework to develop these skills is an integral part of the course. Students must submit essays and completed source questions regularly and extensive reading is essential.
- develop and apply factual and theoretical knowledge and understanding
- develop ability to detect and explain the degree of objectivity in texts
- develop your decision making
- develop your ability to draw conclusions
Influential Social Scientists
Nicola Sturgeon is First Minister of Scotland. Ms Sturgeon has led the SNP for five years. She is a qualified lawyer and is MSP for the Glasgow South constituency.
Dr John Curtice is a Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University. he is a very familiar face on television around election time as he is an authoritative voice on elections, polls and what they mean for the outcome of elections.
Carol Monaghan is the MP for Glasgow North constituency and so is the MP for Jordanhill. Carol Monaghan was a Physics teacher before becoming an MP.
