National 4/5 and HIGHER COURSE OUTLINE

In Higher Modern Studies and National 5 level we will study the following:

Section A: Political Issues in the United Kingdom

Democracy in Scotland and the UK

Deadline date! Unit assessment- to be completed by the end of March 2017

The United Kingdom constitutional arrangement including the role of the Scottish Parliament

and other devolved bodies and the impact of UK membership of the European Union

The study of representative democracy in Scotland and/or the United Kingdom

The impact of voting systems and the range of factors which affect voting behaviour on

Scotland and/or the United Kingdom.

The ways in which citizens are informed about, participate in, and influence the political

process in Scotland and/or the United Kingdom

The Scottish independence referendum causes and consequences

The European Union causes and consequences

Section B: Social Issues in the United Kingdom

Social Inequality in the UK

Deadline date! Unit assessment- to be completed by the end of October 2016 (all completed)

Evidence of social inequality in the United Kingdom

Theories and causes of crime

The impact of crime on specific groups in society

Attempts to tackle inequalities and evaluation of their effectiveness- government polices

The role of the Police in Scotland and the UK

Traditional prisons vs non-custodial sentences in reducing reoffending rates

The courts in Scotland and the UK

Section C: International Issues

A major world power: The United States of America:

Deadline date! Unit assessment- to be completed by the end of December 2016

Recent socio-economic issues in the USA

The role of the USA in international relations- economically, socially, culturally and military

operations

Structure of the USA government, including the constitution and divisions of power

The electoral college system

Pressure on the USA government- Interest/ pressure groups in the USA

Difference between federal/ state laws

Assignment at National 5 Modern Studies

Quick facts!

Is out of 20 marks: 14 are for skills and 6 is for KU

The breakdown of marks is as follows:

It’s 25% of a student’s final grade

Aims and Hypothesis – 0 marks (but still needed!)

Research Methods – 10 marks

Research findings- 6 marks

Conclusion – 4 marks

Students are permitted to have no more than 2 single sides of A4 SOURCES

Sources can be:

notes from a documentary

notes from a textbook

an interview with someone, or a survey

newspaper articles

Assignment at Higher for Modern Studies

Quick facts!

Is 33% (one third) of student’s final grade. The final marks are broken down below:

A. Showing knowledge and understanding of chosen issue and awareness of alternative views

– up to 10 marks

B. Analysing and synthesising information from various sources including use of research

evidence – up to 10 marks

C. Evaluating the usefulness and reliability of sources of information – up to 2 marks

D. Communicating evidence in a report format – up to 4 marks

E. Reaching a decision, supported by evidence – up to 4 marks

Students are permitted to have no more than 2 single sides of A4 SOURCES

notes from a documentary

notes from a textbook or newspaper

an interview with someone, or a survey …

newspaper articles

Sources in Higher Modern Studies Assignment:

Textbooks

Academic journals (Google Scholar) Newspapers

Survey Monkey / paper survey

BBC/ News documentary (Panorama)

Interview with a Specialists (Community Police Officer)

Useful websites:

BBC Bitesize Higher and N4/5 :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zxsnb9q

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/ztsvr82

SQA Higher and National 4/5 : https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47924.html