Content
Higher Modern Studies is made up of 3 units:
Unit 1 – Democracy in the United Kingdom: A study of the political system of the UK, considering debates surrounding Scottish Independence and EU membership. In addition, examining elections and voting behaviour, government-decision making and how the government is influenced.
Unit 2 – Social Inequality in the United Kingdom: Examining why wealth and health inequality exists and how the government has responded. A consideration of whether it is the government’s responsibility to tackle social inequality.
Unit 3 - USA World Power: A study of the political system of the USA and whether it allows for effective democratic participation. Exploring the impact of socio-economic inequality on minority groups in the USA and the extent of the USA’s international influence.
Internal assessment
Student’s will undertake timed essays to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding across all three units. They will also complete timed source skills including assessing reliability of sources, drawing conclusions and determining objectivity.
External assessment
There will be 2 exam papers worth 80 marks. Paper 1 will focus on essay questions with candidates completing 2 x 20 mark essays and 1 x 12 mark extended response. Paper 2 will focus on source skills questions. Paper 1 will last 1 hour 45 minutes and Paper 2 will last 1 hour 15 minutes. There will also be an Assignment worth 30 marks in which learners will investigate a Modern Studies issue which has alternative views, research the issue and write a report within 1 hour 30 minutes drawing upon the skills of analysis and synthesis.
Homework
Further consolidation of class based assignments, essays, source questions and conducting individual research for the externally marked assignment. Homework materials are used to deepen knowledge and understanding and offering an opportunity for independent learning, a key attribute of the final exam. We operate a 100% homework policy and parents will be informed if tasks are not completed by students. We encourage parents to actively support and encourage pupils to complete homework.
Entry requirements
- National 5 Modern Studies or any other Humanities subject or English.
Advanced Higher Modern Studies
Students study the Law and Order and Research Methods section of the Advanced Higher Course. They will explore the various sociological and non-sociological theories of criminal behaviour, as well as exploring the penal system in the UK analysing the effectiveness of prisons and non-custodial sentences in an international comparative context.
Internal assessment
Students are required to write essays demonstrating knowledge, analysis and synthesis of evidence, draw international comparisons and evaluate arguments. They must also evaluate sources and methods of social science research.
External assessment
Students are required to write a dissertation worth 50 marks, 36% of the overall marks for course assessment. This will be on a topic chosen by the student around the theme of law and order. There is a 90 mark 3 hour examination assessing both essays and research methods analysis, this constitutes 64% of the overall mark.
Homework
Students are encouraged to be very independent when studying at Advanced Higher level. This includes spending time reading literature and watching documentaries related to the course. Essays and research methods questions will be issued as homework regularly, to consolidate student’s exam skills. Homework also supplements the formative assessment used with the department to determine the progress of students. A key aspect of the dissertation is conducting your own primary and secondary research; therefore the skills of self-discipline and independent learning are essential. We operate a 100% homework policy and parents will be informed if tasks are not completed by students. We encourage parents to actively support and encourage pupils to complete homework.
Entry requirements
- Grade C or better in Higher Modern Studies, Grade B or better in Higher Geography, Higher History, RMPS or Higher English.
- The course, should be particularly suited to those who have studied Higher History, Geography, RMPS or English and who wish to study another Advanced Higher.