Article 17: You have the right to collect information from the media.

Why study Modern Studies?

Studying Modern studies means studying the real world and developing the skills to make sense of that world. Modern Studies is about people and power: Who gets it, how they use it and what makes a society fair. Why does political conflict occur and how is it resolved. How is power organised in different kinds of society and why do some issues become the target of policies. The purpose of Modern Studies is to encourage students to develop an open mind and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. Students will also acquire skills which will be important for their life and work including research, information handling and group work skills. Modern Studies is important in many career areas such as law, police journalism, banking, social work, local government, the civil service and teaching.

National 4 and 5

• Democracy in Scotland
• Social Issues in the United Kingdom: Crime and Law in the UK
• World Powers: USA

Higher Modern Studies Access Modernity Scotland

• Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom

• Social Issues in the United Kingdom: Social inequality in the United Kingdom

• International Issues: World Powers (USA)

Access resources at: http://mrthomsonmodern.wordpress.com (Ask Mr Thomson for the password.)

Assignment:

The purpose of the assignment at National 5 and Higher is to research an issue or topic. They should use at least two methods of collecting information and be able to comment upon the effectiveness of the methods of collection used. Students should use the information collected in order to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topic or issue studied. Students will write up the results of their research on the topic or issue under controlled assessment conditions

At National 5 level the assignment will be worth 20 marks and will be written up in 1 hour.

At Higher level the assignment will be worth 30 marks and will be written up in 1 hour 30 minutes.

External Exam:

The National 5 question paper will have 80 marks. Students will complete this in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The Higher exam consists of one paper. The question paper will have 60 marks. Students will complete this question paper in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Progression:

Students who gain a National 5 pass would progress to Higher in S6. Students who gain a Higher pass could potentially progress to Advanced Higher in S6.