BGE Modern Studies

In S1, S2, and S3 Modern Studies, pupils will learn about:

S1

Course Descriptor

In Modern Studies, S1 pupils will cover the topic area of human rights.  In this Unit, S1 pupils will explore:

  • How important human rights are within a civilised world
  • The links between rights and responsibilities
  • Compare our rights and responsibilities with a contrasting society
  • Understand why some countries struggle to protect rights
  • The ways in which human rights abuses can be tackled

Skills Covered

The course will cover many of the skills identified in the CfE Social Studies guidelines, including the ability to investigate, present informed views and draw conclusions supported by evidence.  The course will also cover some of the literacy and numeracy outcomes as well.

S2

Course Descriptor

Modern Studies in S2 will cover two topic areas; Social Issues and Democracy, and the world issue of Terrorism.  The S2 Modern Studies course is designed to build on the knowledge and skills covered in S1 while preparing pupils for further study in Modern Studies and other Social Subjects.  The Units covered will include the teaching of skills which are useful in the modern media age.

Social Issues and Democracy

While studying the topic of Social Issues in Scotland and the UK, S2 pupils will cover the following:

  • The extent of poverty in Scotland and the UK
  • The causes of poverty in Scotland and the UK
  • Different approaches to dealing with poverty in Scotland and the UK
  • How the Scottish approach to tackling poverty differs to that of the USA

World Issue:  Terrorism

While studying the topic of Terrorism, S2 pupils will cover the following:

  • The actions and motives of groups which seek to achieve their aims by non-democratic means
  • Explore the extent to which the choices and decisions of individuals are often influenced by the ways in which he/she may be informed
  • Form opinions about the ways in which choices and decisions might be influenced by bias or exaggeration
  • Evaluate measures to tackle terrorism at home and abroad
  • Democratic means such as protesting, petitions and lobbying to bring about social and political change

Skills Covered:

The course will enable pupils to build on the skills that they developed in S1 Modern Studies and other Social Subjects and develop new skills, including the ability to explain, analyse and evaluate.  The course will also cover some of the literacy and numeracy outcomes as well.  

S3

Course Descriptor

Modern Studies in S3 will cover three topic areas. The S3 Modern Studies course is designed to build on the skills covered in S1 and S2 while preparing pupils for further study in Modern Studies and other Social Subjects.  The topics covered will include the teaching of skills which are useful in the modern media age.

The Role of the Media in a Democracy

In this Unit, we will explore how the mass media can be used to influence public opinion, determine the political agenda and act as a government watch dog.  It is an exciting unit that is designed to educate you about political activism and the ways in which the media can be used to challenge the work of government.

Crime and the Law

Why does crime happen?  In the Crime topic you will look at the causes of crime in Scotland and the UK.  You will study what causes crime and the arguments which surround these causes.  Study will lead on to looking at what happens to people who are accused of crime, how crimes are investigated and how the guilty are treated.  You will be given the opportunity to argue and debate how society should treat criminals and what this means for you, and Scotland, as a whole.

The causes and consequences of Poverty in the Global South

In this Unit, we will explore how the causes of poverty vary across different countries by examining the impact of war, corruption, lack of natural resources and exploitation. We will also critically evaluate the different forms of aid that can be given to nations within the global south to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.  We should find in this section of the Unit that some forms of development assistance may cause more harm than good!       

Skills covered

The course will cover many of the skills identified in the CfE Social Studies guidelines and will include the ability to investigate, the ability to form opinions, source evaluation, essay writing and note taking.  The course will also cover some of the literacy and numeracy outcomes as well.