Higher Modern Studies Torry Academy

Modern Studies Pupils will have 5 periods (two double periods and single) each week Pupils will study 3 different topics Pupils will learn answer knowledge and understanding (KU) questions & skills questions Pupils will complete their own assignment

Social Inequality in the UK Democracy in Scotland and the UK Course Outline Pupils will study 3 different topics Social Issue Political Issue International Issue Social Inequality in the UK Democracy in Scotland and the UK The USA June - July (5 weeks) + August - September September - December January - March

In order to pass Higher Modern Studies pupils must complete the three areas of assessment: Unit Assessments Assignment The Exam

How pupils will be assessed (1) – Unit Assessments Throughout the year, unit assessments will be carried out in order to gather ‘evidence’ and assess pupil’s ‘basic competency’ in the course. This will ensure that pupils are meeting the required standard for Higher Modern Studies

How pupils will be assessed (2) – The Assignment Worth 33% of a pupil’s final grade (out of 30 marks) Pupils will choose their own topic, research it and write it in exam conditions in one hour and 30 minutes Pupils will need to put a lot of effort into this and spend a good amount of time researching their topic independently in order to get a good grade

How pupils will be assessed (3) – The Exam Worth 66% of a pupil’s final grade The exam paper is out of 60 (20 marks per unit) Each section will ask either a knowledge question (12 marks) and a skills question (8 marks) totalling 20 marks or simply a 20 mark knowledge question Exam will last 2 hours 15 minutes

The course is graded A-D and this is determined by a the total mark for all the Course Assessments (Exam and Assignment)

Social Inequality in the UK The Welfare State: Creation & Principles Evidence of Inequalities in the UK: poverty & social exclusion Explanations/Theories of Inequality: individualism vs collectivism Health Inequalities: geography, lifestyle choices Government Responses to Health Inequalities Impact of Social Inequality: gender inequalities & ethnic inequalities Government Responses to Inequalities

Democracy in Scotland & the UK The UK constitutional arrangement: the role and powers of government, changes to the role and powers of the Scottish Parliament, the ongoing debate over European Union. The study of representative democracy: the role of political representatives, pressures on political representatives (MSPs, First Minister) Electoral systems and voting behaviour: — the impact of electoral systems on election results , strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems + factors which affect voting behaviour: social class, media, age, gender and ethnicity Participation & Pressure Groups: — the role and influence of pressure groups & the role and influence of the media

The USA The USA as a World Power: capitalism, American Dream Immigration: immigration debate, impact on the country Political system and processes: political system arrangement, powers and limitations of the President, political parties, opportunities for participation Recent socioeconomic issues —socio-economic issues (health, education crime & law), impact of the socio-economic issue on a specific group in society & the effectiveness of government responses to a socio- economic issue The role of the world power in international relations — involvement in international organisations & relationship with other countries