Course Content

Unit 1: Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom

This unit critically examines the political system of Scotland and the UK. Learners will look at topics such as electoral systems, the work of parliamentary representatives and factors that influence voting behaviour in both Scottish and UK contexts. They will also learn about the implication of the UK’s exit from the EU and possible alternatives for the governance of Scotland.

Unit 2: Social Issues in the United Kingdom: Social Inequalities

In Unit 2 learners will study the causes of health and wealth inequalities in the UK, looking at the reasons behind variations in life expectancy and poverty rates across the UK. Learners will also critically look at Government policies designed to tackle social inequalities and will analyse individualist vs collectivist approaches to welfare provision.

Unit 3: International Issues: Global Terrorism

This unit will focus on the causes, consequences and solutions to the issue of global terrorism. Learners will study the social, economic and political factors that have caused this issue as well as examining the impacts it has on individuals, families and communities across affected by terrorism. The effectiveness of work being undertaken by governments and international organisations to tackle this issue will also be analysed in detail.

Assessment

The course assessment consists of an examination and a research assignment. Paper 1 of the exam will assess learners’ abilities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of analysis and evaluation through the completion of three essays. Paper 2 will allow learners to apply their skills through the completion of three enquiry skill questions. Overall, the exam accounts for 73% of the final grade for the course. The remaining 27% is assessed through the completion of a research assignment on a topic of their own choice.

Skills

The topics studied will broaden learners’ understanding of political, social and economic issues in Scottish, UK and international contexts. Through the completion of essays, learners will develop their literacy skills and will become proficient at analysing the impact of various factors and policies and evaluating their effectiveness. By completing enquiry skill questions learners will develop their skills of detecting objectivity, reaching conclusions and evaluating the reliability of sources of information.