Course Description

Modern Studies is an exciting and fast-moving subject that helps to create and develop informed, active citizens who are able to compare their world with other societies and cultures. Students will become effective and responsible contributors to a democratic society by developing an understanding of current affairs including politics, the media and social and international issues.

Students will develop their literacy and numeracy skills and will also improve their digital literacy. They will become proficient at applying skills of analysis and evaluation and the topics we study will broaden their understanding of political, social and economic issues in the UK and overseas.

This course will allow students to develop their Modern Studies Skills. We will learn how to gather accurate information in Modern Studies and will examine bias, exaggeration and enquiry skills. This will culminate in the completion of a research project on a Modern Studies topic of your choice.

Crime and the Law

In this topic we will learn about the causes and consequences of crime and the criminal justice system in Scotland. We will study the ways that government and police are trying to tackle crime and the effectiveness of prisons and alternatives to prison.

Democracy in Scotland

In this topic we will learn about how our views are represented in a democracy by examining the Scottish Parliament. We will look at the powers of the Scottish Parliament, the role of our MSPs and the First Minister, as well as the voting system. Lastly, we will study the influences in a democracy, such as the media and pressure groups.

International Issue: Terrorism

This unit focuses on the causes, impacts and responses to terrorism. Throughout this unit we look at case studies around the world including the Manchester Terrorist attack, Christchurch Terrorist attack and terrorism in Tunisia. We will also learn about the role of organisations such as the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union to see how they respond to terrorist attacks around the world.

Possible Careers:

• Broadcast journalist

• Careers adviser

• Civil Service officer

• Criminal intelligence analyst

• Diplomatic service officer

• Economic development officer

• Forensic computer analyst

• Library assistant

• Local Government officer

• Magazine journalist

• Member of Parliament

• Newspaper journalist

• Police officer

• Secondary School teacher

• Social Worker

• Solicitor

• Tourist guide

• TV production runner

• Welfare rights officer