1. Higher Modern Studies

2. Today we will… Identify the necessary materials for course completion
Discuss the content and structure of Higher Modern Studies
Outline the various coursework and exam elements in Higher Modern Studies

3. Success Criteria
Understand the structure, content and expectations of Higher Modern Studies

4. Entry to Higher National 5 pass Higher History pass
Crash Higher – usually Higher English

5. What do you need to sit Higher Modern Studies?
First and foremost:
A POSITIVE WORKING ATTITUDE!
Having a positive attitude and good work ethic in class and personal study will be your greatest asset this year.
Also essential is ATTENDANCE.
100% attendance will guarantee you do not miss out!
In terms of actual materials, most will be provided in school however you will need to get an A4 ring-binder within the next week.
I would also recommend the following although they are not essential:
Pad of A4 lined paper
A pack of highlighters
Poly-pockets
A4 Dividers

6. Course Content and Structure
There are three units of work and one compulsory coursework element in Higher Modern Studies. These are the:
Democracy in Scotland
Social Inequality in the UK (Social Issues)
USA (World Powers)
Assignment Task (SQA Assessed Coursework Task)

7. Democracy in Scotland Unit
This unit covers a variety of different aspects of democracy in Scotland and the UK today including:
Participation in a democratic society
Governance in Scotland
Voting Systems and Voting Behaviour
The work of MSPs in Parliament
Brexit and the UK
Pressure Groups and influence
The Media and its influence

8. Social Inequality in the UK
In the Social Issues unit we cover Social Inequality in the UK, looking at both Scottish and UK wide examples:
Causes of inequality
Causes of poor health
The effect of inequality on people in UK society
Tackling inequality
Individualism vs Collectivism in the UK today

9. The USA
In the International Issues unit we cover the USA, focusing on the USA’s political, social and economic influence in the world:
Politics of the USA: branches of government, separation of powers and representation
Democratic nature of the USA
Socio-economic issues: why do ethnic minorities continue to suffer in the USA and what is being done about it?
The role and influence of the USA on other countries – is the USA really a superpower?

10. Source-based Questions
Throughout the year you will also learn to answer 3 different Source-based Questions.
These questions can be based on any Modern Studies topic – what you will learn over the course of the year is an ANSWER STRUCTURE which will help you to gain the highest possible marks no matter what the question is about.
Selectivity Question (10 marks)
Conclusions Question (10 marks)
Reliability Question (8 marks)

11. Assessments Mini exams (Timed Essays) Better measure of exam success
20 mark essays/12 mark essays/Source questions
Determine ability to complete prelim/ final exam

12. Assignment Task Examples of assignment topics include:
The Assignment is worth 30 marks and accounts for 27% of your overall final grade.
This is an individual research task which you will work on both in class and at home, with some guidance from staff.
The Assignment is sat under exam conditions in school before being sent for external marking.
Each pupil will write a detailed report on a Modern Studies topic of their choice (within reason). The report should be on an issue in which there is currently debate on how best to approach or solve the issue.
Examples of assignment topics include:
Obesity in the UK
Abolition of the House of Lords
Prisoner voting rights
Voting in the USA

13. The Final Exam
The Higher Modern Studies exam consists of two papers which test your knowledge (Paper 1) and ability to answer source-based questions (paper 2). The final exam accounts for 73% of your overall grade so it is very important that you take exam preparation and study seriously – throughout the entire year.
PAPER 1 – Knowledge and Understanding
52 marks
1 hour 45 mins
2 x 20 mark essays
1 x 12 mark essay
1 essay for each unit from a choice of 2 or 3.
PAPER 2 – Source Questions
28 marks
1 hour 15 mins
1 x Objectivity Q
1 x Conclusions Q
1 x Reliability Q
Sources can be focused on any appropriate Modern Studies topic

14. How is Higher different from other courses?
6 periods a week for S5/6
Much more challenging pace of work
Extremely demanding course
No different levels – everybody sits the same paper
Internal assessments must be passed to allow you to sit the exam
Assignment which requires independent research
Two exam papers in May
Higher qualifications will allow access to university courses including medicine, dentistry, teaching etc.

15. What can I expect from Higher Modern Studies?
Most class work will be note-taking since you need a lot of information for revision
Revision booklets and past papers will be provided for revision
Supported study and extra help
Departmental Blogs with all PowerPoints, essay plans etc

16. What are the options after Higher Modern Studies?
Higher History/ Geography/ Politics , which use many of the same skills as Higher Modern Studies.
Apply for any other university course/job – your Modern Studies qualification will count towards the entrance qualifications for most courses at college/university