Overview of CfE Higher Modern Studies Course: Democracy, Social Inequality, and International Issues
This course provides an in-depth look at various aspects of modern society, including democracy in Scotland and the UK, social inequality issues, and the study of a major world power (USA) within the context of the G20 countries. Students will explore topics such as constitutional arrangements, voting behavior, social inequality theories, government evaluation, and international relations. The assessment includes question papers on democracy, social issues, and international issues, emphasizing critical analysis and evaluation skills.
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CfE Higher Modern Studies Overview of course (3 units): Democracy in Scotland and the UK - Democracy in the UK Social Issues: - Social Inequality in the UK International Issues: - A study of a major world power / G20 country (USA)
Democracy in Scotland and the UK The UK constitutional arrangements, including the role of the Scottish Parliament and other devolved bodies, and the impact of UK membership of the EU. On-going debates about the nature of the political system in the UK. The study of representative democracy the UK (Westminster parliament). The impact of voting systems and a range of factors which affect voting behaviour in Scotland and the UK. The ways in which citizens are informed about, participate in, and influence the political process in the UK.
Social Inequality in the UK The nature of social inequality in the UK. Theories and causes of inequalities. The impact of inequality on specific groups in society. Attempts to tackle inequality and their effectiveness.
International Issues: Study of a G20 country USA Political system and processes. Recent socio-economic issues. Evaluation of the government in tackling socio- economic issues. The role of the world power in international relations.
Course Assessment (two parts): Question Paper Assignment Question Paper Three sections (Democracy, Social Issues and Int. Issues) of 20 marks. 60 marks total for QP. Time: 2 hours 15 minutes. Externally marked by SQA. Assignment Completed in centre in one hour and 30 minutes. 30 marks. Externally marked by SQA. Based on any Modern Studies issue to which there are alternative views.
Question Paper Structure Four types of extended response command words (question stems/starters) : - Analyse - Evaluate Questions with these command words will be worth 12 marks. Or - Statement. Discuss. - To what extent Questions with these command words will be worth 20 marks.
Question Paper Two types of source-based questions: - Selectivity / Objectivity. To what extent is it accurate to state/does the evidence . - What conclusions can be drawn about . Candidates should draw conclusions about two of the following Both source-based questions will be worth 8 marks.
Possible Question Paper Format A question paper could have the following format: Democracy in Scotland and the UK - One 20 mark extended response (choice of two questions). Social Issues (Social Inequality / Crime and the Law) - An 8 mark source-based selectivity/objectivity question. - A 12 mark analyse question (choice from two question in both contexts). International Issues (World Powers / World Issues) - An 8 mark source-based conclusions question. - A 12 mark evaluate question (choice of two questions in both contexts). There are three possible QP permutations. Therefore, the 20 mark extended response, for example, may be found in any section of the question paper.
Extended Response Questions 12 and 20 mark extended responses (questions) will be marked up to 8 marks for KU. For 12 mark analyse or evaluate extended responses there will be 4 marks available for the higher order skills of analysis or evaluation. For 20 mark TWE/discuss extended responses, 6 marks will be for analysis and evaluation plus: - 2 marks will be available for structure/line of argument. - 4 marks will be available for conclusions addressing key issues in the question.
Analyse Questions Analysis derives from a body of accurate information which describes and explains a complex issue. Candidates will move beyond description and explanation of relevant detail. Analysis will involve identifying key features / significant aspects then clearly showing at least one of the following: - Establishing links between components. - Establishing contradictions/inconsistencies between components. - Exploring different views/interpretations of these components. - Establishing possible consequences/implications of these components .
Evaluation Questions Evaluation. Make a judgement based on criteria. Determine the value of something. Judgements may be about consequences or implications. The quality of the judgement may be supported by reasoned argument, evidence, taking into account and responding to counter arguments. Where judgements are based on knowledge, this is likely to include abstract or theoretical elements. - Establishing the relative importance of components. - Interpreting the overall impact/significance of components when taken together. - Establishing a course of action / making a decision.
Analysis and Evaluation whats the difference? Although both definitions are set out differently it is clear there are significant areas of overlap. The table below shows these common areas: Analyse Evaluate Different views / interpretations Counter arguments including possible alternative interpretations Possible consequences / implications The overall impact / significance of the factors when taken together The relative importance of components The relative importance of factors in relation to the context
Note: Each of the extended response questions will be drawn from a different sub-section (aspect) of the context e.g. in Decision Making in Scotland the UK question may be on: - The UK constitutional arrangements, including the role of the Scottish Parliament and other devolved bodies, and the impact of UK membership of the EU. On-going debates about the nature of the political system in the UK and/or - The study of representative democracy in Scotland and/or the UK and the other on and/or - The impact of voting systems and a range of factors which affect voting behaviour in Scotland and the UK and/or - The ways in which citizens are informed about, participate in, and influence the political process in Scotland and/or the UK.
Source-based Questions (Selectivity and Conclusions) The information contained in source-based questions may relate to any aspect of the course and may be set in a Scottish, UK or international context. Marks will only be awarded from use of the information within and between the sources. No marks will be awarded for additional background knowledge . Selectivity sourced-based question: Up to two marks are available for analysis of the objectivity/selectivity of a given view against evidence presented.
The Assignment in Higher Modern Studies Overview Based on a Modern Studies issue where there are alternative views. Candidate choice. Two parts: - Research stage: identify, collect, analyse, evaluate range of sources (notional 8 hours). - Production of evidence stage: ( write up ). Time 1 hour 30 minutes. Completed in school with supervision and minimum support. 30 marks. Externally marked by SQA.
The Assignment: Sub-Sections / Marks Identifying and demonstrating knowledge and understanding which a decision is to be made including alternative courses of action. Up to 10 marks available. Analysing and synthesising information from a range of sources including specified sources. Candidates can be credited in a number of ways up a maximum of 10 marks. Candidates must make reference to the Research Evidence brought to the assessment otherwise a maximum of 5 marks may be awarded. Evaluating the usefulness and reliability of a range of sources if information. Up to 2 marks available. Communicating information using the conventions of a report. Up to 4 marks available. Reaching a decision, supported by evidence, about the issue. Candidates can be credited in a number of ways up to 4 marks.
The Assignment: Specified resources Candidates may take Research Evidence collected during the research phase into the production of evidence stage. The Research Evidence should consist of no more than two single-sided sheets of A4. Candidates may annotate information before the production of evidence stage. The Research Evidence must be submitted to SQA along with the candidate evidence produced under a degree of supervision. The nature of the Research Evidence should show primary or secondary research carried out by the candidate and may include stats, graphs, survey results, newspaper articles, interviews, etc. While no marks are awarded for the Research Evidence candidates must make reference to the research contained in resources to support their analysis/decision. For more information on the ways marks are allocated to different responses see SQP marking instructions.
Higher Modern Studies: Unit Assessment Two outcomes for each of the three units: 1. Democracy in Scotland and the United Kingdom - Detect and explain degree of objectivity from range of information (between two and four sources) (Outcome 1) - Knowledge/understanding and analysis (Outcome 2) 2. Social Issues in the United Kingdom - Evaluating and synthesising information from a range of sources to justify a decision (Outcome 1) - Evaluating information that may be given to support an alternative point of view (Outcome 1) - Knowledge/understanding and analysis (Outcome 2) 3. International Issues - Evaluating information from a range of sources to draw conclusions (Outcome 1) - Knowledge/understanding and analysis (Outcome 2) Assessments can be completed unit-by-unit, combined or in a portfolio.
