MODERN STUDIES
SCQF LEVEL 4 - NATIONAL 4
The National 4 Modern Studies course encourages candidates to develop a greater understanding of the contemporary world and their place in it. This will be achieved through the study of three main topics, Terrorism, Crime and Law and Democracy in Scotland as well as an independent study into a topic of the candidate’s choice.
QUALIFICATION
National 5 Modern Studies
DURATION
1 Year full time/
5 periods per week/ 160 hours
COURSEWORK
3 unit assessments
Assignment of 1 hour
EXAM
No exam
COST
£0
TEACHERS
Mrs Cooper
Miss Jordan
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
National 4 Modern Studies gives you the opportunity to develop important attitudes such as respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.
It also emphasises the development and application of skills. The focus on evaluating sources and making decisions develops thinking skills, as well as skills in literacy and numeracy. Investigative and critical thinking activities give candidates opportunities to gain important experience in contributing to group work and working on their own.
wHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
You will develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary political and social issues in local, Scottish, United Kingdom and international contexts. You will develop the skills to interpret and participate in the social and political processes you will encounter throughout your life.
The development of this knowledge and understanding and skills will be delivered through three main topics – Terrorism, Crime and Law and Democracy in Scotland. The topics of Terrorism and Crime and Law will focus on its causes, consequences and attempts at resolving it. Democracy in Scotland will focus on power and decision-making, participation, representation, voting systems and influence.
The course assessment consists of:
Three unit assessments which will sample questions from across the three units of the course: Terrorism, Crime and Law and Democracy in Scotland. The skills of making conclusions, choosing and justifying an option and supporting and opposing a point of view will also be assessed.
An added value unit which is a write-up about research you completed into a topic of your choice. Some topics chosen in recent years include lowering the voting age to 16, arming the police in the UK and an evaluation of the NATO mission in Afghanistan.
KEY FACTS
Everything you need to know before selecting this course
entry requirements
Taking Modern Studies in S3 would be beneficial however many candidates would still be capable of achieving National 4 without this. Please speak to the Principal Teacher of Social Subjects if this is the case.
what will you get?
The course is graded
Pass or Fail
progress
Everything you need to know about future pathways from this course
EMPLOYMENT
Most careers will benefit from your experience in Modern Studies however some jobs more closely related to the skills and knowledge developed include journalist, criminal intelligence analyst, solicitor, diplomatic service officer, economic development officer, local government officer, newspaper or magazine editor, political representative such as MP and MSP, police officer, social worker, tourist guide, TV production runner and welfare rights officer.
Skills developed through Modern Studies:
Problem Solving: working independently, resilience, time management, positive work ethic.
Leadership: leading groups, building confidence, organisational skills. You are required to complete coursework which demands you to take responsibility for your own learning and have a proactive, motivated attitude towards your studies.
Teamwork: working successfully in a group, delegation, presenting information.
Communication: working with others, presenting findings, using clear and concise language.
Other: making conclusions, supporting and opposing a point of view and making and justifying a decision
my world of work
This link will take you to an excellent resource on MyWOW which looks at potential career routes when you select a combination of subjects.
STUDENT STORIES
Information from pupils who have studied this course as to how they feel it was.