STANDARD GRADE

Course Content
The Standard Grade course consists of four units of study;

UNIT 1: Living in a Democracy
UNIT 2: Changing Society
UNIT 3: The USA
UNIT 4: International Issues

In Unit 1 students study all aspects of the political life in the UK, including the Scottish dimension. In particular students examine participation and representation in a democracy, rights and responsibilities and the differing electoral systems used in the UK. In addition, democracy in the work place and in wider society is scrutinized through the study of Trade Unions and Pressure Groups.

In Unit 2 students study the impact of important changes in social political and economic life in the UK.  Here the focus is on the growing elderly population and the importance of employment.

Unit 3 This Unit consists of an in depth examination of the social and political aspects of life in the USA. This includes how the US political system is structure, opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and the extent of social and economic inequality in the USA.

In Unit 4 students examine social, political and economic issues in a global context. In the first half of this unit, topics include aid and the relationships between ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ countries. Students then move on the study the importance of international organisations such as the EU and NATO.

Throughout the course, students develop their understanding of the importance of social, economic and political factors in shaping the world in which we live. The subject is discursive in its nature and students are encouraged to develop well balanced, structured arguments in relation to complex issues.

Folio / Project Work
None required.

Course Assessment
Students sit two exams at the end of S4 – each unit is examined on both papers. The assessment is split into two components – Knowledge and Understanding and Enquiry Skills. Student’s final grade is based entirely on their performance in this final exam.