GENERAL STUDIES

Subject Department: GENERAL STUDIES

Examination Board: AQA

Code: 6761

Specification Summary
A course in General Studies requires candidates to demonstrate a breadth, as well as depth, of knowledge and make connections between, and integrate ideas across, subject disciplines. The specifications take a multi-disciplinary approach and content is organised into the three key areas of Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities; Science, Maths and Technology; and Society, Politics and the Economy. These allow students to broaden their knowledge and understanding by means of reinforcing the disciplines already being delivered through the main course of study.

Aims of the Course
This AS and AS level specification should encourage candidates to:

Prior Level of Attainment
There are no particular specific subjects at GCSE required; though A and B Grades at GCSE would be a good indicator that you could cope with this course.

Course Content Summary
All modules develop thinking and analytical skills:

	understanding the nature of knowledge, truth and belief and the distinctions between them;
	appreciating the similarities and differences between different kinds of knowledge;
	analysis of information, data, ideas, opinions and arguments.;
	evaluation and use of the above to examine questions, make judgements, form values and present arguments;
	use of language, logic and argument.

AS Modules

Module 1, Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities

	Beliefs, values and moral reasoning.
	Religious belief and experience, and connections between them.
	Understanding and appreciation of the nature and importance of culture.
	Creativity and innovation.
	Aesthetic evaluation.
	Media and communication.

Module 2, Science, Mathematics and Technology

	Characteristics of the sciences (physical, life and earth)
	Nature of scientific objectivity and the question of progress.
	Understanding of scientific methods, principles, criteria and their application.
	Moral responsibility: the social, ethical and environmental implications of scientific discoveries and technological development.
	Relationship between technology, sciences, culture (past and/or present) and ideology.
	Mathematical reasoning and its application.

Module 3, Society, Politics and the Economy

	Examination and appreciation of ideologies and values in society.
	Political processes and goals.
	Nature of objectivity in social sciences: explanation and evaluation of human behaviour.
	Relationship between law, culture and ethics.
	Social and economic trends and constraints.

A2 Modules

Module 4, Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities

	Beliefs, values and moral reasoning.
	Religious belief and experience, and connections between them.
	Understanding and appreciation of the nature and importance of culture.
	Creativity and innovation.
	Aesthetic evaluation.
	Media and communication.
	Foreign language comprehension.

	Characteristics of the sciences (physical, life and earth)
	Nature of scientific objectivity and the question of progress.
	Understanding of scientific methods, principles, criteria and their application.
	Moral responsibility: the social, ethical and environmental implications of scientific discoveries and technological development.
	Relationship between technology, science, culture (past and/or present) and ideology.
	Spatial and mechanical relations.

	Examination and appreciation of ideologies and values in society.
	Political processes and goals.
	Nature of objectivity in social sciences: explanation and evaluation of human behaviour.
	Relationship between law, culture and ethics.
	Social and economic trends and constraints.