Summary:
This textbook is endorsed by OCR for use with the new OCR GCE General Studies
specification. It is designed to stimulate curiosity and engage the student, as well as
providing them with the tools they need to research further, to develop their
understanding of each topic and to prepare for their examinations.

It explores all the content areas and provides the opportunity for candidates to develop
the skills defined by the specification for both AS and A2.

It also provides:
• follow-up activities suitable for independent study
• examination practice for each topic area
• engaging activies that will help facilitate focused and worthwhile discussion in the
class or tutor group context
• a wealth of case study material.

• Examination Talk feature carefully explains examination requirements and practises examination skills.
  

• Overall package supports all models of delivery from lecture based courses to independent study.

• First full colour textbook for this specfication.
  
  

• Packed full of up-to-date and topical case studies and research tasks.
  

Table of Contents:
Joined-up thinking for General Studies
UNIT 1 The social and cultural domains
1.1 Political systems, processes and goals
1.2 Social and economic trends and constraints
1.3 Explanation and evaluation of human behaviour
1.4 Beliefs, values and moral reasoning
1.5 Media and communications 1
1.6 Creativity and innovation
UNIT 2 Science, mathematics and technology
2.1 Characteristics of the sciences
2.2 Understanding scientific methods, principles, criteria and their application
2.3 Mathematical reasoning and its application
UNIT 3 Domain exploration: applying synoptic skills
3.1 Examination and appreciation of ideologies and values in society
3.2 The nature of objectivity in social science
3.3 The relationship between law, society and ethics
3.4 Religious belief and experience
3.5 Media and communications 2
3.6 Understanding and appreciation of the changing nature and importance of culture
3.7 Aesthetic evaluation
3.8 The nature of scientific objectivity and the question of progress
3.9 Social, ethical and environmental implications and consequences of scientific discoveries and technological developments
3.10 The moral responsibility of scientists
3.11 The relationship between technology, science, society and ideology
UNIT 4 Culture, science and society: making connections
4.1 Synoptic assessment: exploring stimulus material
4.2 Extended writing in essay form
Index
Acknowledgements

About the Author(s):
All the authors are examiners for a major awarding body. All have been involved in teaching or examining the General Studies specification over a number of years.