Sociology
faqs
Do I have to have studied Sociology at GCSE?
No-we will ensure you have a comprehensive introduction to the subject in the first few weeks. But if you have studied it before and enjoyed it, boy will you love A Level Sociology!
What other subjects does Sociology fit in with?
Psychology, Law, Criminology, Health and Social Care, History, Media and Government and Politics.
Why should I study Sociology?
It will open your eyes to the world around you and challenge your way of thinking. It will help you understand some of the issues we face in contemporary society and give you the opportunity to develop a range of skills.
Where can an A Level in Sociology take me?
The world is your oyster, it is a well respected academic subject. Because we study a diverse range of topics people who study sociology go into a range of careers including; law, policing, teaching, marketing, journalism, social work, human resources and advertising.
Context:
We are all part of society. Our actions shape society and in turn society influences who we are. Yet how much do we understand about it? This is where sociology comes in. The role of the sociologist is to try and make sense of the human world. Sociology is the study of people in society and by studying this course you will look at the issues that have contributed to the diverse and exciting world we live in.
Studying Sociology will help you develop a wide range of perspectives and a critical approach to understanding important issues that affect our lives.
Exam Board:
AQA (7191 and 7192)
Assessment:
3 examination papers covering:-
- Education with Theory and Methods
- Topics in Sociology
- Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
All examination papers last for 2 hours.
Course Details:
Year 1
Education
- The role and functions of the education system.
- The hidden curriculum.
- Factors affecting achievement-class, gender and ethnicity.
- Pupil subcultures.
- Marketisation and Privatisation of education.
Methods in context (all of these will be looked at in relation to education)
- Sources of data e.g. questionnaires and participant observation.
- Quantitative and Qualitative data.
- Primary and Secondary data.
- Positivism and Interpretivism.
- Ethical considerations when carrying out research.
Families and Households
- Changing patterns of marriage and divorce.
- Gender roles and power within relationships.
- Childhood and the change in status of children.
- The relationship of the family to the social structure and social change.
Year 2
Crime and Deviance
- Social Order and Social Control
- Crime and ethnicity
- Crime and class
- Crime and gender
- Globalisation and crime in contemporary society.
- The media and crime.
- Crime control e.g. prevention and punishment.
Beliefs in Society
- Ideology-Science and Religion.
- The relationship between Religious Organisations and Social Change.
- Cults, Sects and New Age movements.
- Secularisation.
- Globalisation and the spread of religion.
Theory and Methods
- Consensus, Conflict, Structural and Social Action theories.
- Modernity and Post Modernity.
- The relationship between sociology and science.
- Subjectivity, Objectivity and Value freedom.
- The relationship between Sociology and Social Policy.
Other Learning Opportunities:
Supporting KS4 Sociology students in lessons. Carrying out independent sociological research using a method of your choosing.
Where next with this course?
A Level Sociology is a qualification which is very useful for a variety of different career paths. The skills and knowledge developed through the course can be useful in many areas including: Law, Journalism, Psychology, Government and Politics, Social & Welfare work, and Advertising and Management.