AS and A Level Sociology

AS and A Level Sociology
Sociology is a discipline which probes beneath our 'common sense' idea of what SOCIETY is and how it works.

What does the course consist of?
In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 to achieve the AS level. In the second year you will study units 3 and 4 to complete the full A Level.
Unit 1: Acquiring Culture (AS)

This unit comprises of two parts:

• The Introductory Core:
  which focuses on how culture is transmitted and where and how we get our identities? We will look at areas such as social inequality, identity, subcultures, media, education, religion, and social control
• Youth Culture:
  we will look at the impact of peer groups, the social control of young people, popular culture from clubbing to mosh pits, mainstream culture, how the media constructs identity, consumerism and the changing identity, status, and roles of young people in today's society

You will be assessed by an examination (1 hour)

Unit 2: Understanding Culture (AS)

This unit comprises of two parts:

• The Core theme: research methods
  the focus here is on research methods used by sociologists to understand society. We will be looking at the strengths and limitations of methods such as questionnaires, interviews, surveys, experiments, longitudinal studies, documents, official statistics and personal data. We will also be looking at the ethics of research including deceit, confidentiality, privacy, bias and consent.
• Education:
  here we will look at the success rates of different social groups: gender, ethnicity, class, and locale. We will be looking at processes in the education system that impact on students, including the setting of students, cultural and financial factors and their effects on educational opportunity. Finally, we will attempt to understand the role of education in wider society from a number of different theoretical perspectives.

You will be assessed by an examination (1 ½ hours)

Unit 3: Understanding Power and Control (A2)

This unit comprises of two parts:

• The Introductory Core:
  We will focus on inequalities, power and control within society. There will be theoretical discussions regarding the nature and source of power and an analysis of the empirical evidence to support these views
• Understanding Crime:
  We will look at power and social inequality through the study of crime. We will analyse trends in crime rates, sentencing rates, conviction rates and patterns of victimisation. We will also evaluate the reliability of official statistics in the measurement of crime and the hidden figure of crime. We consider the profile of the 'typical' criminal and look at public perceptions of crime, as well as corporate and white collar crime and crime control.

You will be assessed by an examination (1 ½ hours)

Unit 4: Understanding Social Divisions (A2)

This unit comprises of two parts:

• The Core theme: research methods
  Here we will be revisiting research methods studied at AS level. You will be required to evaluate both primary and secondary research methods and you will need to show the ability to select the most suitable research method for each theoretical perspective, as well as taking into account ethical and practical considerations as well.
• Social Inequality
  Here we will look at inequality and how it relates to gender, ethnicity, class, age and locality. We will be looking at patterns of exclusion in modern Britain including poverty and underclass debates. We will also be looking at issues of ageism, racism and sexism. Finally we will look at different theoretical explanations why in
  What else do I need to know?
  Classes will be based on teaching and discussion, analysis of simple statistical data and practical surveys and assignments. Outside classes between three and five hours per week of study in your own time will be required. Background reading, essays and project work will be an important part of the work. You will have access to the college library, departmental library, computer access to CD-ROMs, sociological software and the College Intranet as well as the Internet.
  Relevant careers include teaching, social work, business and the caring professions. Sociology teaches clarity of thought and expression, and is a welcome qualification for many HE courses. The subject matter is directly relevant to all jobs which involve people. Trips to conferences in London and more local locations take place.