AS/A2 Sociology

AS/A2 Sociology
AS/A2

Sociology attempts to understand how society works. It examines how the individual interacts with society and its institutions. Sociologists study areas such as education, work, health, crime and deviance, religion, politics and the media. There is no single â€-correct' explanation of how people behave in society, so you will examine a number of sociological ideas which offer alternative explanations about how society functions. In each unit you will study one of the two topics described.

AS Course Content

In this course you will study the relationship between individuals and the social groups to which they belong and examine the research methods that sociologists use. You will look at current sociological issues and examples of particular studies that sociologists have conducted.

Unit 1

Wealth, poverty and welfare: This topic looks at different ways of measuring poverty and wealth, different theories to explain poverty and also examines the role of the welfare state and voluntary organisations in helping those who need support in our society.

Families and Households: The relationship of the family to the social structure: for example, family diversity and divorce and marital breakdown.
Assessment: one hour examinatiion (40%)

Unit 2

Education with Research Methods: The role and purpose of education; differential educational achievement of social groups; research methods and education.

Health with Research Methods: Health, illness and disability and the body as a social and biological construct; the social distribution of health and illness and mental illness; inequalities in access to healthcare; research methods and health.
Assessment: two hour examination (60%)

A2 Course Content

Building on what you have learnt during the AS course, you will develop your sociological skills further by looking at the topics listed below and gain insight into how sociologists apply research methods to these areas.

Unit 3

Beliefs in Society: Religious organisations including cults, sects, churches and New Age movements; the belief and practice of different social groups.

Mass Media: The relationship between ownership and control of the media; media representations of age, social class, gender, sexuality and disability.
Assessment: One and a half hour examination (40%)

Unit 4

Crime and Deviance with Research Methods: Different theories of crime; the social distribution of crime; punishment; research methods.

Stratification and Differentiation with Research Methods: Different theories of stratification in relation to class, gender, ethnicity and age;life chances linked to inequalities; ptterns of social mobility;rsearch methods and stratification.
Assessment: two hour examination (60%)

Is Sociology for you?

You will enjoy and benefit from Sociology if you:

l are interested the interaction between individuals and society;

l would like an opportunity to apply sociological theory to contemporary social issues;

l are keen to discuss current issues in society.

Sociology and your future

Sociology can lead to a range of further studies and possible careers including law, police work, journalism, teaching, medical professions, human resources, social work, management, the Civil Service and probation work.

How does Sociology differ from Psychology?

Both subjects try to explain human behaviour. Sociology examines the behaviour of groups, societies and cultures whereas Psychology examines individuals. To explain why someone committed a crime, Psychologists might look at that person's traits, thinking and experience, whereas Sociology might focus on the links between poverty, class and crime.