Sociology AS/A2

Sociology AS/A2
Sociology is a broad ranging subject that attempts to explain human behaviour. The main questions we explore in Sociology are:

• To what extent does society shape the individual?
• How free are people to shape their identities?
• How do people shape their identities?
• Why do deviance and crime exist?
• Is society fair? Do all people have an equal chance to succeed?
• Do social institutions work in the interests of elite groups?
• Do underlying social problems contribute to underachievement in school, involvement in crime and world poverty?
• Why do some groups do less well than others in life?

Along the way you will discover some extremely interesting facts about modern Britain and the wider world; you will learn that our society is full of hidden injustices and encounter some very radical views on topical social issues.

Sociology: Understand the world, understand yourself!

What will I study on this course?
In the AS year we study two modules: Culture and Identity, and Education. During the second year we study one module in World Sociology and a second module in Crime and Deviance. We also study Sociological Theory and Research Methods throughout the two years.

How is this course assessed?
Sociology is 100% examination based.

Students will sit two exams in the AS year (1 hour and 2 hours) and two in the A2 year (1 hours and 2 hours).

Exams consist of a mixture of short answer and essay based data response questions.

What kind of student will do well on this course?
You will enjoy and do well in Sociology if you have a genuine interest in finding out more about how society works, the causes of social problems and their potential solutions.

The course will help to develop a growing sense of social responsibility with an emphasis on how wider society and world issues influence our relationships with others.

You should also have excellent written communication skills and the ability to both think and work independently.

Exam Board
AQA Sociology