Sociology

Sociology
A Level
Introduction
Sociology is suitable for anyone who is interested in developing an understanding of society.
It provides the means to increase your awareness of the relationship between society and the individual, giving a valuable insight into one's own life.
There is an opportunity to study social problems and themes in real depth and gain sensitive, informed opinions regarding these issues.
Candidates should possess a naturally questioning and enquiring mind to be successful at this subject.
Course Content
AS involves the study of Families and Households (Unit 1) . The unit enables you to explore changes within the family structure, focusing on patterns of marriage, divorce, cohabitation and the life course. You will also examine changes in state policies, gender roles, power relationships between men and women and the changing nature of childhood within a contemporary society.
At AS, you will also investigate E ducation (Unit 2) within society. This allows you to closely scrutinize the relationship and processes within schools with particular reference to pupil/teacher relationships and the formation of pupil subcultures. You will also consider the reasons behind differential educational attainment within different social class, gender and ethnicity. This unit also requires you to incorporate research skills both independently and to the study of education.
At A2, you will study the enormous range of differing Beliefs in Society (Unit3). In particular, you will examine the nature of religion in terms of a remaining a constant force within society or as an initiator for social change. Within this unit, you will explore various religious activity in terms of cults, sects and denominations whilst also examining the relationship religion has with different social groups.
At A2, you will also explore the study of Crime and Deviance (Unit 4) . This unit draws upon the sociological issues arising from the study of suicide whilst also examining the role of the mass media in relation to social reactions to, and the social constructions of crime and deviance.
AS comprises of one topic chosen from: Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare
and one topic chosen from: Education; Health; Sociological Methods.
A2, comprises one topic chosen from the following: Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics.
and one topic chosen from Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods
Entry Requirements
To gain entry to the course students must possess five GCSE passes at grades A to C, one of which needs to be in English, plus a general interest in society and people. Resits in GCSE English can be taken at college.
Duration
2 years
Assessment
Unit 1:
Written Paper:
1 hour
Weighting: 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic from three and answer one question. Each question consists of five parts.
Unit 2:
Written Paper: 2 hours
Weighting: 60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic (Education or Health) and answer:
(a) one question on the chosen topic. This question consists of four parts
(b) one question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of one part.
In addition, candidates answer one question on free-standing research methods. This question consists of four parts.
Unit 3:
Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic from four and answer one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two. The compulsory question consists of either two or three parts and the optional question consists of one essay.
Unit 4:
Written Paper: 2 hours
30% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic (Crime and Deviance or Stratification and Differentiation) and answer:
(a) one question on the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts.
(b) one question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts.
In addition, candidates answer one question on theory and methods. This question consists of one essay.
Progression
Sociology integrates well with many subjects such as English, Psychology and Media Studies. It is relevant to a number of careers, in particular the social and health services.It may be combined with a part GNVQ.
The A level qualification also provides the opportunity of progression to the higher level qualifications such as degrees or higher national diplomas. Above all, sociology students profess that by studying the subject they have gained invaluable insights into all areas of their lives which has benefited them both academically and personally.
Fees
Free to full-time students aged 16-19.