Sociology AS Level

Sociology AS/A Level
Social Science & Childcare
Board and Syllabus details
Board: AQA - Syllabus: AS Level (5191), A Level (6191)
About the subject
Sociology is the scientific study of society.
Students will acquire a critical awareness of British Society and the forces that shape it. For example, AS students will look at the Culture and Identity and its relation to society, looking at issues such as: whether how Culture is formed and in tern how that can shape identity, as well as asking the question are these terms relevant in a modern 21st century world. AS students also examine education in our society as well as looking into how sociologists do research to back up/ create theories. Both of these exams will be examined in the summer.
A2 students have a choice of courses to study choice A) World Sociology will look at globalisation and the anti-globalisation movement, the activities of transnational companies, international debt. Where as choice B) Religion will look at nature and structure of religion, the role and impact that religion has had on society and whether that impact is in decline.(these exams will be taken in the January set of exams) the final topic to be studied in sociology is Crime and deviance linked to Theory and Methods The causes of crime are also studied as well as examining social policy on crime - exploring what we can do about crime. They will also do further work exploring the difficulties in finding the truth, the impact of values on social research and post-modern developments in discussions of what constitutes knowledge. These are just some examples of the topics covered.

Learning Styles
Studying Sociology involves reading and discussing research evidence, ideas and theories about society.
Books, magazines, articles, videos as well as the internet may provide the source material.
Students may be expected to participate in debate, do presentations, say what they think, as well as write essays, make notes etc.

Subject combinations and progression
The subject matter of Sociology has links with Psychology, Geography, Media Studies, Film Studies, English, History, Politics, Law, Citizenship and General Studies.
In terms of subject combinations it combines well with most subjects and provides a useful insight into aspects of society. Students who study Sociology go on to study an enormous range of subjects including the vast range of Social Science based courses.

Subject modules and assessment
AS
Module 1: Culture and Identity 1 hr Data Response exam. 40% of the marks at AS Level, 20% of the marks at A2 Level. (Summer exam)
Module 2: Education and Research Methods 2 hrs Data Response exam. 60% of the marks at AS Level, 30% of the marks at A2 Level. (Summer exam)
A2
Module 3: World Sociology or the Sociology of Religion 1.5 hrs Data Response and essay exam. 20% of the marks at A2 Level. (January exam)
Module 4: Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods 2 hrs Data Response exam. 30% of the marks at A2 Level. (Summer exam)

Entry Requirements
None.