Sociology
AS Sociology is a one-year course. You are not expected to have studied Sociology at GCSE, but you need to have an open mind and a lively interest in society!
Sociology is a stimulating subject. It is an exciting study of the society in which we live and you will be given the opportunity to analyse and interpret some of the day to day events, which we often take for granted.
What does studying Sociology involve?
- Studying social institutions and other areas of society
- Investigating the changing structure of society
- Considering competing explanation of society
- Developing critical awareness of social issues and a range of research methods
- Reflecting on your own experience of the social world in which you live
- Developing new skills that will enhance your ability to participate more effectively in adult life
An outline of the AS subject content
Unit 1: Families and Households
Written Paper: 1 hour
Weighting : 40% of total AS / 20% of total A level marks
Candidates answer one question. Each question consists of five parts.
Unit 2: Education; Sociological Methods
Written Paper: 2 hours
Weighting : 60% of total AS / 30% of total A level marks
Candidates choose and answer:
a) one question on the chosen topic. The 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.
c) One question on free-standing sociological research methods. This question consists of four parts.
An outline of the A2 subject content
Unit 3: Beliefs in Society
Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting : 20% of total A level marks
Candidates choose one topic from four topic options 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: Stratification and Differentiation; Sociological Theory and research Methods
Written Paper: 2 hours
Weighting : 30% of total A level marks
Candidates choose one topic ( expected to be 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.
c) One question on sociological theory and methods. This question consists of one essay.
All lessons are designed so that you will experience a range of teaching and learning styles and make optimum use of the range of resources available. Group work and discussion work are used extensively as are audio and visual aids. Trips and conferences are arranged at various stages during the course and speakers are utilized to give 'alternative' dimensions on themes.
Sociology students are expected to keep themselves up-to-date with current affairs and to read widely around the topics studied as part of their private study and independent learning.