SOCIOLOGY
Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour. It seeks to understand how society works. It is concerned with the relationships between people, social groups and the wider society. It includes a study of institutions such as the family, the education system, the criminal justice system and belief systems. As well as gaining knowledge and understanding skills in learning about Sociology, students will develop higher level skills of interpretation, application, analysis and evaluation as they learn from the ways in which sociological theories are constructed, how evidence is gathered and the impact findings have on social policy
A’LEVEL SUBJECT CONTENT
AS Level
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Education
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Methods in Context
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Research Methods
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Families and Households
A2 Level
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Crime and Deviance
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Theory and Methods
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Beliefs in Society
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT -- AQA Examining body
Paper 1 Education with Methods in Context – (90 minutes)
Paper 2 Research Methods and Families and Households –( 90 minutes)
The AS is a stand-alone qualification, which doesn’t contribute to the A-level grade.
A2 Level
The A-level is assessed by three different exam papers at the end of the course;
Paper 1 Education with Theory and Methods (two hours)
Paper 2 Beliefs in Society (two hours)
Paper 3 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (two hours)
This subject is linear assessed with exams at the end of a two year A-level course.
KEY FEATURES
Students...
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acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes
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appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate
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understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods
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develop skills to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities in society
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develop a lifelong interest in social issues
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT/S AND GRADES AT GCSE
English Grade B desired but not essential
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
The AS and A2 course has been designed to help learners to develop a capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. The A2 qualification forms the basis for entry into higher/further level education or employment. Career opportunities exist in the following areas:
Government
Health and Welfare
Community Affairs
Research, Education
Law
Business
Communications
OTHER INFORMATION
Sociology is a very popular subject as the questions it asks have lost none of their challenge and excitement. Think about the way that your gender, religion, and ethnic background open up or close down opportunities in your life. What kinds of spiritual faith do people have in Britain today? And how far do the media affect how personal lifestyle choices are viewed by wider society? These are vital questions. If you become a sociology student you will not be provided with quick answers. What you will discover is how to think about these issues for yourself: what are the questions behind the questions? Many students have found that sociology makes them look at the world in new ways and this is why it is such an interesting subject from which a real passion for learning more can be fostered.