Sociology (A Level)

Course Specification	AQA A Level Sociology
Subject Specific Entry Requirements	Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 5 in English Literature or a humanities subject. In addition to the general entrance requirements.
Costs Associated with this Course	Students should provide their own stationery, lined paper and A4 ring binder folders.  Copies of textbooks and an exercise book for assessments are provided.

 

Do you…

- have an interest in the workings of society, politics and citizenship?

 

- have an open mind about different perspectives on a range of everyday issues such as education, the family and crime?

 

- ever wonder if power and wealth are distributed equally in society or not and why certain groups succeed more than others in life?

 

- feel intrigued by how people’s actions, beliefs, values, norms and behaviour are shaped by the society they live in?

 

- feel genuinely interested in current affairs, issues and debates that affect the UK and the wider world?

How will you be assessed?

Sociology is a linear subject which is 100% examination.

Examination structure for the full 2-year A Level course:

- 3 examinations taken in the summer term

- Each examination is 2 hours in duration

- Each examination is worth 1/3 of the total A level

- These examinations will assess your knowledge of all of the topics and content covered over the two years as well as testing a range of skills.

Examination structure for the stand-alone AS Level course:

- 2 examinations taken in the summer term

- Each examination is 1.5 hours in duration

- Each examination is worth 50% of the AS Level course

Note: AS examination grades will only be credited if the student does not continue the course into year 13.

What will I study?

Sociology is often defined as the scientific study of society. In order to explain why people behave the way they do, the sociologist has to peel away society’s outer layers and try to see through its many disguises. Sociology is fascinating because it makes us see the world in which we live our lives in a new light. As a student of sociology you will compare a range of different theories, evidence and studies about how people behave. The topics you will cover over the course are:

• Families & Households—study the different sociological perspectives on the purpose and function of the family including demographic change, marriage, childhood and equality within families.

  Education with Research Methods—study the structure, role, impact and experience of education including applying sociological research methods to the topic.

  Beliefs in Society–study theories of ideology, science & religion, religious organisations and the significance of religion in the modern world.

  Crime & Deviance-study crime, deviance, social order & social control and the reasons why people commit crime.

  Sociological Theory– study, analyse & evaluate the key perspectives & their view on society in depth

You will also cover research methods which allows you to consider the important decisions sociologists make before carrying out any research on different aspects of society.  Throughout all of the topics studied there will be opportunities to debate a variety of social issues and express your opinion as well as understand where this fits in with sociological and political viewpoints. You will study real-life examples and draw upon current affairs and contemporary debates within the UK and across other cultures to place your studies into context. You will also build upon and be fully supported in developing essay writing skills to support you in the examinations.

How will this course support my future plans?

Sociology covers a huge range of topics and styles of learning that compliment and cross-over with a number of other A level subjects including History, Psychology, Religious Studies & Law. You will develop a wide range of transferrable skills to support future study or employment such as critical thinking and evaluation, research, analysis and investigation techniques, enhanced communication and debating, presentation and ICT skills. In addition, you will gain an increasing awareness of local & global current affairs and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge dominant assumptions about society and essentially gain a wider insight into diverse beliefs, cultures, practices & perspectives. A number of students decide to continue their sociological studies at university and this course provides excellent preparation for that.

Ultimately, studying sociology will give you a better understanding of the society you live in and open up your mind to different interpretations of the world. Thus, in terms of future careers, Sociology naturally lends itself to careers within the public sector such as social work, the police force, teaching careers, youth work, the probation and prison service as well as welfare and policy development roles.

Student thoughts:

“Sociology has opened up my mind to differing views about society and its theories can easily be applied to real life situations”

 

“Sociology is a challenging subject but I have felt very supported throughout the course”

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For more information on the course specifications click the link below:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192

 

Extra helpings:

1. Excellent resource- lots of videos on content & exam technique on all topics-https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTEACHERSOCIOLOGY

 2. https://revisesociology.com/sociology-family-revise/ which provides general revision materials on all AQA topics

 3. Tutor2u also has excellent revision materials and practice questions:-

• Families & Households- https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology/collections/families-and-households
• Research Methods- https://revisesociology.com/research-methods-sociology/
• Education- https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology/topics/education
• Crime & Deviance- https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology/topics/crime-and-deviance
• Sociological Theory- https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology/topics/sociological-theory
• Beliefs in Society- https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology/collections/beliefs-in-society

4. Sociology key text library- a collection of key sociological texts and studies for wider reading available in hard copy to borrow- ask Miss Shaw (H2, The Hills)

5. Revision materials & practice questions on all topics-https://simplysociology.com/a-level-sociology.html 

6. News outlets for wider reading on societal issues/debates- https://theconversation.com/uk, https://www.theguardian.com/uk,  https://www.aljazeera.com

7. Podcast from BBC Radio Four with lots of episodes on differing societal issues and debates https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qy05