Curriculum Area: Social Sciences
Sociology AS/A Level
Who is the Course For?
This course has most similarity with the study of History and Politics. It is appropriate for students who are interested in modern society and who enjoy conveying their ideas in writing. Sociologists produce theories to explain human behaviour (Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, etc.) and students must be prepared to study these theories and the related research in detail. There is a great deal of reading and essay based assessment; students must be able to interpret essay titles and produce coherent, fluent essays. It is essential that they develop analytical and evaluative skills in relation to both empirical and theoretical data.
Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
The Advanced Subsidiary [AS] is studied in the first year. The course is divided into two separate modules. They are:
| Unit 1 | Families and households |
| Unit 2 | Education with research methods |
Advanced Level (A2)
Students may choose to progress to the full Advanced Level [A2] in the second year of study and the two modules covered are:
| Unit 3 | Beliefs in society |
| Unit 4 | Crime and deviance plus theory and methods |
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The course is taught by well qualified members of staff. Lectures, discussions, written assignments, videos, presentations and tests, are all part of the learning programme.
Methods of Assessment
The course will be examined in the following pattern:
| Unit 1: Families and households | 1 hr written paper | 40% of total AS marks/20% of total A level marks |
| Unit 2: Education with research methods | 2 hr written paper | 60% of total AS/30% of total A level marks |
| Unit 3: Beliefs in society | 1 ½ hrs written paper | 20% of total A level marks |
| Unit 4: Crime and deviance plus theory and methods | 2 hour written paper | 30% of total A level marks |
Course Combinations
Sociology combines well with any other academic subject. It is not recommended to take it as a third or fourth A Level in conjunction with practical subjects.
Resources
Support for student learning is provided by extensive Moodle documents and video extracts. Textbooks written by the AQA examiner are available to all students. The Library & Information Centre provides access to the Internet and is well stocked with Sociology books and reference works.
Progression
The full Advanced Level in Sociology provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to Higher Education as well as being a useful background for careers in nursing, social work, health care, education, public relations, the media, personnel, police, law and the leisure industry. Sociology combines well with most other subjects.
Entry Requirements
Students must have 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English Language. A higher grade in English Language is preferable, and it is recommended that students are fully aware of the essay commitment.
Charges
There are no charges incurred on this course.