Sociology

In gaining greater understanding of the way in which society works, or does not work, we hope that our students leave with the knowledge, skills and desire to effectively challenge inequality, injustice and promote a better, fairer society for all.

Course Details

A Level Sociology, AQA
Specification – https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192

Course Description

The study of Sociology focuses on contemporary society and fosters the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. It provides an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues. Students are encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

he course has been designed with the clear objective of addressing the requirements above and will encourage students to:

• acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes
• appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate
• understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process
• develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society
• develop a lifelong interest in social issues.

Programme of Study

Over the course of the two year course students will gain an understanding of the working of contemporary western (largely Britain and American) society. They will do so via the study of social structures, institutions and phenomena. These include; the education system, the family, the media and the criminal justice system. There are 3 examination papers:

Paper 1 – Education and theory and methods
Paper 2 – The Family and Media
Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance, theory and methods

As well as the specific connect mentioned above the course requires students to understand and number of integral elements and core themes. These are aspects of sociology or society that students must explore whatever their chosen areas of study. They are: Integral elements All the following must be an integral part of the study of each topic area:

• sociological theories, perspectives and methods
• the design of the research used to obtain the data under consideration, including its strengths and limitations.
• links between topic areas studied.

Core themes Students must study the following two core themes:

• socialisation, culture and identity
• social differentiation, power and stratification.
• the significance of conflict and consensus, social structure and social action, and the role of values.

Year 12

• Introduction to Sociology
• Family and Education
• Research Methods

Year 13

• Theory and Methods
• Crime and Deviance
• The Media

Assessment

Students are assessed across three examination papers and by three assessment objectives. These are:

AO1 – Knowledge and Understanding

• sociological theories, concepts and evidence
• sociological methods

AO2 – Application

• sociological theories, concepts and evidence
• Research methods

AO3 – Analysis and Evaluation

• sociological theories, concepts, evidence
• research methods in order to
  • present arguments
  • make judgements
  • draw conclusions

Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods

• 80 marks
• 2 hours
• 33.3% of overall A level

Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology

• 80 marks
• 2 hours
• 33.3% of overall A level

Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

• 80 marks
• 2 hours
• 33.3% of overall A level

Home Learning

Students are expected to complete all work in line with the home learning policy as well as take an active interest in contemporary issues in society. Home learning tasks will include practise exam questions, research on topics being studied in class and revision using directed websites.

Where can Sociology take you

The skills that are taught in Sociology are valued in a number of areas. Throughout the course students are encouraged to begin to learn about how to conduct research. With further study this could lead to work conducting research for the government, for large multinational companies and for charities. We are proud that students completing the course often report that it has “opened their eyes” or that they now see the world in a different way.

Further Study

Degrees in:

• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Communication, Media and Culture
• Criminology
• Education Studies
• International Relations
• Philosophy
• Politics

Careers

• Education Sector
• Criminal Justice System
• Social Care Sector
• Media

How can parents support their child’s learning

Parents should encourage their children to be curious, to question inequality in all its forms, to consider where norms, values and practices come from and to keep up to date with contemporary issues.

Useful Links

• A Level Sociology Specification – https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/sociology/specifications/AQA-7191-7192-SP-2015.PDF
• Sociology Tutor 2 U – https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology
• Study Wise – www.studywise.co.uk/a-level-revision/sociology
• Revise Sociology – www.revisesociology.com
• British Sociological Association – www.britsoc.co.uk
• Office for National Statistics – www.ons.gov.uk
• Sociology videos – www.youtube.com/channel/UC2YEGWfZ0lihoOD7JNkDx2g/videos

For more information please contact Miss L Gibbons, Head of Sociology, Townsend Church of England School.