Sociology AS/A Level

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.