Sociology

AS & A2

Qualification To Start The Course

Five A–C GCSE grades including grade C or above in English.

Description Of The Subject

Sociology is the study of human interaction. The main concern is to explain human behaviour by examining individuals, slmall groups and institutions such as political organisations, the education system and the family. Sociology takes on the controversial but 'important' questions that people want answered. For example, does violence in the media influence behavoiur? Why is there racism, sexism and homophobia? Sociology attempts to answer such questions by considering a variety of sociological perspectives (Marxism, functionalism, feminism) and a wide range of current research and evidence. Moreover, sociology enables people to explore and make sense of their own experiences.

The course can be taken for one year or continued on to A2 level.

Year 1 AS

Unit 1 – The individual and society
Unit 2 – Culture and socialisation (family/religion)
Unit 3 – Sociological research skills

Year 2 A2

Unit 4 – Power and control (crime and deviance)
Unit 5 – Applied sociological research skills
Unit 6 – Social inequality and difference

Assessment

Formal examination on each unit in the form of data response/short essay answers and option of a coursework task
Ongoing teacher assessment through essays, set reading and test questions

Future Prospects

Sociology is recognised by all universities, it is a very popular and relevant subject for contemporary society! It is suitable and useful for most occupations (politics,law, health & social care/services, education and business).