Sociology

Qualification - A Level

Exam Board - AQA

WHY CHOOSE SOCIOLOGY?

Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology is particularly suited to students who are interested in questioning the things we take for granted in everyday life, Sociology helps you to develop a critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. A-level Sociology will help you to make sense of the society we live in and understand the cultural and identity issues which affect us all. A-Level Sociology could lead to university courses in Sociology, Psychology, English, Business Studies, Law or Teaching. It could also lead you in to other possible career options such as working in the public services, Human Resources or Advertising.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

In Sociology you will learn how to write academic essays using evidence such as theories and research studies to support your argument. You will learn how to investigate facts and to think critically. Students in Sociology study two core themes throughout all topics:

• Socialisation, Culture and Identity

• Social Differentiation, Power and Stratification

 

HOW WILL YOU BE ASSESSED?

100% exam - All three exams are taken at the end of year two. Exam assessment is mostly essay based with some short answer questions

 

PAPER 1 - EDUCATION WITH THEORY AND METHODS

2 hour written exam 80 marks

TOPICS: Education, Methods in Context, Theory and Methods

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 33.3%

PAPER 2 - TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY

2 hour written exam 80 marks

TOPICS: Families and Households, Beliefs in Society

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 33.3%

PAPER 3 - CRIME AND DEVIANCE WITH THEORY AND METHODS

2 hour written exam 80 marks

TOPICS: Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 33.3%

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

A MINIMUM OF FIVE GRADES 4 – 9 AT GCSE, INCLUDING ENGLISH AND MATHS