AS/A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY

WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?

The easy answer is ‘the study of society’. Some people think that it must be a soft option, because everyone knows about society – don’t they? We all live in one, so it must be just be common sense! But society is not the same everywhere: it’s different at different times, in different places and different people see things differently even within the same society. Sociology asks you to consider what actually happens, and look for explanations and not just rely on common sense.

WHY STUDY SOCIOLOGY?

Sociology is the study of society and the way that it can shape people’s behaviour, beliefs and identity. Sociology enables us to make sense of the rapidly changing world in which we live.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

You need an open mind, and to be able to think in the abstract at times. ‘How else will you understand the Marxist idea of “false consciousness”? You will be looking at ideas, which you may be hostile to, but you still need to understand interpretations of society based on very different points of view, even if you don’t accept them.

You need an interest in society as it is today. People who read newspapers, watch news and documentary programmes, or simply have an interest in how people interact, will find that they can enjoy Sociology. Sociology will make it all even more interesting. Even a trip to the supermarket can speak volumes to a Sociologist!

You need a divergent mind. If you like knowing that if you follow a set routine, you can find the right answer, then Sociology is not for you, unless you are also clever enough to know that sometimes there can be no ‘right’ answers – only well argued ones.

You need a disciplined mind. You have to be able to use suitable evidence from sociological studies, Government policymaking, carefully compiled statistics and historical knowledge – anything relevant but universally recognisable and reliable – to make your points effectively.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT

AS students will study two modules covering the following three topics:

1. Family
2. Education
3. Methods

A2 students will study the following two modules:

1. Beliefs in Society
2. Crime and Deviance

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

In the first year both units are assessed through examinations using structured questions. In the second year there will be a further two examination papers.

COURSE COMMITMENT

You will attend lessons for four hours and thirty minutes per week. In addition, you are expected to do an equal amount of work outside class.

COURSE COSTS

You will be provided with a course textbook. You will be encouraged to subscribe to a Sociology journal. External visits usually require a financial contribution.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Within the College’s general recommendations for beginning advanced courses, we would insist that Sociology students have a minimum of five GCSE’s at grade C or above including both English Language and English Literature. Sociology is a ‘literary’ subject, so you need to be happy with the written word. You will need to read a lot, be able to interpret information accurately and write coherently, fluently and accurately.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

A high proportion of jobs or university courses don’t require a specific set of A Levels, and the skills that you acquire as a Sociology student will be very relevant to a wide range of university courses and occupations. Our students in the past have gone on, for example, to become Police Officers, Journalists, Lawyers, Nurses, Civil Servants, Teachers and Probation Officers.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you require further information please contact Alison Dodds, the Department Manager or Garry Lloyd, the Course Co-ordinator.