A Level Sociology

Board: AQA
 
Specification: AS 5191 and A2 6191
 
Introduction
 
Sociology is the study of society. It explores what is needed to allow us to get along together, and the divisions and prejudices that keep our society from being more united. There has perhaps never been a more appropriate time to study Sociology. Throughout the course we will look at the issues of wealth and poverty, sexism and racism.
Sociologists are concerned about the best ways to describe society and what needs to happen in order to make the world a better place. We will look at how we might research and think about the social world.
Studying Sociology is not just about learning the content of the course; it is about interacting with new ideas and acquiring life skills that help us to develop as people.
 
Course structure
 
AS

Unit (code) Assessment Time   Contribution
AS Advanced
1 (SCY1) Exam: data response question 1¼ hours
2 (SCY2) Exam: Data response question 1¼ hours
3 (SCY3) Exam: One data response question 1 hour
 
Unit 1: Mass Media
Does TV violence cause actual violence?
Do owners use the media to maintain power over ordinary people?
Are some groups presented unfairly by the media?
 
Unit 2 – Education
Role of the education system
Why do some groups do better than others in examinations?
Why are boys doing worse than girls?
How important are parents in their children’s success?
The effect of state policies on the role, impact and experience of education.
 
Unit 3 – Sociological Research Methods
Different methods for collecting data; the distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data; positivism and interpretivism; theoretical, practical and ethical considerations; meaning of social facts.
 
 
A2
 
Unit (code) Assessment Time   Contribution
AS Advanced
4 (SCY4) Exam: one data response question and one essay 1½ hours
5 (SC5W) Exam: Data response questions and one essay 1½ hours
6 (SCY6) Exam: One three-part synoptic question 1½ hours
 
Unit 4 – Religion
What is religion’s function in society?
How important is it in terms of our morals and values?
Why does it seem to be declining in modern society?
Is it used to gain power over others in society?
 
Unit 5 – Theory and Methods
The AS Methods learned in the first year are developed to a higher level
Theoretical questions test depth and understanding
 
Unit 6 – Crime and Deviance
Who are the most deviant groups in society?
Why do some groups seem to commit more crime?
Are crime statistics reliable?
How should a society try to prevent crime?
 
Am I suited?
 
You will be suited if you:
enjoy written and spoken communication
are a good problem solver
are good at working with others, especially in debate
have an interest in current affairs
 
Subject complements
 
Sociology combines well with Psychology, Government and Politics, Economics, History and English.
 
Where does it lead?
 
Many students choose to study Sociology at university. However, you would also be qualified to study for a degree in social science, arts or humanities, such as English, Media or Law.

You could go on to work in the caring professions, other areas of public sector work, management, sales, advertising, journalism, or law.