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Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour. This course seeks to build upon your existing knowledge by increasing your awareness of what is happening in the world today. You will explore different perspectives and be introduced to conflicting interpretations and theories. This course will encourage you to look at our world in a more critical and enquiring way.Throughout the Sociology A Level, you will cover a wide range of topics including ‘Families and Households’, ‘Education’ and ‘Crime’. If questions such as ‘how has the family changed over time?’, ‘how can your gender affect your achievement at school?’ and ‘is there such a thing as a typical criminal?’ are of interest to you, then so is Sociology A Level.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language.
On this course, you will study:Year 1: • Families and Households – You will analyse how families, relationships and the experiences of children have changed over time in Britain. You will also explore the role of the family whereby you will study theoretical perspectives, including functionalist, the New Right, Marxist, feminist and postmodernist.• Education – You will explore the purpose of the education system whereby you will study theoretical perspectives, including functionalist and Marxist. You will also question why do some pupils achieve more qualifications than others? In relation to this, you will analyse how your social class, gender and ethnicity can all affect your educational achievement.• Research Methods in Context – You will find out how sociologists study society, such as through questionnaires, interviews, observations and through analysing secondary sources and you will critically evaluate the use of these methods. You will also have the opportunity to design and conduct your own research on a topic of your choice.Year 2:• The Media – Students will examine the role of the media in framing society in the 21st century. The new media and their significance for an understanding of the role of the media in contemporary society, what is the relationship between ownership and control of the media. What is the impact of globalisation on the media and popular culture? How does the media represent age, social class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability and what is the relationship between the media, their content and presentation, and audiences? You will be able to understand and apply a range of key sociological theories to the study of the media and its influence on society.• Crime and Deviance – You will explore patterns of criminal and deviant behaviour and questions such as; ‘why are black men stopped and searched by the police more than white or Asian men?’, ‘why do men commit more crimes than women?’, ‘how does the media affect our perception of crime?’. You will also look at crime prevention and punishment, and victimisation and you will apply a range of theoretical approaches to the study of crime and deviance.
Lessons are varied including; mini-lectures, discussion, debate, quizzes and practical research whereby you are provided with the opportunity to experience some of the practical, ethical and methodological issues that sociologists encounter in their research. We also organise sociological conference trips and hold an in-house conference on ‘Life Behind Bars’.
100% examination made up of three exam papers.
Essential textbooks over the two year course: £40.Optional trips: from £20 each.
A good A Level pass in a range of subjects will help you to progress to Higher Education or relevant employment. A sociology degree and the skills it brings is invaluable for careers in social research, law, teaching/lecturing, social work, the police force, journalism, media, politics and many others.
