Sociology A Level

Full name of specification

A Level Sociology

Exam board specification link

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level

Name of textbook if used

None used

What is A Level Sociology?

Sociology is the study of society – how people interact in groups. A level Sociology examines social behaviour from a variety of perspectives: how it originates and then develops, and the ways people are organised into groups according to distinctions such as class, gender and race. A level Sociology also looks at the institutions and forces which shape and are shaped by groups within a society, such as the media, religion and education.

Why study this course?

Sociology allows you to see society in a different way and understand things others do not. Have you ever wondered why there are more ethnic minorities in prison? Or why some people are brainwashed to join world rejecting cults and sects? Why do some people turn to murder? Or how we still live in a society where your ethnicity, gender and social class can have massive repercussions on your life? Why are people so celebrity obsessed – why are people up to date with Beyoncé’s twins rather than the current political affairs which impact our lives so much?

What can you expect from this course?

Expect to be shocked; your eyes will be opened and you will begin to see society in a way you have never seen it before.

How is it assessed?

You will complete 3 examinations at the end of the two year course.

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs at grades 4 – 9, across four separate subjects, to include GCSE Mathematics and/or English/English Language.

What can I do after completing this qualification?

Many of our students go on to study Sociology or Criminology at Degree level. Students with a Sociology A-level can develop careers in law, civil service, teaching, criminal justice system and social work. The skills developed through the completion of the course will be invaluable in further education and employment.

What will I study? (include unit numbers and names)

Families and Households; in this unit we look at why families are changing, how new family types have emerged and the different views towards these new family types. As well as this, we look at the debate surrounding childhood; is it disappearing? Why are children wanting to grow up a lot faster and does the notion of childhood as we know it exist globally?

Education; in a society where free education is provided, why do some students do significantly better than others? We look at the impact of government policies and judge whether they promote equality or create further divisions. For example, has the increase in university tuition fees had a detrimental impact on some students?

Beliefs in Society; with religion being in the forefront of a lot of media outlets, we study the importance of religion in society today. We look at what drives people to turn to fundamentalism while others are abandoning religion. We also study smaller religious organisations which are often seen as ‘bizarre’ such as cults and sects – why are they growing and why are they attracting so many members?

Crime and Deviance; this unit is perfectly suited for those who have an interest
in criminology and why people commit crime. As part of the unit, we will study the inequalities which exist within the criminal justice system and why some people can get away with the crimes
they commit while others are harshly punished. Controversial issues such as the death penalty will be debated. This topic will allow you to study contemporary examples and see how the criminal justice system operates on a global scale.