SOCIOLOGY

Courses: AS and A2

Exam Board: AQA

Entrance requirements: 5 GCSEs (including GCSE English A*-C)

Course Description:

A/SUnit (1) Families & Households (assessed by written examination 1 hour)

Unit (2) Education with Research Methods (assessed by written examination 2 hours)

A2Unit (3) Mass media(assessed by written paper 1hour 30 minutes)

Unit (4) Crime and Deviance with Theory and Research Methods(assessed by written paper 2 hours)

There is no coursework option.

‘A’ Level Sociology involves the critical study of people’s behaviour – usually in groups. Sociologists assume human behaviour is learned through socialisation. So-called “common-sense” or “natural or biological” explanations of human behaviour are seen as inadequate and reductionist. Bearing these things in mind, Sociologists – or rather you - look at these issues:

  • Why is it that women still take responsibility for housework and childcare?
  • Why do families break up?
  • What is the real purpose of education? Who benefits most from education?
  • Do girls really do better in education?
  • The influence of the mass media on our behaviour
  • Why do we have crime?
  • Who really commits most crime?
  • What caused the riots in August 2011?

By looking at these issues, Sociology contributes to a better understanding of the world in which we live.

Subject suitability for degree or future career:

Sociology can be studied in conjunction with many subject combinations and particularly with Humanities - English/History/Philosophy and Ethics, Psychology & the sciences. It requires the development of analytical, critical and evaluative skills – all highly regarded by universities and the professions such as Accountancy and Law.

All universities value Sociology highly – it is accepted by the medical schools for entry into medicine/dentistry - when studied with appropriate sciences. Students from Lampton School regularly combine science ‘A’ levels with Sociology. Indeed, medical schools now teach the sociology of medicine to students.

In the past, students who have studied Sociology have gone on to do:

Business,Criminology

HRMLaw

ManagementMarketing and Research

Social policySocial Work

Sociology Medicine/Dentistry

Contact Name: Mr P Derlacki