A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?
Sociology is ‘the study of society’. In sociology we will explore the idea that society is not the same everywhere: it is different at different times, in different places and different people see things in society differently, even within the same society. Sociology asks you to consider what actually happens, and look for explanations for patterns of behaviour
WHY SHOULD I STUDY SOCIOLOGY?
Everyone should study sociology! If you are interested in questions like: who does better at school – girls or boys? Is school becoming a place for the posh? Which social class are you? Are women portrayed fairly in the media? Are men being objectified in the media? Does violence in the media create violence in real life? Are we encouraged to laugh at the poor in the media? Why do people commit crimes? Who is more likely to be a victim? Does punishment work? Why are the rich getting away with their crimes? Then Sociology is for you!
USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
You need an open mind, and to be able to think at times in the abstract. You will be studying society within a theoretical context which may be new to you, 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 day to day life more interesting! Be prepared to never stop thinking like a sociologist once you start the course. A trip to the supermarket, a crime reported on the news,an episode of Hollyoaks, the Kardashians, Jeremy Kyleor Family Guy can be analysed through sociology!
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 to make your points effectively.
COURSE CONTENT
Students will study:
- Families and households2. Education3. Theory and methods
4.The Mass Media5.Crime and Deviance
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The course will be assessed at the end of the two years. You will sit three exams, each lasting 2 hours, with varied questions:
Paper one: Education with Methods in Context: 4, 6, 10, 30 mark questions on Education and a 10 and 20 on Research Methods and Theory
Paper two: Families and Media: 2 x 10 and 1 x 20 mark questions on Families 2 x 10 1 x 20 mark questions on Media
Paper three: Crime and Theory: 4, 6, 10, 30 mark questions on Crime 10 and 20 mark questions on Theory
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.
You will be set homework at the start of each week, with the expectation that this is handed back at the start of the following week.
Each week you will complete some form of exam application work in order to give you a good idea of what your exam will consist of.
COURSE COSTS
You will be provided with a course textbook. External visits usually require a small financial contribution.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
The college requires 5 GCSE passes (old grades A* - C, new grades 4 - 9) for entrance onto this course, including English Language and any other literary based subject involving a significant amount of reading, i.e. English Literature or History.
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.
Some of the students who studied this course at Prior Pursglove College progressed on to:
- Huddersfield University – Sociology & Criminology
- Hull University – Primary Teaching
- Liverpool John Moore University – Law & Criminal Justice / Psychology & Society
- Manchester Met University – Fashion Buying & Merchandising / History & Sociology
- Sheffield University – Adult Nursing
- Teesside University – Forensic Psychology / Sociology
- York St John University – Primary Education
STUDENT COMMENTS
“I’ve found it really interesting to hear other people’s thoughts about topics in debates in class as it gives me a wider understanding of what others think and it helps with essays to be able to put a variety of points in.”– Emily Blair (ex-Rye Hills School)
“Studying Sociology has allowed me to appreciate the complexity and diversity of social situations and to apply sociological knowledge to today’s society.” – Ben Passfield (ex-Outwood Academy Bydales)
“Even if you don’t plan to study Sociology at university, it’s useful to study it now! The subject widens your view on everything and what you learn about is relevant in every aspect of life. – Ellie Brown (ex-Outwood Academy Bydales)
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you require further information please contact the Faculty Manager.
Please note that the information in this leaflet is correct at the time of publication, but circumstances may arise which cause us to
revise our provision. June2017