A Level Sociology
Examination Board: AQA A Level
How is wealth distributed in society? What is the point of religion- does it matter anymore? Is the family patriarchal? Why do certain groups outperform others in education? How has globalisation affected our society? Sociology is a fascinating subject that explores the ever-changing nature of society and factors that influence today.
- Families & Households—study the different sociological perspectives on the purpose and function of the family including demographic change, marriage, childhood and equality within families.
- Education with Research Methods—study the structure, role, impact and experience of education including applying sociological research methods to the topic.
- Beliefs in Society –study theories of ideology, science & religion, religious organisations and the significance of religion in the modern world.
- Crime & Deviance -study crime, deviance, social order & social control and the reasons why people commit crime.
- Sociological Theory – study, analyse & evaluate the key perspectives & their view on society in depth
- Research methods – study methods which allows you to consider the important decisions sociologists make before carrying out any research on different aspects of society.
Throughout all of the topics studied there will be opportunities to debate a variety of social issues and express your opinion as well as understand where this fits in with sociological and political viewpoints. You will study real-life examples and draw upon current affairs and contemporary debates within the UK and across other cultures to place your studies into context.
Assessment
Sociology is a linear subject which is 100% examination. This consists of 3 examinations taken in the summer term of Year 13, each examination is 2 hours in duration and worth 1/3 of the total A level. These examinations will assess your knowledge of all of the topics and content covered over the two years and will include a range of short answer and extended essay style answers.
You will develop a wide range of transferrable skills to support future study or employment such as critical thinking and evaluation, research, analysis and investigation techniques, enhanced communication and debating, presentation and ICT skills. In addition, you will gain an increasing awareness of local & global current affairs. There are a wide range of careers that link to sociology such as teaching, social work, journalism, policy development.