AS and A Levels courses

AS Level - Sociology

Duration: Normal daytime attendance.
See current timetable for sessions.

Sociology is the study of society looking at theories, research methods, concepts and studies.
It is an enjoyable and illuminating subject.

It will appeal to those who want to try to understand and explain their experience of the social world.
It is appropriate for people with a wide variety of interests and background.
It will appeal to those seeking to study the social sciences to a higher level.
It makes you question taken for granted ideas.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSE's grade A-C, including B in English.

What you learn

Knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues in Britain.
An opportunity to reflect upon your own experiences within the social world.
A variety of essential skills such as interpreting and exploring information sources, evaluating and understanding sociological material.
An appreciation of the role and contribution that sociology can provide to help you understand the world in which you live.

Family:
Changes in family structure in relation to industrialisation.
Changing patterns of marriage, divorce, co-habitation and child rearing.
Gender roles and power relationships within the family.
Diversity in relation to class, sexuality and ethnicity.
Status of children and domestic labour.
Are families universal? What are the alternatives?

Education:
Different explanations for unequal educational attainment between the social classes;
Gender differences in relation to education;
How education affects your life in work and the economy;
Ethnicity in relation to schooling and attainment;
Processes within Schools - teacher/ pupil relations - hidden curriculum - sub cultures

Sociological Methods:
The different quantitative and qualitative methods and sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, observation techniques and experiments, documents and official statistics;
The distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data;
The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods;
The theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing the choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research;
The nature of social facts and the strengths and limitations of different sources of data and methods of research.

What next?

Progression to A2 will cover the subjects of crime and deviance and Religion/ Beliefs in Society.
AS and A2 levels are recognised qualifications for a wide range of courses in Higher Education.

How is the course assessed?

100% External examination.
Each unit will be assessed by the candidate answering ONE data response question.

Which campus?

Nuns Corner.