Sociology

Why choose this subject?

Sociology is a subject that encourages students to observe and analyse the world we live in today. Sociology involves students looking at social issues, such as crime, and examining the sociological theories and evidence to help reach a supported judgement. Although there is a lot of discussion to promote understanding of the units, sociology is an evidence based subject that does involve some extended writing.

Sociology is considered a good subject for promoting an ability to use and assess data and evidence and reach a supported conclusion. It shows students how to question accepted truths and analyse the world around them.

What will the course cover?

1. The sociological approach: understanding what the study of sociology is about.

2. Social structures, social processes and social issues: beginning to understand different types of sociological theories and consider how social research is conducted.

3. Families: students will consider the different types of family forms in modern Britain and the sociological evidence surrounding changes in the family.

4. Education: during this unit, students will examine the debate around the function of education, as well as considering the factors that affect educational achievement.

5. Crime and deviance: this topic will study the social construction of crime and the different sociological theories why people commit crime.

6. Social stratification: students will consider the impact of social class on life chances in modern Britain. This topic will also involve examining sociological theories around poverty as a social issue.

7. Sociological research methods: during this unit, students will develop an understanding of how different types of research methods (for example, interviews, observation and questionnaires) can provide different evidence for research purposes.

How is this course assessed?

The course is assessed by two exams at the end of the course. There is no controlled assessment.

What can this course lead on to?

  • Human resources/personnel

  • The Police Force and The Armed Forces

  • Teaching/working with children

  • Counsellor/social work

  • Social researchers

  • Government (local/national)

  • Charity and social justice work

AQA-8192-SP-2017 socilogy.pdf

Who can tell me more about this subject?

Miss Bruce, Faculty Leader of Humanities.