Is this the right subject for me?

If you enjoy questioning society and learning about how different social institutions work together; if you enjoy a range of learning activities such as group work, discussion, problem-solving, research and essay writing; if you want to study something which will improve your critical thinking skills; and if you want the challenge of learning a new subject, then Sociology is the course for you.

What do I need to know before, or be able to do, before taking this course?

Sociology is the study of society and its effects on human behaviour. It deals with present-day British society but, where appropriate, comparison will be made with societies in other parts of the world, both at the present time and in the past. It is a wide-ranging course which covers a number of diverse topics. Sociology is not taught in Years 7 or 8, therefore, you will have little or no prior knowledge of sociological concepts. Before you take Sociology you need to ensure that you have developed skills in and that you have an enjoyment of the following: discussion and group work, answering extended writing questions, an interest in the world and media.

What will I learn?

By the end of the course you will be able to show a clear knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues and debates. You will learn about a wide range of social issues, including examples such as:

• What causes people to commit crimes?

• Why does the education system work the way it does?

• How have relationships within families changed in the past 100 years?

• How can sociologists help with social problems such as poverty, racism or sexism?

You will understand the range of research methods and skills used in conducting social research alongside the study four core topics (Education; Families; Crime and Deviance; Social Stratification).

Where could it take me?

Sociologists may follow careers in social research within universities, the government and corporate bodies, the Police Force, the Criminal Justice System, the media, education, social work and health and social care programmes.

Assessment

• Paper 1 - Sociology of families and education with application to research methods (1 hour 45 minutes)

• Paper 2 - Crime and Social Stratification with application to research methods (1 hour 45 minutes)

Exam Board

• AQA