SOCIOLOGY

Sociology

Sociology is a challenging and fascinating subject which requires an understanding of how people and society functions. Four topics are studied – education, the family, crime and deviance, and the mass media. Alongside these topics, the core themes of socialisation, culture and identity, social differentiation, power and stratification are considered.

THE COURSE

Students study the role and functions of the education system; the educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society; the relationships and processes within schools; and the significance of educational policies.

Students also study the relationship of the family to the social structure; the changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course; gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships within the family; the nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society; and demographic trends in the United Kingdom since 1900.

Sociology is a popular subject that offers a range of learning possibilities. Students regularly engage in discussion and debate. Opportunities to conduct small-scale sociological research as well as to critically examine contemporary secondary sources are also provided throughout the course. 

This subject is well suited to students who have an interest in current affairs. Students should have an enquiring and critical mind and be prepared to explore and ask questions about the society in which they live, re-examining many taken for granted ideas. 

The course is 100% written examination with three 2-hour written papers.