Elements

All the following must be an integral part of the study of each topic area:

• sociological theories, perspectives and methods

• the design of the research used to obtain the data under consideration, including its strengths and limitations.

Attention must be given to drawing out the links between topic areas studied.

Core themes

Students must study the following two core themes:

• socialisation, culture and identity

• social differentiation, power and stratification.

The themes should be understood and applied to particular substantive areas of Sociology. These themes are to be interpreted broadly as threads running through many areas of social life and should not therefore be regarded as discrete topics.

In addition, students must understand the significance of conflict and consensus, social structure and social action, and the role of values.

Contemporary UK society

The central focus of study in this specification should be on UK society today, with consideration given to comparative dimensions where relevant, including the siting of UK society within its globalised context.

Paper 1:

ion with Theory and Methods

What's assessed

Compulsory content 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3

Assessed

• 2 hour written exam

• 80 marks

• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

• Education: short answer and extended writing, 50 marks

• Methods in Context: extended writing, 20 marks

• Theory and Methods: extended writing, 10 marks

Paper 2 topics:

Sociology

What's assessed

Section A: one from option 1: 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3 or 4.2.4

Section B: one from option 2: 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.2.7 or 4.2.8

Assessed

• 2 hour written exam

• 80 marks

• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

Section A: extended writing, 40 marks

Section B: extended writing, 40 marks

Paper 2: rime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

What's assessed

Compulsory content 4.3.1, 4.3.2

Assessed

• 2 hour written exam

• 80 marks

• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

Crime and Deviance: short answer and extended writing, 50 marks

Theory and Methods: extended writing, 30 marks

Aims

The study of Sociology must focus on contemporary society and foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. It must provide an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues. Students must be encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

These specifications have been designed with the clear objective of addressing the requirements above and will encourage students to:

• acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes

• appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate

• understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process

• develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society

• develop a lifelong interest in social issues.

Assessment objectives

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all AS and A-level Sociology specifications and all exam boards.

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

Assessment objectives

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all AS and A-level Sociology specifications and all exam boards.

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • sociological theories, concepts and evidence

  • sociological research methods

• AO2: Apply sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods to a range of issues

• AO3: Analyse and evaluate sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to:

  • present arguments

  • make judgements

  • draw conclusions.