Sociology

Assessment

Sociology is the study of society. In this discipline, we examine the social behaviour of individuals and groups as well as the way that people interact with and are influenced by social institutions. Sociologists tend to be motivated by social change and have a keen interest in politics as a way of improving society. Sociology A Level is a two year linear course with three examinations at the end of the second year that are all weighted equally. There is no coursework. Paper One: Education with Theory and Methods Component One: Education • The role and purpose of education • Educational policies Relationships and processes within schools Class, gender and ethnic differences in achievement, subject choice and experiences of education • Researching the education system Component Two: Theory and Methods Research Design Research Methods: • Values in sociological research • Science and sociological research • Sociological perspectives on society • Sociology and social policy • Modernity and postmodernity Paper Two: Topics in Sociology Component One: Families and Households The role and purpose of the family • The relationship between the family and social change Government policies and the family • Changing family patterns • Family diversity • Gender roles and power in relationships Childhood • Demographic trends in the UK Component Two: Beliefs in Society • The role and purpose of ideology, science and religion • Religion and social stability • Religion and social change Religious organisations including churches, denominations, sects and cults • Class, gender, age and ethnic differences in religiosity • The significance of religion in the contemporary world Paper Three: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods Component One: Crime and Deviance • Social order, social control and reasons for criminality • Class, gender, age, ethnic and regional patterns of criminality • Globalisation and crime The Media and crime • Types of crime: green crime; human rights abuse; state crime • Controlling crime: surveillance, prevention and punishment • Victims of crime and the Criminal Justice System Component Two: Theory and Methods • Research Design Research Methods • Values in sociological research Science and sociological research • Sociological perspectives on society • Sociology and social policy • Modernity and postmodernity