A-Level Sociology
Overview
What questions do we have about our civilisation? Why do social problems like racism and sexism exist? How are social orders and cultures developed? Why have different family types developed? What are the causes of the gender gap in educational attainment? These are questions we look to answer in Sociology. At AS-Level, learners will study culture and society and relate these topics to areas including education and the family.
At A2 Level, learners continue on to study the concept of social inequality. Why is crime committed? Is deviance nature or nurture?
Entry Requirements
There is no specific entry requirement to do Sociology, but you need 5 A*-C or equivalent GCSE’s. Students must also have a willingness to develop certain skills:
– The ability to select information and ideas and to organize them to make a logically argued and relevant case.
– The ability to recognize and explain cause and consequence.
– The ability to communicate effectively
– The ability to work with others
You will need at least an E grade at AS Level to continue with the A2 course.
Course overview and Assessment
Year 12: Unit 1 – Acquiring Culture (15%) by written exam
Looks ta the key concepts and processes of cultural transmission, socialisation and the acquisition of identity
Year 12: Unit 2 – Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry (25%) by written exam
Assesses the ability to research, analyse, apply and evaluate sociological theories and evidence.
Year 13: Unit 3 – Power and Control (25%) by written exam
The theme of power is explored through crime and deviance, health and disability, politics and world sociology
Year 13: Unit 4 – Social Inequality and Applied Methods of Sociological Enquiry (35%) by written exam
Students will be assessed on their ability to design, justify and evaluate a piece of sociological research
Full course specification can be found here: wjec-gce-sociology-spec-from-2015-e-09-06-2020.pdf
Progression
Learners who study Sociology often progress into careers in teaching, advertising, business, marketing or research.