Sociology

Sociology at the Forest. Students will study the AQA course. This course is designed so that the pupils will gain the essential knowledge and understanding of key sociological thought and method combined with a range of skills.

What skills are required? No prior study of the subject is required, you don’t need the GCSE but it might help understanding of the issues we will study. It is recommended that pupils have gained at least a grade B in English Language at GCSE and a C grade in one Humanity subject.

Why choose Sociology? It lays the foundation for further study of Sociology and related subjects in higher education. It provides a worthwhile course in terms of general education and lifelong learning. It is useful for students intending to pursue a career in the field of social sciences.

What is Sociology? Sociology is the study of the relationships people share with each other, in their families, in their schools and so on. It allows you to have an understanding of the world around you.

What can I do with Sociology?

How is the A Level examined? There are three written exams . All are in the summer of Year 13 Paper 1 is 2 hours long. This is worth 33.3% of the total A Level marks. Pupils are required to answer questions on Education and Methods in Context. Paper 2 is 2 hours long. This is worth 33.3% of the total of A Level marks. Pupils are required to answer questions on the optional topics – Families and Households and The Media. Paper 3 is 2 hours long. Pupils are required to answer questions on Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods.

Optional Units Families and Households The Mass Media

Optional Topics – Families and Households What are families? What is the ‘ideal’ type of family? What is the role of the family?

Optional Unit – Mass Media What is it? Who owns the media? How much does the media influence us the audience? How has technology changed the way we consume media and how much power it has over us?

Compulsory Topics Education Theory and Methods in Sociology Crime and Deviance

Education What is the point of education? Why do some people succeed? Why do some people fail? What can be done to help everyone ?

Sociological Methods What kind of things do sociologists research? How do sociologists research society? what methods do they use? Why? What are they hoping to achieve?

Sociological Theory What different perspectives are there? How they agree with each other? How do they disagree with one another? Why are there these differences of opinion? Is Sociology a science?

Crime and Deviance Who commits crime? Why? How can we prevent it?