Preparing to Study… Social Sciences

What are the Social Sciences? Social sciences examine people and the society they live in –P–Psychology focuses on the individual and attempts to explain human behaviour –S–Sociology focuses on how individuals function together within society –P–Politics focuses on peoples views about individuals and societies and how they think they should be organised To study social sciences you MUST have an interest in human behaviour and how society functions

What Skills will I need to Study the Social Sciences? Assessing sources of information Analysing, evaluating and coming to conclusions Develop knowledge, understanding and ideas Independent study and research Writing essays

What can I expect from Social Sciences outside of class? As with all subjects you will be expected to complete certain extended study tasks. These will include: –F–Finding real life examples of issues discussed in lessons –R–Research –E–Exam practice –P–Preparation for videos/presentations –E–Essay writing –R–Reading

What will I need? Folder for each subject Highlighters Pens/Pencils/Lined Paper Internet Access Text Books (these will be provided and must be brought to every lesson) Revision Guide (optional) A good attitude and desire to achieve your potential!!

Psychology

AS Psychology Module 1 – Research Methods – Attachment – Memory 1 ½ hour exam taken in January Module 2 – Stress – Abnormality – Social Influence 1 ½ hour exam taken in Summer

A2 Psychology Module 3 – Aggression – Relationships – Sleep 1 ½ hour exam taken in January Module 4 – Research Methods – Anomalistic OR Addiction – Phobias 2 hour exam taken in Summer

Preparing for A level Psychology Watch: Derren Brown One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest (movie) The Experiment (movie) Read: ‘Psychologies’ magazine Psychology Review (available from teacher) Derren Brown Books Reflect upon: The behaviour of those around you. Can you think of explanations which account for this behaviour?

Sociology

AS Sociology Module 1 Families & Households Areas covered include: – Is the nuclear family the norm? – Roles of motherhood/fatherhood & how these change – The dark side of the family – child & domestic abuse 1 hour exam taken in Summer Module 2 Education with Research Methods Areas covered include: – Different types of schools & teaching – Pupil subcultures – Success & failure and factors that contribute 2 hour exam taken in Summer

A2 Sociology Module 3 Beliefs in Society Areas covered include: – Religious belief & social change – Significance of religion in the contemporary world – Theories of ideology e.g. science & religion 1½ hour exam taken in Summer Module 4 Crime & Deviance with Theory & Methods Areas covered include: – Social distribution of crime & deviance by ethnicity, age, gender & social class – Crime control, prevention & punishment – The sociological study of suicide 2 hour exam taken in Summer

Preparing for A level Sociology Watch: News programmes Current affairs programmes Eastenders Read: Newspapers  Sun  Mirror Reflect upon: Your own experience in education and in your family

Politics

AS Politics Module 1 People & Politics Areas covered include: – Political parties – Pressure groups & protest movements – Electoral systems & voting behaviour 1 hour 20 minutes exam taken in Summer Module 2 Governing the UK Areas covered include: – Prime Minister & Cabinet – Parliament – Constitution & Judiciary 1 hour 20 minutes exam taken in Summer

A2 Politics Module 3 Political Ideologies Areas covered include: – Conservatism – Socialism – Liberalism – Anarchism 1½ hour exam taken in Summer Module 4 More Political Ideologies Areas covered include: – Nationalism – Multiculturalism – Feminism – Ecologism 1½ hour exam taken in Summer

Preparing for A level Politics Watch: News programmes Channel 4 news News Night Read: Quality newspapers  Guardian  Daily Telegraph  Times Keep up to date on: Current political issues, terrorism, Europe/Euro-zone, Economy

Where can Social Sciences qualifications take me?