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A Level in Sociology (AS) 1191

Course Synopsis

The course aims to give you some fundamental and lasting insights into how human societies are constructed, how they influence our beliefs and daily lives. Sociology is about developing a critical understanding of society, and through this understanding providing a basis for highlighting and explaining social problems such as ill health, poverty and crime. As well as learning about how society influences individual lives, you will also learn how to express yourself coherently, how to challenge and evaluate information presented to you and how scientific information is produced.

The course lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Sociology and related subjects in higher education. In addition, it provides a worthwhile course for candidates of various ages and from diverse backgrounds in terms of general education and lifelong learning. Equally, material studied would be useful for candidates intending to pursue careers in any of the Social Sciences.

Sociology is a dynamic, ever changing subject with new information and studies constantly confirming or challenging existing theories and producing new ones. The subject matter of sociology is uniquely around and within you, it is essential that you are curious about the why’s and how’s of societies processes in all settings from cradle to grave, from peer groups to institutions like schools and the class system. The purpose of this course is to help students look around them in a more analytical manner, to understand and question why things are the way they are, and what can be done to change the more negative aspects of our society.

Like the majority of academic subjects at A level, Sociology has its own distinct set of terms. You will be expected not only to recognise and understand these terms in examination papers, but be able to use them correctly in your answers. Psychology also contains many examples of research and different perspectives you will be required to know methodological details and results of many of these. Students are recommended to have a notebook or index cards to develop a file of key words and Studies/researchers/perspectives as you go along in order to help with revision and evaluation skills.

The AS Level Sociology course consists of 6 modules, 3 for each unit. The modules are further broken down into clear subject topics. At the end of each topic is a set of key words, which you should be able to define as a revision exercise, as well as activities throughout the text to ensure understanding of important aspects of the topic. Topic coverage may vary in length and difficulty depending on the level of detail and information required. You will need to study the modules in the sequence provided. There are three tutor marked assignments associated with each unit which should be sent to your tutor, as well as an introductory assignment to introduce yourself to your tutor.

Course Format and assessment

This new specification (from September 2008) reflects the changes that the Qualifications Curriculum Authority have implemented to classify psychology as a science. This means that in addition to the sociology subject matter in previous specifications students are now required to study psychological research and methodology as an integral part of the course rather than in isolation.

The new format also reduced the number of units to be studied from 6 to 4, with 2 being studies at AS level and 2 at A2.

Unit 1 – SCLY1 Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare

40% of AS, 20% of A Level Written paper 1 hour 60 marks Candidates choose one topic from the three available and answer one question Each question consists of five parts Available January and June

Unit 2 – SCLY2 Education; Health; Sociological Methods

60% of AS, 30% of A Level Written paper 2 hours 90 marks Candidates choose one topic (Education or Health) and answer one question on the chosen topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on research methods Available January and June

Unit 3 – SCLY3 Mass Media

20% of A Level Written paper 1 hour 30 minutes 60 marks Candidates choose one topic from four and answer one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two Available January and June

Unit 4 – SCLY4 Power and Politics

30% of A Level Written paper 2 hours 90 marks Candidates choose one topic from the three available and answer one question on the chosen topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on theory and methods Available January and June

Integral Elements

All the following are 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 weaknesses.

Core Themes

Candidates must study the following two core themes:

• Socialisation, culture and identity.
• Social differentiation, power and stratification.

These themes should be seen as threads running through many areas of social life and not be regarded as discrete topics.

The AS course is laid out as follows:

The A2 course is laid out as follows:

This course covers all the content of the AQA Sociology course. You can find the full syllabus for this course at www.aqa.org.uk.

Previous Knowledge

No requirement to have studied sociology previously. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required. Although those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging.

Entry Requirements

Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours

Approximately 300 hours.

Qualification

AS/A2 - A level in Sociology. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2190, AQA (AS) 1191 and AQA (A2) 2191

www.aqa.org.uk

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