Sociology Post 16

Sociology

Entry Guidance:

5 GCSEs grades A*-C or equivalent, including English Language and Maths.  As you have to be competent at both essay writing and statistics you need to be literate and numerate, and you will need to have a grade B in English Language.  Furthermore, a satisfactory period of induction will need to be completed to assess potential candidates' suitability for the course.

Syllabus Outline:

We will be studying the OCR Sociology syllabus using a modular route.  This wil consist of two examinations taken in Year 12 if the candidate wishes to obtain AS Sociolgy, and a further two examinations if the candidate wishes to pursue the course to A2.  This course is designed to provide candidates with an introduction to Sociology that emphasises contemporary social processes and social changes, whilst also fostering an ethos of critical inquiry within candidates, encouraging them to explore the social world and to reflect upon their own social experiences.

AS Level

The AS GCE is made up of two mandatory units, which are externally assessed and form 50% of the corresponding Advanced GCE.  The AS specification focuses on the themes of socialisation, culture and identity.

Unit 1 - Exploring Socialisation, Culture and Identity.
Students study the formation of culture, the process of socialisation and its role in forming identity. At the same time, an exploration is made of the research process in context, exploring methods of data collection, analysis of data and research concepts.  Assessment is through one 90 minute examination, comprised of a compulsory question based on pre-released material.

Unit 2 - Topics in Socialisation, Culture and Identity.
The themes of culture and socialisation are developed through the study of a choice of one substantive topic: the family.  Assessment is through one 90 minute examination, comprising two structured questions per topic.

A2 Level

A2 Sociology is designed to enable candidates to build on the sociological understanding they acquired in AS Sociology and to devlop an understanding of the A2 core themes of power, control and social inequality and differences.

Unit 1 - Power and Control.
The themes of power and control are developed through the study of Crime and Deviance.  Assessment is through one 90 minute examination, comprising three unstructured essay questions, of which the candidate must answer two.

Unit 2 - Exploring Social Inequality and Difference.
This unit investigates levels and patterns of inequality in the UK.  The areas of social class, gender, ethnicity and age are explored and further examination of the research process is made.  Assessment is through one 2 hour examination, based on a piece of research (not pre released) and an option of two routes for the essay questions.

General Comments:

Sociology is an excellent subject that compliments the humanities, social science and arts subjects.  It is a well respected academic subject which is highly valued by both employers and universities.  Sociology looks at all ares of human social behaviour.  Sociologists work on the assumption that our behaviour is largely explained by 'outside' factors such as the social conditions we live in or our environment.  Sociology involves the study of social groups and the impact of membership of such groups on the individual.  From completing the study of Sociology you will gain and devlop a wide range of skills, such as description, explanation, prediction, application, evaluation, academic writing, critical thinking and discussion, which will benefit your other subject areas.