Sociology SLA
AS Sociology (OCR)
Entry Guidance
5 GCSEs grades A*-C. or equivalent. As you have to be competent at both essay writing and statistics you need to be literate and numerate, and will need to have grade B in English and grade C in Maths.
You will need to be an independent thinker, have the capacity to balance opposing views and world outlooks and the ability to develop a critical yet objective approach to written work. You will also need:
* An enjoyment of debate and discussion
* An ability to work independently
* A willingness to have your beliefs questioned
Essentially, you need to have 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above including English grade B (ideally) and the determination to succeed. This is a challenging subject.
Syllabus Outline
We will be studying the OCR Sociology Syllabus (Advanced Subsidiary Code H181, Advanced Code H581) using a modular route. This will consist of two examinations taken in Year 12 if the candidate wishes to obtain AS Sociology, 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.
Content of the AS Modules
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.
AS Unit G671: Exploring socialisation, culture and identity.
* Formation of culture
* Processes of socialisation
* Role of socialisation in the creation of identities
* Exploring the research process
* Exploring the use of quantitative data-collection methods and analysis in the context of research
* Exploring the use of qualitative data-collection methods and analysis in the context of research
* Exploring the use of mixed methods in the context of research
Assessment is through one 90-minute examination worth 100 marks, comprised of a compulsory question based on pre-released material.
AS Unit G672: Topics in socialisation, culture and identity.
Sociology of the family
* Key concepts and key trends within the family
* The role of the family in society
* Family diversity
* Roles, responsibilities and relationships within the family
Assessment is through one 90-minute examination worth 100 marks, comprising two structured questions per topic.
A2 Sociology is designed to enable candidates to build on the sociological understanding they acquired in AS Sociology and to develop an understanding of the A2 core themes of power, control and social inequality and differences.
Content of the A2 Modules
A2 Unit G673: Power and Control
Sociology of crime and deviance
* The definition and measurement of crime and deviance
* Trends, patterns and explanations of crime and deviance
* Patterns and explanations of victimisation
* The role of agents of social control in the construction of crime and deviance
* Solutions to the problem of crime
Assessment is through one 90-minute examination worth 100 marks, comprising three unstructured essay questions per topic, of which the candidate must answer two.
A2 Unit G674: Exploring social inequality and difference
Social inequality and difference, illustrated by the study of:
* Gender
* Class
* Ethnicity
* Age.
Exploring sociological research on social inequality and difference:
* Practical concerns
* Theoretical issues.
Assessment is through one 2-hour examination worth 100 marks, based on a piece of research (not pre released) and an option of two routes for the essay questions.
As an A Level unit, candidates are encouraged to show an understanding of the links between the nature of sociological thought, the methods of sociological enquiry and the core themes of power, social inequality, socialisation, culture and identity. Candidates are encouraged to think holistically and develop their skills of thinking as a sociologist. This unit is synoptic.
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 areas 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 develop 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.
