A Level Sociology
Sociology attempts to explain human behaviour and the world around us. For example, why people commit crime, underachieve at school, or join religious cults. It is a subject that should make you ask questions about the society you live in.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
- Criminology
- Social inequality
- Current affairs
- Everyday relevance
Always new and interesting
This course offers a good introduction into criminology and we explore the problems caused by social inequality in terms of gender, ethnicity and class. This often links to significant current affairs so the subject is always developing in new and interesting ways.
thought provoking topics
You will be able to apply your own life experiences of education and family to the course. Many of the topics we cover are extremely thought provoking including modern day slavery, racism in schools and the decline of religion in western society.
expert lecturers
Expert lecturers who know their subject and have experience developing learners’ written skills and powers of analysis.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
A Level Sociology will introduce you to points of view on society, including those which largely approve of the way it works (Functionalism) to those which argue for change (Marxism and Feminism). In Sociology, much of what we investigate is open to interpretation; it is therefore desirable if students enjoy discussions and debates. You must also like reading and writing as these are essential elements of the course. By studying Sociology, you will learn to think critically and independently about society and your place in it, gain the tools to think for yourself, and develop an informed understanding of the world around you.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
During the first year of the course students will be introduced to the key sociological perspectives; Marxism, Functionalism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These perspectives will then be applied to the Education and Families and Households units. During the second year of study the course covers Crime and Deviance, Beliefs and Sociology Theory. Research Methods will be covered in both years of the course. Two core themes run throughout the course, socialisation, culture and identity and social differentiation, power and stratification. The focus is on UK society today, with consideration given to the impact of globalisation on our society.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
A qualification in Sociology is highly valued by many universities and employers alike. Sociology is also an excellent subject to complement many courses, such as English, Psychology, Politics, Economics, History and Education. Studying Sociology opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting and rewarding careers.
It will teach you a range of skills including critical thinking and using evidence to support an argument. The objective and rigorous nature of this subject ensures that a range of careers, such as management, human resources, social work, the civil service, the criminal justice system, national or local government and law.
You will be formally examined on each unit that you study. The examinations are traditional and essay-based and are sat at the end of the second year. There are three formal exams, each lasting two hours.
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above with a Grade 5 in English.
CONTACT:
Kath Culkin: kathc@truro-penwith.ac.uk
Dan Strick: danstrick@truro-penwirh.ac.uk
Awarding Body: AQA
