What Board do we do? AQA, AS/A level code: AS (7191) A-level (7192) The new AS and A Levels in Sociology are now standalone qualifications. Marks gained at AS Level do not contribute to the final grade at A Level.
What is Sociology?
Sociology attempts to explain and understand how societies and groups operate and change, how groups influence the individual, how meanings and interpretations “construct reality” and how social life is influenced by the unintended consequences of human action. Sociologists challenge the taken for granted ideas and beliefs that are generally accepted as being true or “common knowledge”. This process can undermine prejudice and misconceptions, develop insights into behaviour, and change (or reinforce) attitudes. When assertions of fact are made, sociologists ask, “What is the evidence?” In AS and A Level sociology, students will learn to develop a sociological imagination through examining society from a variety of perspectives that focus on social change, social order and meaning.
Which subjects combine well with Sociology?
Psychology, Politics, History, and Economics.
What can Sociology lead to?
A good grade in Sociology at A Level is valued by universities and employers since it requires the development of analytical skills and demonstrates the ability to evaluate social issues. This course also lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Sociology or related subjects in higher education.
AS Level
AS Paper 1: 50% of the marks
Education with Methods in Context
Candidates examine: the role and purpose of education; educational achievement in relation to class, gender and ethnicity; relationships and processes within schools; educational policies, equality of opportunity, the impact of globalisation; and the application of sociological research methods to the study of education.
AS Paper 2: 50% of the marks
Research Methods (Section A). Topics in Sociology (Families and Households).
Candidates examine: research methods and the considerations involved; the relationship of the family to social structure, social change and state policies; changing patterns of marriage and divorce; diversity of family structures; changes within the family - gender roles and power relationships; the concept of childhood and the status of children; and demographic trends.
A Level
A Level Paper 1: 33.3% of the marks: Education with Theory and Methods
Candidates examine: the role and purpose of education; educational achievement in relation to class, gender and ethnicity; relationships and processes within schools; educational policies, equality of opportunity, the impact of globalisation; and the application of sociological research methods to the study of education; theory and methods – research data, positivism, interpretivism, considerations, theories, science, impact of sociology on social policy.
A Level Paper 2: 33.3% of the marks: Families and Households, Beliefs in Society.
(Section A) Candidates examine: the relationship of the family to social structure, social change and state policies; changing patterns of marriage and divorce; diversity of family structures; changes within the family - gender roles and power relationships; the concept of childhood and the status of children; and demographic trends.
(Section B) Candidates examine: theories of ideology, science and religion; the relationship between religious beliefs, social change and stability; religious organisations; social groups and religious movements; secularisation and religiosity in the contemporary global context.
A Level Paper 3: 33.3% of the marks: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
Candidates examine: theories of crime, deviance, order and control; the social distribution, patterns and trends of crime and deviance; globalisation and crime, green crime, human rights and state crimes; crime control and prevention; theory, methods and the study of crime and deviance.
