Exam Board: AQA Specification 2190
“Studying Sociology may not change your life but it should change the way you look at life, at people and at society, both in the United Kingdom and worldwide” adapted from AS Sociology for AS, 2008
The key point to understand about Sociology is that it has a particular way of looking at society and social life; in fact it has several ways of doing this, but they all have one thing in common- they do not take anything at face value. If you are interested in challenging pre-conceived ideas about the way society works, then Sociology could be for you.
Sociology links closely with AS/A Level Government & Politics, Psychology, Economics, History, Law, English and even Geography (through Globalisation and consideration of different cultures). Sociology is a highly regarded subject by universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), as it helps to develop skills of critical evaluation, analysis and communication, all essential skills at university level and beyond. Sociologists can expect to find employment in a wide variety of fields, including government (through social work and social policy), the media, law (including criminal justice), marketing, medical services, and education/academia. Many sociology graduates work as community relations advisers for banks, insurance companies, and even in advertising and other commercial organisations through public opinion polls, motivational research and customer/employee relations. Transferable skills learnt through study of Sociology are important, so employment in other fields using these is possible as well.
AS Level – Year 1
At AS Level, candidates will acquire knowledge of contemporary social processes and social changes. They will be encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.
The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1
Culture and Identity
Families and Households
Wealth, Poverty and Welfare.
Assessment
Written Paper: 1 hour
Weighting: 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic from three and answer one question. Each question consists of five parts.
Unit 2:
Education
Health
Sociological Methods.
Assessment
Written Paper: 2 hours
Weighting: 60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic (Education or Health) and answer:
(a) one question on the chosen topic. This question consists of four parts
(b) one question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of one part.
In addition, candidates answer one question on free-standing research methods. This question consists of four parts.
A Level – Year 2
In the second year, candidates will continue to focus on contemporary society but they should demonstrate a wider range and greater depth of knowledge and understanding and more highly developed skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation. The A2 specification has 2 units:
Unit 3
Beliefs in Society
Global Development
Mass Media
Power and Politics.
Assessment
Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting: 20% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic from four and answer one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two. The compulsory question consists of either two or three parts and the optional question consists of one essay.
Unit 4:
Crime and Deviance
Stratification and Differentiation
Theory and Methods.
Assessment
Written Paper: 2 hours
Weighting: 30% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic (Crime and Deviance or Stratification and Differentiation) and answer:
(a) one question on the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts.
(b) one question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts.
In addition, candidates answer one question on theory and methods. This question consists of one essay.
Entry Requirements
No prior knowledge is required for AS Sociology, but you should possess good communication skills, including an acceptable level of English language (minimum grade C at GCSE or equivalent) as note-taking and essay writing are prominent features of AS and A2 Sociology studies.
For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk