The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton Sixth Form New A Level Sociology The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9PX Tel: 016973 42160 Fax: 016973 49160 Email: [email protected] www.nts.cumbria.sch.uk Sociology AS/A2 Level Exam Board - AQA Course Outline AS Course On the AS course students study three units: Families and Households Education Theory and Method 1. Families and Households explores an area that everyone thinks they know something about. What is a family? We all have one, but what is a ‘proper’ or ‘ideal’ family? Has a breakdown in family life led to social problems such as a rise in crime, male underachievement at school and a rise in teenage pregnancies? Is childhood something created by society? If you can think about these questions and put aside your own prejudices and emotions, and make judgements on the basis of evidence, you will find this topic both challenging and interesting. 2. Education gives the opportunity to learn about the different kinds of schools in England today: comprehensives, secondary moderns, grammars, independent and public schools. It teaches new ways of thinking about teachers, pupils and the way they interact. Finally, it asks questions about the way gender, class and ethnicity affect educational achievements. 3. Theory and Method gives the opportunity to experience the different types of questionnaire, interview and observation techniques used by sociologists to collect primary data. Scientific knowledge is considered from a philosophical point of view and we ask “Is Sociology scientific?” Each of these units is assessed by an exam. There are two exams at the end of the course, each exam lasting one and a half hours. A2 Course The Upper Sixth requires further study of Theory and Method, which is assessed through the study of two topics: Beliefs in Society explores theories of religion and social change and questions whether or not religion can survive in the modern world. It is very wide-ranging and takes into account New Age, traditional and non-European religions, large and small. Crime and Deviance is about those who are disapproved of by Society, including (but not restricted to) those who actually break laws. It investigates the causes of criminal and deviant behaviour. These two units will be assessed by written examinations. Students will also be assessed on the knowledge covered on the AS course. There are three exams at the end of the course, each one lasting two hours. What kind of person would be suited to this course? To be successful in Sociology you must be ready to read widely, to write essays, to learn about aspects of society that may lie well beyond your present experience and to explain your point of view in open classroom discussion. You will benefit further if you are prepared to use your initiative in following up the many questions which will arise. While the issues are often fascinating and controversial, the theoretical knowledge is demanding and a rigorously academic approach should be expected. Potential opportunities at the end of the course In the past, our students have gone on to study in a wide range of university departments. Sociology will be of value to students aiming at careers such as media, health care, social work, teaching and other similar fields. At least a grade C in English/English Language GCSE is required For further information see Mr P Johnson, Head of RE