Sociology
General course information
You will gain a critical understanding of the social structures and processes operating within contemporary societies, and learn to appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debates. We will study the political, historical and cultural processes that affect the way we have changed as humans over time, and learn about other cultures and societies from South America to Africa and Asia, but also about very different cultural practices within Wales and the UK. Sociology challenges many beliefs that are considered common sense, and recognises that the complex world we live in is experienced and understood by people in many different ways.
Course Content
Unit
Content
Assessment
AS
Unit 1
Families and Households
1¼ hours Examination
AS
Unit 2
Education and Research Methods
2 hour examination
A2 / A Level
Unit 3
Power and Control: Crime and Deviance
2 hour examination
A2 / A Level
Unit 4
Social Inequality
2¼ hours Examination
Ideal Entry requirements
You should have grade C or above at GCSE English language and Mathematics, and be prepared to work hard and read around the topics you study.
You should have a genuine interest in current affairs and the world around you, as well as your place within it. This includes some awareness of the important institutions in society such as the government, law, mass media, the family, religion and education. You should not be afraid to challenge accepted ideas and to critically evaluate public and private institutions.
Career Prospects
The course provides a firm foundation for further study of the social sciences, and related subjects such as anthropology, politics, history and social policy in university. In addition, the course equips students for careers in which a knowledge of society is essential such as law, social work, journalism, teaching, local government, politics, the police and media.
Examinations Body
Subject Leader
Mr N Rowlands