Sociology

sociology Sociology- AS/A2

Exam Board: AQA

What fuels our apparent fixation with celebrity?

Does social class mean anything anymore?

What kinds of spiritual faith do people have in Britain today?

What can we learn from the 2011 riots in Britain?

Is Sociology for you? • You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including at least a grade C in English Language. If you studied Sociology at GCSE, you should have achieved at least a grade C. You want to study a subject that is exciting, interesting and relevant to your life.

You may wish to consider studying AS/A2 Statistics which will help you understand and analyse data – a valuable skill for Sociology students.

You enjoy learning about culture and the attitudes and beliefs of society.

You have an interest in understanding how the world around you works, and enjoy critical thinking and exploring ideas from different viewpoints.

You are prepared to think about and discuss what can sometimes be sensitive and disturbing topics.

You enjoy keeping up with current affairs.

What will I learn?

AS Year Families and Households You will examine the relationship of the family to social structure, with particular reference to the economy and state policies. You will also learn about the changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce and child bearing, and also the changes in the status of children and childhood.

How will I be assessed?

Education and Sociological Methods

All assessment for this course is through written examination.

You will examine different explanations of the different educational experiences based upon social class, gender and ethnicity. You will also analyse the relationship between the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations that influence the choice of topic, method(s) and the conduct of research.

A2 Year

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.

Where does it lead?

Beliefs in Society You will explore the different theories of ideology, science and religion, as well as the relationship between religious beliefs and social change and/or stability. You will examine religious organisations in more detail, including the relationship between them, as well as the nature and extent of secularisation in a global context.

Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods You will examine the relationship between social class, gender, ethnicity and crime and deviance. You will also explore the social construction of crime, with particular reference to the role of the mass media.

Expect more from your sixth form Facebook.com/birkenheadsixthformcollege

What activities can I get involved in?

@BSFC

Some students decide to study Sociology in Higher Education. People who study Sociology go on into a wide variety of jobs. A wide range of employers see Sociology as highly relevant and value the insight it provides into the workings of society. It can lead to a job in teaching, social work, the police force, the media, law, public relations, market research, foreign aid and development.

If you decide not to take the subject further, you will gain a range of very valuable skills, including how to work independently and with others, how to find information, extract what is important from it and turn it into an argument.

You will learn to think critically, to question common-sense assumptions, to solve problems.

All of this is excellent preparation for University or for a whole range of careers.

Beyond this, many people today study Sociology for the personal enrichment it brings them, broadening their minds and enabling them to see their world in new and interesting ways.

tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

bsfc.ac.uk