Welcome to Sociology
‘The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden’ Pierre Bourdieu
Almost nothing about humans is natural and almost everything is social. Gender, race, and behaviour. None of these things are simply natural at all, they are very largely at least, social constructs. This is something that is produced by society but is taken for granted so much it is seen as normal and people believe it comes from nature. They come to matter because people think they matter, whereas other differences between sets of people (eye colour, blood type etc.) don’t because no one attaches significance to them.
Sociology makes the familiar unfamiliar. It is an intellectual adventure which makes you see the world in a different way. It is exciting, interesting and relevant to students’ lives.
‘The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it’ Karl Marx
Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying these diverse subjects of study is sociology’s purpose, understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural, political, economic and social forces.
Through interactive lessons, students develop an understanding of social context, power, opportunity and inequality. You become a critical thinker– throughout your studies you will seek answers to some of the most interesting and important questions affecting the world around you, and further more you develop the skills and tools to answer your questions.
A central aim is for students to understand social issues and policies, critically analysing and raising questions about the way that services do or do not meet the needs of specific groups, such as children, women, older people and members of ethnic minority groups.
Main Programme of Study
Key Stage 5
A Level Sociology
Exam Board – AQA
1st Year: Education; Methods in Context; Family and Households
2nd Year: Crime and Deviance; Theory and Methods; Beliefs in Society
AS Level Examinations
Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (1.5 hours)
Paper 2: Family and Households; Research Methods (1.5 hours)
Each 60 marks
A Level Examinations
Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (2 hrs)
Paper 2: Family and Households; Beliefs in Society (2 hrs)
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Methods in Context. (2 hrs)
Each 80 marks
Studying sociology will challenge your views on topics debated in society. You develop the ability to craft logical arguments, question the assumptions behind ideas and enhance your critical thinking skills.
Students have the opportunity to enhance their learning through guest speakers, and the Sociology trip to London which involves a look into the history of Marxist and Feminist movements.
Thinking about studying sociology?
Students should have:
• An interest in society and its structures
• Good reading skills and a determination to understand and use specialist terminology
• A capacity to analyse and weigh up evidence for different theories
• Some skills in data handling
• A willingness to discuss issues and controversies about social inequality, stability and change
• A willingness to keep up to date with current local and global affairs, and apply these to your studies
• An interest in forming debates, and willingness to engage in class discussions