Sociology

The aim of the ‘A’ level Sociology course is to get students to pass the AQA syllabus. Key skills involve developing an empathy for others members of society, especially those from less fortunate backgrounds. The course specifically links with issues connected to modern Britain, and these include prejudice and discrimination, equality of opportunity, social control, socialisation and citizenship. Sociology students should be able to make a positive impact in society and appreciate the need for active citizenship. Modules in the course: (01) Education system (02) Research methods (03) Culture and Identity (04) Sociological Theories (05) Crime and Deviance (06) Global Development

Assessment Objective One; Knowledge and Understanding (key studies, research, terminology, perspectives).
Assessment Objective Two; Interpretation and Application (applying studies, issues in modern Britain, up to date research)
Assessment Objective Three; Analysis and Evaluation (passing judgement, weaknesses, strengths, criticisms, advantages, links)

I always start with an introduction to Sociology. It is a new subject for the students and I Introduce some of the main approaches  (feminism, functionalism, pluralism, structuralism, interactionism and Marxism). This helps them see the world in a sociological way. This is followed by the topic of education, which is a compulsory topic. This is a great topic to start with as it is fairly straightforward and students can relate the sociological research to their own experience of school. This topic was also an AS topic in the past. This is followed by methods (also straightforward) as there is a question on the exam which asks about researching issues in school (methods in context question). Culture and Identity (also an old AS topic) is perfect in Year 12 as it offers an overview of the whole syllabus with many of these topics being revisited again in Year 13. Sociological theories are picked up again in the summer term but in more detail.
Crime and Deviance (compulsory) works perfectly at the start of Year 13 and grabs the student’s attention. We then complete sociological theory in time for the mock exams. This leaves Global Development which looks at the impacts of globalisation and asks if West is best? This is a perfect way to conclude the course and students have the analytical capacity and sociological knowledge to consider this issue.

Half Term 1

Introduction to Sociology
Education

Half Term 2

Education
Introduction to Research Methods

Half Term 3

Research Methods
Culture and Identity

Half Term 4

Culture and Identity

Half Term 5

Culture and Identity
Preparation for exams

Half Term 6

Sociologcial Theory part 1 (Positivism)

Half Term 1

Crime and Deviance

Half Term 2

Crime and Deviance
Sociological Theory part 2 (Structualism)

Half Term 3

Global Development

Half Term 4

Global Development
Preparation for exams