Sociology

Why study Sociology?

Sociology studies many aspects of the society in which we live – for example, the family, education, the mass media, social class, gender, race, youth culture, social identity, crime and deviance, religion, power and politics. It looks at how sociologists gather information about society and the conclusions they draw. Sociologists attempts to address issues of social inequality by influencing governments in their creation of social policies. It is an academic discipline which requires a knowledge of the work and writings of professional sociologists.

Exam Board:

WJEC: www.wjec.co.uk

Course Outline:

Year 1 -Sociology

The content this year consists of an introduction to Sociology and its relevance to members of society. The topics studied throughout this year are:

component (1) Socialisation and Culture – Families and Culture, and Education and component (2) Methods of Sociological enquiry

Year 2 – Sociology

Emphasis on further development of sociological knowledge and skills is the main focus in year 2, with the content consisting of:

component (3) Power and stratification– Understanding Crime and a design of a research project.

How you are assessed:

Assessment takes the form of 3 exams at the end of year 13.

Component 1 – (2 hr 30 exam) on acquiring culture, the family and Education,

Component 2 – (1 hr 45 exam) on research methods

Component 3 – (2 hr 30 exam) on social inequality and crime and deviance.

Studying this subject could lead to a career in:

Sociology relates to a wide range of occupations including careers in social services; education; criminal justice; welfare services; the government; counselling; charities and the voluntary sector. More specific careers include: Barrister, Counsellor, Forensic psychologist, Government research officer, Higher education officer, Housing manager, Market researcher, Journalist, Police officer, Probation officer, Social researcher, Social worker, Solicitor.

Subject requirements:

No specific subject requirements

Useful web links:

http://www.quia.com/ages/sociology/tamara.html

http://www.pomerantz.co.uk

http://www.sociology.org.uk/

http://www.chrisgardner.clara.net/

http://www.homestead.com/rouncefield/frontpage.html

http://www.sociologyonline.co.uk/

www.s-cool.co.uk/default.as