What Will I learn?
Sociology studies human behaviour in a different way from other academic approaches. Sociologists look at social behaviour and emphasise the role of culture. They are particularly interested in understanding the ways in which society influences and shapes our lives. Sociology is both thought provoking and challenging because it forces people to rethink some of their common-sense views and assumptions. By studying Sociology you will gain a greater understanding of society and it will help you make sense of your
own experiences within it. The topics we will study in depth are Education, Family and Households, Media, Crime and Deviance and Sociological Theories and Methods. It considers how belonging to different groups in society i.e. different class, gender and ethnicity can affect your chances in educational achievement. How these groupings influence crime rates and deviant behaviour.
How Am I Assessed?
Paper 1 – Education and Methods in context and Research Methods: This exam will be taken at the end of Year 13, it is worth 33.3% and is 2 hours in length.
Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology: the family and households and Media. This exam will be taken at the end of Year 13, it is will be worth 33.3% and is 2 hours in length.
Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods: This exam will be taken at the end of Year 13, it is worth 33.3% and is 2 hours in length.
All papers consist of short answer questions, 10, 20 and 30 mark essay type questions.
What Career Options Do I Have?
Sociology can be useful in a wide range of careers that involve dealing with people, working with groups and organisations e.g. teaching, social work, police, business, management and the health service etc. Specific careers in sociology are: sociologist working for the government and criminology, lecturing in sociology and the social sciences