Sociology

Curriculum Leader	Mrs H Matthews
Curriculum Intent statement	The study of A level Sociology focuses on contemporary society. Studying Sociology fosters the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. It also provides an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues. Learners are encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world. The Eduqas A level in Sociology encourages learners to: acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society develop a lifelong interest in social issues. This specification guides teachers and learners towards the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of key sociological issues and debates. It is designed to encourage the development of higher order skills such as analysis and evaluation. Learners will be challenged to demonstrate their ability to use their sociological knowledge appropriately in the context of the demands of the questions. The emphasis on skills makes this specification an excellent vehicle for the development of transferrable capabilities which could be utilised by the learner in both academic and professional arenas alike. Questions will allow learners to respond in nonprescriptive ways, to develop and demonstrate their "sociological imagination" through their commentary on sociological theories and evidence.
Curriculum Plan	Curriculum Plan
Curriculum Overview	Year 12 Year 13
Revision Guides	Year 12 Year 13
Higher level Scheme of work	Year 12 Year 13
Learning Journeys	Year 12 Year 13

The study of human behaviour in groups

The Eduqas A level Sociology course sits within the Social Sciences department which is led by Mrs Matthews. Course entry requirements: Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Sociology is the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society. Candidates studying this specification will acquire knowledge of contemporary social processes and social changes. Candidates will be encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

Why study Sociology?

Sociology is a highly engaging subject that considers why people behave in the way they do in different aspects of society, for example, the family. It is a subject that involves debate and discussion; it enhances analytical skills and can be a stepping stone to a variety of different careers and further education.

Paper 1: Socialisation and Culture

(Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 40% of qualification)

This component focuses on the theme of socialisation, identity and culture and is divided into three sections. Section A of the component is compulsory and focuses on the key concepts and processes of cultural transmission, including socialisation and the acquisition of identity. Section B of the component develops the compulsory key concepts and processes through detailed study of one of the two options. SACS students study Families and Households. Section C (Education) also develops knowledge and understanding of socialisation, identity and culture. Students will be assessed on their depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject content and on their ability to analyse, apply and evaluate sociological theories and evidence.

Paper 2: Methods of Sociological Enquiry

(Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 20% of qualification)

This component focuses on methods of sociological enquiry. Students learn how to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of methods and sources of data; demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of research methods; demonstrate their ability to design, analyse and evaluate their own research design; use examples from contemporary sociological research to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant sociological concepts and key methodological issues.

Paper 3: Power and Stratification

(Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 40% of qualification)

This component focuses on the theme of social differentiation, power and stratification. Students will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of the subject content and their ability to apply, analyse and evaluate sociology theories and evidence.

Section A : evidence and examples of areas of inequality related to social class, gender, ethnicity and age in the contemporary UK; changing patterns of inequality including the distribution of income, wealth and social mobility in the contemporary UK; theories and explanations for inequality and stratification related to social class, gender, ethnicity, age, for example functionalist, New Right, Marxist, neo-Marxist, Weberian, neo-Weberian, feminist, postmodernist and theories of racism.

Section B: Students will learn about the theme of power, issues of social order and social control studied through crime and deviance.