Expectations of Independent Study Students are expected to complete three to five hours of independent study in Sociology per week on the ‘Sociology Independent Study’ proforma. Students will be given the opportunity to ‘Go wider,’ ‘Go Deeper’ or Consolidate understanding of content covered in lessons. They will also be expected to relate sociological theory to more contemporary examples and so will be encouraged to keep abreast of current affairs in the news. Students will be given guidance to produce revision materials intermittently throughout the course, in advance of class assessment, PPE’s and final exams. This will allow for more time to be spent on one-to-one progress views and exam technique. Why is it interesting? Sociology will give you a better understanding of mankind. Sociology students report high levels of student satisfaction, based on the new things they find out about society. You develop both new and alternative perspectives on different aspects of social life such as family, education and religion. All of which impact each and every one of us. You understand how society works better than most, and so will understand and cope with societal change. What skills and knowledge will I develop by studying this subject? The Families and Households unit will introduce you to how the family fits into society particularly in relation to state policies and the economy. Education and Theory & Methods provides you with the opportunity to explore the role & purpose of the education system in contemporary society. Your analytical and evaluative skills will then be used to assess the usefulness of a research method to a particular area of the education i.e. teacher labelling of students. Beliefs in Society provides you with an opportunity to explore ideology, science and religion, including both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions. Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods provides you with the opportunity to explore the role of crime, deviance, social order and social control in the contemporary world from the local to a global context. Patterns and distribution of types of crime, offenders and victims will be explored as well as theories on how to prevent and punish behaviour that threatens the order of society. New areas of green crime and state crime have taken this topic to an international level and there is also a focus on the challenges that sociologists face when trying to study criminal and deviant behaviour. This course would be suitable for students who have the following skills and interests: Reading and writing Debating Analysing Research Critical thinking Communication Open-mindedness and patience Willingness to speak up What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject? • Community development worker • Further education teacher • Higher education lecturer • International aid/development worker • Policy officer • Probation officer • Secondary school teacher • Social researcher • Social worker • Youth worker • Army • Civil Services • Law/Solicitor • Family support worker • Housing manager/officer • Human resources officer • Life coach/Counsellor • Newspaper journalist • Public relations officer • Marketing strategist