Sociology

Course summary

Course Outline: The duration of the course is either one year to gain an AS award or two years for the full A level qualification. Skills: Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour. Sociologists construct theories (general explanations) of social patterns based on research and evidence. Each topic covered involves consideration of the common themes of gender, ethnicity, age and class. Lessons involve discussion, debates and research. Students should have an interest in social processes and be able to write essays. You do need to be competent at reading lengthy texts and be prepared to keep up to date with national and world events. By the end of the first term students should be able to compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives such as Functionalists and Post Modernists. Future progressions from this course: Sociology can combine with all the humanities and it makes an excellent combination with subjects such as history, psychology and economics. Students who take Sociology A level often go on to study the subject or a related subject at degree level at university. Knowledge of the subject is useful for entry into all the caring occupations and related fields such as law, media, personnel work, and more.