Sociology

Assessment

There are two exams at AS each worth 50% of the AS qualification. Each exam lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 60 marks. The exams consist of short answer and extended writing questions. Paper 1 – Education with Methods in Context This course will take you through educational history to look at what the purpose of education is and how it affects students’ lives. Paper 2 – Research Methods, Culture and Identity Sociological theories would not exist unless Sociologists conducted research. In this topic you will learn about, and gain experience of, the methods that Sociologists use in their research. You will also look at the key decisions which influence their choice of method and topic. Culture and Identity is an exciting unit focused on the social influences which create and reinforce our sense of self and the ways in which we interact with each other or lead us to behave in particular ways. A Level At A level there are three exams, each accounts for one third of the A-level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 80 marks each. The exams consist of a mixture of short answer and extended writing questions. Paper 1 - Education with Theory and Methods Education and methods (as above.) You will also explore the key sociological perspectives in more depth and engage in debates such as whether Sociology can be regarded as scientific. Paper 2 - Topics in Sociology (Culture and Identity AND Stratification and Differentiation). Is social class still significant? This unit addresses a range of social issues and investigates the ways in which gender, age, disability and ethnic background can affect opportunities in people's lives. Paper 3 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods Theory and methods (as above). This topic will explore contemporary debates surrounding issues such as green crime, state crimes and the role of the criminal justice system.