Sociology

Course summary

Why study the subject Sociology's prime benefit is gaining a greater understanding of why mankind can be seen as so complex yet also charmingly simple in nature, and the societies in which we organise ourselves. By studying societal behaviour we can make comparisons, attempt to solve issues and gain a rational understanding of some of society's more frustrating habits. This course helps students to gain a critical understanding of society in which they live. They learn how society shapes their ideas, social behaviour and cultures and how, in turn, people interact together and shape their societies. Course Structure The three topics are taught parallel to each other across two years. Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods Paper 2: Topics in Sociology Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods Unit content Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (2 hour written examination) Students examine sociological explanations of the following content: • Education • Theory and Methods Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (2 hour written examination) • Culture and Identity • Families and Households • Health • Work, Poverty and Welfare • Beliefs in Society • The Media • Stratification and Differentiation Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 written hour examination) • Crime and Deviance • Theory and Methods Skills Acquired In our increasingly diverse world, the study of sociology gives you the skills 21st century workers need: critical and analytical thinking, writing ability, cultural competence, and self-awareness. Mastering the basics of sociology teaches you to understand the situations of people different than you, another advantage in this rapidly globalising world. Students suited to the course If you are the type of person who does not necessarily follow the crowds (but are fascinated by their behaviour), the type who is truly interested in what is going on in the world, then Sociology is the course for you. Sociology helps us look more objectively at our society and other societies. It directs attention to how the parts of society fit together and change, and the consequences of that social change. We are faced with an ever increasingly complex and rapidly changing social milieu in modern industrial-bureaucratic societies. What other subjects it combines well with Sociology combined well with essay based subjects like English, History, Philosophy & Religion as well as Biology and Geography. Career or HE the course leads to The skills developed during a Sociology course are applicable to many areas of work. Sociology is a great foundation for many occupations including social work, journalism, social care, teaching, probation officers, civil service, community officers, media, charitable and voluntary organisations, public relations, management and research. Co-curricular Trips and visits. Outside speakers.