AT HINCHINGBROOKE

Introduction

Sociology is the study of people in social groups. It attempts to describe and explain human behaviour in a variety of situations. It is a common mistake to think of Sociology as a soft option. While most people find it interesting, stimulating and enjoyable, it also involves reasoned and disciplined thinking and the use of abstract and difficult concepts. Sociology is a living subject dealing with problems that face modern society and challenges many of the common sense notions that people may have concerning issues such as gender, ethnicity, sexuality and class.

Course Outline

Yr 12 AS Level

Paper 1 - Families and Households; Wealth, Welfare and Poverty.
Paper 2 - Education; and Research Methods

Year 13 A2

Paper 3 – Beliefs in Society; Power and Politics; Global development; Mass Media
Paper 4 – Crime and deviance and Theory and Methods.

Skills Developed on the Course

Students should develop the ability to understand and use sociological concepts concerning theories and methods as well as those concerned with understanding social life in general.
They should be able to interpret and evaluate sociological material in a variety of forms - written, graphical etc.
They should learn to present explanations, ideas and arguments in a coherent and logical form and students will be offered the chance to gain a key skills certificate for communications as part of the Sociology programme. Sociology is not the theoretical preparation for social work. It is a subject that will develop the individual's ability to argue, think and present a balanced critical argument. As an academic subject is an ideal preparation for university entrance as well as careers such as teaching, human resource management, business, nursing or any occupation that is people orientated