A Level Sociology

A Level Sociology Course Overview

Gain a sound understanding of sociological principles covering topics such as social patterning, people, culture, economics and the environment, religion, power and politics.

Pre-requisites

None

Qualification

‘A’ Level in Sociology

Specification

AQA A-Level Sociology (2190)

Support and benefits

• Flexible terms times
• Stepped learning approach
• Access to a dedicated tutor and student advisors to guide you through your studies
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

A Level Sociology Key topics

Unit 1 - Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare

In this unit of the A Level Sociology course, you will examine:

• topic areas in relation to the two core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification)
• both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the following three topics: Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare

Unit 2 - Education; Health; Sociological Methods

In their study of this unit, you will examine:

• topic areas in relation to the two core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification)
• both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the following three topics: Education; Health; Sociological Methods.
• Attention should be given to drawing out links with other topic areas studied.
• Throughout this unit, you should be encouraged to use examples drawn from your own experience of small-scale social research.

Unit 3 - Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics

• The study of this unit will engage you in theoretical debate while encouraging an active involvement with the research process.
• The study of this unit should foster a critical awareness of contemporary social processes and change, and draw together the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in different aspects of the course.
• The examination will explicitly assess your understanding of the connections between the topic(s) studied in this unit and the nature of sociological thought, methods of sociological enquiry, and the core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification).
• In their study of this unit, you will examine both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the four topic areas: Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics.

Unit 4 Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods

• The study of this unit will engage you in theoretical debate while encouraging an active involvement with the research process. Throughout this unit, you will be encouraged to use examples drawn from your own experience of small scale social research.
• The study of this unit should foster a critical awareness of contemporary social processes and change, and draw together the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in different aspects of the course.
• The examination will explicitly assess your understanding of the connections between the topic(s) studied in this unit and the nature of sociological thought, methods of sociological enquiry, and the core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification).
• In their study of this unit, you should examine both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the following topic areas: Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods.

A Level Sociology Course Code

H15

Technical Requirements

Awareness of current issues in newspapers and periodicals is recommended

ICS Support Period

18 months

AS Units – AS Award 1191

AS Examinations

Unit 1 – SCLY1 - Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare

• 40% of AS, 20% of A Level
• Written paper, 1 hour
• 60 marks
• Candidates choose one topic from three and answer one question.
• Each question consists of five parts.
• Available January and June

Unit 2 – SCLY2 - Education; Health; Sociological Methods

• 60% of AS, 30% of A Level
• Written paper, 2 hours
• 90 marks
• Candidates choose one topic (Education or Health) and answer one question on the chosen topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on research methods.
• Available January and June

A2 Units – A2 Award 2191

A2 Examinations

Unit 3 – SCLY3 - Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics

• 20% of A Level
• Written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes
• 60 marks
• Candidates choose one topic from four and answer one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two.
• Available January and June

Unit 4 – SCLY4 - Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods

• 30% of A Level
• Written paper, 2 hours
• 90 marks
• Candidates choose one topic and answer one question on the chosen topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on theory and methods.
• Available January and June