|
Course Summary
Syllabus
Pre-requisites
Fees
Certification Prospects Duration Membership Format Assessment FAQs Request Info A Level Sociology (Fast Track) CourseLevel: AS and A2 (Full)This A Level Sociology course has been designed so that candidates will acquire the essential knowledge and understanding of central aspects of sociological thought and methods, together with the application of a range of skills. It has also been designed to allow the integration of sociological themes, such as socialisation, culture and identity, and social differentiation, power and stratification. This course allows you to study at your own pace. This course is suitable to be studied by all students irrespective of age, creed, religion or gender. Enrol today by calling us on 0121 2880181. AS Level Unit 1 – SCLY1 – Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth Poverty and Welfare In this section, we invite you to examine all three topics; however, you will be required to select one of the three topics for the assessment question, which will consist of five parts. You should examine both evidence of, and sociological explanations for, the content listed under each of the three topics below: Culture and Identity The socialisation process and the role of agencies of socialisation. Different conceptions of culture, including subculture, mass culture, high and low culture, global culture and popular culture. Sources and different conceptions of the self, identity and difference. How identity is shaped by age, ethnicity, disability, gender, nationality, sexuality, and social class in contemporary society. Leisure, consumption and identity. Families and Households The way in which social structure and social change impacts the family, with emphasis on the impact of economic trends and state policies. The diversity of contemporary household structures and families: changes in patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, child-bearing, and the life-course. How gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships may change and/or shape contemporary families, and to what extent. The status of children in society and in the family and the nature of childhood in general. Shifts in demographic trends: reasons for changes in birth rates, death rates and family size in the UK since 1900. Wealth, Poverty and Welfare How to define and measure poverty, wealth, and income. How poverty, wealth, and income is distributed between different social groups. The existence and persistence of poverty in society today. Social responses to poverty—specifically, the role of social policy since the 1940s. The role and nature of welfare provision (public, private, voluntary and informal) in contemporary society. Unit 2—SCLY2– Education; Health; Sociological Methods Again, as in Unit 1, you should relate the following topics to the two core themes listed above (socialisation, culture and identity and social differentiation, power and stratification). You should continue to draw links between these topics and other topics already studied. Also, you should try to apply examples from your own experience with small-scale social research throughout the following sections. You must also examine both evidence of, and sociological explanations for, the content listed in the three topic areas below. Education How education functions in contemporary society; the roles and purposes of education (vocational education and training). Correlations between social classifications—class, gender and ethnicity— and differences in educational achievement. What goes on in schools—pupil/teacher relationships, pupil subcultures, ‘hidden’ curriculum, and the organisation of teaching and learning. How educational policies (selection, marketisation, comprehensivisation) lead to an understanding of the structure, role, impact and experience of education. Applying sociological research methods to the study of education. Health How health, illness, disability and the body can be assessed both as social and biological constructs. Correlations between factors such as social class, age, gender, ethnicity and religion and the (unequal) distribution of health and illness in the UK. Access to/provision of healthcare in the UK (and inequalities thereof). Examination of the nature and distribution of mental illness through sociological studies. Role of medicine/health professions in society. Applying sociological research methods to the study of health. Sociological Methods Assessing qualitative and quantitative research methods (strengths, limitations and research designs of each). Different sources of data: questionnaires, interviews, participant observation, non-participant observation, experiments, documents, and official statistics (strengths, limitations of these sources). Distinctions between primary/secondary data and between quantitative/qualitative data. The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods, as well as the nature of ‘social facts’. Selection of research topics/methods: theoretical, practical and ethical considerations. UNIT 3—SCLY 3 – Beliefs in Society; Global Development In this section, you should combine the knowledge and practical skills learned throughout this course when examining each topic. You will be expected to engage in theoretical debates and to become very aware of, and involved in, sociological research processes related to each topic. You will be examined on one of the topics with one compulsory question, as well as one additional question, which you will select from a choice of two questions. Again, you should be able to approach each topic using sociological theory and research methods and, as always, you will be expected to relate each topic back to the two core themes listed above (socialisation, culture and identity and social differentiation, power and stratification). You will be expected to recognise evidence of, and sociological explanations for, the content listed below the four topic areas below. Beliefs in Society Theories of ideology, science and religion (including both Christian and non-Christian traditions). Correlations between religious beliefs and social stability/social change. Various religious organisations—sects, cults, denominations, New Age movements—and their relationships to religious/spiritual beliefs and practice. How different social groups may engage in differing religious/spiritual organisations, movements, beliefs, and practices. Contemporary perspectives on religion and religiosity/global perspectives on secularisation. Global Development Theories of development, underdevelopment, and global inequality. Globalisation—how global aid/trade impacts political, economic and cultural relationships between societies. Local and global strategies of development through non-governmental agencies, transnational corporations and international agencies. Linking development studies to industrialisation, urbanisation, the environment, war and conflict. How employment, education, health, demographic shifts and gender can be considered as aspects of development. UNIT 4—SCLY 4 – Crime and Deviance: Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods In the final section, as in UNIT 2, you are invited to explore all topics and must choose one topic—in this case, either Crime and Deviance or Stratification and Differentiation—on which you will be assessed with one, five-part question. Additionally, you will answer one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on research methods. You should apply your consolidated knowledge of sociological theory and practice throughout this unit by engaging in theoretical debates and becoming actively involved in research processes related to each topic. You are encouraged to draw on examples of your own experiences of small-scale social research. Again, you should be able to approach each topic using sociological theory and research methods and, as always, you will be expected to relate each topic back to the two core themes listed above (socialisation, culture and identity and social differentiation, power and stratification). Finally, you should examine the evidence of, and sociological explanations for, the content listed under the topics below. Crime and Deviance Theories of crime, deviance, social control and social order. Patterns in crime distribution—how crime is socially distributed by age, ethnicity, gender, locality, and social class. Special topics: mass media and crime, globalization and crime in contemporary society, green crime, human rights and state crime. Crime control, victims, prevention and punishment, and the role of the criminal justice system. Sociological study of suicide (emphasis on theoretical and methodological implications). Connecting theory to method in studies of crime and deviance. Stratification and Differentiation Theories of stratification (i.e. stratification by social class, gender, ethnicity and age). Dimensions of inequality (class, status, and power) and studies of life chances, as varied according to class, gender, ethnicity, age and disability. The inherent problems of defining and measuring social class; studies of occupation, gender and social class. Structures of inequality—changes and implications. Patterns of social mobility—nature and significance. Applying sociological theory/methods to studies of stratification and differentiation. Theory and Methods For the final section, you should study the following areas, which were also studied in UNIT 2 of the AS Level: Different sources of data: questionnaires, interviews, participant observation, non-participant observation, experiments, documents, and official statistics (strengths, limitations of these sources). Distinctions between primary/secondary data and between quantitative/qualitative data. The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods, as well as the nature of ‘social facts’. Selection of research topics/methods: theoretical, practical and ethical considerations Basic English reading and writing skills are required. AQA A Level Sociology All students have 18 months to complete this course from date of registration. On average this course is completed in 300 hours. We recommend that students complete 6-8 hours per week as a minimum to get the most from this course. Remember to work out a study plan / timetable before you start and try and stick to it. Coursework can be completed as quickly as you want as shown below.
Course materials are provided in paper format and delivered direct to your door within 7 days of enrolment. Recommended Reading Cameron et al. 2008. AQA Sociology: A2. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
Unit 1: SCLY1 – Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare
Unit 2: SCLY2 – Education; Health; Sociological Methods Unit 3: SCLY3 – Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics Unit 4: SCLY4 – Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods Exam Format AS Level Unit 2: SCLY2 – Education; Health; Sociological Methods A2 Level Unit 4: SCLY4 – Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods Recommended Centres English Maths Science Tuition Centre Ltd. Tel: 0121-771-1298 http://www.englishandmaths.com/Index.php ------------------ 3A Tutors Ltd Tel: 0117 9109931 Email: enquiries@3at.org.uk -------------------- Harrogate Tutorial College Telephone +44(0)1423 501041 E-Mail study@htcuk.org ---------------------- Campbell Harris Tutors Ltd Email principal@campbellharris.co.uk Web Site http://campbellharris.co.uk/Content.asp?ID=18
Please visit AQA for exam information. http://www.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_private.php The contract for sitting exams is between you and the centre and we will provide you with comprehensive instructions on when and how to deal with the examination centre. From 2014 exams will be taken in June of each year. 2013 provides the final opportunity to take exams in January. There is no flexibilty to take exams at any other time. Q: When can I enrol? Yes! We do offer payment plans for this course to students resident in the UK only. See fees page for further details. Yes ! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college.
If you require any further information on this course then please call our administration team on 0121 288 0181 and we will be happy to help you as much as we can. Alternatively complete the information request form below and one of our friendly advisors will contact you.
Course Fee: Starting at: £369.00Student can choose to pay their course fees in full upon enrolment (£369.00) or take out a pay as you study plan as follows.
Call our office on 0121 2880181 for guaranteed acceptance onto our pay as you study plan* (Applies to UK Students only) MOD Personnel can claim a 10% Reduction on fees when paying in full by quoting BFPO10 when contacting us. Proof will be required. Exam fees not included. Any exam fees are payable direct to examination centre. You are advised to contact a centre as listed here prior to enrolment to confirm exam fees and availibilty. Click here for List This course is provided in partnership with UKDLP (UK Distance Learning and Publishing) If you prefer to pay via cheque please print off enrolment form PDF below and post to our head office.  |
