Verulam School

Your guide to your AS/A2 qualifcation in Sociology

Social Sciences Faculty

Contents

GCE AS/A2 Sociology 2190 How do I Study Society … … … … … 1 Staff/Groups/Modules ... ... ... ... ... 2, 3 Units of Study ... ... ... ... ... 4 - 10 Command Words in the exams ... ... ... ... 11, 12 Exam dates … … … … … … 13 Tips for success … … … … … 14 Our expectations ... ... ... ... ... ... 15

How do I study Society? Sociology is the study of how society is organized and how we experience life. It has been taught in British universities since the very beginning of the twentieth century. That pioneering work led to greater understanding in major social issues such as poverty and crime. Sociology is not just about Britain. It also deals with global issues like the environment, migration and 'globalization’ itself. How do these social changes affect people at every level of their social life? Is it possible to be a true citizen of Europe or must you be British or French or Polish? Aims: To develop students' understanding of the society in which they live and develop a critical awareness of its complexities. Details of course: AS: The Family; Education; Methods in Sociology.

A2: Crime & Deviance; Power & Politics; Beliefs in Society; Sociological Theory.

Qualities expected of student: Students must develop and maintain an interest in current affairs, staying up to date with social, cultural and political trends in our society. Our students read widely, research sources and use theoretical insights to develop an understanding. In Sociology there is never a 'right answer', but there can be several 'wrong' ones!

Future pathways: An A or AS Level in Sociology is valuable in itself and is widely accepted as an entry qualification into Higher Education. It is particularly valuable in Social Sciences, Psychology, History, Geography, Business Studies to name but a few. It is also good preparation for Journalism, Law and many of the caring professions. The British Sociological Association (BSA) website (www.britsoc.co.uk) has a dedicated section for people thinking of studying sociology.

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Level: AS + A2 Specification: AQA Website: www.aqa.org.uk Assessment details:

AS: Two exam papers both taken in the summer of the first year. A2: Two exam papers both taken in the summer of the second year.

Verulam Year 12 Sociology 2010 – 2011 Staff/Groups/Modules

SB12A JS12A* SB12C* JS12C

Term 1

Introduction to

Sociology &

Education (SCLY2a)

Introduction to

Sociology &

Family (SCLY1)

Introduction to

Sociology &

Education (SCLY2a)

Introduction to

Sociology &

Family (SCLY1)

Term

2

Education (SCLY2a)

Methodology (SCLY2b)

Methodology (SCLY2b)

Family (SCLY1)

Term

3

Exam Prep/Revision

Exam Prep/Revision

Exam Prep/Revision

Exam Prep/Revision

*Lead Teacher

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Verulam Year 13 Sociology 2010 – 2011

Staff/Groups/Modules SB13D* JS13D SB13B JS13B*

Term 1

SCLY3

Politics

SCLY4

Theory/Methods

SCLY4 Crime &

Deviance

SCLY3

Beliefs in Society

Term 2

SCLY4

Crime & Deviance

SCLY4

Theory/Methods

SCLY4

Crime & Deviance

SCLY4

Theory/Methods

Term 3

SCLY4 Exam

Prep/Revision

SCLY4 Exam

Prep/Revision

SCLY3/4

Exam Prep/Revision

SCLY3/4

Exam Prep/Revision

*Lead Teacher

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Miss Shaw AS Unit 1 – SCLY1 Families and Households 40% of AS, 20% of A Level Written paper, 1 hour 60 marks Candidates choose one topic from three and answer five questions. The Specification AQA • The relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, with particular reference to the economy and to state policies.

• Changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, child‑bearing and the lifecourse, and the diversity of contemporary family and household structures. • The nature and extent of changes within the family, with reference to gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships. • The nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society. • Demographic trends in the UK since 1900; reasons for changes in birth rates, death rates and family size. Topics Covered in Lessons

1. The family, social structure and change. 2. The functions of the family. 3. The family, morality and state policy. 4. Demographic trends and family life. 5. Marriage, divorce and family diversity. 6. Power and control in the family. 7. The nature of childhood.

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Mr Base AS Unit 2a – SCLY2 Education

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 Education: From AQA Specification In their study of this unit, candidates should examine:

The role and purpose of education, including vocational education and training, in contemporary society.

Differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society.

Relationships and processes within schools, with particular reference to teacher/pupil relationships, pupil subcultures, the hidden curriculum, and the organisation of teaching and learning.

The significance of educational policies, including selection, comprehensivisation and marketisation, for an understanding of the structure, role, impact and experience of education.

The application of sociological research methods to the study of education. Sub Topics for Class.

1. What is the Role of Education, IQ and Knowledge? 2. History of Education (Presentations). 3. Functionalist Perspectives. 4. Marxist perspectives. 5. Interactionist Perspectives. 6. Social Class and Educational Achievement. 7. Gender and Educational Achievement. 8. Ethnicity and Educational Achievement. 9. New Vocationalism. 10. 1988 Education Act. 11. Independent Schools. 12. Pupil Subcultures. 13. Recent Educational Policies.

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Mr Base/Miss Shaw AS Unit 2b - SCLY2 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 Sociological Methods: From AQA Specification In their study of this unit, candidates should examine:

Quantitative and qualitative methods of research; their strengths and limitations; research design.

Sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, participant and non-participant observation, experiments, documents, and official statistics; the strengths and limitations of these sources.

The distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data.

The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods; the nature of ‘social facts’.

The theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research.

Sub Topics for Class.

1. The Great Divide; Quantitative vs. Qualitative, Positive vs. Anti-Positive 2. Primary Quantitative; Surveys, Questionnaires, Structured Interviews,

Sampling. 3. Secondary Quantitative; Official Statistics, Crime Figures. 4. Experiments; Hawthorn Effect, Ethical and Practical Issues. 5. Primary Qualitative; Observations & Un-Structured Interviews. 6. Secondary Qualitative; Letters, Diaries, Newspapers, Photos, Ephemera. 7. Triangulation. 8. Revision.

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Miss Shaw A2 Unit 3 – SCLY3 Beliefs in Society 20% of A Level Written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes 60 marks Candidates choose one topic from four and answer two compulsory questions and one question from a choice of two. The Specification AQA • Different theories of ideology, science and religion, including both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions. • The relationship between religious beliefs and social change and stability. • Religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice. • The relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs and practices. • The significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world, including the nature and extent of secularisation in a global context. Topics Covered in Lessons

1. Religion, science and ideology. 2. Religion as a conservative influence on society: Functionalist and Marxist

approaches. 3. Religion as a force for social change: Weber and Neo- Marxists. 4. Organised religion and religious activity. 5. New religious and New Age Movements. 6. Gender, feminism and religion. 7. Religion, ethnicity and youth. 8. Secularisation.

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Mr Base A2 Unit 3 – SCLY3: Power and Politics

1½ hours Exam.

40% of A2, 20% of the total A Level marks.

One short Data Response Question and one Essay.

Available January and June. Power and Politics: From AQA Specification Candidates should examine:

Different theories of the nature and distribution of power.

The role of the contemporary state.

The nature of, and changes in, different forms of political participation, including voting behaviour, political action and protest, and membership of political organisations and movements.

The role of political parties, pressure/interest groups, new social movements and the mass media in the political process.

The significance of globalisation for an understanding of power and politics in the contemporary world.

Sub Topics for Class.

1. Introduction to Politics; Political Parties, Political Spectrum, Political Compass.

2. Nature of Power; Weber, Functionalism, Marxism, Post Structuralism,

Stephen Lukes.

3. Distribution of Power; Pluralism, Elite Theory, Marxist, Neo Marxist.

4. Definition and History of Modern State.

5. Theories of the Contemporary State; Pluralist, Marxist, New Right, 3rd Way,

Autonomy.

6. Voting Behaviour Patterns since 1945; Age, Gender, Class, Region, Ethnicity.

7. Models of Voting Behaviour; Partisan, Dealignment, Deviant, Instrumental.

8. UK Party Politics 2008; Membership, Policies, Ideologies.

9. Pressure and Interest Groups.

10. Old and New Social Movements.

11. Global Politics.

12. Mass Media and Politics.

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Mr Base A2 SCLY4: Crime & Deviance

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.

Tests Synoptic Links. Crime & Deviance: From AQA Specification Candidates should examine:

Different theories of crime, deviance, social order and social control.

The social distribution of crime and deviance by age, ethnicity, gender, locality and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime.

Globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the mass media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes.

Crime control, prevention and punishment, victims, and the role of the criminal justice system and other agencies.

The sociological study of suicide and its theoretical and methodological implications.

The connections between sociological theory and methods and the study of crime and deviance.

Sub Topics for Class.

13. Introduction: Definitions, Proto Sociological Theories; Biological &

Psychological.

14. Functionalist Theories; Durkheim, Merton etc.

15. Sub Cultural Theories; Cohen, Cloward & Ohlin, Miller etc.

16. Marxist Theories; Chambliss, Snider, Gordon, Pearce etc.

17. Interactionist Theories; Becker, Lemert, Goffman etc.

18. New Criminology into New Left Realism (NLR); Young, Giddens etc.

19. New right Realism (NRR); Van den Haag, Wilson, Murray etc.

20. Social Distribution of Crime & Deviance by Social Class.

21. Social Distribution of Crime & Deviance by Age & Gender.

22. Social Distribution of Crime & Deviance by Ethnicity & Locality.

23. Globalisation and Crime.

24. The Mass Media and Crime.

25. Green crime; Human Rights and State Crimes.

26. Crime Control Agencies & Victimology.

27. The Sociological Study of Suicide.

28. Synoptic Links; Theory, Methods, Family, Education, Religion, Politics.

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Miss Shaw A2 Unit 4 – SCLY4 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods 30% of A Level Written paper, 2 hours 90 marks Candidates choose one topic from two and answer two questions on the chosen topic, two/three questions on sociological research methods in context and one question on theory and methods. The Specification AQA Candidates should examine the following areas, which are also studied at AS Level: • Quantitative and qualitative methods of research; their strengths and limitations; research design. • Sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, observation (participant and nonparticipant), experiments, documents, and official statistics; the strengths and limitations of these sources. • The distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data. • The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods; the nature of ‘social facts’. • The theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research. A2 candidates should also: • Demonstrate a wider range and greater depth of knowledge and understanding than at AS Level. • Study the nature of sociological thought and methods of sociological enquiry in greater range and depth, and demonstrate more highly developed skills of aplication, analysis, interpretation and evaluation than at AS Level. In addition, A2 candidates should examine: • Consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories. • The concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to sociological theory. • The nature of science and the extent to which sociology can be regarded as scientific. • The relationship between theory and methods. • Debates about subjectivity, objectivity and value freedom. • The relationship between sociology and social policy. Topics Covered in Lessons

1. Modernist sociological theories. 2. Feminist, late-modern and postmodern sociological theories. 3. Sociology and science. 4. Positivism and quantitative research methods. 5. Interpretive sociology and qualitative methods. 6. Postmodern and feminist methodologies. 7. Questionnaires and interviews in research. 8. Secondary data. 9. Values and ethics. 10. Sociology and social policy.

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Command Words in the exams… In the AS/A2 units, some of the following command words may be used. To encourage the skill of analysis: Examine…; Analyse…; Explain why.... To encourage the skill of evaluation: Discuss…; Evaluate…; To what extent…; Justify... The only exception to this will be where the process of answering the question is inherently knowledge based. For example, if you were asked to answer a question such as “Suggest three recent education policies.....’.

…and what they mean! Examine… look in detail at the argument, evidence or theory presented. It requires continuous writing and should be rounded off with a conclusion. Analyse…is to break a topic down into its component parts. This should help to identify the causes and effects of the issue and to explain the process whereby the causes bring about the effect. This encourages more depth of study. It implies a writing style that uses continuous prose in fully developed paragraphs. Bear in mind the word “why?’ when analyzing. Explain why.... expand upon in order to show your understanding of the term or theory being tested. The depth of the explanation required will be indicated by the mark allocation. Giving a well-chosen example will often gain a mark. Discuss… put forward both side of a case before coming to a conclusion. Discussion would require continuous writing and would be likely to be marked on a level of response basis, with a high proportion or marks award for evaluation. Evaluate… weigh up evidence in order to reach a judgement. In the context of an essay, you will have to present that evidence (pros and cons, perhaps, before reaching a conclusion. As the term invites your judgement, do be willing to state your opinion within the conclusion e.g. “in my view…” it can be helpful to keep in mind the phrase “to what extent..?”

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To what extent… reach a judgement about the degree to which a statement, theory or evidence is true. It is likely that the levels of response marking scheme will reward evaluation especially heavily. So focus on relatively few themes, deal with each in depth and then make a judgement about “to what extent…”. Justify... present an argument in favour of the views you are expressing, for example: “Should the Crime & Deviance studies focus more on the victim? Justify your answer”. Although the question appears to be expecting a yes or no at the outset, it is better to wait until the end to state your opinion, because you will have given the matter enough thought to be able to justify your decision. Assess… weigh up and thereby evaluate two or more options or arguments. Consider… another term inviting you to weigh up options or arguments in the form of continuous paragraphs of writing. Suggest....Comment upon... merely an AO1 Q requiring a bullet point(s) of Sociological Knowledge.

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Exam Dates

Verulam Sociology – Year 12 AS – 2010/11 Verulam Sociology – Year 13 A2 – 2010/11

Wednesday 18th May (am) AS - SCLY1 Family – 1h Friday 20th May (pm) AS - SCLY2 Education with Methods - 2h Wednesday 15th June (pm) A2 – SCLY3 Religion/Politics - 1h 30m Monday 20th June (am) A2 – SCLY4 Crime & Deviance with Theory & Methods - 2h

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Tips for Success

Attend all lessons. Poor attendance equals poor grade. At AS/A2 missing 2 or 3 hours of lessons can be a lot of work to catch up. If you have to miss a lesson, ensure you get notes from your teacher or other students. You should have a reliable ‘study buddy’!

Whilst your notes are really important, at AS, you need more! You need to listen to your teacher in class, participate in tasks and discuss topics in small groups and with your teacher, complete your homework and read about/research the topics by yourself to complement your learning and understanding.

You also need to be aware of what is going in UK Society, keep up to date with the news, popular culture etc... read relevant online magazines and watch political television programmes!

Before a lesson, refresh your knowledge about what you did in the previous lesson. That way, you’ll hit the ground running and impress everyone too!

Resources As well as the course book(s) please see the Sociology area on the school intranet for online recomendations. You do not have to read them all, just dip in!

QA Sociology; lots of good exam specific revision files, including Specification, Past Qs & Markschemes http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/humanities/sociology_materials.php?id=10&prev=10 ATSS (Asociation for Teaching of the Social Sciences) Comprehensive list of over 30 Revision Sites, you'll find at least one that suits! http://www.atss.org.uk/site/content_sites.php Sociology Central; one of the best. http://www.sociology.org.uk/rload.htm

Education Forum; loads of interactive, 'fun' revision activities for a break from the books! AS http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/onlinesochome.htm A2 http://www.educationforum.co.uk/sociology_2/A2Home.htm tutor2u; useful daily blog for lots of Sociology 'in the news' links. http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/sociology Xtreme Papers; great resource bank of all the 'old style' AQA Qs; still a useful indicator for Q patterns.

http://www.xtremepapers.net/AQA/index.php?dir=Sociology/

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Sociology Our expectations

1. Use a ring binder for notes and purchase subject dividers. Purchase A4 lined paper for your notes. Depending on your subject we expect you to be fully equipped this means calculators, ruler, rubber, pen, pencil. You will find a hole punch useful for your handouts.

2. Your folder should contain – the subject specification – make sure you know which board

you are doing (download it from the internet if you lose your paper copy), a reading list, list of useful internet sites and a list of important dates which should also be recorded in your planner. We will be checking your folder on a regular basis. (Your form tutor will also be doing this.)

3. Make sure you date your work and follow the school guidelines regarding presentation.

Also date and put your name on any handouts you are given. Keep your handouts and notes together.

4. Annotate your handouts – it gives us an indication you have read them and made notes.

Homework will be given based on your handouts so do not lose them.

5. Leave a very wide margin when you write your notes – this gives you space to add to them at a later date. Alternatively, leave a gap of about eight lines at the end of your page.

6. Use the library – ask Mr Smyth for help. Not every piece of information can be found on

the internet and some of the sources are dubious. Make notes on your reading and ensure that the reading is at the correct level.

7. Keep a subject scrapbook – find relevant articles from printed sources (including those

from the internet) and save them so you have a set of articles to which you can refer. This also helps develop your application skills.

8. Homework – this needs to be done so you can get detailed feedback. If you decide that

homework is not for you and you prefer to do other things in your time then you will not be allowed in your lesson until it is handed in. We endeavour to get the work back to you within two weeks.

9. We expect you to spend about 3 hours per week per subject in private study.

10. You will need to buy the recommended Textbook. This is intended for use in private study.

In class you will be provided with a wide range of books, handouts etc. You will also be issued with an eTextbook as a companion to your printed one. On a weekly basis you will be expected to read various articles forwarded to you by your class teachers.

11. Hopefully your attendance will be 100% but we are realistic and realise that on the very

rare occasion it is unavoidable. Get a STUDY BUDDY. This a reliable person who will collect handouts for you and let you copy his/her notes if you are absent.

12. Do not arrange doctor’s/dentist’s/driving lessons during school time.

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