Sociology
What is Sociology?
Sociology involves the study of interconnections between individuals, social groups and the wider
society. It goes beyond mere common sense explanations of the social phenomena we experience and
aims to ground our understanding in firm evidence and sound theoretical reasoning. It focuses on the
influence of the social over the individual, seeking out regularity in human behaviour while also aiming to
explain the source of human differences and individual creativity. At A-level the major emphasis is on the
study of contemporary British society, although cross-cultural and historical sources are also relevant.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their own experience and knowledge in order to make sense of
socialisation processes and their role in shaping contemporary society.
What sort of student does it suit and what will you get out of the course?
Sociology suits students with an interest in what is going on around them, particularly those with an
interest in criminology, political ideologies and how we are socialised by our culture. As a social science
containing aspects of the sciences and the arts, Sociology mixes well with other subjects. It is often
studied in conjunction with Psychology, and it is extremely useful for those wishing to go into ‘people’
professions.
AS specification number 1191 (AQA)
Unit 1: Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare
(1 hour exam; 40% AS weighting, 20% for A-level). This unit offers a choice of three topics
(Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare). Students study
the Families and Households topic. The exam consists of three sections, one on each topic.
Students choose the Families and Households section and answer a five-part question requiring
short and long answers in response to stimulus material.
Unit 2: Education; Health; Sociological Methods
(2 hour exam; 60% AS weighting, 30% for A-level). This unit offers a choice of two topics
(Education; Health) and also includes work on Sociological Methods. Students study the
Education topic. The exam consists of two sections, one on Education and one on Health.
Students choose the Education section and answer three questions as follows: (a) a four-part
question on Education requiring short and long answers in response to stimulus material; (b) a
single-part question on Sociological Methods in the context of Education requiring an extended
answer in response to stimulus material; (c) a four-part question on free-standing Sociological
Methods requiring short and long answers.
MPW approach to AS study
The Families and Households topic is taught first, followed by the Education topic. The work on
Sociological Methods is interwoven with the teaching of the Education topic. Course notes are provided
and form the basis of class discussions. The emphasis is on developing good comprehension and written
communication skills that are needed for successful performance in the exams.
AS course book
The following course book will be provided by MPW:
Haralambos & Holborn, Sociology: Themes and Perspectives (7th edition), Collins
(ISBN: 978-0007245956)
Other textbooks are available from the college for reference or loan.
Sociology
A2 specification number 2191 (AQA)
Unit 3: Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics
(1.5 hour exam; 20% A-level weighting). This unit offers a choice of four topics (Beliefs in
Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics). Students study the Beliefs in
Society topic. The exam consists of four sections, one on each topic. Students choose the
Beliefs in Society section and answer two questions as follows: (a) a two-part question requiring
extended answers in response to stimulus material; (b) one essay question from a choice of two.
Unit 4: Crime and Deviance: Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods
(2 hour exam; 30% A-level weighting). This unit offers a choice of two topics (Crime and
Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation) and also includes work on Theory and Methods.
The exam consists of two sections, one on Crime and Deviance and one on Stratification and
Differentiation. Students choose the Crime and Deviance section and answer three questions as
follows: (a) a two-part question on Crime and Deviance requiring extended answers in response
to stimulus material; (b) a two-part question on Theory and Methods in the context of Crime
and Deviance requiring extended answers in response to stimulus material; (c) an essay question
on free-standing Theory and Methods.
MPW approach to A2 study
The Beliefs in Society topic is taught first, followed by the Crime and Deviance topic. The work on
Theory and Methods is interwoven with the teaching of the Crime and Deviance topic. Course notes are
provided and form the basis of class discussions. The emphasis is on developing good analytical and
essay-writing skills that are needed for successful performance in the exams.
A2 course book
The following course book will be provided by MPW:
Haralambos & Holborn, Sociology: Themes and Perspectives (7th edition), Collins
(ISBN: 978-0007245956)
Other textbooks are available from the college for reference or loan.