AS
Sociology
“The fascination of sociology lies in the fact
that its perspective makes us see in a new
light the very world in which we have lived
all our lives…”
Peter Berger: “Invitation to Sociology”.
“At school they taught me how to be
So pure in thought and word and deed.
They didn‟t quite succeed…”
“It’s A Sin”: The Pet Shop Boys
“There is no such thing as society”:
Margaret Thatcher
“If only we could have said the same
about Margaret Thatcher”:
Anon
Course
Information
AS Sociology Course Booklet
Contents
Introduction Page 3
The Course Page 4
Assessment Page 12
Reading… Page 14
Internet Sites Page 23
Progression Routes Page 26
Lateral Thinking…
What famous expression is this?
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Page 2
AS Sociology Course Booklet
Introduction
The booklet you are now holding in what I trust to be your hand is the product of
many meetings, much heated discussion, a few tantrums and, if the truth be known,
a few broken personal and professional relationships…
It has been two long years (count „em) in the making (admittedly this was because I
couldn‟t be bothered find the time to write a proper Course Information booklet
following the introduction of the Curriculum 2000 Sociology Specifications - or
“syllabus” as some of my more backward-facing colleagues still insist on calling it -
but, hey, it‟s the principle that counts). It‟s also the product of much personal anguish,
blood, sweat, tears and not a little laughter (and if you believe any of that you‟re
probably the type of person who would let their “friends” convince them that standing
in the corner with a paper bag over your head is a sure-fire cure for acne…).
Given the above, it‟s probably the least you can do to actually read the information it
contains (whether or not you actually remember or believe any of it is, as ever, a
matter for your individual conscience).
Be that as it may, this booklet has been designed (a word I use very loosely) to give
you the basic information you will need to make sense of your AS Sociology course.
It provides you with information about the structure of the AS course (the various
modules you will be expected to study, for example) and the way you will be
assessed at the end of your course. It also provides a list of books you may - or
indeed may not - find useful during your course and some Sociology web sites that
provide information and materials to help you complete your course successfully.
Finally, during your course you will be tested on your ability to demonstrate your
grasp of a number of “essential skills” (these being, in case you‟re interested:
Knowledge, Understanding; Interpretation, Analysis and Evaluation). In this
respect you will be repeatedly tested on your ability (or otherwise…) to examine
sociological problems and devise appropriate solutions to such problems. As you will
discover, this may not be as easy as you would at first think or, indeed, like.
However, one of the key attributes for
success in AS Sociology is the ability to
Lateral Thinking…
“think around” problems and to get you
into the swing of things, therefore, I‟ve
A man is dressed in black. Black
liberally sprinkled a few “Lateral Thinking”
shoes, socks, trousers, jumper, gloves
problems throughout this document.
and balaclava. He is walking down a
Solving these problems won‟t guarantee
street with all the street lamps off. A
success, of course, but it‟s a start (and it
black car is coming towards him with
helps to fill a few unfortunate gaps on
its lights off too but it somehow
some of the pages…).
manages to stop in time.
How did the driver see the man?
Page 3
AS Sociology Course Booklet
Your Course
General Information:
Exam Board: Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR):
www.ocr.org.uk
Course Title: OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Sociology
Course Number: 3878
Centre Name: Bournemouth and Poole College
Centre Number: 55221
What the Exam Board says about the
AS Course:
“The Advanced Subsidiary GCE is
assessed at a standard appropriate for
candidates who have completed the first
half of a full Advanced GCE course i.e.
between GCSE and Advanced GCE. It
forms the first half of the Advanced GCE
course in terms of teaching time and
content. When combined with the second
half of the Advanced GCE course, known
as „A2‟, the Advanced Subsidiary forms
50% of the assessment of the total
Advanced GCE. However, the Advanced
Subsidiary can be taken as a „stand-alone‟
qualification. A2 is weighted at 50% of the
total assessment of the Advanced GCE.”
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Specification Content (Overview)
The specification covers the following areas:
Module 2532: The Individual and Society
Introducing the individual and society
Culture and the formation of identities
Module 2533: Culture and
Socialisation
Options. At least one from: Module 2534 Sociological Research Skills
Family
Mass Media Basic concepts in research design
Religion Aspects of data collection
Youth and Culture Interpreting and evaluating data
Module 2535: Research Report (Sociology)
In other words, as an AS Student you will be required (as with all AS subjects) to
study three modules:
1. The Individual and Society
2. Culture and Socialisation
You will study 1 of the 4 available options
3. Sociological Research Skills
This involves studying Research Methods and
the production of a 1000 word piece of
Coursework (the Research Report).
Lateral Thinking…
Mr. James wanted a new house built for him. He wanted to
see the sun shine into every room. He told the building
contractor to build his house so that all the walls face south.
The contractor succeeded in building such a house.
How?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Specification Content (Specific)
Module 2532: The Individual and Society
To complete this module you are required to
study the following:
What the Exam Board says about the
1. Introducing the Individual and Society: Module:
The role of values, norms and the “This module introduces candidates to key
agents of socialisation in the concepts and theories associated with a
formation of culture.
sociological understanding of human
behaviour. As such, it underpins the entire
Learning social roles. specification and offers progression both
to the other AS units and to A2. The aim is
How expected patterns of behaviour to begin to explore the relationship
regulate social life. between individuals and social structures.
The module examines the influences that
2. Culture and the formation of identities shape identities and the processes that
create social behaviour. In short, the
The meaning of „gender identities‟. themes are how and to what extent
individuals shape and are shaped by
The process of gender role socialisation. social structures”.
The meaning of „national identities‟.
The role of institutions in shaping and reinforcing national identity.
The meaning of „ethnic identities‟.
Their impact on social behaviour.
The meaning of „class identities‟.
Their impact on social behaviour.
Contemporary social change and the implications
for gender, national, ethnic and class identities.
There is a carrot, a pile of pebbles, and a pipe
lying together in the middle of a field.
Why?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Module 2533: Culture and Socialisation
Students study at least 1 of the following What the Exam Board says about this
options: Option:
a. Family “The family is a central institution of
socialisation and social reproduction
1. The family and recent social change because of its traditional role as the site
where children are reared. It plays an
Family concepts and definitions: important role in mediating the
kinship and household, nuclear and relationship between the individual,
extended families. groups and society. This option therefore
builds on module 2532. Candidates have
Recent demographic change: the opportunity to examine how the family
marriage, divorce, births, ageing has changed in recent decades and to
population. consider the wider implications of these
changes. This option relates to the
Social policy and the family: family module 2536 options „Crime and
values debates. Policy towards Deviance‟, „Education‟, „Health‟ and
families and children. „Social Policy and Welfare‟, and to module
2539”.
2. Diversity in families and households
Recent trends in family life; cohabitation, one-parent families, reconstituted
families, dual career families, single-person households.
Dimensions of diversity; class, gender, ethnicity, life-cycle and location.
Explanations of family diversification, changing economic and domestic roles
of men and women, changes in family obligations.
3. Power, inequality and family policy
The distribution of power between men and
women in the family. Patriarchy, the domestic
division of labour, decision-making.
The relationships between parents and children;
changing conceptions of childhood, the legal
status of children.
The dark side of family life: violence, child
abuse and social policy.
Lateral Thinking…
A painter was hired to repaint the water tower for the
township of Camdenton, the tower was located just off a
busy street in the downtown area. Everyday for 2 weeks the
man painted diligently but he was never seen working by
anyone and nobody noticed any change in the tower, yet he
was thanked and paid by the city…
Why?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
b. Mass Media
1. Media Institutions What the Exam Board says about this
Option:
Trends in the ownership and control of the
mass media. “The mass media are the major agencies
of socialisation and sources of identity in
The relationship between ownership, the public sphere. They play an
control and production: the influence of important role in mediating the
proprietors relationship between the individual,
and professionals. groups and society. This option therefore
builds on module 2532. In this option
Ownership and trends in production and candidates examine how the media are
consumption (e.g. Internet, cable TV); the organised, how they represent different
implications for state regulation. issues and social groups, and consider
the wider effects of the media. This
2. Content and Representation in the Mass option relates to the module 2536
Media options „Crime and Deviance‟,
„Education‟, „Popular
The role of media professionals in Culture‟, and „Protest and Social
constructing the news and moral panics. Movements‟, and to module 2539.”.
Media stereotypes; gender, ethnicity and
class.
Theories of media content e.g. pluralism, Marxism and
postmodernism.
3. The Effects of the Mass Media
The effects of the mass media on audiences.
Media effects and the implications for censorship e.g.
sex and violence.
Mass communications and globalisation.
Lateral Thinking…
A man walks into a bar and asks the barman
for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a
gun and points it at the man. The man says
'Thank you' and walks out.
Why. ?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
What the Exam Board says about this
c. Religion Option:
1. Religious Institutions
“Religion, as a system of beliefs and
Church, denomination, sect and cult. practices based on sacred signs, is an
Their relationship to society and to important aspect of culture and
each other. socialisation, firstly because of its
importance in the human search for
New Religious Movements. meaning and secondly because of its role
Classifications and explanations of in uniting individuals and groups into
religious innovation and renewal. moral communities. It may play an
important role in mediating the
The appeal of religious institutions to relationship between the individual,
'spiritual shoppers' and by social profile groups and society. This option therefore
including class, age, ethnicity and builds on module 2532. This option relates
gender. to the module 2536 options „Education‟,
„Popular Culture‟, „Protest and Social
2. The Influence of Religion on the Movements‟, and to module 2539”.
Individual and Society
The secularisation debate; definitions and dimensions of secularisation.
Religious fundamentalism; crises of meaning and the search for certainty.
Religion and control; ethnicity; gender and sexuality.
3. Religion and Classical Sociology
Religion, ideology and conflict – Marxist theory in outline.
Religion, stability and consensus – Durkheimian theory in outline.
Religion, social action and social change – Weberian theory in outline.
Lateral Thinking…
A woman had two sons who
were born on the same hour of
the same day of the same
year. But they were not twins,
and they were not adopted.
How could this be so?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
d. Youth and Culture
What the Exam Board says about this
1. Youth Culture and Subcultures Option:
The distinction between youth culture “This unit considers young people and
and youth subcultures; middle class their cultures in the context of the wider
and working society. Youth culture plays an important
class subcultures. role in mediating the relationship between
the young individual, groups and society.
The significance of class, ethnicity and This option therefore builds on module
gender for contemporary youth. 2532.
Theories of youth subcultures, e.g. This option relates to the module 2536
Marxism, feminism, postmodernism. options „Crime and Deviance‟, „Education‟,
and „Popular
Culture‟, and to module 2539.”.
2. Youth and Deviance
Delinquency; the patterns and trends of delinquency according to social
profile, for example class, gender and ethnicity.
Gangs: territory, values, rituals and sanctions.
Theories of delinquent subcultures, e.g. functionalist, Marxist and feminist
accounts.
3. Youth and Schooling
Experiences of schooling; class, gender and ethnicity.
Pro-school and anti-school cultures.
Femininity, masculinity and
subject choice.
Lateral Thinking…
An elderly man gets up in
the morning and shaves.
He then puts on his
glasses, and sees himself
in the mirror. However,
he sees himself with no
glasses and a beard.
Why?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Module 2534: Sociological Research Skills
1. Basic concepts in research design What the Exam Board says about the
Module:
Reliability, validity,
representativeness and “This module introduces candidates to the
generalisation.
basic concepts and issues in research
design and evaluation. On completing this
Identifying causes and effects. module, candidates should understand
the basis on which it is appropriate for
Ethics in the research process.
sociologists to claim that their findings are
truthful and worthwhile, and should be
2. Aspects of data collection
able to evaluate the strategies involved in
researching a specific research question.
Sampling; populations and response
rates. The module provides the base on which to
build towards either module 2537 or
Collecting primary data. Quantitative
module 2538.”.
and qualitative approaches. Piloting,
surveys, questionnaires, interviews
and observation.
Sources of secondary data. Documents; libraries, official sources and the
Internet.
3. Interpreting and evaluating data
Interpreting and evaluating quantitative data. Tables and graphs.
Interpreting and evaluating qualitative data.
Interpreting and evaluating documents, official statistics and other secondary
sources.
Reporting research results.
Module 2535: Research Report (Sociology)
What the Exam Board says about Coursework:
“The content of Module 2535, the Research Report, is identical
to that of Module 2534.
The Research Report requires candidates to select a piece of
research and to write a report on it.
The Report should be no longer than 1000 words. Candidates
should spend the same amount of study time on the Research
Report as they do on module 2534. The Research Report
shares the same aims and assessment objectives as module
2534. This module provides an important base on which to build
towards either module 2537 or module 2538.”.
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Assessment
Aims
These specifications in Sociology enable candidates to:
acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of
contemporary social processes and structures;
appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual
issues in sociological debate;
understand sociological methodology and a range of
research methods;
reflect on their own experience of the social world in
which they live;
develop skills which enhance their ability to participate
more effectively in adult life.
In addition, the Advanced GCE specification enables
candidates to:
demonstrate a deeper understanding of the connections
between the nature of sociological thought, methods of
sociological enquiry and substantive sociological topics.
Objectives
These specifications in Sociology are designed to
enable candidates to:
develop an awareness of cultural diversity,
including national and regional differences;
focus on the processes of differentiation and
stratification which are central to an
understanding of the contemporary world;
apply their knowledge and understanding of
sociology to everyday life.
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Units of Assessment
Weighting%
Unit Name Exam Duration
of Advanced
of AS
GCE
The Individual and
2532 1 hour 30 15
Society
Culture and
2533 1 hour 30 mins 40 20
Socialisation
Completed by
AS Research Report
Easter of year
2535 (Sociology) 30 15
in which exam
Coursework
is taken
Question Paper Requirements
Unit 2532
The Individual and Society
1 hour
The examination paper consists of two
four-part structured questions, of which
candidates must answer one.
Unit 2533
Culture and Socialisation
1 hour 30 mins
The examination paper consists of eight
two-part structured questions, two for
each option.
Candidates must answer two questions,
chosen from either one or two options.
The four options are: Family; Mass
Media; Religion; Youth and Culture.
Unit 2535
Coursework
Candidates produce a Research Report
which is marked by teachers and
externally moderated by OCR.
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Reading…
The following is a list of books. The list is designed to give you an overview of
available textbooks. It is not a list of “recommended books” and you are not expected
to buy some, any or indeed all of these books (unless you‟re very rich, very keen or
both) - the list merely identifies books that may be of some use to you during your
course.
The list is divided into the following sections:
1. Course textbooks - books which cover most / all of the AS / A2
2. Background reading - books aimed at a specific module of the AS course.
3. Magazines.
4. Revision books.
You should note that, as part of your course, you will be entitled to the following
textbooks:
1. Sociology in Perspective (Kirby et al).
2. Sociology in Focus (Taylor et al)
3. Themes and Perspectives (Haralambos and Holborn).
Course Textbooks
Sociology for AS Level Sociology (4th Edition)
S.Moore, D.Chapman, D.Aiken A. Giddens (2001)
(2001)
For what it's worth, I've always
In terms of style and presentation found Giddens to be one of the more readable A-
you might be forgiven for thinking this was a GCSE level authors and the new edition of Sociology
text - lots of photographs, graphics, bold builds on this basic strength of the previous edition.
headings, section glossaries, exam questions As you might expect, the 4th edition has been
and extension activities are all packed into its reorganised and revised to take account of both
200-odd pages. The text, as you might expect given sociological and design developments in the
the authors' pedigree, is well-written and presented intervening 5 years. The general layout is now more
in small, easily-digested, chunks ("In the Modern conceptual, with sub-headings and short
Style") and focuses on the main concepts for each paragraphs being extensively used throughout;
module covered. There's not a huge amount of summaries, "questions for further thought"
information (it's about as far removed from and "Further Reading" material also appear at the
"Themes and Perspectives" as you're likely to get - end of each chapter. A new development is the
in both design and weight), but if you're looking for inclusion of web links, but these are small in
a text that gives students a solid introduction to number and, I would suggest, not always
the main themes and concepts of Sociology (while particularly appropriate to A-level standard. There
providing a necessary degree of continuity between is, however, an accompanying website that provides
GCSE and AS), this is worth checking-out. free resources to support the text. Overall, as
ever with Giddens, this is a textbook "about
Sociology" rather than one geared specifically
towards the AS/A2 Specifications; in this respect,
it's a wide-ranging, sometimes esoteric, text that
engages the reader throughout.
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Sociology in Perspective Sociology in Perspective
(AQA) (OCR)
Mark Kirby et al (2000) Mark Kirby et al (2000)
The new version of Sociology in It's unusual - but nonetheless very
Perspective is, as far as I know, the only current welcome - for an author / publisher to create
textbook that actually follows the AS / A2 separate versions of a text for different exam
specifications to the letter - boards and although this version of Sociology in
something which I feel is Perspective follows the same basic format as it's
enormously beneficial to AQA counterpart it is, as you might expect,
students (and to teachers who organised in terms of the different requirements of
adopt the text and develop the OCR specifications. What this means, in effect,
resource materials around it for is that while much of the layout and content is
classroom use). Each chapter common to both versions (after all, as one of my
begins with an outline of a colleagues is fond of saying "Sociology is
specification module and Sociology is Sociology") there are important
information is developed differences in emphasis, reflecting the different
logically around the requirements of the OCR Board. In terms of
requirements of each module. design, this version contains
Text design follows the modern the same basic design strengths
fashion for bold sub-headings coupled-with short as it's AQA counterpart (the
explanatory text. Numerous activities good use of sub-headings,
(discussion points, questions and so forth) are short, easily-digested,
well-signposted and neatly integrated into the text paragraphs and a range of
and, unlike the vast majority of textbooks, the activities that actually reinforce
activities are actually useful and relevant (which student understanding), it adds
probably reflects the fact the authors actually teach a useful "end of module"
at this level). Short readings, tables and glossary for good measure. All-
graphics are dotted throughout the book and add in-all this is certainly one of the
to the feel that this is a text to be used by teachers best of the new breed of A-level
and students (rather than one that serves as an textbooks and anyone following
expensive door-stop). For students and teachers the OCR specifications should seriously consider
following the AQA specifications, this text should adding this text to their list of required reading.
be high on your list of essential purchases...
Themes and
Perspectives
M.Haralambos /
M.Holborn
Introductory Sociology
(2000) T.Bilton et al (1996)
The 5th edition of "Themes" Editions 1- 3 have always
quite literally lives up to its been closer to
reputation as the heavyweight of undergraduate level than
Sociology textbooks (the addition A-level and this, the 4th
of new chapters makes it even edition, continues in the
bigger and heavier than its predecessor - running same vein (although
as it does to over 1000 pages...). Although the new concessions have finally
edition's been given a two-colour makeover, this been made to a more
can't disguise the fact it's still the same old format modern style of design and
of study-packed-upon-study (with a bit of presentation). This edition
evaluation thrown-in for good measure). Of the two has gone post-modern in a
new chapters, Culture and Identity is a big way (in terms of
necessary addition (if a bit limited in scope) and organisation and content), and this, combined with
Media (by Paul Trowler) betrays its origins in his the quality of writers and writing probably makes it
previous "Investigating The Media" books (which an essential text for students and teachers who
suggests, to me at least, this was added as a last- want a more challenging approach to A-level
minute job). Overall, "Themes" is the Pink Floyd of sociology than is traditionally provided by course
Sociology textbooks; it's dated, predictable and textbooks.
makes few, if any, concessions to a changing world.
However, like The Floyd, you know what you're
getting and what it does it does very, very,
well. Whether this comforting predictability is
enough to keep it on every student's desk is a moot
question, but, for what it's worth, my guess is that
it is - but it's a book that's starting to feel a bit old
and tired (like me).
Page 15
AS Sociology Course Booklet
Sociology Sociology In Perspective
J.Macionis and K.Plummer Mark Kirby et al (1997)
(1998)
In a competitive market, sociology
Subtitled "A Global Introduction", textbooks have to offer something new or different
this transatlantic collaboration reflects the new style to make an impact and this book has three things
of course text that aims to combine that make it stand out from the crowd. Firstly, it
comprehensive syllabus coverage with an covers both the AEB and IBS syllabus (for
accessible, almost informal, style of writing and example, a section on "Culture and Identity" (AEB)
design. This is reflected in its use of clear sub- coupled with one on "Education and Training"
headings and short, incisive, chunks of text; key (IBS)). Secondly, it recognises that the
ideas, concepts and theories are clearly "knowledge-heavy" approach characteristic of many
signposted and relevant studies are integrated established texts (Bilton, Haralambos, O'Donnell,
into the general text. A couple of neat features are etc.) doesn't fit easily with the "skills" emphasis of
the extensive use of "numbered points" and the new syllabuses. This text focuses on relatively
"boxes" that focus attention on European and short, well-captioned, sections and sub-sections
Global issues, Sociological controversies and that identify and highlight the basic knowledge an
debates and profiles of key sociologists. Each A-level student is expected to have, rather than go
major section concludes with a summary, list of for the information overkill approach that is so
key concepts, critical-thinking questions and daunting for many students. Finally, it's written by
further reading (both print and web-based). people with current experience of A-level teaching,
Overall, "Sociology" is worth checking-out if you're something clearly evident in both the organisation
looking for a course text that offers an accessible of the text and the accompanying activities and
introduction to the new AS level, while project suggestions.
maintaining the depth required for A2.
Sociology In Focus Sociology In Focus: Answer
Paul Taylor et al (1996) Book
Paul Taylor et al (1996)
One of the new style of textbooks.
The knowledge element is kept to a minimum, in As the title suggests, this provides
the sense it concentrates on basic theories, "suggested answers" to the exercises set in
concepts and examples, and is combined with the "Sociology In Focus". It's expensive, but it can be
extensive use of exercises designed to test legally photocopied. I've found it useful as a "time
understanding. However, in my experience many of saver" for marking student work and as the basis of
the exercises are not well-designed for A-level - "peer marking" class exercises. However, as noted
they are too vague and not clearly focused on the to the left, I'm not a great fan of the exercises in
skills they are supposedly designed to reinforce. In Sociology in Focus so whether or not it's worth
this respect, the exercises have to be used with paying £30-quid for answers to questions you
care, guidance and planning. probably won't use in the first place is a moot
point...
However, in general this is one of the better A-level
texts, not least because of its student-friendly
design (larger print, good use of headings and white
space, etc.) and recognition that, at A-level, a basic
knowledge of a reasonable range of ideas is the
starting point for student understanding.
Sociology For Everyone Success In Sociology
M.Joseph (1990) M.Marcus and A.Ducklin (1998)
One aim of this book is to bridge the Although the authors are
gap between GCSE and A-level and, in this sense, responsible for the unbelievably-naff "Sample
it's a useful book for students new to A-level Exam Answers" (published by R.Ball and not
Sociology. Although it doesn't cover the whole reviewed here because it's totally useless), this is
syllabus, it uses an interesting technique whereby actually a rather good, if somewhat basic, text. It
"common sense assumptions" about aspects of the tries to cover all the major syllabuses and features
social world are contrasted with "sociological excellent use of headings and sub-headings to
assumptions". I think this works very well. It has highlight relevant concepts, theories and evidence.
good "further reading" suggestions at the end of It reads like an advanced GCSE book and could
each chapter and a variety of past GCSE and A-level prove very useful as both an introductory and
questions. It also contains useful project revision text.
suggestions.
Page 16
AS Sociology Course Booklet
Sociology For A-Level Themes and Perspectives:
Tony Lawson (1993) Activity Pack
M.Haralambos / M.Holborn
(2000)
Not a course text as such (it's
designed to be used in conjunction with "Themes
and Perspectives"), more a practical guide to the Unfortunately,
Skill Domains at A-level. As such, it's aim is to given the fact this costs nearly
demonstrate how the skills of knowledge, £50, I haven't had a chance to
understanding, interpretation, application and look at copy to see what it offers
evaluation can be practiced and developed over a in the way of enhancements to
course of study - and when the (ex) AEB Chief "Themes and Perspectives" -
Examiner offers his opinions on such things it's activities, probably. Still, if you're
probably a good enough reason to see such a book really keen, why not e-mail the
as required reading... author, Martin Holborn, and ask
him?
Introduction To Sociology Feminist Perspectives
Mike O'Donnell (1997) P. Abbott and C. Wallace (1997)
Now in its 4th edition, this text has Although not, strictly-speaking, a
steadily changed with the times in terms of content, course textbook (it doesn't aim to be), it does cover
format and design. The content still leans towards most of the major syllabus areas (it's starting to get
the "in-depth school" and, at times, comes close to a bit dated, in this respect and doesn't cover some
being an undergraduate text. of the more modern stuff). However, it's included
In this respect, it's still here because it provides a readable, concise and
"knowledge-heavy", but comprehensive coverage of sociological issues from
concessions have been made explicitly feminist perspectives. As such, it's a
in terms of diagrams, valuable counterweight to the male-dominated
summaries and "key world of Sociology textbooks...
questions". A rather half-
hearted attempt to make the
Please Note: This link now points to the revised
text more interactive (in the
and updated 2nd edition which brings everything
form of "questions" to be
nicely up-to-date. This is a great example of a well-
answered) doesn't really work
written text that delivers information in a
because they're not central to
straightforward, interesting, way.
the structure of book, but
merely tacked-on to the text, almost as an
afterthought. They also tend to get lost amongst
the dense (both literally and metaphorically) text.
Sociology Explained An Introduction To
T. Burgess and A. Barnard Sociology
(1996) Ken Browne (1998)
Another text in the modern style. This is a GCSE text, but it's
Well laid-out in paragraph-sized chunks, with good included here because texts at this level are often a
use of white space and sub-headings to make useful way of introducing students to the basic
finding information easy. The knowledge-base is not ideas involved in Sociology. In addition, they're
huge, but probably sufficient and certainly useful as often useful as a source of project ideas, mainly
a way of introducing students to basic ideas. Some because of the emphasis on "doing Sociology"
effort has been made to include questions for rather than "reading about Sociology". This is the
students to answer, but these are rather 2nd edition and includes updated sections, better
perfunctory attempts to test understanding. use of primary resource materials and so forth.
Fundamentals of Sociology Introduction To Sociology
P.McNeill and C.Townley (1992) N.Goodman (1992)
This is more a course reader than A fairly comprehensive course text,
a textbook, as such. It's divided into syllabus this was one of the first to think seriously about
sections and different writers (Adrian Wilson on design as well as content; it's well laid-out and uses
"The Family", Mike O'Donnell on "Socialisation" sub-headings clearly and usefully to break the text
and so forth) outline and discuss some of the main into relatively small chunks. On the minus side,
themes involved in each area. It's generally well- there are no illustrations / graphics, the text can be
written and I've found it can be best used to rather turgid at times and it's fairly light on
provide students with a general overview of each criticism. By no means a bad text, but there are
section of the syllabus. probably now better ones to buy...
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Think Sociology Making Sense of Society
P.Stephens, A.Leach, L.Taggart I.Marsh et al (1996)
and H.Jones (1998)
A textbook in the modern style
Another new textbook "in the (information presented in short paragraph chunks,
modern style" (I'm sure you get the picture by plenty of white space, coloured subheadings and a
now), based squarely around the AEB syllabus. variety of box-outs) that covers most of the A-level
Unfortunately, since this is a huge syllabus, most of syllabus in a reasonably comprehensive way. Each
the sections concentrate on the "main themes and Chapter begins with learning objectives (not
issues" with little or no room given over to anything particularly informative) and ends with a summary,
more than (fairly basic) overviews. However, the questions and further reading. In between,
book has some interesting qualities (summaries there's a nice use of boxed-out definitions and
that focus on the "strengths" and "weaknesses" of case studies and some rather vague and ill-
theories, concepts and perspectives, useful defined questions based around the text. The jury is
glossaries and "Crit Think" sections designed to probably still out on this one - it's not a bad text by
encourage students to apply sociological skills - any means (I'd certainly use bits of it), but I'm not
although these tend to suffer from the usual sure it's different or distinctive enough to displace
problem of over-ambitious questions and exercises) some of the heavyweight players in this area.
that may or may not offset its basic weakness (it's
trying to do too much...).
Sociology Contemporary British
J.Fulcher and J.Scott (1999) Society
N.Abercrombie, A.Warde, et al
Just when you thought the dinosaur (2001)
textbook was finally dying, this monster lumbers
out of the undergrowth (and at 800 pages, this is Now in its 3rd edition,
the Brontosaurus of textbooks). Coming across as "Contemporary British Society" is starting to
"Giddens meets Haralambos" (a massive, take-on the appearance of a standard A-level
diverse and comprehensive amount of text, textbook, with many of the major Specification
coupled with fairly rudimentary summary points areas now covered. The focus, however, is less
and revision exercises), upon superficial coverage of numerous topics and
the book has an "American" more upon the comprehensive coverage of a
design, feel and scope range of significant aspects of each Specification
(which is not to say it's area, written by a specialist in each field -
bad, just different). The "deviance", for example, focuses on varieties of
impression I get is that the deviance, crime statistics and the criminal
book is aimed at both the justice system. The book's general layout - few
A-level and sub-headings and lengthy paragraphs - may
undergraduate markets make it intimidating for AS students, but the book
(presumably to maximise contains a mass of illustrative material (tables,
sales) without realising that diagrams, box-outs...) that lightens the text and
these are now two very provides potentially useful interpretive material for
different audiences with teachers. Overall, this is probably a text you'll want
markedly different to dip into every so often when there's a need to
requirements and needs. In flesh-out contemporary sociological ideas and
terms of the text itself, there's nothing particularly debates...
wrong with it; there's solid and interesting
coverage of a wide-range of ideas and
arguments, for example, and it's neatly and
clearly written. However, what holds me back
from recommending it is the nagging feeling that
the time for this type of A-level textbook has now
passed...
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Perspectives in Sociology Active Sociology
E.Cuff, W.Sharrock, D.Francis S.Best, J.Griffiths, T.Hope
(1998) (2000)
Although aimed at an One of the first of the new breed of
undergraduate audience (where the requirement Sociology textbooks developed for the Curriculum
for an in-depth knowledge of various Schools of 2000 specifications, "Active Sociology" is a good
Thought is more-evident than at A-level), introductory text for both the AS and A2
"Perspectives..." combines discussions of key modules. The focus is on providing basic outlines
writers (Marx, Durkheim...) with more-general of important sociological concepts, theories and
overviews of areas such as Conflict and methods and combines readable summaries of
Consensus sociology (and not forgetting post- key ideas with a range of helpful course "hints
modernism). The box-out explanations of key and tips". Short activities (with Key Skills
concepts spread liberally through the text will signposts) are featured throughout and each
probably have most appeal to A-level students and section of the book concludes with a chapter
teachers, but if you're looking for a very solid summary, keyword definitions, a range of exam
introduction to "perspectives" then this volume, now questions and a Further Reading section that
in its 4th edition, is probably as good a place as any includes useful web sites as well as books. If
to begin. you're looking for an AS text that also provides a
useful overview of A2 modules, this is probably as
good as it gets at present...
Sociology: An Interactive Introduction to Sociology
Approach H.Tischler (2000)
Jorgensen et al (1997)
An American textbook (now in it's
In an increasingly crowded (but 6th edition), a fact I mention
lucrative) market, modern texts have to develop simply because it doesn't, of
new angles if they're to make the grade and, as course, follow the A-level
with Sociology In Focus, this goes for the "basic Specifications. It does, however,
knowledge plus lots of activities" approach. The cover the main sociological
activities are good and well-integrated into the text aspects of the Specifications. It's
and one of the features of the book is its use of an easy-to-read text that
well-presented primary source materials (bite- includes chapter summaries and
sized chunks, in the modern style). One of my selected (short) readings dotted
colleagues swears by this book (as opposed to at it throughout it's various sections.
- his usual response to Sociology course books), but
I think the jury's still out on this one - it's a bit
superficial and confusingly organised. It also adopts
a slightly post-modern approach but, unlike Bilton,
doesn't really seem to have the courage of its
convictions...
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Background Reading
Module 2533
Module 2532: Culture and Socialisation
The Individual and Society
Family
Abbott D, Culture and Identity, Hodder Jorgensen N, Investigating Families and
1998 Households, Collins 1995
Morgan DHJ, Family Connections, Polity 1996
Jenkins R, Social Identity, Routledge 1996 Bernardes J, Family Studies: an Introduction,
Routledge 1997
McRobbie A, Postmodernism and Popular
Culture, Routledge 1994 Mass Media
Taylor P, Investigating Culture and Identity, Eldridge J, Getting the Message, 1993
Collins 1997
Trowler P, Investigating the Mass Media (2nd
ed), Collins 1996
Zoonen V, Feminist Media Studies, Sage
1994
Module 2534
Sociological Research Skills Religion
and
Module 2535 Beckford T and Luckmann T, The Changing
Research Report Face of Religion, Routledge
Barratt D and Cole T, Sociology Projects: a Bird J, Investigating Religion, Collins 1999
Student‟s Guide, Routledge 1991
Robbins T, Cults, Converts and Charisma,
Dunsmuir A and Williams L, How to Do Sage 1991
Social Research, Collins 1996
Selfe P and Starbuck M, Religion, Hodder
Kendall P, Writing your Sociology 1998
Coursework, Connect 1998
Youth and Culture
Langley P, Managing Sociology
Coursework, Connect 1993 Madood T et al, Changing Ethnic Identities,
Policy Studies Institute 1994
Langley P, Doing Social Research,
Causeway 1994 Phillips A, The Trouble with Boys,
Pandora 1993
Redhead S, Rave Off: Politics and Deviance
in Contemporary Youth Culture, Avebury 1993
Willis P, Common Culture, OUP 1990
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Revision Books
A-Level Sociology Introducing Sociology for AS
Stephen Moore (1994) Level
Ken Browne (2002)
My favourite A-level revision book
and one I highly recommend. There's good Ken Browne's new revision book
syllabus coverage (although there are omissions comes well-recommended:
and, as you might expect, there's not always a "This book will be very useful to AS students,
great deal of depth involved) and the book is particularly those following the AQA specification.
designed and laid-out clearly. It also features self- The language is accessible and key terms and ideas
test questions and answers in each section, are clearly presented. The text is supported by
which is a quick and useful way of checking suitable examples and there are clearly-explained
understanding. In general terms, this is probably student activities to reinforce the material in each
the revision book to buy for students who have a chapter.": Joan Garrod, AQA Chair of Examiners
good understanding of the syllabus.
Please Note: This book is no-longer stocked by "This is a well-written and organized text, pitched at
Amazon, which suggests a "new edition" is being exactly the right level for AS sociology students. It
prepared. However, it's still available in most High covers all the main AQA topics and includes
Street bookshops. interesting exercises for students to promote their
own learning": Tony Lawson, Former Chief
Examiner for AEB (now AQA) Sociology
A-Level Sociology Sociology Revision Planner
Steve Harris (1994) Mike Kirby (1996)
A rule of thumb I use when deciding This aims to provide students with a
whether to buy a book is that if it has a picture of complete revision system for A-Level Sociology
the author on the back cover, don't buy it. This and, by and large, it succeeds. The planner is
book has a picture of the author on the back cover packed with sensible advice about the things that
(so be warned). As a revision book, its major failing students preparing for the exam should (but rarely
is an over-concentration on the analysis of ever) do if they are to organise their revision
"student essay answers" as some sort of guide efficiently. All the usual revision stuff is present
about what - and what not - to do in an exam. This (organisation checklists, tips on how to revise, etc.)
technique gives the text an old-fashioned feel and and while the style and presentation is worthy
is generally unattractive, both as a design feature rather than inspirational, it's a useful collection of
and revision technique. Coupled with this, the ideas to have. If you want to check it out, there's a
knowledge-base is relatively small and restricted. It link to the publishers (Pearson) in the Links
is, however, reasonably cheap. section of this site (under "Study Skills") that you
can use to download 4 sample pages.
A-Level Revision Notes Advanced Sociology
I.Morgan (1998) Through Diagrams
T.Lawson (2000)
Published by Letts (who also
publish the Stephen Moore A-level Sociology A deceptively simple idea, well-
revision book), this is an interesting attempt to executed in the main, that consists of a series of
provide students with a cheap (£5), clearly-written diagrams (yes, really) covering each module and
and straightforward revision book. It concentrates specification topic. Each diagram provides basic
on the most basic information required for each knowledge about a particular topic in a visual way.
section of the syllabus (and you'd better believe Although designed to be a revision book, the way
me when I say basic - it makes most revision the text summarises sections of the course makes it
books look verbose and bloated by comparison) potentially useful as a teaching aide right the way
and also includes useful checklists of key terms. As through the AS / A2 course - it should even
well as being a revision text, it's also the kind of stimulate students into making their own visual
book that could be used to give students a revision charts if they find this type of approach
grounding in a course area before more-detailed helpful. My one reservation with the book itself is
investigation / analysis is done. that some of the text seems "incomplete" - as if it
was rushed-out to meet the new specifications.
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Magazines
Sociology Review
Social Science Teacher
Philip Allan Publishers,
Market Place, Deddington, ATSS,
Oxford PO Box 61,
OX15 0SE Watford
WD2 2NH
Sociology Update
Olympus Books UK, 32
Shirley Road,
Stoneygate,
Leicestershire
LE32 3LJ
New Internationalist
Tower House,
Lathkill Street,
Market Harborough,
LE16 9EF
Lateral Thinking…
A man is dead in his car. He has been shot. He is alone. The
doors are locked, the windows are all closed, and no bullet has
broken any glass or through any part of the car. He did not shoot
himself.
How can this be??
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Internet sites
General Sites…
[Where you‟ll find a variety of resources]
Sociology Central
www.sociology.org.uk
Escher Sociology
http://www.esher.ac.uk/scextranet/sociology
Peter's Sociology Links
http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/sociology/PeterLinks/
Peteroutline.html
Sociology On-Line
http://www.sociologyonline.f9.co.uk
E-Sociology
http://www.esociology.co.uk
Sociology Learning Support
http://www.chrisgardner.clara.net
Sociology at Bryn Hafren
http://www.rmplc.co.uk/eduweb/sites/barrycomp/bhs
Sociology Timeline
http://www.wwu.edu/~stephan/timeline.html
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Family Life
Kearl's Guide to the Family
www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/family.html
Introduction to Sociology
King George V College
www.kgv.ac.uk/kgvasp/courses/
Social Inequalities
SO/Sociology/index.htm
Sociology Corner
Sociologist at Large
www.mtsu.edu/~baustin/
http://ryoung001.homestead.com/
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
www.jrf.org.uk/
Glossaries…
Cyberspace (A Sociological Tour)
Sociology Glossary www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/index.html
www.soci.canterbury.ac.nz/glossary/index.htm
Hamlin Glossary
www.d.umn.edu/cla/faculty/jhamlin/2111/gloss.html
Sociology Dictionary
www.iversonsoftware.com/sociology/index.htm Research Methods
Frank Elwell's Home Page Research Guide
http://msumusik.mursuky.edu/~felwell/http/ http://members.tripod.com/~frede_dast/co
homepage.htm nseil22a.html
UK Government Statistics
www.statistics.gov.uk/
Revision Edmund Chattoe
www.sociology.ox.ac.uk/chattoe.html
S-Cool
www.s-cool.co.uk/ Resources For Methods
http://gsociology.icaap.org/methods
Crofton School
www.hants.gov.uk/school/
crofton/menuframe.htm
Revision Techniques
www.kingston.ac.uk/tlss/
revision.htm
Justin Craig Education
http://justincraig.ac.uk/default.htm
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Study Skills
Oakton Study Skills University of St.Thomas
http://www.oakton.edu/resource/iss/stdyskls.htm www.stthomas.edu/
Study Skills and Learning Support Exam Technique
www.namss.org.uk/study.htm www.kingston.ac.uk/tlss/exams.htm
Study Skills and Learning Assistance RevisonTime
www.richland.cc.il.us/staff/smullis/ www.revisiontime.com/
studyskills.html
Learning Styles
http://silcon.com/~scmiller/multiple/multiple_choice_questions.cgi
Essay Writing
www.kingston.ac.uk/tlss/essay.htm
Accelerated Learning
www.schoolmaps.demon.co.uk/
Lateral Thinking…
A farmer in Somerset owns a beautiful pear tree. He supplies the fruit
to a nearby grocery store. The store owner has called the farmer to
see how much fruit is available for him to purchase. The farmer knows
that the main trunk has 24 branches. Each branch has exactly 12
boughs and each bough has exactly 6 twigs. Since each twig bears
one piece of fruit, how many plums will the farmer be able to deliver?
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AS Sociology Course Booklet
Recommended Prior Learning
These specifications build on but do not depend on
the knowledge, understanding and skills specified
in the GCSE criteria for the Social Sciences, which
include Sociology.
However, candidates following a course based on
these specifications do not require prior sociological
knowledge. Candidates may enroll without any prior
learning or attainment in sociology. However, it
would be helpful if they had achieved a GCSE at
grade A*-C in at least one subject requiring
continuous written work under controlled
examination conditions, particularly English. PSHE
programmes at KS4 may also form a useful
introduction to some of the subject matter of
sociology.
Progression routes
Sociology may be of particular interest to
candidates who are members of minority groups Sociology qualifications at this level are almost
and/or are mature students returning to study, universally accepted as an entry qualification by
whose life experience may contribute particular employers, training providers and universities.
insights to their study of sociology. Candidates who achieve Advanced Subsidiary
GCE or Advanced GCE qualifications may
progress to:
undergraduate study in a wide range of
social science, humanities or vocational
subjects
vocational training in a wide range of
occupations, including social work and
social care, journalism in all its forms,
business administration, management etc.
employment in a similar range of
occupations.
Lateral Thinking…
Susan and her younger brother Mark were
fighting. Their mother, who had had
enough of their bickering, decided to
punish them by making them stand on the
same piece of newspaper in such a way
that they couldn‟t touch each other.
How?
Page 26