GCE Sociology

Why Sociology?

"The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden." Pierre Bourdieu

We live in a world where change is possible and is happening all around us every day. Sociology asks the big questions and examines connections within society. A society in which you live. Sociology highlights the importance of understanding this society and understanding past trends of social behaviour and even predicting future ones. Nobody can deny that big changes occur in our world on an almost daily basis and a detailed study of Sociology gives us the opportunity to unpick ideas as to why societies are constantly changing and what implications this has on the rest of the world.

To study sociology would prepare you for a love of learning, it would enhance your writing and study skills and give you the opportunity to explore and appreciate diversity, human behaviour, culture and social organisation. Sociology is rewarding, stimulating and gives a deeper understanding of humankind. The study of Sociology provides the nurture of a broad skill set which can be used and applied in any future career.

Course Outline

You will study three units as follows:

Paper 1 – Education with Methods in Context

1 hour 30 minutes exam in Year 1 and 2 hours in Year 2

In this paper you will explore the role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure with relation to differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society. Relationships and processes within schools will be examined with particular reference to teacher/pupil relationships, pupil identities and subcultures, the hidden curriculum, and the organisation of teaching and learning. You will also be examined on the significance of educational policies, including policies of selection, marketisation and privatisation, and policies to achieve greater equality of opportunity or outcome, for an understanding of the structure, role, impact and experience of and access to education; the impact of globalisation on educational policy. Sociological research methods must be applied to the study of education.

Paper 2 – Research Methods and Topics in Sociology

1 hour 30 minutes exam in Year 1and 2 hours in Year 2

You will examine 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, childbearing and the life course, including the sociology of personal life, and the diversity of contemporary family and household structures will all be explored. There will be a detailed study of the nature of childhood and the power relationships within a family along with demographic trends in the United Kingdom and how this relates to all of the above.

Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

A Level only – 2 hours

You will study crime, deviance, social order and social control as well as the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime. There will be discussion and analysis of globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes. Methods of research and sources of information will be examined in relation to crime and deviance and the role of the justice system with regards to prevention and punishment.