"No previous knowledge of Sociology is required or assumed. More vital is a desire to learn about human interaction/ how society works and an interest in social issues. Sociology A-level involves some complex theoretical issues and debates. If you ever ask any of these key questions then sociology may be for you: How does society shape our lives? Do rich people exploit poor people? Are single parents a problem for society? Do government policies affect families? How does the media affect the crime rate? This course will appeal to students who: Have an enquiring mind and who are interested in finding out what motivates people to behave as they do Enjoy learning through investigation and discovery (Sociology does not have all the answers but it can help us to ask the appropriate questions) Are interested in social issues and like to keep informed about current events Have a point of view on issues but like to keep an open mind You will develop both subject specific knowledge and key skills: Develop knowledge and understanding about sociological concepts, theories and research Apply and make sense of sociological knowledge and data in various contexts and to use information and arguments relevantly Evaluate, analyse and interpret evidence and arguments Verbal and written communication including extended essay writing Student’s key skills of effective communication, exercising objective judgement, listening to alternative viewpoints, working with others, using IT and taking responsibility for their own learning will also be enhanced. Sociology is a social science. This means it is the study of human interaction, behaviour and structures within society. It is the study of society. By that, we mean all the influences on us which make us act in the way that we do. The topics studied at A-Level include: Education with Methods in Context – This includes the role and function of the education system, differential educational achievement of social groups by class, gender and ethnicity, and the significance and impact of educational policies. Students will also examine research methods used by sociologists and consider these within the context of education. Families and Households – Students will be expected to be familiar with the relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, changing patterns of marriage, divorce, childbearing and the diversity of family structures, gender roles and division, the nature of childhood, and demographic trends such as birth and death rates, family size, ageing population, migration and globalisation. Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods – This includes crime, deviance, social order and social control. Students will explore the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class. Students will also consider crime in contemporary society, media and crime, green crime, human rights and state crimes, and issues of crime control, surveillance, prevention and punishment, and the role of the criminal justice system. Students will also examine the sociological theories that underpin sociological debates and research. Beliefs in Society – Students will be expected to be familiar with ideology, science and religion including both Christian and non-Chirstian traditions, the relationship between social stability and social change, religious organisations, the relationships of religiosity with class, age, gender, and ethnicity, and the significance of religion in the contemporary world including the extent of secularisation, globalisation and spread of religions."