SOCIOLOGY (WJEC Eduqas)

A-Level Course Outline

Why Should I Study Sociology at A-Level?

A-Level Sociology will take you deeper into the political nature of society. Western countries pride themselves that they defend civil liberties and freedoms denied to those who live in dictatorships. The UK and USA argue that they protect democracy.

Sociology analyses this claim and assesses the quality of 'democracy' in the UK and USA. Questions will be raised such as why are the JFK documents being held until 2034 (72 years after his assassination)? Why is America constantly at war with other countries? Why do western governments befriend dictators around the world? Why does the media have such influence over politicians? Why does the UK and USA engage in secretive torture? What influences how people vote in elections?

At A-Level you will also study why Stratification occurs in society. Why is society divided into class, gender and race? Why do the elderly and disabled suffer discrimination? Can we be socially mobile in our lifetimes?

What Challenges will A-Level Sociology Present?

• You will learn to write longer and more detailed essays in a supportive environment.
• Sociology at A-Level requires more analytical thought than the AS, and you will be taught how to enhance your evaluation skills and ability to relate your ideas to the essay title.
• Topics are examined in greater depth and the final exams are longer.
• The subject matter is more academic and emphasis will be placed on the student's ability to research the topic and improve their essay writing skills.

What Degree Courses Is Sociology Suitable For?

Sociology is highly respected by all universities and can help towards gaining entry to these degree courses amongst others:

SOCIOLOGY (EDUQAS) A-Level Specification
Unit One 40% of A-level 120 Marks 2 hours 30 minutes Available in May	Families and Households, Education and Culture & Identity Structured essay questions on socialisation, culture and identity, family and households and education.
Unit Two 20% of A-level 60 Marks 1 hour 45 minutes Available in June	Methods of Sociological Enquiry Exam responses require greater depth than at AS. In addition you must understand the process of research design.
Unit Three 40% of A-Level 120 Marks 40% of A2 Exam 2 hours 30 minutes Available in June	Power & Stratification Power and Politics Nature and Distribution of Power Gender & Race and Power State Power Power of Political Parties and Pressure Groups Voting Behaviour and Opinion Polls Stratification Theories of Stratification Social Mobility Gender and Stratification Race and Stratification Social Class Stratification Two Areas of Stratification in Modern Life

Structure of the Course This course will be taught for 6x 1hour lessons per week. Homework will be set weekly and deadlines must be adhered to. Reading of textbooks and sociological coverage in broadsheet newspapers is essential. Core Textbook WJEC EDUQAS SOCIOLOGY for YEAR 2 ISBN 9781908682758

Further Reading
An important part of Unit 3 is assessing the extent to which the USA and UK violate human rights. You should research they ways in which the CIA use torture (through extraordinary rendition) and assassination (using drone strikes). Look at this article from The Guardian (25.06.12) and list the criticisms made of US foreign policy under Obama.

Jimmy carter drone strikes

Dial M for Murdoch  Tom Watson
The State in Capitalist Society  Ralph Miliband
1984  George Orwell