SOCIOLOGY AS and A

LEVEL
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

STUDENT HANDBOOK
RASTRICK SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

Welcome to the Sociology Department

The Sociology course is extremely interesting and we believe you will find
your studies enjoyable and stimulating. Sociology is a popular discipline
and covers a wide variety of topics, with a focus on contemporary British
society. It will increase your understanding of the world; how diverse
families have become, why some people visit the doctor more than
others, why poverty continues to exist, what makes someone deviant.
These are the types of questions sociologists have tried to answer through
their research.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of the society around you. It investigates how it
affects you; your personality, your opportunities and your behaviour. It
investigates relationships between people, their social groups and
institutions around them - in other words, it considers people like you and
how social class, gender and ethnicity affect opportunities and how you
are influenced by your family, peers and society. Sociology is a subject full
of different ideas and lots of debate - sociologists do not agree on
much!! For this reason, there is no one correct answer to a sociological
question such as; "what makes a person commit a crime?'" - all points of
view are valid.
Sociologists try to answer questions about the world around us so that we
can:
better understand ourselves and others
remove inequality and improve our society
discover what influences our behaviour
They answer these questions by using statistics, conducting detailed
studies and developing theories on people's behaviour.
Within your AS and A Level Sociology you will learn about different
Sociologists findings and ideas and their competing explanations.
What will we study in the AS Sociology course?
You will follow the AQA GCE specification. We recommend that you visit
the exam boards website, which can be found at:
www.aqa.org.uk/qualgceasa/soc.php

Who teaches A level Sociology Mrs A. A. Hall Head of Social Sciences

and Mrs S. Woode
You will be taught by both teachers. They have considerable teaching and
examining experience and are also subject specialists. We can be
contacted via the 6th form office and staffroom pigeonholes, messages can
also be left at the front office.
Outline of the course
Advanced Subsidiary
Two units both assessed externally at the end of one year through
examination in May/June.
Advanced Level
Four units all assessed externally through examination with two units at
the end of year one in May/June and two units at the end of year 2 in
May/June.

Specification at a glance
The examination board is AQA Specification 2190
Integral elements
All of the following will be an integral part of the study of each topic area:
sociological theories, perspectives and methods
the design of the research used to obtain the data under consideration,
including its strengths and weaknesses.
Core themes
Candidates must study the following two core themes:
socialisation, culture and identity
social differentiation, power and stratification.
Unit 1 SCLY1
AS module: Families and Households
40% of AS, 20% of A Level Written paper, 1 hour
Unit 2 SCLY2
AS module: Health with Research Methods
60% of AS, 30% of A Level Written paper, 2 hours
Unit 3 SCLY3

A2 module: Global development

20% of A Level Written paper 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 4 SCLY4
A2 module: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
30% of A Level Written paper 2 hours

Assessment Objectives
These are common to both the AS and A Level course.

AO1

AO2

Assessment Objectives
Knowledge and understanding of the
theories, methods, concepts and various
forms of evidence and of the links
between them.
Communication of knowledge and
understanding in
a clear and effective manner.
Demonstration of the skills of application,
analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

Weighting
45 55%

45 55%

The meaning of AO1 and AO2

AO1 - Knowledge and Understanding
a) The nature of sociological thought
AS and A Level candidates are required to study the following concepts
and theoretical issues:
social order, social control
social change
I am more
conflict and consensus
aware and
social structure and social action
understand
the role of values
more in the
the relationship between sociology and contemporary social policy.
news
b) Methods of sociological enquiry
Sociological research involves the use of a range of methods and sources
of data. All AS and A Level candidates are required to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of these methods and sources and to
understand the relationship between theory and methods, particularly in
the way sociologists deal with:
the collection of primary and secondary data
the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate
concepts
factors influencing the design and conduct of sociological research
practical, ethical and theoretical issues arising in sociological research.
c) Themes

AS and A Level candidates are required to study two themes:

socialisation, culture and identity
social differentiation, power and stratification.
These themes will be understood and applied to a range of particular
substantive areas of sociology, in a global context where appropriate.
However, these themes are to be interpreted broadly as threads running
through many areas of social life and should not therefore necessarily be
regarded as discrete topics.
AO2 - Application, Analysis, Interpretation and Evaluation
The skills outlined in this section relate to the acquisition and production
of evidence, the interpretation and evaluation of evidence and arguments,
the presentation of evidence and arguments and their application to
sociological debates. The term evidence should be understood to include
both primary and secondary sources, as well as both quantitative and
qualitative data. In order to demonstrate a firm grasp of the skills,
candidates should relate them to their sociological knowledge and
understanding.
a) Collection and recording of evidence
AS and A Level candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to:
analyse and evaluate the design of sociological investigations
analyse and evaluate the method(s) used in these investigations to
collect and record evidence.
b) Interpretation and evaluation of evidence
AS and A Level candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to:
distinguish between facts, opinions and value judgements
select and apply a range of relevant concepts and theories
interpret qualitative and quantitative data
identify and evaluate significant social trends shown in evidence
evaluate theories, arguments and evidence.
c) Presentation of evidence and argument
AS and A Level candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to:
organise evidence and communicate arguments in a coherent manner
demonstrate an awareness and understanding of theoretical debates in
sociology
use evidence to support and sustain arguments and conclusions.
In addition, GCE A Level will require candidates to demonstrate:
a wider range and greater depth of knowledge and understanding than
at AS
more highly developed skills of application, analysis, interpretation and
evaluation than at AS.
A subject
that
requires
you to
think

Quality of Written Communication

Assessment Objectives Unit Weightings (%) Overall Weighting of
AOs (%)
In GCE specifications which require candidates to produce written material
in English, candidates must:
ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar
are accurate so that
the meaning is clear
select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to purpose and to
complex subject
matter
organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary
when appropriate.
In this specification QWC will be assessed in all units where extended
writing is required. Marks for QWC will be awarded as part of the total
mark for each question, as part of Assessment Objective 1.

Subject Content of the four units

SCLY1 - Families and Households
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,
child-bearing and the lifecourse and the diversity of contemporary
family and household structures.
The nature and extent of changes within the family, with reference
to gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships.
The nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the
family and society.
Demographic trends in the UK since 1900; reasons for changes in
birth rates, death rates and family size.
How will I be assessed on Family and Households?
This unit has a 1 hour exam in January which will contain: 3 short
questions and 2 extended questions
SCLY2 - Health
Health, illness, disability and the body as social and as biological
constructs.
The unequal social distribution of health and illness in the United
Kingdom by social class, age, gender, ethnicity and region, and
internationally.
Inequalities in the provision of, and access to, health care in
contemporary society.
The sociological study of the nature and social distribution of mental
illness.
The role of medicine and the health professions.

 The application of sociological research methods to the study of

health.
Sociological Methods
Quantitative and qualitative methods of research; their strengths
and limitations; research design.
Sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, participant
and non-participant observation, experiments, documents, and
official statistics; the strengths and limitations of these sources.
The distinction between primary and secondary data, and between
quantitative and qualitative data.
The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological
methods; the nature of social facts.
The theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing
choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research.
How will I be assessed on Health and Sociological Methods?
This unit has a 2 hour exam in the summer which will contain:
5 short questions and 4 extended questions

SCLY3 - Global Development

Different theories of development, underdevelopment and global
inequality.
Globalisation, aid and trade, and their influence on the cultural,
political and economic relationships between societies.
Governmental organisations and international agencies in local and
global strategies for development.
Development in relation to industrialisation, urbanisation, the
environment, war and conflict.
Employment, education, health, demographic change and gender as
aspects of development.
How I will be assessed on Global Development?
This unit has a 1 hour and 30 minute exam that will contain:
1 short question and 2 extended questions
SCLY 4 - Crime and Deviance
Different theories of crime, deviance, social order and social control.
The social distribution of crime and deviance by age, ethnicity,
gender, locality and social class, including recent patterns and
trends in crime.
Globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the mass media
and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes.
Crime control, prevention and punishment, victims, and the role of
the criminal justice system and other agencies.

 The sociological study of suicide and its theoretical and

methodological implications.
The connections between sociological theory and methods and the
study of crime and deviance.
Theory and Methods
Candidates should examine the following areas, which are also studied at
AS Level:
Quantitative and qualitative methods of research; their strengths
and limitations; research design.
Sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, observation
(participant and nonparticipant), experiments, documents, and
official statistics; the strengths and limitations of these sources.
The distinction between primary and secondary data, and between
quantitative and qualitative data.
The relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological
methods; the nature of social facts.
The theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing
choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research.
A2 candidates should also:
Demonstrate a wider range and greater depth of knowledge and
understanding than at AS Level.
Study the nature of sociological thought and methods of sociological
enquiry in greater range and depth, and demonstrate more highly
developed skills of application, analysis, interpretation and
evaluation than at AS Level.
In addition, A2 candidates should examine:
Consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories.
The concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to
sociological theory.
The nature of science and the extent to which sociology can be
regarded as scientific.
The relationship between theory and methods.
Debates about subjectivity, objectivity and value freedom.
The relationship between sociology and social policy.
How I will be assessed on Crime and Deviance with theory
and methods?
There are 4 extended answer questions of varying length

Starting to study Sociology:

The following points are intended to help you to be successful on this
course. This is what you need to do:

1. Be positive, enthusiastic and open-minded in your approach to

Sociology and demonstrate a genuine willingness to learn.
2. Respect the opinions and feelings of others.
3. Commit your time outside the classroom (3 4 hours per week).
4. Take responsibility for your own learning.
5. Establish good study routines straight away. Talk to us, or staff in
study support if you need help being organised.
6. Attend all classes. We expect 100% attendance, unless you are ill, or
there is another good reason for your absence. Any class work
missed means you have work to catch up on and it reduces your
understanding.
7. Be prepared for class by prior reading and have all equipment with
you.
8. Read all handouts and material given, dont just file them away. It is
all vital to your success.
9. Take pride in your work and produce high quality homework which
will be useful for revision later.
10.
Take full notes in classes. You can talk to teachers and staff in
study support if you need help with this.
11.
Ask subject staff if you do not understand something. You will
be tested with essays and exams throughout the course and a
tracker will be kept of your progress.
12.
Revise topics as you complete them. Review and condense
notes as you go along.
13.
Use textbooks fully and carefully. Study them to add to class
notes. Use contents and indexes to find topics quickly.
14.
Read widely. You are studying modern society so you need to
develop your understanding of what is happening in the world. Dont
expect to find everything in a textbook.
15.
Tune into current affairs; Radio 4, documentaries, news
programmes, newspapers. Be prepared to discuss these in lessons
16.
Complete work on time and hand in on the due date. If you
have a problem meeting a deadline discuss it beforehand with your
teacher.
17.
If you fail to meet your target grade on an assignment you
may be asked to repeat it.
18.
Contribute to class activities and discussions. Listening is also
very important.
19.
Read Sociology Review to keep up to date about new research
and themes in the world of Sociology.
20.
Speak to your teachers f there are elements you find difficult
to understand

Remember the more you put in the more you will get
out of it.

What you can expect from the Sociology department

1. Enthusiastic and positive teachers who are approachable and
responsive and who will encourage you to have confidence in
your ability in the subject.
2. A variety of teaching and learning experiences with clear
instruction, guidance and support throughout the course.
3. Dedicated teachers who are committed to responding to the
individual needs and requirements of students.
4. Work will be set on a regular basis, marked and returned to you
promptly.
5. Our aim is always to give detailed constructive feedback on all
work handed in and essays will be marked using an essay
feedback sheet.
6. Monitoring of your progress will be done regularly throughout the
course. Grades for all essays will be recorded on the
departmental tracker using a traffic light system to highlight
concerns. Staff will remark work you are asked to complete again
as it does not meet your target grade.
7. Resources will be provided either through the Public area or VLE,
including past papers and mark schemes.
8. For each unit you will be given the assessment objectives for the
longer essays.
9. Monitoring will also involve tests, individual tutorials and
feedback (verbal and written).
10. Copies of Sociology Review are available for students.
How will I be taught?
You will be taught by a variety of methods as appropriate to the
topic area, including
Collaborative group work, discussion, individual work, timed essays,
mini lectures, presentations, practical work, research.
Suggested Reading List
Knowledge:
Any AS and A' Level sociology textbook will help if you look under the
correct chapter.
Families and Households
Health
Sociological Methods

Sociological Theory
Global Development
Crime and Deviance

Sociology AS For AQA Stephen Moore, Dave Aiken, Steve Chapman by

Collins ISBN 9780007245956
AS level Sociology Webb, Westergaard, Trobe, Steel by Napier Press ISBN10:0954007959
A2 Sociology Webb, Westergaard, Trobe, Steel by Napier Press ISBN-10:
978-0954007966
AQA Sociology AS by Nelson Thornes ISBN 978-0-7487-9830-8
AQA Sociology A2 by Nelson Thornes ISBN 978-0-7487-9832-2
Sociology for AS by Collins ISBN 978-0-00-726777-4
Sociology for A2 by Collins ISBN 978 -0-00-728844-1
Sociology As and A2 assessment pack, Steve Chapman, Collins ISBN 9780-00-734521-2
Sociology for A2 AQA, Ken Browne ISBN 978-0-7456-4190-4
Sociology review magazine, current and back copies available from the
department
Sociology Themes & Perspectives M Haralambos 6th/7th ed. (very useful!)
Investigating Families and Households - Nik Jorgenson
How to do Social Research - Dunsmuir and Williams
Investigating Crime and Deviance - Stephen Moore
Essay Practice and Skills:
AS Sociology Families and Households - Philip Allan Updates
Do Brilliantly AS Sociology - Collins Publications
Do Brilliantly A2 Sociology - Collins Publications
Definitions of Concepts:
A-Z Sociology - Lawson and Garrod
Useful Websites
Most of these sites have relevant links so be prepared to explore. There is
a lot of good material appearing on the net but beware of sites aimed at
degree level and above. Do not be put off if you find yourself face to face
with Talcott Parson's own work on the screen - move onto a more student
friendly page!!
Sociology Learning Support. www.chrisgardner.clara.net
Sociology Online. www.sociologyonline.co.uk (games & quizzes)
Sociology Central www.sociology.org.uk
www.s-cool.co.uk (excellent for revision and essay practice)
www.esher.ac.uk/scextranet/sociology (excellent for revision

and essay plans)

www.hartland64.freeserve.co.uk - good for essay plans
Cardiff University: Introduction to Sociology Web Site
www.cf.ac.uk/uwcc/socas/ugyear1/introsoc/index.html
The Socioweb. www.socioweb.com/~markbl/socioweb
A Sociological tour through cyberspace.
www.trinity.edu/mkearl
The Association for the Teaching of Social Science
www.le.ac.uk/education/centres/ATSS/atss.html
The Home Office Web Site. www.homeoffice.gov.uk
The national statistics website: www.statistics.gov.uk

SCLY1 Families and Households assessment objectives

(40% of AS) and (20%of A level)
Written paper 1 hour

Questions
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
Total

AO1
Knowledge and
understanding
1
2
3
14
10
30

AO2
Application and
evaluation
1
2
3
10
14
30

Total
2
4
6
24
24
60

AO1 Knowledge and understanding of the theories, methods, concepts and various forms of
evidence and of the links between them. The communication of knowledge and understanding in a
clear and effective manner.

AO2 Demonstration of the skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

24 mark questions generic markscheme

LEVEL

MARK

1-9

10-18

19-24

AO1Knowledge and
understanding
Brief answers
Simple statements
Some relevance to question.
Some coherence
High incidence of SPG errors

Some development of statements

Mostly accurate and relevant
Breadth but not depth - mostly
descriptive
Some SPG errors
Relevant and focused on the
question
Main issues and key concepts
addressed
Fully addresses both breadth and
depth
Very few SPG errors

AO2 Application, analysis.

Interpretation and evaluation
Little attempt at analysis/evaluation
Limited evidence of interpretation and
application
Lack of relevant evidence
No skills present
Lacks clarity and organisation
Generally comprehensible
Reasonable attempt at analysis/evaluation
with limited success
Wider range of relevant evidence
Passages clear and organised
Good use of key terms
Analysis and evaluation is explicit
Reasoned argument and judgement
relevant to the question which is supported
by factual material
Good use of evidence and theoretical
debate
Good organisation and clarity
Excellent planning

SCLY2 Health with Research methods assessment objectives

(60% of AS) and (30%of A level)

Written paper 2 hours

Questions
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Total

AO1
Knowledge and
understanding
1
3
8
8
8
1
2
2
10
43

AO2
Application and
evaluation
1
3
4
12
12
1
2
2
10
47

Total
2
6
12
20
20
2
4
4
20
90

AO1 Knowledge and understanding of the theories, methods, concepts and various forms of
evidence and of the links between them. The communication of knowledge and understanding in a
clear and effective manner.

AO2 Demonstration of the skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.

20 mark questions generic markscheme

LEVEL

MARK

1-7

8-15

16-20

(20%of A level)

AO1Knowledge and
understanding
Brief answers
Simple statements
Some relevance to question.
Some coherence
High incidence of SPG errors
Some development in statements
Mostly accurate and relevant
Breadth but not depth - mostly
descriptive
Some SPG errors
Relevant and focused of the
question
Main issues and key concepts
addressed
Fully addresses both breadth and
depth
Few SPG errors

AO2 Application, analysis.

Interpretation and evaluation
Little attempt at analysis/evaluation
Lack of relevant evidence
No skills present
Lacks clarity and organisation
Generally comprehensible
Some attempt at analysis/evaluation with
limited success
Limited evidence presented
Passages generally claear and organised
Some use of key terms
Reasoned argument and judgement
relevant to the question which is supported
by factual material
Good use of evidence and theoretical
debate
Good organisation and clarity
Excellent planning

SCLY3 Global Development assessment objectives

Written paper 1 1/2 hours

AO1

Questions

AO2

Knowledge & understanding

05
06

Total

Interpretation & Application

3
6

6
12

9
18

AO1

AO2 a

AO2 b

Knowledge & understanding

Interpretation & application

Analysis & evaluation

15

07 or 08

Total
33

AO1 Knowledge and understanding of the theories, methods, concepts and various forms of
evidence and of the links between them. The communication of knowledge and understanding in a
clear and effective manner.
AO2 a Demonstration of the skills of interpretation and application
AO2 a Demonstration of the skills of analysis and evaluation
33 mark questions generic markscheme

LEV
EL

MAR
K

1-5

6-11

1215

AO1 - Knowledge and

understanding

AO2a Interpretation
and Application

AO2 - Analysis and

evaluation

Brief answers
Simple statements,
limited knowledge
Little evidence the
question is understood
Some coherence
High incidence of SPG
errors

13

Little evidence of
interpretation or
application
Interpretation basic
with errors
Little sociological
insight or context

13

Some development in
statements
Mostly accurate and
relevant but may not be a
balanced answer
Breadth but not depth mostly descriptive, only
one or two theories
included, with relevance
to the question
Some SPG errors
Explicitly addresses the
focus of the question
Coherent
Breadth and depth
Good use of terminology
Accurate and detailed
knowledge and
understanding
Question addressed in a
balanced manner
Few SPG errors

46

Reasonable
analysis/evaluation
with some
sociological insight
with some use of
key terms
Some areas too
generalised

46

79

Appropriate
material selected
Interpretation of the
question is
sociological
Thorough, accurate
and comprehensive
interpretation of the
question with
sensitivity and
sophistication

79

Little evidence of
analysis and
evaluation
Poorly focused on the
question
May contain only two
or three criticisms of
a study, theory or
method
Reasonable analysis
and evaluation
Perspectives may be
juxtaposed
Evaluation may be
one sided or
unbalanced

Good skills of
analysis and
evaluation which are
well developed and
explicit
Thorough and
comprehensive
recognising strengths
and weaknesses with
appropriate analytical
inferences and a
distinct conclusion

SCLY4 Crime and Deviance assessment objectives

(30%of A level)
Questions

AO2

Knowledge and understanding

Application and evaluation

9
9
6

12
12
9

01
02
03
04

Written paper 2 hours

Total

AO1

AO1
15

AO2a
9

21
21
15

AO2b
9

Total
33

AO1 Knowledge and understanding of the theories, methods, concepts and various forms of
evidence and of the links between them. The communication of knowledge and understanding in a
clear and effective manner.
AO2 a Demonstration of the skills of interpretation and application
AO2 a Demonstration of the skills of analysis and evaluation
33 mark questions generic markscheme

LEV
EL

MAR
K

1-5

6-11

1215

AO1 - Knowledge and

understanding

AO2a Interpretation
and Application

AO2 - Analysis and

evaluation

Brief answers
Simple statements,
limited knowledge
Little evidence the
question is understood
Some coherence
High incidence of SPG
errors

13

Little evidence of
interpretation or
application
Interpretation basic
with errors
Little sociological
insight or context

13

Some development in
statements
Mostly accurate and
relevant but may not be a
balanced answer
Breadth but not depth mostly descriptive, only
one or two theories
included, with relevance
to the question
Some SPG errors
Explicitly addresses the
focus of the question
Coherent
Breadth and depth
Good use of terminology
Accurate and detailed
knowledge and

46

Reasonable
analysis/evaluation
with some
sociological insight
with some use of
key terms
Some areas too
generalised

46

79

Appropriate
material selected
Interpretation of the
question is
sociological
Thorough, accurate
and comprehensive

79

Little evidence of
analysis and
evaluation
Poorly focused on the
question
May contain only two
or three criticisms of
a study, theory or
method
Reasonable analysis
and evaluation
Perspectives may be
juxtaposed
Evaluation may be
one sided or
unbalanced

Good skills of
analysis and
evaluation which are
well developed and
explicit
Thorough and
comprehensive

understanding
Question addressed in a
balanced manner
Few SPG errors

interpretation of the
question with
sensitivity and
sophistication

recognising strengths
and weaknesses with
appropriate analytical
inferences and a
distinct conclusion

How to gain marks for AO1 knowledge & understanding

use some sociologists names to support arguments

use sociological concepts in your answers
include sociological theories to help develop answers
use a range of different ideas when evaluating a perspective/concept
on f questions
provide details about sociological findings
be precise and use statistics and dates, small quotes

How to gain marks for AO2 - skills

keep going back to the question use the words from it in your
answer
structure your work plan it first and include a conclusion
use trigger terms such as however, a contrasting view, in
comparison, so that the examiner can see that you are evaluating
use a variety of different perspectives and arguments especially on
f questions
use methods to discuss strengths and weaknesses