Subjects - Sociology

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This is a 2 year GCSE examination course, and consists of three lessons a week.

This GCSE subject is available as a one year ‘stand alone’ Short Course, and a two year Full Course.

What will I learn to do?
Sociology is the study of human behaviour in society. This subject will help you to gain a greater understanding of what is happening, why it is happening, who it is happening to, and, in some cases, what changes need to occur in order that society becomes a better place.

You will explore and develop a knowledge and understanding of a range of sociological themes. These themes build up from those included in Year 1 (the Short Course) to those added in Year 2 to the Full course.

Year 1 Unit 1 course contents:

	Studying Society
	Education
	Families

Year 2 Unit 2 Course Contents:

	Studying Society
	Education
	Families
	Mass Media
	Power and Social Equality
	Crime and Deviance

In studying these themes, you will learn to identify and explain, interpret, analyse and evaluate sociological material, and the impact of social class, gender, age, culture and ethnicity on people’s behaviour. You will also develop the ability to apply your knowledge and understanding to the globalised world in which we live.In addition to the skills of interpretation, analysis, application and evaluation, you will also need to think for yourself, question others, and observe behaviour and attitudes. You will develop a specialist vocabulary, and, most importantly, a sociological imagination.

There is NO coursework element in GCSE Sociology. The subject is assessed purely on performance in examinations at the end of each Unit. The Unit 1 examination is 1 hour 30 minutes, The Unit 2 examination is 1 hour 30 mins. Candidates may re-sit a Unit only once.

You will need to:

	Think for yourself		READ anything and everything
	Question others		Be interested and curious about what is happening in society as shown in newspapers, TV and other aspects of the media
	Be prepared to consider/examine thoughtfully the society we live in.		Be willing to learn new vocabulary
	Observe behaviour and attitudes

What is next for me after GCSE Sociology?
After Unit 1 Short Course Sociology, there is Unit 2 Full Course Sociology. This qualification can lead to further opportunities to study at AS / A2 Level. The knowledge and skills gained in Sociology link closely with other humanities subjects such as RS, History, Health and Social Care, Geography and English. The combination of A Level Sociology with Psychology is also a very popular choice.

Possible Career Progression routes include:
The skills gained in the study of Sociology are transferable to a number of career routes including:

Law Criminology Social Work Police Nursing Teaching Media Studies Journalism etc

You can collect more detailed information about the subject from Miss Firth in Room 402 and Miss Barber in Room 405 as well as current students at GCSE and A Level will also be able to answer any of your questions.