SOCIOLOGY GCSE(EDUCAS)

Course Outline

'The Function of Sociology, as with any science is to reveal that which is hidden' - Pierre Bourdieu

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of how society is organized and how we experience life. Through ground-breaking research, major social issues such as crime and inequality will be analysed. As a student of sociology, you will be encouraged to think for yourselves about these issues.

Why study Sociology?

Students will come away from this course with an ability to see the world in new and interesting ways. Valuable skills will be gained throughout the course such as critical thinking, data analysis, research methods and debating. Sociology bridges the academic divide between arts and sciences; giving students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of society combined with statistical and scientific research methods.

What will I study in Sociology?

Students will explore the following topics combined with a range of theories including functionalism, Marxism and Feminism.

• Social structures, social processes and social issues
• Families
• Education
• Crime and deviance
• Social stratification
• Sociological research methods

Career prospects

A qualification in sociology can lead to a range of future career routes, including charity work, probation and youth work, law, PR and market research.

Core Textbook

WJEC EDUCAS GCSE SOCIOLOGY
Steve Tivey and Marion Davies. 2017 Illuminate Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-911208-20-4

Sociology GCSE Specification
Paper 1 How it's assessed Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE Questions A written assessment with a mix of short answer, structured questions and extended response questions, all compulsory. The extended response questions will require candidates to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across the relevant specification content.	Understanding Social Processes What's assessed Key concepts and processes of cultural transmission The sociology of families The sociology of education Sociological research methods
Paper 2 Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE Questions A written assessment with a mix of short answer, structured questions and extended response questions, all compulsory. The extended response questions will require candidates to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across the relevant specification content.	Understanding Social Structures What's assessed Social differentiation and stratification Crime and deviance Applied methods of sociological enquiry

Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 3x 1hour lessons per week. Homework will be set weekly and deadlines must be adhered to.