SOCIOLOGY (AQA)

GCSE Course Outline

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

What is GCSE 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 GCSE 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 GCSE Sociology?

This qualification is linear, meaning that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course. 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.

Sociology (AQA) GCSE Specification
Paper 1 How it's assessed Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE	The Sociology of Families and Education What's assessed The sociology of families The sociology of education Relevant areas of social theory and methodology Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics. Section A has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses. Section B has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses.
Paper 2 Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE	The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification What's assessed The sociology of crime and deviance The sociology of social stratification Relevant areas of social theory and methodology Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics. Section A has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses. Section B has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses.

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.

Core textbook

AQA GCSE (9-1), Sociology (Updated Edition) by David Brown. August 2019 Hodder
ISBN: 151047028X

Further Reading

1) Chavs - the demonization of the working class - by Owen Jones, published by Penguin Books.
2) Sociology; Themes and Perspectives, by Haralambos and Holborn, 8th edition, published by Collins.