AS Level Sociology 7191

Examining Board: AQA
Next Examination Period: May / June 2019
Exam Specification Code: 7192
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.

AQA A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations must be taken in a registered UK exam centre. It is recommended students check with UK examining centres that the chosen exam is available.

Introduction

Oxford College offers this full ‘AS’ level course in Sociology. The AS award has now been redefined as a final qualification which no longer constitutes the first half of an Advanced Level qualification, so no marks can be carried forward to that qualification.

The course materials are comprehensive standalone content which follow the specification closely. Most students like to have a supporting text book to draw on which provides alternative perspectives on main topics and themes; text books also follow the specification closely. If you would like to purchase a supporting text book or borrow one from your local library then simply makes sure that it covers the AQA 2015 Sociology specification. There are a range of different text books to choose from and each one is slightly different in presentation and how it is written so selection will be according to individual preference so have a look at some before deciding.

The course aims to give you some fundamental and lasting insights into how human societies are constructed, and how they influence our beliefs and daily lives. Sociology is about developing a critical understanding of society, and through this understanding, providing a basis for highlighting and explaining social problems. As well as learning about how society influences individual lives, you will also learn how to express yourself coherently, how to challenge and evaluate information presented to you, and how scientific information is produced.

Due to the changes in the contemporary world, modern sociology is a dynamic, ever changing subject with new information and studies constantly confirming or challenging existing theories and producing new ones. The subject matter of sociology is uniquely around and within you. It is essential that you are curious about the society processes in all settings from the cradle to the grave, from peer groups to institutions like schools, and within the class system. This course will help you observe the world in a more analytical manner, to understand and question why things are the way they are, and to consider what can be done to change the more negative aspects of our society.

The emphasis of the course is on the development of critical and reflective thinking whilst fostering a respect for social diversity. It aims to encourage you to develop awareness of the importance of social structure, actions and issues within the contemporary world. Included in each topic as integral elements are sociological theories, perspectives, and methods, plus the design of the research used to obtain the data under consideration, including its strengths and weaknesses.

You should expect to spend approximately 150 hours of study on the AS course and therefore time management skills are essential and a personal study timetable should be implemented to ensure you are fully prepared for your chosen exam date.

There is no requirement to have studied sociology previously, although there is a smooth transition from GCSE Sociology for those who have studied at this lower level. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and Mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required, although those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging.