Subject:   SOCIOLOGY

Teaching Staff:

Mr J Simmonds ( Head of Department )

Ms Soveyanna Abas

A brief outline of the syllabus: 

The major topics that are studied in Sociology are the Family and Kinship, Inequality, Education, Gender, Crime and Deviance, Race and Ethnicity, Population, Community and Development.

These topics are studied from a number of different points of view which are the major sociological approaches, these are the Functionalist perspective, Conflict theory, the Interactionist school and Feminism. Sociology is not based on opinions or common sense - it requires evidence, knowledge and understanding of sociological research.

The particular qualities which are needed for this subject:

Students must have a good standard of English, they need to read extensively and have the confidence to write essays. They need to have an interest in controversial social issues such as poverty, racism and deviance.

Examination:

The examination consists of two three hour papers. Students must answer four essay questions on each paper.

Suggested prior grades which A level teachers feel are necessary for success in this subject.:

A credit in O level English is essential (The specialised language and concepts used in Sociology are very demanding).

Further education and career prospects for someone who studies this subject-

Sociology may lead to a career in the ‘caring professions’ such as social work and occupational therapy. Other possibilities would be the media and teaching. It is highly regarded subject and would be very useful for applicants to UBD or overseas universities.