SOCIOLOGY
Sociology can be defined as the systematic study of human action and interaction from a social or group perspective.
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?
A Level Sociology at DLD is concerned with real-world issues with policy relevance, such as social inequality, organised crime, the social basis of political conflict and changes in family relationships and gender roles.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
- Families and Households
- The Sociology of Education
- Sociological Methods
- Sociological Theory
- Crime and Deviance
- Beliefs in Society
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY AT DLD?
The course is very student centred. There is an emphasis upon class discussion, debate and argument. You will learn to think independently and become someone who takes responsibility for their own progress and achievement. Because DLD is equipped with modern ICT equipment, you will learn by watching film and video clips, by focusing on interactive PowerPoint presentations and by using the internet.”
HOW IS SOCIOLOGY AT DLD ASSESSED?
| Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods |
| What’s assessed Compulsory content 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3 |
Assessed
|
Questions
|
| Paper 2: Topics in Sociology |
| What’s assessed Families and Households, and Beliefs in Society |
Assessed
|
Questions
|
| Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods |
| What’s assessed Compulsory content 4.3.1, 4.3.2 |
Assessed
|
Questions
|
WHAT DO I NEED BEFORE SOCIOLOGY AT DLD?
The most important thing that you need is an interest in why we behave in the way that we do. For most sociologists, behaviour is not natural; it is learned. We are socialised in certain ways and so if you are interested in the processes that shape our sense of self and life chances, this subject is for you.
GOOD SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
Sociology is complemented by the Humanities because these subjects also develop an understanding of key sociological perspectives. So, for example, in English Literature, you may explore a Marxist or feminist interpretation of a text like ‘Great Expectations’. In Geography you will study demography – trends in the size and characteristics of populations – and in Sociology, you will study the social forces that produce these patterns. As a Social Science, it is naturally complemented by other Social Science subjects (Politics and Economics).
August Comte once said, Sociology is the ‘Queen of the Sciences’. While you will not be working in a laboratory testing hypotheses, you will be putting sociological arguments to the test in a systematic, objective and logical way. It is a subject then that is compatible with many other academic disciplines.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER DLD?
Sociology is a preferred subject of many Russell Group Universities, for example, The London School of Economics and students have gone on to read a range of undergraduate programmes including Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Politics, History, Law and Criminology.
QUESTIONS ON SOCIOLOGY COURSES
Q. Can I do the course in one year?
A. Yes.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ON SOCIOLOGY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To study A Levels, your current or pending exam results should be equivalent to or higher than GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in at least 5 subjects and a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 5.5.
At the start of each academic year of study students following an A Level course without a pass at Level 5/Grade C in GCSE or IGCSE English Language or with an Academic English score below 6.5 overall must join an Academic English training course for the duration of the academic year which will be timetabled alongside A Level lessons.
If your level of English is not sufficient to meet the entry criteria for the A Level programme you will normally be offered a place on the one year Academic Preparation Course (pre A Level) in order to bring your English skills up to the required level.
