Description
This International A Level Sociology Distance Learning Online Course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a knowledge and understanding of this subject or for anyone who wishes to study at a higher level at University and gain UCAS points. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for a progression route for further training whilst employed.
International A Level Sociology exams can be taken in June and November.
Our courses at International Home Study allow our students to work at their own pace and we work to ensure all our student’s needs are met. Our resources will cover the requirements of the course making sure you stay on track with the subject you choose.
Support
The course will be delivered online including Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional Tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.
You will be provided with the telephone number for your dedicated Student Support Team who will be available for any other queries that you may have whilst completing your course. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.
Assessment
The course contains a number of assignments which your tutor will mark and give you valuable feedback on. You will also have access to a range of online resources.
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at an approved centre when an examination forms part of the course. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
Whats included?
Students will be provided with logins for the student portal where they will find all the study materials they need to complete their course. They will also be provided with an e-textbook to assist them in completing their assignments.
Students will be provided with a Tutor who will help guide them through their course, and their Tutor will expect them to submit a number of assignments in order that their progress can be monitored. These assignments will be graded for them and feedback provided. You will also be able to ask the Tutor any questions about the course or for more help if needed. Once their course has been completed, they will then be allocated practice exam papers to ensure that they are familiar with the procedure and layout of their exams. Learners will be expected to complete these under exam conditions (i.e.. stick to the time scales allowed and try to find somewhere quiet), their Tutor can then provide them with a grade and feedback. More practice papers can be provided if required.
Fees
Course fees for payment in full include:
- Assessment and feedback on all assignments.
- Access to your personal Tutor via our online portal.
- Access to a range of online resources, student materials, assessments, assignments, eBooks etc
- Practice exam papers to prepare you for the real thing.
- Help with UCAS application if attending University.
- Tutor references and predicted grades once a satisfactory amount of work has been completed.
- Help finding an exam centre for you to sit your exam.
Cambridge Exam Board
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Course Code: 9699
Exams: June and November (March in India only)
Study Hours: 300 – 360 hours
This International A’ Level Sociology Course with Cambridge offers students the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past.
The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology are:
Inequality and opportunity
Inequality has a major influence on people’s opportunities and life choices. Sociologists study the different forms of inequality (age, ethnicity, gender, class), seeking to understand why inequality exists and how it affects different sections of society.
Power, control and resistance
Power is important in understanding how order and control are achieved in society. There are many different theories about who holds power and how power is used to shape human behaviour. Sociologists are also interested in the ways people oppose and resist the exercise of power.
Social change and development
Understanding how societies have changed and developed helps sociologists to make sense of the way people live today. The change from traditional society to modern industrial society is particularly important. The terms ‘modernity’ and ‘post-modernity’ are used to reflect on this transition and on contemporary issues, such as how societies are affected by globalisation and the digital revolution in technology.
Socialisation, culture and identity
Sociologists believe that people learn how they are expected to behave through socialisation. The norms and values learned through socialisation may vary between cultures, impacting on social identity. The study of different social identities is central to contemporary sociology.
Structure and human agency
A central debate in sociology concerns the relationship between the individual and society: is behaviour shaped by wider social forces or is the social world shaped by the actions of individuals? Structural theories focus on how people’s behaviour is constrained by social systems and institutions. Action theories emphasise how individuals establish meaning through social interaction and how this impacts on the behaviour of social groups and institutions.
Modules:
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Sociology study the following topics:
Socialisation and the creation of social identity
- The process of learning and socialisation
- Social control, conformity and resistance
- Social identity and change
Methods of research
- Types of data, methods and research design
- Approaches to sociological research
- Research issues
Theories of the family and social change
- Perspectives on the role of the family
- Diversity and social change
Family roles and changing relationships
- Gender equality and experiences of family life
- Diversity and social change
A Level Sociology study the AS Level topics and the following topics:
Education and society
- Theories about the role of education
- Education and social mobility
- Influences on the curriculum
Education and inequality
- Intelligence and educational attainment
- Social class and educational attainment
- Ethnicity and educational attainment
- Gender and educational attainment
Globalisation
Key debates, concepts and perspectives
- Perspectives on globalisation
- Globalisation and identity
- Globalisation, power and politics
Contemporary issues
- Globalisation, poverty and inequalities
- Globalisation and migration
- Globalisation and crime
Media
Ownership and control of the media
- Traditional media and the new media
- Theories of the media and influences on media content
- The impact of the new media
Media representation and effects
- Media representations of class, gender, ethnicity, and age groups
- Different models of media effects
- The impact of the media on behaviour
Religion
Religion and social order
- Religion and society
- Religion and social order
- Religion as a source of social change
The influence of religion
- The secularisation debate
- Gender, feminism and religion
- Religion and post-modernity
Exam Papers
Paper 1: Socialisation, identity and methods of research
Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment Overview: Candidates answer four questions.
Section A: three compulsory questions
Section B: one essay from a choice of two
60 marks
Paper 2: The Family
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Availability: June and November (March In India)
Assessment overview: Candidates answer four questions.
Section A: three compulsory questions
Section B: one essay from a choice of two
60 marks
Paper 3: Education
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview: Candidates answer four compulsory questions. Question 4 is an essay.
50 marks
Paper 4: Globalisation, Media and Religion
Practical examination: 1 hour 45 minutes
Availability: June and November (March in India)
Assessment overview: Candidates answer two essay questions. Section A: Globalisation Section B: Media Section C: Religion
Each section has two essay questions. Candidates select one question from two different sections.
70 marks