A2 Sociology
Course Handbook
2010-2011
1
Contents
Contents
Page
Introduction to the course
3
Introducing your teachers
3
What is Sociology?
4
Aims and objectives of the course
5
Course Structure
5
Our expectations
14
Assessing your progress
14
Improving your performance
15
Reading list
16
Resources
17
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Welcome to A2 Sociology at Haringey
Sixth Form Centre…
And congratulations on your success at AS Sociology!
You are now a fully-fledged Sociologist and have only got to this point by
developing many new skills and building up a huge bank of knowledge. A2
Sociology is a continuation of the AS and adds to your knowledge and builds on the
skills you have already developed.
This handbook should be used in conjunction with your AS Course handbook, as a
guide to the subject, the facilities and the resources available to you.
It includes information on the structure of the course and assessment, study skills,
reading lists and the staff. We will be using this booklet throughout the course, but
especially in the first few weeks, so keep it at the front of your folder.
Best wishes,
____________________________ (Course tutors)
Staff
You will be taught by either _________ or _____________, although other members of the
department will be able to help you with your work in the study centre.
We are based in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science on the first floor. Our
email addresses are __________________________ and _____________________________. This is
the best way of contacting us, but you can also phone on 0208 376 5935
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What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of how human societies shape the lives of the people who live in them.
People make lots of decisions in the course of living every day. But we make these decisions
within the context of "society"; our family, school, nation and the larger world. In A2 Sociology,
we focus much more on the inequalities and differences that exist both within the UK and in the
world.
Did you know that if the world were a village of 100 people…
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51 would be male

67 would be adults, half of whom cannot write

16 would be children who have been immunized against the preventable infectious
diseases

1 would have HIV but probably not yet have developed a full-blown case of AIDS

82 would be non-white
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2 would be new-born babies

1 would be near death
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11 would be adult women who would at some point have been beaten, abused or forced to
have sex against their will
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2 would have tried or be using cannabis

1 would have a college education.
As well as this…

80 would live in housing you’d not consider to be fit for habitation
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39 would lack access to improved sanitation

18 people would be overweight

50 wouldn’t have enough to eat and would be suffering from malnutrition and 1 would be
dying of starvation

33 wouldn’t have access to safe water

24 would not have access to electricity

Of the 76 people who do have access to electricity, most only use it to provide light at
night

There would be 42 radios, 24 televisions, 14 telephones and 7 computers

7 people would own a car or van of some sort

7 people would have access to the internet

5 people would own 32% of the entire wealth of the village (and they all come from the
USA)

33 people would be trying to survive on just 33% of the entire wealth of the village

83% of the fertilizer would be used on just 40% of the crop land – the land owned by the
richest 27% people. The remaining 60% of the land would produce 28% of the grain and
have to feed 73 of the people

1 person would have control of enough nuclear weapons to vaporize the village many
times over.
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Aims and Objectives of the course
By studying A2 Sociology you will build on the skills you developed during your AS year and, in
addition, develop:

Knowledge and awareness of the values and attitudes of individuals, social groups, and
society as a whole and socially accepted codes of behaviour;

Skill in reasoning about matters concerning the values, attitudes and actions of individuals
and groups in society;

Ability to make informed and responsible judgements on issues of spiritual, moral and
cultural significance to individuals, groups, and society in general;

Awareness of the consequences of personal, group and societal conduct and of social
change.
Course structure (AQA)
A2 Sociology is divided into two units:
1. SCLY 3 – Mass Media
Content
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Defining mass media
Ownership and control (pluralist Vs Marxist theories)
Globalisation and popular culture
New media
Selection & presentation of the news
Moral panics
Media effects (effects of media violence)
Representations of the body, gender, ethnicity, age & disability)
How is this unit assessed?
You will take a 1½ hour written exam. On the exam paper, there are 3 short answer questions
and a choice of two essay questions.
What is this unit worth?
This unit makes up 40% of the marks available on the A2 course.
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2. SCLY 4 – Crime and deviance with theory and methods
Content:
Crime and deviance

Defining crime and deviance

The social construction of crime and deviance

Theories of crime:
 functionalist, Marxist, interactionist, subcultural, right realist, left
realist, environmental, post-modern

Crime and the effects of globalisation

State crime

Green crime

The distribution of crime by region, gender, ethnicity and class

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Theory and methods
Is sociology a science?
Positivism vs interpretive approaches
Consensus vs conflict
Structure vs social action
Relationship between theory and methods
Relationship between sociology and social policy
You will also be asked a question on methods in context which will focus on the
advantages/disadvantages of using certain methods to research various aspects of crime and
deviance.
How is this unit assessed?
You will take a written exam lasting 2 hours. You answer 2 questions on crime and deviance, 2
short questions on methods in context and an essay question on theory and methods. There is no
choice of question on this paper.
What is this unit worth?
This unit makes up 60% of the marks available on the A2 course.
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Guide to the Unit 3 Exam – SCLY3 (Media)
 20% of A Level
 1 hour 30 minutes
 60 marks
 One compulsory source-based question + one essay question from a choice of two.
The Source-Based Question
You will be presented with a source – this could be an extract from a publication, article
or book. Make sure you examine it carefully! Your answers to parts (a) and (b) need to
make reference to the source.
 This question will be divided into parts (a) and (b):
Part (a):
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Worth 9 marks
-
Will start ‘Identify and briefly explain three (problems, reasons,
advantages, changes, trends etc)…’.
-
You will be awarded one mark for each correct problem, reason,
advantage, change or trend identified.
-
You will get two further marks for a satisfactory explanation.
-
Your answer to this question should be list-like. Keep your explanations
brief and concise.
-
You do not need to be evaluative!
-
You should aim to answer this question in 10 minutes.
Part (b):
-
Worth 18 marks
-
Will start ‘Using material from Item X and elsewhere, assess the view
that…’.
-
As the question suggests, you should look at the source to identify
suitable examples, arguments and evidence to support the view you are
assessing, but you are also required to apply your own sociological
knowledge.
-
This is not an essay question, so you are not required to provide
alternative views to the one in the question, just assess the view that is
expressed.
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Start your answer by briefly identifying and explaining the view in the
question.
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Then assess it i.e. consider the validity of the view in the question and the
quantity and quality of evidence that exists to support this view.
-
It is expected that you will make demonstrate a knowledge and
understanding of key concepts, theories and studies relating to the view
outlined in the question and that you will be able to offer a thorough
evaluation of the view and the evidence used to support it.
-
You should aim to answer this question in 20 minutes.
-
The marks for this question are allocated as follows:
AO1:
Knowledge & Understanding – 6 marks
AO2:
Interpretation, Application, Analysis and Evaluation – 12 marks
The Essay Question

You have to choose one of the two essay questions. Make sure you read both
questions carefully and think about which one you should answer.

These questions will normally start with a statement which reflects a particularly view
or opinion. You will then be asked ‘To what extent do sociological arguments and
evidence support this view?’.

The attached essay feedback sheet shows you how the marks are allocated for this
question.

Please note that this is an ESSAY question – it requires a full debate i.e.
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A detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant theories.
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A detailed discussion and evaluation of theories, evidence and examples.
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An exploration of views that offer a counterpoint to the view expressed in the
question.

This question is worth over half the total marks available for this unit. Please make
sure you allow adequate time to plan and write a detailed answer.

You should be spending about 5 minutes planning your answer and 50 minutes
answering the question.
Quality of written communication

You will be assessed on the quality of your written communication.

It is crucial that you make every effort to achieve a high standard of spelling, grammar
and punctuation.

You need to use sociological language and ensure that your answers are clearly
structured and well-presented.
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Guide to the Unit 4 exam: (SCLY 4) Crime & Deviance and Theory &
Methods
This exam is worth 60% of the total A2 marks. The paper is marked out of a total of 90
marks. It is 2 hours long and consists of 3 sections:
1. Crime and Deviance – 45 minutes
2. Methods in Context – 30 minutes
3. Theory and methods – 45 minutes
Section 1 – Crime and Deviance
1
12 marks
This is a list question. You will need to examine a range of factors,
(15 mins)
reasons, changes features, etc. Over half of the marks available are
for AO1.
This question will start with ‘Examine...’
Example question: ‘Examine some of the ways in which crime and
globalisation may be related.’
2
21 marks
This is an essay question. You need to debate the view given in the
(30 mins)
question – assessing the arguments and evidence for and against. It is
crucial that you evaluate throughout.
Over the half the marks are
available for AO2.
You also need to make use of the information in the source material
(Item A).
The question will start with ‘Using material from Item A and
elsewhere, assess the view that...’
Example question: ‘Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess
the view that ethnic differences in crime rates are the result of the
ways in which the criminal justice system operates.’
Section 2 – Methods in Context
3
9 marks
(10 mins)
A brief list of three factors, functions, reasons, advantages,
disadvantages, etc. These questions do NOT require you to evaluate,
but you should explain each point.
Will start with ‘Identify and briefly explain three...’
Example question: ‘Identify and briefly explain three problems of
using qualitative methods and/or sources of data to study suicide.’
NB. These 9 marks may sometimes be spread over two briefer
questions e.g. questions that only ask you to identify and briefly
explain one/two advantages, disadvantages, etc.
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4
15 marks
This question requires you to apply your knowledge and
(20 mins)
understanding of research methods to the study of a particular issue
in crime and deviance. Over half the marks are available for AO2.
You also need to make use of the information in the source material
(Item B).
The question will start with ‘Using material from Item B and elsewhere,
assess the strengths and limitations of (method/type of data) as a
means of investigating (aspect of crime and deviance).’
Example questions: ‘Using material from Item B and elsewhere, assess
the strengths and limitations of unstructured interviews as a means of
investigating victims of crime.’
Section 3 – Theory and Methods
4
33 marks
This is an essay question. You need to debate the topic given in the
(45 mins)
question – assessing the arguments and evidence for and against. It is
crucial that you evaluate throughout. Over half the marks available
are for AO2.
Example question: ‘Feminism has revolutionized sociology by placing
women at the centre of its analysis of society. However, whilst all
feminist share this starting point, there are now many different
‘feminisms’ within sociology.’
Assess the contribution of feminist theories and researchers to an
understanding of society today.
Example questions
These lists are not definitive – i.e. these are just some of the questions that may be asked.
This is to familiarize you with the type of questions and the format of the questions that you
will find on the unit 4 exam paper, but it would be a good idea to try to add some of your
own to the list.
Question 1 – Crime and Deviance
a)
12 marks

(15 mins)
Examine some of the reasons for the formation of deviant
subcultures.

Examine some of the reasons for the ‘invisibility’ of corporate and
white collar crime.

Examine some of the reasons why people do not commit crime.

Examine some of the reasons why women appear to commit less
crime than men.

Examine some of the features of moral panics.

Examine some of the reasons why someone may choose not to
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report to the police that they have been the victim of crime.

Examine some of the criticisms of official crime statistics.

Examine the relationship between time and place and patterns of
offending.
b)
21 marks
(30 mins)
Using information from Item A and elsewhere...

Assess the usefulness of conflict theories for an understanding of
crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of subcultural theories for an understanding
of crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of Marxist theories for an understanding of
crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories for an
understanding of crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of feminist theories for an understanding of
crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of realist theories for an understanding of
crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of interactionist (labelling) theories in
understanding crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of official statistics to a sociological
understanding of crime.

Assess methods of discovering information about the amount of
different types of crime.

Assess the view that white-collar and corporate crime is underrepresented in criminal statistics.

Assess sociological explanations of gender differences in rates of
crime and deviance.

Assess sociological explanations of ethnic differences in rates of
crime and deviance.

Assess the usefulness of quantitative and/or qualitative sources of
data in studying suicide.

Assess the relationship between crime and the mass media.
Question 2 – Methods in Context
a)
9 marks

(10 mins)
Identify and briefly explain three problems of using qualitative
methods and/or sources of data to study suicide.

Identify and briefly explain three advantages of using a
questionnaire to investigate young people’s attitudes to illegal
drugs.

Identify and briefly explain three advantages of using unstructured
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interviews to investigate victim’s experiences of domestic
violence.

Identify and briefly explain three disadvantages of using covert
observation to study criminal gangs.
b)
15 marks
(20 mins)
Using material from Item B and elsewhere...

Assess the strengths and limitations of unstructured interviews as
a means of investigating victims of crime.

Assess the strengths and limitations of using postal
questionnaires to investigate the reasons why some victims of
crime may not choose to report to the police.

Assess the strengths and limitations of using participant
observation to investigate illegal drug use by young people.

Assess the strengths and limitations of using structured interviews
to investigate the public’s perceptions of the police.
Question 3 – Theory and Methods
33 marks

Assess the contribution of feminist theories and researchers to an
understanding of society today.

Assess the view that some perspectives, such as functionalism and the
New Right, seek only to justify the existing social structure.

Assess the influence of postmodernism for an understanding of society.

‘Marxism and other theories of social conflict are irrelevant to an
understanding of modern society.’ Assess the extent to which sociological
arguments and evidence support this view.

‘Sociological theories based on consensus are more useful in
understanding contemporary society that those based on conflict.’
Evaluate the sociological arguments and evidence for this view.

Assess the usefulness of structural approaches to our understanding of
society.

‘Every sociological perspective has its limitations. However, some are
more useful than others for understanding society.’ Assess this view.

Choice of topic and method in sociological research are more likely to be
made on practical rather than ideological, theoretical or ethical grounds.’
To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view
of sociological research?

Evaluate the view that sociological arguments and research findings
generally have little influence on the social policies of government.
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
‘As researchers are also members of society it is impossible for them to
be objective and value-free in planning and conducting their research.’
To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view?

‘The study of sociology cannot and should not be seen as scientific.’ To
what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view.
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Exam Dates
SCLY 4 (Unit 4) Crimes & Deviance with Theory &Methods
Tues 25th Jan – AM – 2 hour exam
SCLY 3 (Unit 3) Media
Wed 15th June – PM – 1 hour 30 minutes
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Our expectations of you
We want all of our students to achieve their full potential. We are going to work hard to ensure
that you receive good teaching and support. However, we need you to work hard too!
The A2 is more advanced than the AS course. This year, you will have to develop a far more
sophisticated knowledge and understanding of Sociology. You will also have to develop new
skills, like extended essay writing, if you want to achieve good exam results.
In order to make sure that you achieve the best possible results, there are certain things that you
HAVE to do:
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Arrive to ALL lessons on time
Arrive to ALL lessons with correct files, notes and equipment
Complete ALL homework assignments on time AND to a high standard
Revise THOROUGHLY for all class tests and exams
Develop good independent learning skills – you should be spending AT LEAST 2 HOURS A
WEEK (in addition to lesson time) on your sociological studies.
Stay organised and manage your time effectively
Stay focused and have a positive attitude to learning
Make effective use of the learning resources on offer in the faculty
Ask for help from your teacher if you are experiencing difficulties
Listen to advice, assess your own performance and seek out opportunities to improve
Assessing your progress
Your teacher and you need to know that you are making good progress. In order to assess your
progress and identify your strengths and areas for improvement, you will have regular timed
assessments.
Every 2-3 weeks, you will be expected to complete a timed assessment in lesson time. This will
normally be an essay test or data-response question. We will spend some time in class preparing
for the test, but you will be expected to do further preparation and revision for the test in your
own time.
The purpose of these assessments are to help your teacher track your progress, but it is also to
give you an insight into how you are doing and to help you and your teacher identify suitable
targets to help you improve.
If you fail a class test, you will be expected to retake the test, in your own time, under supervision
in the Humanities Study Centre. Repeatedly failing assessments will result in the matter being
referred by your class teacher to your tutor and further action being taken.
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Improving your performance
You may well find the A2 course quite challenging. As mentioned earlier, it is more demanding
than the AS course. To make progress this year, it will be important for you to work with your
class teacher to assess your performance. In order to improve, you need to have a clear
understanding of what you need to improve on.
When you sit a class test, you will receive a grade, but also some information concerning what
you did well and what you need to improve on. If you are still unsure about what you need to do
to improve, you should speak to your class teacher to get advice and support. Please don’t ignore
any difficulties you are having, or ignore advice that you are given…it is only by addressing
problems and getting help that you will be able to make good progress.
Good luck!
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Reading list and useful websites
You can use many of the same general textbook as for AS, but there are some that are specific to
A2 and others which are a bit more challenging and so are more suitable to A2 level:
Sociology
Anthony Giddens
Sociology for A2 for OCR
Moore, Chapman & Aiken
Sociology: Themes and Perspectives
Haralambos & Holborn
Sociology A2 for OCR
Kidd, Abbott & Cerniawski
Sociology in Perspective (OCR)
Kirby et al
Education and Training
Heaton & Lawson
Investigating Crime and Deviance
S. Moore
Hooligan
G. Pearson
Marx for Beginners
Ruis
Play the Exam Game
Williams & Thomas
We also recommend that you regularly read a QUALITY newspaper e.g. The Guardian, The
Times, The Independent. These often have articles that are relevant to your sociological
studies.
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Useful Websites
Sociology Central
(Includes a range of resources and a links page to other sociological websites)
www.sociology.org.uk
The Guardian
(Contains a ‘Society’ section with many relevant articles)
www.guardian.co.uk/society
Office of National Statistics
(Includes a wide range of up-to-date official statistics)
www.statistics.gov.uk/glance
Ruth’s Sociology Resources
(This site has been compiled by a sociology teacher and has some useful resources)
www.ruthssociology.com
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