Preparing to Study…

Social Sciences

What are the Social Sciences?

• Social sciences examine people and the society they live in

– Psychology focuses on the individual and attempts to explain human behaviour

– Sociology focuses on how individuals function together within society

– Politics focuses on peoples views about individuals and societies and how they think they should be organised

• To study social sciences you MUST have an interest in human behaviour and how society functions

What Skills will I need to Study the Social Sciences?

Assessing sources of

information

Analysing,

evaluating and

coming to

conclusions

Develop

knowledge,

understanding

and ideas

Independent study and research

Writing essays

What can I expect from Social Sciences outside of class?

• As with all subjects you will be expected to complete certain extended study tasks. These will include:

– Finding real life examples of issues discussed in lessons

– Research– Exam practice– Preparation for videos/presentations– Essay writing– Reading

What will I need?

• Folder for each subject• Highlighters• Pens/Pencils/Lined Paper• Internet Access• Text Books (these will be provided

and must be brought to every lesson)• Revision Guide (optional)

A good attitude and

desire to achieve your potential!!

Psychology

AS Psychology

Module 1

– Research Methods

– Attachment–Memory

• 1 ½ hour exam taken in January

Module 2

– Stress– Abnormality– Social Influence

• 1 ½ hour exam taken in Summer

A2 Psychology

Module 3

– Aggression– Relationships– Sleep

• 1 ½ hour exam taken in January

Module 4

– Research Methods– Anomalistic OR

Addiction– Phobias

• 2 hour exam taken in Summer

Preparing for A level Psychology

Watch:

•Derren Brown

•One Flew Over the

Cukoo’s Nest

(movie)

•The Experiment

(movie)

Read:

•‘Psychologies’ magazine•Psychology Review (available from teacher)•Derren Brown BooksReflect upon:

•The behaviour of those around you. Can you think of explanations which account for this behaviour?

Sociology

AS SociologyModule 1

Families & Households

• Areas covered include:

– Is the nuclear family the norm?– Roles of

motherhood/fatherhood & how these change

– The dark side of the family – child & domestic abuse

• 1 hour exam taken in Summer

Module 2Education with Research

Methods

• Areas covered include:

– Different types of schools & teaching

– Pupil subcultures– Success & failure and

factors that contribute

• 2 hour exam taken in Summer

A2 SociologyModule 3

Beliefs in Society

• Areas covered include:

– Religious belief & social change

– Significance of religion in the contemporary world

– Theories of ideology e.g. science & religion

• 1½ hour exam taken in Summer

Module 4Crime & Deviance with

Theory & Methods

• Areas covered include:

– Social distribution of crime & deviance by ethnicity, age, gender & social class

– Crime control, prevention & punishment

– The sociological study of suicide

• 2 hour exam taken in Summer

Preparing for A level Sociology

Watch:

•News programmes

•Current affairs

programmes

•Eastenders

Read:

•Newspapers

SunMirror

Reflect upon:

•Your own experience in education and in your family

Politics

AS Politics

Module 1People & Politics

• Areas covered include:

– Political parties– Pressure groups & protest

movements– Electoral systems & voting

behaviour

• 1 hour 20 minutes exam taken in Summer

Module 2Governing the UK

• Areas covered include:

– Prime Minister & Cabinet– Parliament– Constitution & Judiciary

• 1 hour 20 minutes exam taken in Summer

A2 Politics

Module 3Political Ideologies

• Areas covered include:

– Conservatism– Socialism– Liberalism– Anarchism

• 1½ hour exam taken in Summer

Module 4More Political Ideologies

• Areas covered include:

– Nationalism– Multiculturalism– Feminism– Ecologism

• 1½ hour exam taken in Summer

Preparing for A level Politics

Watch:

•News programmes

•Channel 4 news

•News Night

Read:

•Quality newspapersGuardianDaily TelegraphTimes

Keep up to date on:

•Current political issues, terrorism, Europe/Euro-zone, Economy

Where can Social Sciences qualifications take me?

Degree Course

s

Careers in law & criminology

Social

Work

Teaching

Psychologist

Police & Fire

Service

Political Researc

her & Activist

Nursing

Care Work