Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of the social world, the groups we form and the societies in which we live. It is the study of our behaviour, as individuals interacting with others, or as members of the bigger groups that we form. We look at areas of our lives that we may perhaps take for granted, and put them under the microscope to better understand the differences and the similarities in the experiences of people within these institutions.

Studying sociology fosters the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. It provides an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues.

What is a family? Is it mum, dad and two children? Or is it a single parent with a baby? Or a family of two adults both of whom have been married before and bring their respective children together to form a new family? These are among the issues studied in L6.

What about school? Why is it compulsory? Why do we have exams? Why do girls do better than boys? We study Education, also in Lower 6th and will be considering theories of education involving these and other issues.

In Middle 6th we move from studying topics to which we have a close attachment and experience of, to two modules: Crime & Deviance and Social Stratification with which we have experience, albeit not necessarily directly. These topics also have great impact on the society in which we live. What is deviance? Who says a particular act is deviant? Why do we have more boys in trouble with the law than girls? Does the UK still have a distinct class system? Does your gender or ethnicity have an impact upon your social standing in society? Is class ascribed at birth or can it be changed through hard work and effort?’

Additional Information

Sociologists are often accused of just looking at issues and then stating the obvious. While we do study topics and issues that are part of everyday life, sociologists must be able to back up their statements with case-studies and examples to illustrate claims or observations. These are gained through research and a study of research methods is therefore a key part of Lower 6th and Middle 6th work. Questionnaires and interviews, participant and non-participant observation…all are looked at with relevant case studies of actual research to help us understand the advantages and disadvantages of using particular methods in certain circumstances.

Career Choices

Through its emphasis on critical thinking and sound data collection and analysis, sociology prepares our students to excel in a variety of disciplines:

Business & Industry – e.g. Banking & Finance

Government – e.g. Research

Justice System – e.g. Police & The Criminal Justice System

Education – e.g. Teaching

Journalism – e.g. Media

Community & Social Services – e.g. Nursing & Social Work

Belfast Royal Academy - founded 1785

Sociology

Curriculum

AS Units

A2 Units