IGCSE Sociology

The aims of this syllabus are the same for all students. These are set out below and describe the educational purposes of a course in Sociology for the IGCSE examination. They are not listed in order of priority.  The aims are to:

• promote students' awareness, knowledge and understanding of human societies.
• develop an understanding of sociological method, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
• provide an introduction to sociological concepts, theories and research findings.
• stimulate awareness of the range and limitations of sociological theory and research.
• promote students' understanding of continuity and change in social life.
• encourage a critical awareness of social, economic and political processes, and their effects.
• develop the capacity for the critical evaluation of different forms of information and evidence.
• promote an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity.
• enhance students' ability to apply sociological knowledge and understanding to their own lives and participation within society.

An assessment objective is an intended area of competence within the subject. Three are identified for the purposes of this syllabus:

Knowledge and Understanding

Interpretation of Evidence

Analysis and Evaluation
 

Students should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of appropriate sociological topics;
• understand the theoretical and practical considerations influencing the design and
  execution of sociological enquiry;
• understand and apply sociological terminology and concepts.
  
   

Students should be able to:

• demonstrate an awareness of the main methods of sociological enquiry and their uses;
• nterpret and apply relevant evidence and data;
• show an awareness of different types and sources of evidence.
   

Students should be able to:

• evaluate the strengths and limitations of particular sociological studies and methods;
• recognise limitations and bias in evidence and to distinguish between fact, opinion and value;
• reach conclusions based on a reasoned consideration of available evidence;
• organise and present sociological evidence and arguments in a coherent and purposeful form.

                                  Go look at Paper Two Units