Course Content
Syllabus overview – Sociology 9699 (AS & A Level)
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Course Introduction
Sociology 9699 syllabus and exam overview
Textbooks and resources
Set your study goals and strategy
STARTING OF AS LEVEL (PAPER 1 and 2)
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AS Level syllabus overview
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PAPER 1: Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research (Module 1 and 2)
This topic area has two central aims: first, to examine the role of socialisation in the creation of social identities;second, to introduce the basic methods of research, including concepts that can be used to evaluate therelevance and accuracy of sociological findings.
Module 1: Socialisation and the creation of social identity
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The process of learning and socialisation
Social control, conformity and resistance
Social identity and change
Module 2: Methods of research
Candidates will examine the different research methods and types of data used in sociological research,exploring the strengths and limitations of these. They will look at the process of designing research, and atkey ideas for assessing the value of different research methods. Candidates will examine questions such aswhether sociology can and should be based on the natural sciences.
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Types of data, methods and research design
Approaches to sociological research
Research issues
PAPER 2: The Family (Module 3 and 4)
This topic area develops candidates’ understanding of the family in a social context. The aim is to explore different sociological perspectives on the role of the family and family diversity, and to understand the way social change influences family life and different family members.
Module 3: Theories of the family and social change
Candidates will explore different perspectives of the role of the family in society, giving an opportunity for them to reflect on the key concepts of Power, control and resistance, and Socialisation, culture and identity. Candidates will examine the effects of social change on the diversity of family and household forms, which link to the key concept of Social change and development.3.1 Perspectives on the role of the family• Functionalist accounts of how the family benefits its members and society and how the functions of families have changed over time, including the ‘loss of functions’ debate.• Marxist accounts of how the family benefits capitalism, including ideological control, reproduction oflabour and consumption.• Feminist responses to functionalist and Marxist accounts of the role of the family.
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Perspectives on the role of the family
Diversity and social change
Module 4: Family roles and changing relationships
Candidates will consider different ways in which the behaviours of some family members are controlled by others, and will examine equality in the family. These issues provide a context for the key concepts of Power, control and resistance, and Inequality and opportunity.
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Gender equality and experiences of family life
Age and family life
COMPLETION OF AS LEVEL SYLLABUS: LET’S PREPARE FOR THE EXAM
STARTING OF A LEVEL (PAPER 3 and 4)
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A Level syllabus overview
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PAPER 3: EDUCATION
Module 5: Education and society
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Theories about the role of education
Education and social mobility
Influences on the curriculum
Module 6: Education and inequality
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Intelligence and educational attainment
Social class and educational attainment
Ethnicity and educational attainment
Gender and educational attainment
PAPER 4: Globalisation, Media, and Religion
Module 7: Globalisation
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Key debates, concepts and perspectives
Contemporary issues
Module 8: Media
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Ownership and control of media
Media representation and effects
Module 9: Religion
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Religion and social order
The influence of religion
COMPLETION OF A LEVEL SYLLABUS: LET’S PREPARE FOR THE EXAM (copy)
Sociology 9699

Curriculum Summary

Module

Skill Area

Focus Areas

1. Socialisation and identity

Core sociological concepts

Explain processes of socialisation; analyse identity formation; interpret roles of family, education, peers and media; evaluate social control and conformity.

2. Methods of research

Sociological research skills

Distinguish primary and secondary data; evaluate quantitative and qualitative methods; assess sampling, ethics, reliability and validity; interpret sociological research evidence.

3. The family

Sociology of family life

Compare family structures; analyse family diversity; explain changing family roles; evaluate sociological theories of the family.

4. Family and social change

Social change and institutions

Assess impacts of industrialisation, gender equality and policy on family life; analyse continuity and change within families.

5. Education and society

Education as a social institution

Explain functions of education; analyse links between education and economy; evaluate sociological theories of education.

6. Education and inequality

Inequality and stratification

Analyse effects of class, gender and ethnicity on educational achievement; evaluate policies and explanations of inequality.

7. Globalisation

Global social processes

Explain globalisation; analyse cultural, economic and political impacts; evaluate global inequalities and sociological debates.

8. Media

Media and society

Analyse media ownership and control; evaluate media representation; assess media influence on identity, values and power.

9. Religion

Religion and belief systems

Explain role of religion in society; analyse secularisation and religious diversity; evaluate links between religion, gender and social change.

Note:
 • Modules 1–4 are assessed at AS Level.
 • Modules 5–9 build A Level depth, with thematic application and extended evaluation.

 

Assessment Overview

Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology is assessed through written examination papers. Assessment focuses on knowledge, understanding, application, analysis and evaluation.

AS Level Assessment

Item

Paper 1

Paper 2

Paper title

Socialisation and identity, Methods of research

The Family

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

1 hour 30 minutes

Marks

60

60

Weighting

50% of AS

50% of AS

Skills assessed

Knowledge, interpretation, evaluation

Application, analysis, structured argument

 

A Level Assessment

Paper

Duration

Marks

Weighting

Skills assessed

Paper 3: Education

1 hour 15 minutes

50

20%

Application of sociological theory; analysis of inequality and education systems

Paper 4: Globalisation, Media and Religion

1 hour 45 minutes

70

30%

Extended evaluation; comparative analysis across themes

Important:
 • AS Level can be taken as a standalone qualification or as part of the full A Level.
 • A Level candidates must complete all four papers.

Cambridge Official AS & A Level Sociology 9699 syllabus.pdf

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