SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY  FK8R 34, Sociology A: Introduction to Sociology (SCQF level 7)  FK8T 34, Sociology B: Applying Sociological Theories and Studies to Sociological Topics (SCQF level 7)  Unit Specification Update

Reason for Changes  Feedback to SQA; –EV reports –Centres (staff & students) –Staff delivering

 Changes to Outcome 2 –Previously: explain three concepts (Socialisation, Social Order, Social Stratification) and apply each to a theory of Consensus, Conflict and Social Action –Candidates struggled to cover all areas in enough depth within the word count. Sociology A

 Now: explain three concepts and each one is applied to a different theory –(e.g. Socialisation to Consensus, Social Order to Conflict and Social Stratification to Social Action)  Allows the candidate to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the concepts and application to a theory. Sociology A

Sociology B  Main Changes –Selection of Sociological Studies –Evaluation of Theories and Studies –Topic Choice Advice

Sociology B  Studies (Page 4) “produce a holistic evaluation covering three studies and three contrasting theories where the studies either support or refute the theories in relation to one topic in the open-book assessment; and a holistic evaluation of two sociological studies and two contrasting theories where the studies either support or refute the theories in relation to one topic in the closed-book assessment”.

Sociology B  Evaluations (Page 4) “produce a holistic evaluation covering three studies and three contrasting theories where the studies either support or refute the theories in relation to one topic in the open-book assessment; and a holistic evaluation of two sociological studies and two contrasting theories where the studies either support or refute the theories in relation to one topic in the closed-book assessment”.

Sociology B  Topics Page 6  N.B. It is not expected that each topic is covered in its entirety and subsections or a focus on particular areas of the topic is acceptable as long as coverage is extensive enough for assessment purposes. Application of a Scottish dimension to any of the above topics could be explored, where appropriate.