Sociology can be defined as the systematic study of human action and interaction from a social or group perspective. It can include the study of social structures both big and small. For example, a sociologist could study the ways in which individual customers engage with individual shop assistants at Topshop as well as the social norms and values that lie behind international trade relations.

Sociology is a lively, interesting and often exciting subject to study. It can give you a much greater appreciation of society, and the different groups of people who comprise society. Furthermore, Sociology helps you develop a historical understanding of society and an understanding of how and why society might, or might not, change in the future.

What is Sociology @ DLD?

The course is very student centred. What this means is that you will not be talked at by the teacher for 80 minutes whilst you take notes. Instead there is an emphasis upon class discussion, debate and argument. You will get involved in group presentations and learn to think independently, to be someone who takes responsibility for their own progress and achievement. This is not to say that you will not be taught however. Because DLD is equipped with modern ICT equipment, you will learn by watching film and video clips, by focusing on colourful and interactive PowerPoint presentations and by using the internet. So studying Sociology at DLD is fun, interesting and exciting.

How is it assessed?

What do I need?

The most important thing that you need is an interest in why we behave in the way that we do. For most sociologists, behaviour is not natural; it is learned. We are socialised in certain ways and so if you are interested in the processes that shape our sense of self this subject is for you. You will also want to develop certain academic skills. Specifically, you will want to learn how to have an argument. You will also want to learn how to spot when someone is trying to persuade you to believe something that is not true; that is, when you have been exposed to ideology.

Good subject combinations

Sociology is complemented by the arts and humanities because these subjects also develop an understanding of key sociological perspectives. So, for example, in English you may explore a Marxist or feminist interpretation of a text like 'Great Expectations'. In Geography you will study demography - trends in the size and characteristics of populations - and in Sociology, you will study the social forces that produce these patterns. Psychology and Sociology are compatible too. In particular there is significant overlap in research methods. Moreover, Sociology is, as August Comte once said, the 'Queen of the Sciences'. While you will not be working in a lab testing hypotheses, you will be putting sociological arguments to the test in a systematic, objective and logical way. Indeed Sociologists uncover 'social facts' in the same way that Biologists, Chemists and Physicists uncover 'facts of nature'. It is a subject then that is compatible with all other academic disciplines.

After DLD

In giving you a greater understanding of the broad social structures that shape human action and interaction, Sociology could, to provide just a few examples, lead to a career in

• Advertising
• Personnel
• Management
• Journalism
• Public Health
• The Non-Government Sector
• Public Relations

Questions

Can I do the course in one year? YES
Is Easter Revision available? YES