This new edition of the highly successful textbook for AS level sociology is fully updated to meet the requirements of the new AQA specification which will be taught in schools and colleges from September 2008. With dozens of contemporary references, student activities, questions and examiners' advice, the book is accessible to the whole ability range and has the depth of coverage needed to achieve high grades. Chapters on 'Families and Households' and 'Education' have been updated, for example, with sections on life-course, demography and social policy, and the chapter on 'Sociological Methods' is unique in the emphasis it gives to the new 'Methods in Context' question. The companion 'A2 Sociology - the complete course for the AQA specification' will be published Spring 2009

This new edition of "AS level Sociology" fits the 2008 AQA specification exactly with a sustained focus on the new `Methods in Context' question, through:
* Methods Links panels throughout the Education chapter
* A special section on Education: the research context
* Methods in Context sections applying all the methods to Education
* Practice questions on Methods in Context like those in the new exam with answers and examiner guidance

This second edition of the best-selling textbook "AS level Sociology" fits the new AQA specification perfectly. Written by an outstanding author team of Chief Examiners and
Principal Examiners, it provides everything students need for success at AS level, all in one place.
Key features include
* The fullest coverage of the key Methods in Context question of any AS textbook
* Comprehensive coverage of all the key topics, pitched at the right level for AS students
* Fully up-dated content
* Exam questions, answers and Senior Examiner guidance on how to maximise marks
* Activities, Quick Check Questions and Summaries
* Free online support and additional teaching materials at the book's own dedicated website

Rob Webb is a Chief Examiner for AS and A level Sociology with a major examining board.
Hal Westergaard is a former Chief Examiner.
Keith Trobe is a Principal Examiner.
Liz Steel is an Assistant Principal Examiner and Reviser.
All are experienced authors who have written widely for AS and A level students and teachers. This is the only AS level Sociology textbook written by a Chief and Principal Examiners

2008-06-29 Very impressive - interesting and accessible

This book provides an excellent introduction to Sociology as an academic discipline as well as being a really good textbook for the AS level examination. It is well-presented, accessible, interesting and offers comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. As lecturer working in higher education, I am particularly impressed by the way a wide range of sociological theories are linked to appropriate research methods, encouraging critical thinking beyond the requirements of the examination. There are also a number of strategically positioned exercises and questions which exemplify and develop the concepts covered by the text. Overall, this is a very impressive text book that I am sure will help students to develop real interest and understanding of this complex and fascinating area of study.