UNIT SY1 Acquiring Culture

This unit is assessed through a written paper. There will be one compulsory question on the core theme. There will be a choice of optional extension questions which will examine the core theme as applied to one of three specific options.
The core theme for this unit is socialisation and culture. Within these themes the focus is on how culture is transmitted, with an emphasis on sources of identity.
Introductory core:
This focuses on the key concepts and processes of cultural transmission which will be further developed in the chosen substantive option area. Candidates will be expected to understand and use the following terms and concepts:
• socialisation
• cultural transmission
• social control
• social roles
• the nature/nurture debate
• social structures
• sanctions
• social change
• conflict
• social construction
• culture and cultural diversity
• sub-culture
• identity
• norms & values
• status
• agencies of socialisation - primary (family) & secondary (media, religion, peer group, community, work and education)
• social inequality
• consensus

This was really good fun last year. Hope those of you taking it enjoy it this year.

What kinds of things did you do in class?

Last year we had lots of debates about the different sub-cultures that have evolved for youth to attach themselves to if they want.