ABOUT THE SUBJECT…
You have probably never studied Sociology till date but in Sophia Jr. College, Sociology is offered as a compulsory subject, in the Arts stream. You might be wondering, “What is Sociology all about?
Consider these questions – Why do we follow customs and rules? What is the purpose of 'secret ballot'? How have mobile phones impacted our lives? How do superstitions arise? Is there gender discrimination within family? Why do we need to protect the rights of Transgender persons, Persons with Disabilities, Notified Tribes, Scheduled Castes? What is ‘social deviance’? What is the role of 'conflict' in transforming society? What prevents employees from voicing their frank views with their employers? How is globalization affecting small-scale farmers and small businesses? How do malls and advertising influence consumer behaviour? How do television serials reflect stereotypes? What is 'gender policing'? Is the notion of ‘development’ that which includes all people or only the so-called elite of a given society? What does the term ‘inclusivity’ mean, and imply?
The subject of Sociology uses a scientific approach to study human social relationships, social interactions, changes and challenges of human society; it deals with these kinds of questions and concerns. The discipline emerged against the backdrop of various revolutions – commercial, industrial, French, scientific. Social movements like the Human Rights movement, LGBT movements, Green movements, Rationality movements have impacted human society. Processes like globalization, marketization, digitalization, westernization and understandings of secularism, patriotism, social justice, equality, also shape human lives.
Sociology has strong theoretical foundations that try to explain human behaviour from different perspectives. There is also an applied dimension – for example, when understanding the impact of religious beliefs on sexuality; the impact of industrialization on climate change; understanding abuse, representation, policy-making, positive discrimination, etc.
The subject encourages learners to think imaginatively, and critically; to perceive the world - its people and their cultures through a wider prism – and thus develop one’s “sociological imagination.” Some fields in Sociology include Urban Sociology, Rural Sociology, Sociology of Social Movements, Sociology of Music, Sociology of Gender, Sociology of Occupations, Dalit Sociology, Sociology of Religion, Visual Sociology, Tribal Sociology, Sociology of Science, etc.
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) is a two-year course that is a part of the 4-year ‘Secondary stage’ of education under the National Education Policy, 2020.
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Standard XI
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This introductory course covers several basic sociological terms like: society, community, status, role, social group, culture, social norms, socialization, social stratification, social institution and social change. It also includes an overview of contributions of Western thinkers - Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim & Karl Marx, and Indian sociologists – Dr. G. S. Ghurye, Dr. M. N. Srinivas, and Dr. Iravati Karve.
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Standard XII
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This course helps one apply sociological concepts that have been grasped in Std. XI, to develop a multi-layered understanding of Indian society, that is, its people, cultures, diversities (based on language, gender, sexuality, race, religion, class, region), processes of social change, social movements related to women, workers, farmers, and the environment, and specific social problems of our society - ageing, unemployment, addiction, farmer suicide, domestic violence.
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The HSC Board Examination which is taken at the end of Standard XII, and though learning is meant to be cumulative, the Std. XII Written Examination is based on the Std. XII Sociology Syllabus. There are two prescribed Sociology Textbooks, both of which are published by ‘Balbharati’, Pune. Learners are encouraged to use the textbook as a framework for exploring the subject beyond its boundaries and the syllabi.
The Evaluation Scheme for HSC (Sociology) is as follows:
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Sr. No.
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Component
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Marks
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1
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Written Theory Examination (3 hours)
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80 marks
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2
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Application Based Test (ABT) (1 hour)
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20 marks
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Total:
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100 marks
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At Sophia, we make a concerted effort to encourage independence of thought and help learners construct knowledge through varied curricular experiences. Our approach to learning Sociology resonates with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), 2023 in many respects. Getting away from mindless rote-learning is encouraged. Value is given to the attainment of conceptual clarity, development of critical thinking, creative thinking, inclusivity and applying knowledge for the purpose of problem-solving and its relation to real-life situations. The Sociology examination provides plenty of scope for application-based responses from learners. We hope you will find the learning experience fun and motivating; may it push you to think beyond self-imposed limits, if any.
Why is it useful to study Sociology? The study of Sociology can give you insights which will help you understand the world in which you live; to understand your everyday life, and challenges that you may confront as a member of society. It has the potential to help you understand human relationships with greater sensitivity. Typically, one can pursue a career as a Sociology Teacher in School, or in Higher Education. Very few people pursue a full-time career in Sociological research. Many people choose Sociology as a subject for State or Central Service Examinations e.g. UPSC, MPSC. Sociology graduates may also diversify to other related fields after graduating in Sociology, such as, law, management, journalism, hospital administration, welfare services, urban planning, design, social work, rural or tribal community work. Today, it is important to acquire a sound theoretical foundation combined with practical 21st-century skills and internship experience in a world that is increasingly competitive.
Best wishes to you as you begin your journey with Sociology!