ABOUT THE SUBJECT…
Have such questions crossed your mind?
- How do superstitions influence people?
- Why do parents and relatives exert pressure on newly-wed couples to have children?
- What is meant by 'marriage equality'?
- Can conflict have positive effects on society?
- Is it possible to arrive at a single definition of “Indian” culture?
- What concerns are raised by Human Rights Movements, Farmers' Movements, and Conservation Movements?
- What does the term 'Transgender' mean?
- What are the concerns and fears surrounding the use of ‘AI’?
- Is religious identity a result of association with a geographical territory?
All the above questions and many more, are linked to 'Sociology', a social science, as they relate to human behaviour, human decisions, human problems, interpersonal relationships, policies and programmes that involve social beings. The discipline itself emerged against a backdrop of revolutions – commercial, Industrial, French revolutions and scientific revolution. Sociology has strong theoretical foundations that aim at providing a scientific explanation of human behaviour from various standpoints. Additionally, there is also an applied dimension – for example, when trying to understand the impact of, say, religious beliefs on gender expression, music, games, food habits, sexual behaviour or lifestyle.
The subject encourages learners to develop one’s “sociological imagination”, that is, to discover the effects of various forces - social, economic, political, religious, etc. on human life and behaviour. The fields of Sociology are rich and diverse - Tribal Sociology, Urban Sociology, Sociology of Change, Dalit Sociology, Queer Sociology, Cinematic Sociology, Sociology of Mass Media, Sociology of Music, Applied Sociology. The Standard XI course is a first baby step in this joyous and exciting journey. Of course, it is a long drawn process that requires commitment and passion for study and for the pursuit of research.
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) is a two-year course:
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Standard XI
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At the end of this course learners will have conceptual clarity of basic sociological terms like society, community, social group, culture, social norms, socialization, social stratification, and social change; as well as an understanding of some contributions of significant Western and Indian thinkers - Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, G. S. Ghurye, M. N. Srinivas, and Iravati Karve.
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Standard XII
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At the end of this course, learners will develop a critical appreciation and multilayered understanding of Indian society - Indan culture, diversity (based on language, gender, sexuality, race, religion, class, region), processes of change, social movements (related to women, workers, farmers, and the environment), and present-day challenges like ageing, unemployment, addiction, farmer suicide and domestic violence.
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Two Sociology Textbooks are prescribed and published by ‘Balbharati’, Pune. Learners are encouraged to use the textbook as a framework to exploring the subject beyond its boundaries and the syllabi. The HSC Board Examination is taken at the end of Standard XII.
The Evaluation Scheme for HSC (i.e. Std. XII) Sociology is as follows:
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No.
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Component
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Marks
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1
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Written Theory Examination
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80
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2
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Application Based Test (ABT)
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20
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Total:
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100
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At Sophia, we make a concerted effort to help learners construct knowledge through varied curricular experiences; we encourage independence of thought. 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 beyond rote-learning is encouraged. Importance 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. Nearly fifty percent of the Sociology examination consists of application-type questions, where learners have scope to present their own ideas and suggestions. We sincverely hope you will find the learning experience fun and motivating; may it push you to think beyond self-imposed boundaries, 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 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. There is a tendency to think that Sociology is commonsensical; however it is not.
Typically, one can pursue a career as a Sociology Teacher in School, or in Higher Education. A few, may pursue a full-time career as researchers. Scores of Sociology graduates pan-India choose Sociology as a subject for State and Central Service Examinations like UPSC, MPSC, etc.
Sociology graduates may also diversify to other related fields such as - law, management, creatives, journalism, hospital administration, welfare, planning, design, social work, organizational work. A sound theoretical foundation combined with practical 21st-century skills are particularly valuable in an extremely competitive world that we find ourselves in.
Best wishes to you as you begin your journey with Sociology!