BSKS-187 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for BSKS-187: Contemporary Issues in Sociology

BSKS-187 is a core course under IGNOU’s Bachelor’s Programme in Social Work (BSW) and Bachelor’s Programme in Sociology (BSC), designed to critically examine the evolving social dynamics of the 21st century. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies, emphasizing the intersection of globalization, technology, and social inequality. Students analyze contemporary phenomena such as urban migration, digital divides, and cultural homogenization while developing analytical skills to evaluate policy responses and grassroots interventions. This assignment preparation material aligns with the CBCS structure, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus while adhering to IGNOU’s assignment submission guidelines.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Unit 1: Sociology of Globalization: Explores the socio-economic impacts of globalization, including transnational capital flows, cultural imperialism, and the formation of hybrid identities. The unit dissects theories of world-systems analysis and critiques of neoliberalism.
• Unit 2: Technology and Social Change: Investigates the digital revolution’s role in reshaping social interactions, labor markets, and governance. Topics include cyber activism, algorithmic bias, and the ethics of AI-driven surveillance.
• Unit 3: Urbanization and Social Inequality: Focuses on the spatial and structural dimensions of urban poverty, slum governance, and gentrification. Case studies from Indian cities illustrate policy failures and community resistance strategies.
• Unit 4: Social Movements in the Digital Age: Analyzes the evolution of protest movements from traditional organizing to online mobilizations. The unit evaluates the role of social media in both radicalization and democratic participation.
• Unit 5: Gender, Caste, and Contemporary Power Structures: Re-examines caste and gender hierarchies in the context of neoliberal reforms, highlighting intersections with digital labor and feminist activism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the weightage of the handwritten assignment in BSKS-187’s final evaluation?
A: The assignment carries 30% of the total marks, while the term-end examination accounts for the remaining 70%. Ensure your submission adheres to IGNOU’s formatting rules to avoid deductions.

Q: Are numerical questions included in BSKS-187 assignments, or is it purely theoretical?
A: The syllabus does not mandate numerical problems; however, some units (e.g., Unit 2: on technology) may require data interpretation from case studies. Focus on critical analysis rather than calculations.