ESO-11 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview: ESO-11 The Study of Society

ESO-11: The Study of Society is a foundational course within IGNOU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (B.A.) curriculum, designed to introduce students to core principles of Sociology and Social Anthropology. This course explores societal structures, cultural dynamics, and institutional frameworks through a critical lens, aligning with the School of Social Sciences’ CBCS framework. It emphasizes empirical analysis of social phenomena, institutional roles, and systemic change while fostering analytical skills essential for understanding contemporary societies. The syllabus is structured to bridge theoretical insights with real-world applications, ensuring students grasp both macro-level societal patterns and micro-level interactions.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Understanding Sociology: Covers foundational theories of sociology, including structural-functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, while examining the discipline’s historical evolution and methodological approaches.
• Block-2: Groups and Institutions: Analyzes primary and secondary groups, formal and informal institutions (e.g., family, religion, education), and their roles in social cohesion and stratification.
• Block-5: Political Processes: Investigates power dynamics, political ideologies, governance systems, and civil society’s role in shaping democratic processes and social justice.
• Block-7: Social Structure: Explores social stratification, caste systems, class conflict, and mobility, using theoretical frameworks like Marxist and Weberian perspectives.
• Block-8: Social Control, Change, and Development: Discusses mechanisms of social control (norms, laws, deviance), societal transformation, and sustainable development models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for ESO-11’s Term-End Examination (TEE), and how are internal assignments weighted?
A: The TEE for ESO-11 carries 100 marks, divided into objective (20 marks) and descriptive (80 marks) sections. Assignments contribute 30 marks, requiring submission of two written assignments worth 15 marks each, graded on conceptual clarity and application.

Q: Which units in ESO-11 have consistently appeared in past TEE papers, and how can I prioritize revision?
A: Blocks 1 (Understanding Sociology), 2 (Groups and Institutions), and 5 (Political Processes) frequently feature in TEE questions. Focus on recurring themes like theoretical frameworks, institutional analysis, and case studies of social change to optimize revision time.