As the UPSC Prelims results were declared on July 1, the Mains season has begun and so have aspirants’ queries about their Optional subjects. At this important juncture of your examination cycle, UPSC Essentials of The Indian Express has commenced a special series on how to approach optional subjects for UPSC. In this series, subject experts will answer queries on optional subjects that we have received from our readers, aspirants, and subscribers in UPSC LIVE with Manas (IE’s UPSC video series) and on other platforms of Indian Express’ UPSC section.
Our first two optionals subject in this series were PSIR optional (Click Here) and Anthropology optional (Click Here) In this article we take up another popular optional among aspirants: Sociology. Sociology has been a popular choice among UPSC aspirants for many years and is a high-scoring optional paper. Its popularity owes to the fact that no specialised academic background is required for the subject’s preparation. But that’s true for other social sciences/ humanities subjects too. Then why should you choose Sociology and how should you prepare it?
Manas Srivastava in conversation with Vikram Kaushal, Sociology expert, takes up some of the aspirants’ questions that range from general to specific areas of the paper. Let’s learn some important aspects of this optional and strategies accordingly.
About our expert: Vikram Kaushal has been a teacher, mentor and Sociology optional expert to many successful aspirants in the past, contributing to their achievement in the UPSC examinations. He brings 15 years of teaching experience to the classroom where he incorporates educational and developmental psychology and practical experiential learning to evoke sustained curiosity for the subjects he teaches.
🚨 The Indian Express UPSC Essentials brings to you the July edition of its monthly magazine. Click Here to read. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨
Manas: Many aspirants have asked us about the criteria for selecting an optional subject for UPSC. Some of them are freshers while others have already given attempts. What should be the rationale behind choosing any optional subject for UPSC Mains?
Vikram Kaushal: Well rightly the first consideration is interest. What is less understood however is why that works and how it is discovered.
Let’s take an example. Einstein was great at physics. Many of us though are not. That means subjects can have different curiosity points for different individuals.
Choosing an optional subject is a decision that does not come instinctively to most students. Finding out what is an aspirant’s interest and should that really be his or her anchor point for decision making, remains a question at the back of one’s mind consistently.
Most students associate interest in a subject as a result of the pedagogy followed in class, as well as the congeniality of the teaching-learning environment. So usually the case is, if you had a great teacher for any subject in school or college, chances are you like that subject and are naturally good at it. Hence, I will suggest searching for a good teacher. Attend orientation or demo classes for the two or three subjects you want to narrow down from. Then choose a teacher as much as the subject.
Also, you can seek book recommendations from the teacher. Often the most information-dense books, even though relevant to the syllabus, may not be the best choice to discover connection.
Whatever stokes your curiosity, learning will naturally follow. Remember intention to learn has no relationship with actually learning, but curiosity and interest do!
What other considerations aspirants may take in account while selecting an optional?
1. Prior knowledge of the subject, especially if you had it in graduation or post graduation and you’re good with it.
2. Success rates of the optional. So, what does matter is whether the optional has had dependable high success rates with consistency over most years. UPSC annual reports point that out.
3. Overlap with GS syllabus. If your preparation for the optional simultaneously prepares you for GS as well, win-win. It is an important point to note that most optionals have overlaps with GS and many times of the same approximate degree. So this may not help you with decision-making sometimes.
4. Ease of availability of notes, material, tests and coaching (if planned) for the subject.
Manas: What are the pros and cons of Sociology as an optional for UPSC that you think aspirants must keep in mind before starting their preparation?
Vikram Kaushal: Naturally, students would like to opt for a subject weighing its favourable points. Here are a few important pointers on Sociology Optional.
Pros:
1. There is absolutely no need to have any specific academic background for choosing this optional, since the subject matter deals with topics that deal with everyday life such as class, caste, religion, family etc., It is thereby very relatable and makes for a simple understanding.
2. It is among the most relevant subjects for becoming an IAS/IPS officer- to understand bureaucracy, politics, caste, class, religion, population dynamics etc. which is a prerequisite to becoming an officer capable of performing one’s duty effectively.
3. We as humans really struggle with memorising facts. This is a universal condition. Sociology thankfully is a subject based largely on concepts, very simple and relatable ones. Thus a lot of effort and energy is required otherwise in rote-learning.
4. It has consistently been among the highest scoring subjects with many toppers every year.
5. It has a quite high overlap advantage, translating into a multiplier effect for your marks. This is so, as it has a huge overlap with GS syllabus and essay. Thereby, effort made in studying sociology optional gets you additional advantage in Indian Society in GS paper 1, Social Justice in GS paper 2, and the Essay paper (which is the second highest scoring after the optional).
Cons:
1. The syllabus is both static and dynamic. That means the student has to integrate the understanding of current on-goings is society as well.
However, this is not necessarily extra work because the student is already preparing current affairs which is a crucial component in this examination. The same knowledge can be integrated and used.
Manas: How to start with Sociology optional preparation for UPSC Mains?
Vikram Kaushal: There’s a green-coloured book called ‘Sociology’ by Paul B Horton and Chester L Hunt. It’s a great book to acquaint yourself with concepts and to get a good anchoring to the subject. It’s a very relevant book. The trick is to read it like a novel, without putting in the effort to memorise. The content itself is so interesting and presented with so many examples that one remembers anyway. While it is not necessary to read the book before joining coaching (if that’s the plan), reading it may get you to fall in love with the subject.
Manas: After analyzing the past year’s questions, what has been the trend in marks and questions in Sociology Optional for UPSC Mains?
Vikram Kaushal: Analysing past year papers is one of the most important exercises of preparing for competitive examination. For optional too, it acts as a guiding light for preparing effectively.
1. The difficulty level of the Sociology optional papers has remained moderate. As such the highest marks in recent years have been in the range of 310-324 marks, which are really good scores.
2. The questions are also uniformly asked from different parts of the syllabus making thorough preparation the most standard trustable strategy.
3. Their thematic repetition is very high. Many questions are replicas of the previous year’s questions. Therefore, solving PYQs remains a very effective strategy for the coming year.
4. Topics such as social thinkers, social stratification, and political sociology frequently appear in both Paper I and Paper II and have a higher question-hit ratio in the paper.
5. The unit of Research methods has had an increased weightage in the past 2 years. The number of questions asked from Unit 2,3 in Paper 1 has increased.
6. The examiner combines standard theory with application in many questions. So, current affairs integration and developing one’s own perspectives remains important.
Manas: What are some tips for writing a ‘good’ answer in Sociology optional for UPSC?
Vikram Kaushal: Writing a ‘good’ answer in the Sociology Optional for the UPSC exam involves several key elements. Here are some tips:
- Understand the Question Thoroughly
Read Carefully: Ensure you understand what the question is asking. Look for keywords and directives like “discuss,” “analyze,” “critically evaluate etc.
Scope: Identify the scope of the question. Determine whether it requires a broad overview or a detailed analysis of a specific concept.
- Structure Your Answer
Introduction: Start with a clear and concise introduction. Define key terms and set the context for your answer.
Body: Divide the body into logical sections. Use headings and subheadings if necessary.
a. Theoretical Perspective: Explain relevant sociological theories and concepts.
b. Examples and Case Studies: Provide examples, case studies, and data to support your points.
c. Critical Analysis: Evaluate the theories and perspectives. Highlight strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points and provide a concluding remark that reflects on the broader implications of the topic.
- Incorporate Sociological Thinkers
Mention Key Sociologists: Refer to major sociologists relevant to the topic. For example, while discussing social stratification, mention Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Pierre Bourdieu.
Quotes and Theories: Use quotes and theories from sociologists to add depth to your answer.
- Use Current Affairs and Contemporary Examples
Relevance: Link theories to contemporary events and issues. For instance, when discussing globalization, mention recent economic policies or international trends.
Data and Reports: Include relevant data from credible sources such as census reports, UN reports, and other reputable studies.
- Critical Evaluation
Balance: Present multiple viewpoints. Discuss both sides of an argument where applicable.
Critique: Critically evaluate theories and perspectives. Point out limitations and strengths.
- Clarity and Precision
Language: Use clear and precise language. Avoid jargon unless it is necessary and explain it when used.
Conciseness: Be concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details that do not add value to your answer. Everything that is mentioned, does not need explanation.
- Presentation
Neatness: Write neatly and legibly. Use paragraphs to break up text.
Diagrams and Charts: Where relevant, use diagrams, flowcharts, and tables to illustrate points. This can make your answer more engaging and easier to understand.
Let me discuss the above pointers through a sample structure for the convenience of UPSC Essentials subscribers of The Indian Express and many other aspirants who aim to write good answers for Sociology questions.
Question: Discuss the impact of globalization on the caste system in India.
Introduction:
1. Define globalization and its dimensions.
2. Briefly mention the traditional structure of the caste system in India.
Body:
1. Globalization and Economic Changes:
Discuss how economic liberalization has affected job opportunities across castes.
Mention examples of Dalits and other lower castes entering new professions due to increased opportunities.
2. Cultural Impact:
Explain how global media and culture have influenced caste dynamics.
Cite instances where global cultural practices have led to changes in traditional caste practices.
3. Social Mobility:
Analyze the role of education and urbanization in increasing social mobility among lower castes.
Provide data on the educational attainment and urban migration of lower castes.
4. Critical Evaluation:
Discuss the persistence of caste discrimination despite economic and cultural changes.
Mention contemporary challenges like the digital divide affecting lower castes.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key points.
Reflect on the overall impact of globalization on the caste system, highlighting both positive changes and ongoing issues.
UPSC Essentials’ Subscribers/Readers Questions:
(a) How much time does it take to prepare for Sociology optional for UPSC Mains?
In coaching, around 240 hours of lectures i.e. around 6-7 months with 2 hours classes on weekdays. Plus 1 hour of revision at home daily.
For Self-Study: Add 50-100 hours to the above mentioned time as there is some hit and trial as well.
(b) What are the essential reading sources other than the coaching material that aspirants must read for Sociology Optional for UPSC?
This depends on how good your coaching material is. The point of coaching is to minimize and focus the effort. Ideally then, nothing else. In case you need to read more, then on a need basis – Harlombos, Anthony Giddens, George Ritzer, Ram Ahuja books and IGNOU MA notes.
(c) Can you provide some strategies for revision for Sociology Optional?
1. Consolidate Your Notes
Ensure your notes are well-organized by topics and subtopics. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings for clarity.
Highlight or underline key sociological theories, definitions, and thinkers in your notes.
Create summary sheets for each topic that cover the main points, important sociologists, and key theories.
2. Use Mind Maps
Use mind maps to connect different sociological concepts and theories. This helps in visualizing relationships and remembering them better.
3. Revision Timetable
Plan for multiple revisions of each topic to ensure better retention. Revising a topic at least 3-4 times will help in retaining information.
4. Group Discussions
Engage in group discussions with fellow aspirants. This can help in gaining new perspectives, clarifying doubts, and retaining information.
Teaching concepts to others can reinforce your understanding and retention of the subject matter.
(d) What should be the approach to deal with the Thinkers section which appears to be very static?
While the part is ‘static’, it is still very relevant to understand the modern life experiences of people, which is why it is in the syllabus. In fact, this part can be the most interesting one in the whole paper.
To understand this part better, one can:
1. Try summarising key theories and ideas in your own words. This helps in internalizing their concepts and makes it easier to recall during the exam.
2. Draw comparisons between different thinkers. For example, compare Durkheim’s Anomie with Merton’s Deviance.
3. Integrate their ideas with contemporary issues. For instance, use Marx’s theory of class struggle to analyse current economic inequalities.
4. Create acronyms for remembering the key concepts of each thinker. For instance, for Durkheim’s theories: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Suicide.
5. Write model answers on common questions about thinkers.
(e) What are the dynamic portions/contemporary issues/areas in Sociology Optional for UPSC?
There are several topics which can be considered dynamic and enriched from current affairs. Some of these topics are:
1. Globalization and its impact
2. Social Movements
3. Gender Issues
4. Technology and its impact
5. Urbanization and its challenges
6. Poverty and inequality
7. Environment and sustainability
P.S: This is not the end of the Sociology Optional special article. You may still send questions on Sociology optional in general or any topic in particular. We will take up as a rejoinder article on Sociology. Write to me on manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com
Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.
Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us now on Instagram and X too.
[ad_2]
Source link
