sc12-13 / SC1021_ZB 2012

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UNIVERSITY OF LONDON	SC1021 ZB
	(279 0021)

BSc degrees and Diplomas for Graduates in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences, the Diplomas in Economics and Social Sciences and Access Route

Principles of Sociology

Wednesday, 9 May 2012 : 2.30pm to 5.30pm

Candidates should answer THREE of the following EIGHT questions: QUESTION 1 of Section A (50 marks), QUESTION 2 of Section B (25 marks) and ONE question from Section C (25 marks). Candidates are strongly advised to divide their time accordingly.

© University of London 2012
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SECTION A

Answer all six parts of question 1 (50 marks in total).

1.‘The concept of social structure has been used by different sociologists to describe and explain the operation and the nature of social institutions and social strata that make up society. Society in which people are born, live and die. It can also be used to explain the nature of social relationships in society and how individuals interact with each other.’

(a)How have sociologists explained the ways in which individuals learn to relate to each other and become members of society? In your answer refer to the work of at least two sociologists you

have learned about on this course.

(8 marks)

(b)What are the key arguments for and against viewing sociology as a scientific discipline?

(8 marks)

(c)The 2011 UK census found that 51% of people in the UK believed in God, a decrease of 30% from the 2001 census. What methodological problems arise when sociologists attempt to

interpret such data?

(8 marks)

(d)You have been asked to find out the extent of religious belief in a small town for a national newspaper. What research design would you use and what method would you choose to do this

research? Give reasons for your answer.

(6 marks)

(e)‘The interpetivist tradition developed largely as a criticism of positivism’ – how are these theories of knowledge different? In your answer refer to the work of at least two sociologists

you have learned about on this course.

(8 marks)

(f)Discuss the contribution of at least one major sociological theorist that you have learned about

on this course to a sociological understanding of social change.

(12 marks)

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SECTION B

Answer the question in this section (25 marks).

2.Either

Compare and contrast at least two sociological accounts of globalization. or

Recent political and economic changes have called into question the inevitability of a global society. Explain and discuss.

SECTION C

Answer one question from this section (25 marks).

3.What are the strengths and weaknesses of Marx’s account of religion?

4.Critically discuss at least one sociological account of ‘race’ and ethnicity.

5.Explain and discuss the usefulness of the concept of social class.

6.What are the main insights of the sociology of organizations?

7.Critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of one major sociological theory of power.

8.Critically discuss the concept of patriarchy as a means of explaining gender inequalities.

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