sc12-13 / SC1021_ZA 2012

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UNIVERSITY OF LONDON	SC1021 ZA
	(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 world of nature as explored by the natural scientist does not ‘mean’ anything to molecules, atoms and electrons therein. The observational field of the social scientist, however, namely the social reality, has a specific meaning and relevance structure for beings living, acting and thinking therein. (Schutz, 1954).

(a) What are the key differences between social science and natural science?

(8 marks)

(b)What do sociologists mean when they argue that identity is ‘constructed’? Illustrate your answer by referring to at least one of the sociologists you have learned about on this course.

(8 marks)

(c)You have been asked by a local University which is planning changes to the delivery of their programmes to find out the attitudes of the lecturers to these proposed changes.

i.Identify and critically discuss which are the most appropriate methods for you to use to carry out this research.

ii.What potential difficulties might you face in undertaking such research?

(8 marks)

(d)Identify and illustrate some ethical issues which may arise when sociologists undertake

participant observation.

(6 marks)

(e)Schutz’s suggests ‘that the observation field of the social scientist has a different meaning for social actors.’ This shaped his ‘phenomenological’ approach to sociological analysis. What are

the main features of such an approach? Illustrate your answer with reference to at least one sociological study 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

To what extent is globalization a consequence of social changes occurring locally? or

What are the arguments for and against the idea of the emergence of a ‘global society’?

SECTION C

Answer one question from this section (25 marks).

3.Compare and contrast at least two major sociological accounts of the role of religion in society.

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

5.Contemporary societies are defined by social class. Explain and discus.

6.What contribution can sociology make to our understanding of the operation of organisations in society?

7.Compare and contrast at least two major sociological theories of power.

8.How have sociologists explained the gender gap in pay?

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