Sociology is one of the popular optional. The chances of scoring high with sociology as optional is phenomenal by referring these sociology optional books. Source of information that is available for sociology is unlimited in this digital era of information but often Students are confused as in what books they need to refer and how many they have to refer. The information that is present in the internet is vast without boundaries. Structuring of topics is very important for any optional. Civil Aspirants can refer the following books for Paper I and Paper II of sociology optional.
Booklist for Sociology Optional Paper 1:
- Introduction to Sociology by Anthony Giddens
- Sociological Theory by George Ritzer
- Sociology Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos & Holborn
- A Dictionary of Sociology by John Scott
- Sociological Thought by Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan
- An Introduction to Political Theory by O P Gaub
- A. Sociology IGNOU Books
Note:
Harlombos (orange book) 1-8,11 chapter. Harlambos (Blue Book) chapter on methodology. Dictionary of sociology (referring for definitions)
Paper-II
Paper -II is a dynamic paper comprising of lot of current affairs. It’s important for the aspirant to note that the information for each topic mentioned in the Syllabus cannot be found in one or two books. So, aspirants may have gone through the series of books in order to gather the information. This is the reason why Sirisha mam’s notes comes handy during revision and to outline the structure of Paper-II. The following books can be referred for detailed study of paper-II of sociology optional.
- Basics First: Always one has to focus on basics before proceeding in depth into the subject. Refer B.A. IGNOU sociology books for understanding the subject
- Start with Thinkers: one can start to understand the subject when they can relate to different perspectives of thinkers. Refer Indian Sociological Thought – B.K.Nagla
- Topic Specific: always remember that it’s difficult to revise or recollect wide range of information so refer to the books related to mentioned topics in the syllabus:
- Social Change in Modern India by M N Srinivas
- Caste Its Twentieth Century Avatar by M N Srinivas
- Handbook of Indian Sociology by Veena Das
- Modernization of Indian Tradition by Yogendra Singh
- Rural Sociology by S.L Doshi and P.C Jain
- Social Background of Indian Nationalism by A R Desai
- Essential sociology by Nitin Sangwan.
Note: Do remember that Paper -II is dynamic and related to current affairs so always supplement static topics with current affairs by referring to Yojana, PIB. If possible, refer to EPW. How so ever never write biased answers.
Tip: For each topic aspirants should structure a framework so that they can revise and recollect necessary information before the exam.
Test Series: Test series are a must for civil service aspirants. Don’t shy away from writing exams. It’s better to make mistakes in practice tests than in Mains.
Can we use Flow Charts and Diagrams: Yes, aspirants can use relevant flow charts & diagrams to present information in a precise method.
Author: D. Neeharika Reddy and Sirisha C
Sociology Optional in Hyderabad
D. Neeharika Reddy – Renowned educationist, mentor and Advocate. Graduated from Gujarat National Law University with B.Sc. L.L.B (Hons.). She has 9 years of experience in mentoring civil services aspirants and mentored more than 500 students in Polity, Geography and Sociology optional. She has also authored Polity book for Civil service aspirants.
