IGNOU MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I: Assignment, Question Papers and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Study Material: IGNOU Study Material 2026: How to Check Book Status and Download eSLM PDF?
MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I at a glance
| Detail | MSO 101 |
|---|---|
| Course code | MSO 101 |
| Course title | Sociological Concepts and Theories-I |
| Credits | 4 |
| Study hours | 120 hours |
| Course type | Core 1 |
| Programme (term) | MASO (1st semester) |
| Programme medium | English & Hindi |
| Study blocks | 4 blocks on eGyanKosh |
| Term-end exams | June and December |
| Assignment code | MSO-101/AST/TMA/2026-27 |
| Assignment last date | January 2026 Batch: 30 September 2026; July 2026 Batch: 31 March 2027; January 2027 Batch: 30 September 2027 |
MSO 101 subject name and where it sits in IGNOU MASO
MSO 101 is the course code for Sociological Concepts and Theories-I. It is a core course with 4 credits, requiring 120 hours of learner study. This course is part of the first year, first semester of the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sociology) (MASO) programme, which is offered in both English and Hindi mediums through the School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
Students taking MSO 101 in the MASO programme also study MSO 102 Sociological Concepts and Theories-II, MSO 103 Sociology in India -I, MSO 104 Sociology in India -II, and MSOE 105 Introduction to Urban Sociology. Each of these courses carries 4 credits. While MSO 101 is listed in the MASO course table, other IGNOU programmes may also carry this course.
The whole programme: IGNOU MASO syllabus and IGNOU MASO fees, eligibility and admission.
MSO 101 syllabus: the 4 study blocks on eGyanKosh
MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I is a 4-credit core course. The course material is available on eGyanKosh. The syllabus for MSO 101 is divided into four study blocks. Block 1, “Approaching Sociological Theory,” introduces the foundational concepts. Block 2, “Concept, Structure and Function,” then builds on this by exploring specific theoretical frameworks. Block 3, “Theory of Capitalism,” applies these sociological theories to economic systems. Finally, Block 4, “Theories of Social Stratification,” examines how these concepts explain social hierarchies.
The MSO 101 course is titled ‘MSO-101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I’ on eGyanKosh. This structure ensures a learner first understands the basic approaches before moving to more complex applications of sociological theory.
The 4 blocks hold 15 units between them:
- Block 1: Approaching Sociological Theory
- Unit 1: Social Theory and its Context
- Unit 2: Concept and Theory
- Unit 3: Theory and Paradigm
- Unit 4: Social Construction of Reality
- Block 2: Concept, Structure and Function
- Unit 5: Concept and Theories of Structure
- Unit 6: Concept, Structure and Function
- Unit 7: Structure, Function and Neo-Functionalism
- Block 3: Theory of Capitalism
- Unit 8: Evolution, Development and Function of Capitalism
- Unit 9: Rationality, Work and Organisation
- Unit 10: Entrepreneurship and Capitalism
- Unit 11: Alienation
- Block 4: Theories of Social Stratification
- Unit 12: Concepts of Difference and Inequality
- Unit 13: Class
- Unit 14: Gender and Social Stratification
- Unit 15: Theories of Origin of Caste System
Getting the printed books and e-books: IGNOU study material.
MSO 101 assignment: download, submission and marks
The MSO 101 assignment for the July 2026 session is not yet published on the IGNOU assignments page (webservices.ignou.ac.in/assignments). Assignments for the current session are put on the website for download. MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I is a Core 1 course with 4 credits, part of the I Year (First Semester) of the Master of Arts (Sociology) (MASO) programme.
Assignments are compulsory for MSO 101. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026).
Tutor Marked Assignments for MSO 101 go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. However, a failed assignment must be re-submitted.
MSO 101 assignment questions: January 2026 sessions and July 2026 and January 2027 sessions
Assignment MSO-101/AST/TMA/2026-27 has 8 questions. Together they carry 160 marks. The instruction on the file: “Answer any five questions in about 500 words each.”
| Q. | Question | Marks | Unit to read |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discuss the contribution of Levi-Strauss and Edmund Leach to the understanding of social structure | 20 | Unit 5: Concept and Theories of Structure Block 2: Concept, Structure and Function |
| 2 | Delineate the role of concept and theory in sociological analysis | 20 | Unit 2: Concept and Theory Block 1: Approaching Sociological Theory |
| 3 | Discuss the elements of caste in gender stratification | 20 | Unit 14: Gender and Social Stratification Block 4: Theories of Social Stratification |
| 4 | Compare and contrast the functional approaches of Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski | 20 | Unit 6: Concept, Structure and Function Block 2: Concept, Structure and Function |
| 5 | Discuss the concept of Social Structure as a model | 20 | Unit 5: Concept and Theories of Structure Block 2: Concept, Structure and Function |
| 6 | What is entrepreneurship? Explain the perspective of Schumpeter on entrepreneurship | 20 | Unit 10: Entrepreneurship and Capitalism Block 3: Theory of Capitalism |
| 7 | Discuss Foucault's approach of ‘archaeology of knowledge' to understand society | 20 | Unit 4: Social Construction of Reality Block 1: Approaching Sociological Theory |
| 8 | Critically examine the concept of Alienation | 20 | Unit 11: Alienation Block 3: Theory of Capitalism |
Questions as printed in IGNOU’s file: MSO 101 assignment PDF. Check the Assignments page before you write, since IGNOU replaces the file each year.
Assignment rules that apply to every IGNOU course: front page format, paper and margin rules, binding and envelope and checking assignment status.
IGNOU student services
MSO 101 question papers and the term-end exam
IGNOU publishes previous MSO 101 term-end question papers on its Previous Question Papers page. These papers are arranged by programme and course. The University conducts term-end examinations twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country and abroad.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the MSO 101 exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, as it is not a language programme (December 2026 TEE). There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE).
Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated. Projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). Bachelor’s and Master’s students who are short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their division, with one opportunity only (January 2026). Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, available only with proof of selection for a post or further studies (January 2026).
For the exam itself: previous year question papers by programme, the exam form, the date sheet and results and grade card.
Official IGNOU links for MSO 101
- eGyanKosh: MSO-101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I
- IGNOU previous term-end question papers
- IGNOU assignments page
Common IGNOU Questions
Where can I find the study blocks for MSO 101?
The study blocks for MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I are available on eGyanKosh. This course has four blocks: Approaching Sociological Theory, Concept, Structure and Function, Theory of Capitalism, and Theories of Social Stratification. eGyanKosh hosts self-learning material for over 3923 courses.
Is MSO 101 offered in Hindi?
Yes, MSO 101 is available in both English and Hindi medium for the Master of Arts (Sociology) programme. Learners can also write the term-end examination in Hindi, even if they registered in English medium, for non-language programmes. This flexibility applies to the December 2026 TEE.
How many credits is MSO 101?
MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I is a 4-credit course. One IGNOU credit equals 30 hours of learner study, meaning this course requires 120 hours of study. It is a Core 1 course within the Master of Arts (Sociology) programme.
Is MSO 101 part of any other IGNOU programmes?
MSO 101 is listed in the course table for the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sociology) (MASO) programme. It is placed in the First Semester of the I Year.
Are assignments compulsory for MSO 101?
Yes, assignments are compulsory for MSO 101. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses before taking the Term-End Examination. Tutor Marked Assignments must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner's Learner Support Centre.
What is the examination fee for MSO 101?
The examination fee for MSO 101 is Rs. 200 per theory course. This fee applies to the December 2026 Term-End Examination. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
How many courses are in the first semester with MSO 101?
The first semester of the Master of Arts (Sociology) programme includes MSO 101 and four other courses. These are MSO 102, MSO 103, MSO 104, and MSOE 105. Each of these courses carries 4 credits.