IGNOU MSO-101 Assignment 2026-27
Sociological Concepts and Theories-I
Last updated by IGNOU: 27 Jul 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 01 Nov 2026, 04:25 am.
| Course code | MSO-101 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Sociological Concepts and Theories-I |
| Programme | Master’s Degree Programme in Sociology (MA Sociology)MASO |
| School | School of Social Sciences |
| Assignment code | MSO-101/AST/TMA/2026-27 |
| Session | January 2026; July 2026 and January 2027 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | 31 Mar 2027 |
| Last date (December exam) | 30 Sept 2027 |
| Medium | English, Hindi |
About the MSO-101 assignment
The MSO-101 assignment covers sociological concepts and theoretical approaches to social structure, caste and gender, functionalism, entrepreneurship, knowledge and alienation. It asks students to describe, compare and critically examine ideas associated with major social thinkers.
The course-specific question sheet lists eight questions and requires answers to any five, in about 500 words each. Each question carries 20 marks, making a total of 100 marks, with a 30% assignment weightage. Although the general instructions describe ten questions across two sections, the MSO-101 sheet does not show section divisions.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 20 | Explain how Levi-Strauss and Edmund Leach contributed to the study of social structure. |
| Q2 | 20 | Examine the functions of concepts and theories in sociological analysis. |
| Q3 | 20 | Discuss how caste figures in gender stratification. |
| Q4 | 20 | Identify similarities and differences between the functional approaches of Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski. |
| Q5 | 20 | Explain the use of social structure as a model. |
| Q6 | 20 | Define entrepreneurship and discuss Schumpeter’s interpretation of it. |
| Q7 | 20 | Examine how Foucault’s archaeology of knowledge provides an approach to understanding society. |
| Q8 | 20 | Provide a critical examination of alienation as a sociological concept. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
How to write and submit it
- Attempt any five questions from the course-specific question sheet, keeping each answer to about 500 words.
- Write answers in your own words; discussions with fellow learners and academic counsellors should not lead to copied answers.
- Read the relevant course units and arrange your points logically before preparing your answers.
- Organise answers carefully, giving attention to the introduction and conclusion, and present the final version neatly.
- Submit the assignment to the Coordinator of your allotted Study Centre.
- Obtain and retain a submission receipt, and keep a photocopy of your assignment if possible.
- Ask the Study Centre to return your assignment after evaluation.
Submission dates: 31 March 2027 (June term-end exam); 30 September 2027 (December term-end exam). Dates differ by admission session: the PDF assigns these deadlines to the July 2026 and January 2027 batches, respectively.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions must I answer in the MSO-101 assignment?
The course-specific sheet lists eight questions, of which you must answer any five. Each carries 20 marks.
What is the word limit for each MSO-101 answer?
Write about 500 words for each answer.
What are the maximum marks and weightage for MSO-101?
The assignment has a maximum of 100 marks and a weightage of 30%.
What are the submission deadlines for the July 2026 and January 2027 sessions?
The deadline is 31 March 2027 for the July 2026 batch taking the June term-end exam, and 30 September 2027 for the January 2027 batch taking the December term-end exam. Submission dates differ by session.
Where should I submit the MSO-101 assignment?
Submit it to the Coordinator of your allotted Study Centre. Obtain a receipt and retain it as proof of submission.
What is the assignment code for MSO-101?
The printed assignment code is MSO-101/AST/TMA/2026-27.
Other IGNOU MASO assignments
- MSO-102: Sociological Concepts and Theories-II
- MSO-103: Sociology in India-I
- MSO-104: Sociology in India-II
- MSO-106: Rural Sociology
- MSOE-105: Introduction to Urban Sociology
Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.