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MA in Sociology at Baba Ramdal Surajdev Smarak Mahavidyalaya
Ballia, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Baba Ramdal Surajdev Smarak Mahavidyalaya Ballia?
This MA Sociology program at Baba Ramdal Surajdev Smarak Mahavidyalaya focuses on equipping students with a profound understanding of societal structures, human behavior, and cultural dynamics. It delves into classical and contemporary sociological theories, research methodologies, and critical social issues pertinent to India, fostering analytical and interpretive skills crucial for addressing complex challenges within the diverse Indian social fabric.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in social sciences, humanities, or related fields, seeking entry into research, policy analysis, or social sector roles. It also benefits working professionals like educators, social workers, or administrators aiming to deepen their sociological understanding for career advancement or to transition into social development and advocacy within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social research, NGO work, government policy making, human resources, and journalism. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in both public sector undertakings and private organizations focused on social impact, often leading to roles like social scientists, development specialists, or urban planners.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong theoretical base by deeply understanding classical and modern sociological thinkers, theories, and research methodologies. Actively participate in classroom discussions and use supplementary readings to clarify complex ideas.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology textbooks (for foundational review), Standard MA Sociology textbooks (e.g., Haralambos, Ritzer), JSTOR for academic papers, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Essential for any role requiring social analysis, policy formulation, or research, providing the intellectual framework for critical thinking and problem-solving in India''''s diverse socio-cultural landscape.
Develop Strong Research Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on research methods and statistics. Practice designing small research projects, collecting data (even through mock surveys), and conducting basic data analysis to build practical skills.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for statistical analysis (introductory level), Google Scholar for literature review, Basic survey tools like Google Forms, Mentorship from faculty on mini-research projects
Career Connection
Crucial for careers in social research, market research, policy evaluation, and data-driven roles in NGOs or government departments that rely on robust evidence for decision-making.
Engage in Critical Reading and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Go beyond textbooks; read current affairs, sociological journals, and actively engage in informed debates on contemporary Indian social issues. This significantly improves analytical skills and helps contextualize theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Economic & Political Weekly (EPW), The Hindu/Indian Express editorials, Frontline magazine, College debate clubs and departmental seminars
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, persuasive communication, and critical thinking abilities, which are invaluable for roles in advocacy, journalism, teaching, and policy analysis within the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Internships/Fieldwork- (Semester 3 (during breaks) & Semester 4 (concurrently or after exams))
Actively seek internships with NGOs, social research organizations, government departments, or CSR initiatives to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and gain invaluable practical experience and exposure to ground realities in India.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Faculty network, Local NGOs focusing on social development, rural/urban studies
Career Connection
Provides essential practical exposure, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers or significantly enhances employability for specific sector roles in social work and development.
Specialize through Electives and Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Choose elective papers wisely, aligning with your career interests (e.g., Criminology, Gender Studies, Medical Sociology). Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation/project, aiming for a research output of publishable quality if possible.
Tools & Resources
University library resources and research databases, Mentorship from expert supervisors, Workshops on academic writing and research ethics
Career Connection
Develops deep expertise in a niche area, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized research roles, academic positions, or focused NGO work, and can be a strong portfolio piece.
Network and Prepare for Placements/Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures to network with professionals and alumni. Start preparing for competitive exams (UGC NET, UPSC Civil Services) or PhD applications if higher studies are desired, or placement interviews for job roles.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network, College career guidance cells, Online mock interview platforms, Specific coaching for competitive exams, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Directly translates into successful placements in reputed organizations, securing admissions for advanced degrees, or cracking competitive government exams, setting a clear career trajectory in India.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (10+2+3 system) in any discipline from a recognized University.
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 64 (4 credits per paper, 4 papers per semester) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI-101 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer and Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Max Weber: Ideal Types, Authority, Protestant Ethic, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Georg Simmel: Formal Sociology, Urban Life |
| SOCI-102 | Methodology of Social Research | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science, Research Design and Types, Methods of Data Collection (Survey, Observation, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Measurement and Scaling, Data Analysis and Interpretation |
| SOCI-103 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core | 4 | Unity in Diversity and Regionalism, Caste System: Origin, Changes, Challenges, Class Structure and Mobility, Marriage, Family and Kinship, Religion and Secularism, Social Change in India |
| SOCI-104 | Rural Sociology | Core | 4 | Concepts of Rural Society and Economy, Agrarian Structure and Relations, Rural Development Programmes (Panchayati Raj, MGNREGA), Rural-Urban Continuum and Migration, Social Stratification in Rural India, Green Revolution and its Impact |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI-201 | Modern Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Conflict Theory (Dahrendorf, Coser), Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Blumer), Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology, Feminist Sociological Theories, Postmodernism and Post-structuralism |
| SOCI-202 | Quantitative Techniques and Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Basic Statistical Concepts, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing (Chi-square, t-test), Introduction to SPSS/Excel for Data Analysis, Data Presentation and Interpretation |
| SOCI-203 | Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Urbanization and Urbanism, Theories of City Growth, Urban Problems (Slums, Poverty, Crime), Urban Planning and Governance, Social Ecology of the City, Migration and Urban Life |
| SOCI-204 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, State, Civil Society, and Nation, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Bureaucracy and Governance, Globalization and Politics, Social Movements and Political Change |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI-301 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Population Studies: Concepts and Theories, Fertility: Trends and Determinants, Mortality: Patterns and Health Issues, Migration: Types, Causes, Consequences, Population Structure and Composition, Population Policies in India |
| SOCI-302 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Concepts and Theories of Development, Underdevelopment and Dependency, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Globalization and its Impact on Development, Role of NGOs and Civil Society in Development, Development Planning and Strategies in India |
| SOCI-303 | Industrial Sociology (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Industry and Society: Key Concepts, Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare, Workforce Diversity and Management, Trade Unions and Industrial Disputes, Impact of Globalization on Industry, Social Security Measures in India |
| SOCI-304 | Criminology and Penology (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Nature and Scope of Criminology, Theories of Crime and Deviance, Types of Crime (Organized, Cyber, White Collar), Criminal Justice System in India, Punishment and Correctional Systems, Juvenile Delinquency and Control |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI-401 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Concepts of Sex, Gender, and Patriarchy, Gender Roles and Socialization, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Feminist Theories and Perspectives, Gender and Development |
| SOCI-402 | Social Problems in India | Core | 4 | Poverty and Unemployment, Corruption and Black Money, Environmental Degradation and Climate Change, Communalism and Regionalism, Terrorism and Naxalism, Drug Abuse and Alcoholism |
| SOCI-403 | Project Work/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Fieldwork and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Documentation, Viva Voce and Presentation |
| SOCI-404 | Sociology of Health (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Health, Illness, and Society, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems and Policies in India, Medical Profession and Ethics, Public Health and Epidemiology, Traditional Healing Practices |
