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B-A in Sociology at Baba Vishwanath Mahavidyalaya, Lakhanpur, Varanasi
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Baba Vishwanath Mahavidyalaya, Lakhanpur, Varanasi Varanasi?
This B.A. Sociology program at Baba Vishwanath Mahavidyalaya focuses on understanding human society, social behavior patterns, and institutional structures. With India''''s diverse cultural fabric and rapid socio-economic changes, this program offers critical insights into contemporary social issues, historical contexts, and community dynamics, making it highly relevant for careers in public policy, social work, and research within the Indian landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious high school graduates interested in unraveling societal complexities and human interactions. It''''s also suitable for aspiring civil servants, social workers, community developers, and researchers seeking to build a foundational understanding of social theories and their practical application in India. A passion for critical thinking and social justice is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in NGOs, government agencies, social research organizations, and human resources. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters analytical skills, ethical awareness, and a nuanced perspective crucial for contributing to India''''s development and addressing its social challenges.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Social Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core sociological concepts taught in ''''Introduction to Sociology'''' and ''''Indian Society''''. Form study groups to discuss theories and their application to real-world Indian scenarios, fostering deeper comprehension.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology textbooks (Class 11 & 12), ''''Sociology: Themes and Perspectives'''' by Haralambos & Holborn, Reputable Indian news analyses on social issues
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and entry-level research roles requiring analytical depth and comprehensive knowledge of society.
Develop Critical Thinking & Observation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate a habit of observing social phenomena in your daily life in India – community interactions, cultural practices, news events – and connect them to sociological theories. Write short reflective essays or maintain a ''''sociological journal''''.
Tools & Resources
Documentary films on Indian society, Local news reports and analyses, Field visits to community centers or markets (with ethical considerations)
Career Connection
Essential for qualitative research, policy analysis, and any role requiring nuanced understanding of social dynamics and problem-solving.
Engage with Social Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in college debates, seminars, or online forums discussing contemporary Indian social issues (e.g., caste, gender, rural-urban divide). Learn to articulate sociological perspectives respectfully and constructively.
Tools & Resources
Public intellectual debates platforms, University-organized discussions and speaker events, Online platforms for academic discourse (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly)
Career Connection
Enhances communication, argumentation, and public speaking skills, highly valuable for advocacy, journalism, public relations, and academic presentation.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Apply basic research concepts from ''''Social Research Methods'''' by conducting small-scale surveys or interviews on a local social issue (e.g., student perceptions on digital education, impact of local festivals). Focus on practical data collection and interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Google Forms for surveys, Basic statistical software (e.g., Microsoft Excel), Guidance from faculty on research ethics and methodology
Career Connection
Builds practical research skills, data collection, and analysis experience highly valued by NGOs, social research firms, and academic institutions in India.
Explore Diverse Sociological Thinkers- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond textbook learning, delve deeper into the original works of key sociological thinkers (Indian and Western) taught in ''''Sociological Thinkers''''. Understand their theories'''' applicability and limitations in the Indian context through critical reading.
Tools & Resources
Original texts (translated if necessary), Academic journals and commentaries, Online lecture series by prominent Indian sociologists
Career Connection
Develops intellectual depth and theoretical grounding, crucial for advanced studies (MA, PhD) and specialized research roles requiring a strong theoretical base.
Network with Social Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Attend local workshops, conferences, or career fairs related to social work, public policy, or development. Connect with professionals from NGOs, government bodies, or research organizations to understand real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, College career services cell, Local community organizations'''' events and seminars
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and invaluable insights into potential career paths and current job market demands in India''''s social sector.
Advanced Stage
Participate in Internships/Fieldwork- (Semester 5-6 (during breaks or as part of curriculum))
Secure an internship with an NGO, a social welfare department, or a research organization focusing on areas like rural development, urban issues, or specific social problems in India. Gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell assistance, Direct applications to reputable NGOs (e.g., CRY, Goonj), Government schemes like MGNREGA or rural development projects
Career Connection
Provides invaluable hands-on experience, practical skill development, and networking for potential full-time employment or advanced studies in social work or public policy.
Prepare for Higher Studies & Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for entrance exams for MA Sociology (e.g., DU, JNU, TISS) or civil services exams (UPSC, state PSCs) where Sociology is an optional subject. Develop a strategic study plan.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Specialized coaching institutes (if needed), Mock tests and targeted study materials for specific exams in India
Career Connection
Direct pathway to academic careers, prestigious government jobs (IAS, IPS), or specialized roles requiring advanced sociological knowledge and analytical abilities.
Develop a Specialization Portfolio- (Semester 5-6)
Based on interest (e.g., gender studies, rural sociology, urban planning), curate a portfolio of research papers, projects, and fieldwork experiences, including a dissertation/project report if applicable, showcasing your expertise.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing software, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Canva), Digital portfolio platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, personal website)
Career Connection
Showcases specialized expertise and practical skills to potential employers or universities, leading to roles in specialized research, policy analysis, or advocacy groups.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) from a recognized board or equivalent examination.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-101 | Introduction to Sociology (समाजशास्त्र का परिचय) | Core / Major | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Sociology, Basic Concepts: Society, Community, Association, Institution, Social Groups: Primary, Secondary, Reference, Culture: Meaning, Elements, Characteristics, Socialization: Meaning, Agencies, Theories |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-201 | Indian Society: Structure and Change (भारतीय समाज: संरचना एवं परिवर्तन) | Core / Major | 4 | Characteristics of Indian Society: Unity in Diversity, Social Stratification: Caste, Class, Tribe, Marriage, Family, Kinship in India, Rural and Urban Society in India, Social Problems and Social Movements in India |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-301 | Basic Concepts of Sociology (समाजशास्त्र के आधारभूत संप्रत्यय) | Core / Major | 4 | Social Action, Social Interaction, Social Process, Status and Role, Norms and Values, Social Control: Meaning, Types, Agencies, Social Deviance: Meaning, Causes, Theories, Theories of Social Structure and Function |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-401 | Social Change and Social Control (सामाजिक परिवर्तन एवं सामाजिक नियंत्रण) | Core / Major | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Social Change, Theories of Social Change (Evolutionary, Cyclical, Conflict), Factors of Social Change (Technological, Cultural, Economic), Concept and Significance of Social Control, Agencies and Types of Social Control: Formal and Informal |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-501 | Sociological Thinkers (समाजशास्त्रीय विचारक) | Core / Major | 4 | Auguste Comte: Positivism, Hierarchy of Sciences, Herbert Spencer: Organic Analogy, Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim: Division of Labor, Social Facts, Suicide, Max Weber: Social Action, Ideal Types, Bureaucracy, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict |
| SO-502 | Social Research Methods (सामाजिक अनुसंधान प्रविधियाँ) | Core / Major | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Social Research, Steps of Social Research: Problem Formulation, Hypothesis, Research Design: Types and Components, Data Collection Methods: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-601 | Rural and Urban Sociology (ग्रामीण एवं नगरीय समाजशास्त्र) | Core / Major | 4 | Rural Sociology: Concepts, Characteristics of Rural Society, Agrarian Social Structure: Land Reforms, Peasant Movements, Urban Sociology: Concepts, Characteristics of Urban Society, Urbanization in India: Trends, Problems, Policies, Rural-Urban Linkages and Continuum |
| SO-602 | Social Problems in India (भारत में सामाजिक समस्याएँ) | Core / Major | 4 | Poverty and Unemployment in India, Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Juvenile Delinquency, Crime, Corruption, Terrorism, Communalism, Problems of Women, Children, Elderly, Disabled, Environmental Problems and Disasters |
