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MA in Sociology at Bharatiya Mahavidyalaya
Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Bharatiya Mahavidyalaya Auraiya?
This MA Sociology program at Bharatiya Mahavidyalaya, Auraiya, affiliated with CSJMU Kanpur, offers an in-depth understanding of societal structures, dynamics, and research methodologies. It integrates classical and contemporary sociological theories with practical applications relevant to India''''s diverse social landscape. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis of social issues, preparing students for impactful roles in academia, social development, and public policy formulation within the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates, particularly those with a background in Sociology or related humanities, eager to deepen their analytical and research skills. It also serves working professionals in NGOs, social work, or public administration seeking to enhance their theoretical foundations and practical expertise. Individuals passionate about social justice, community development, policy analysis, and academic research will find this program intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding for contributions to Indian society.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, development professionals, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing with experience in research firms, government bodies, and non-profit organizations. The program cultivates critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication skills, highly valued across sectors. It also provides a strong academic foundation for pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees, enabling careers in advanced research and higher education.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Theories & Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding classical and modern sociological theories, key concepts, and their historical context. Utilize recommended textbooks, academic journals, and online resources to build a strong conceptual base. Form study groups to discuss complex ideas and clarify doubts with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology books (for revision), Standard textbooks (e.g., Haralambos & Holborn, Ritzer), Online academic databases (JSTOR, ResearchGate), University library resources
Career Connection
A robust theoretical foundation is essential for analytical roles in research, policy analysis, and teaching, enabling you to frame and interpret social phenomena effectively in India.
Develop Strong Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all components of Research Methodology courses, paying close attention to both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Practice formulating research questions, designing studies, and basic data collection methods through class assignments and small personal projects. Seek feedback on your research proposals.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for basic statistical analysis (start with tutorials), Survey tools (Google Forms), Interview guides, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Strong research skills are paramount for roles in social research organizations, market research, data analysis, and policy evaluation in India, making you a valuable asset to any data-driven organization.
Engage with Indian Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, actively read current affairs, newspaper articles, and reports from government bodies (e.g., NITI Aayog, Ministry of Social Justice) and NGOs on Indian social issues (caste, gender, rural-urban disparities). Connect classroom theories to real-world social problems in India.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian news sources (The Hindu, Indian Express), Academic articles on Indian sociology, Government reports, Documentaries on social issues
Career Connection
A deep contextual understanding of India''''s social fabric is crucial for effective work in social development, community engagement, and public policy, enhancing your relevance in the Indian job market.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Independent Mini-Projects/Internships- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek out short-term research projects or internships with local NGOs, government departments (e.g., District Social Welfare Office), or community organizations. Apply theoretical knowledge and research skills gained in earlier semesters to real-world social challenges.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, NGO directories, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Project proposal templates
Career Connection
Practical experience provides valuable hands-on skills, builds a professional network, and strengthens your CV for roles in social work, development sector, and research.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Readings- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective courses that align with your career interests (e.g., Sociology of Health, Criminology, Sociology of Environment). Supplement coursework with advanced readings in your chosen area of specialization, attending webinars or workshops related to these fields.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals in your elective area, Online courses (NPTEL, Coursera) for deeper dives, Expert talks, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Specialization makes you more marketable for specific roles in sectors like public health, criminal justice, or environmental policy, setting you apart from generalists.
Develop Academic Writing & Presentation Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on refining your academic writing for term papers, assignments, and especially the project report. Practice presenting your research findings clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Seek constructive criticism from faculty and peers to improve.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Academic style guides (APA/MLA), Presentation software (PowerPoint/Google Slides), Mock presentations
Career Connection
Excellent communication and presentation skills are critical for any professional role, particularly in research, policy advocacy, teaching, and leadership positions.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Treat your dissertation as a capstone project that showcases your cumulative knowledge and research prowess. Choose a relevant, original, and researchable topic. Engage deeply with your supervisor, meticulously plan your research, execute data collection ethically, and write a high-quality thesis.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology handbooks, Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python for data science), Academic integrity guidelines, Thesis formatting tools
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates your ability to conduct independent, rigorous research, a key asset for academic careers, think tanks, and advanced research roles in government or private sectors.
Prepare for Post-MA Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Start exploring career options early in your final semester. Prepare a professional CV highlighting your research experience and skills. Practice interview techniques, and if considering academia, prepare for NET/SET exams or PhD applications. Network with alumni and professionals in your target fields.
Tools & Resources
College career counseling services, LinkedIn for networking, Competitive exam coaching materials, Mock interviews, Alumni mentor programs
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into the professional world or higher education, maximizing your chances of securing desirable placements or admissions.
Contribute to Social Discourse- (Semester 4)
Look for opportunities to present your research at college seminars, local conferences, or even publish short articles in college magazines or local newspapers. Participate in debates and discussions on contemporary social issues. This demonstrates intellectual engagement and thought leadership.
Tools & Resources
College events, Local/regional academic conferences, Online forums for sociology students, Blogging platforms
Career Connection
Active participation in social discourse enhances your visibility, sharpens your critical thinking, and establishes you as an informed voice, beneficial for advocacy, journalism, or public intellectual roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (preferably with Sociology or allied subject) from a recognized university
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C-101 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer and Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim: Division of Labor, Suicide, Religion, Max Weber: Social Action, Authority, Bureaucracy, Protestant Ethic, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Georg Simmel: Formal Sociology, Metropolis and Mental Life |
| SO-C-102 | Research Methodology-I (Qualitative Research) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Research, Research Design and Types, Qualitative Research Methods: Ethnography, Case Study, Data Collection Techniques: Interview, Observation, Content Analysis, Interpretation of Qualitative Data, Ethics in Social Research |
| SO-C-103 | Sociology of India | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Society (Indological, Structural-Functional), Caste System: Origin, Features, Changes, Class Structure in India (Agrarian, Industrial, Middle Class), Tribal Communities: Characteristics, Problems, Policies, Family, Marriage and Kinship in India, Religion and Secularism in India |
| SO-C-104 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power, Authority, and Legitimacy (Weber, Gramsci, Foucault), State and Civil Society: Theories and Debates, Democracy: Types, Challenges, and Participation, Political Parties, Pressure Groups, and Social Movements, Globalization and the Changing Nature of State |
| SO-VEC-105 | Value Added Course (VEC) | Value Added Course | 2 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C-201 | Sociological Theories: Modern and Post-Modern | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Conflict Theory (Coser, Dahrendorf), Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Blumer, Goffman), Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology (Schutz, Garfinkel), Post-Structuralism (Derrida, Foucault), Postmodernism (Lyotard, Baudrillard) |
| SO-C-202 | Research Methodology-II (Quantitative Research) | Core | 4 | Quantitative Research: Design and Hypotheses, Measurement: Scaling Techniques, Reliability, Validity, Sampling Techniques: Probability and Non-Probability, Data Collection: Survey, Questionnaire, Statistical Analysis: Central Tendency, Dispersion, Correlation, Regression, Report Writing and Interpretation of Quantitative Data |
| SO-C-203 | Social Change and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Change: Evolution, Progress, Development, Theories of Development: Modernization, Dependency, World-System, Agents of Social Change: Technology, Education, Social Movements, Underdevelopment and Poverty: Global and Indian Context, Sustainable Development: Goals, Challenges, and Policies, Globalization and Social Transformation in India |
| SO-C-204 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural Society: Characteristics, Village Studies in India, Agrarian Structure: Land Reforms, Peasant Movements, Urbanization: Trends, Causes, and Consequences, Urban Problems: Slums, Crime, Pollution, Rural-Urban Linkages and Migration, Rural Development Programs and Policies in India |
| SO-VEC-205 | Value Added Course (VEC) | Value Added Course | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C-301 | Sociology of Kinship and Family | Core | 4 | Kinship Systems: Types, Terminology, Descent, Marriage: Forms, Functions, Changes, Family: Types, Functions, Changing Structures in India, Gender Roles and Division of Labor in Family, Domestic Violence and Family Disruptions, Emerging Family Forms and Challenges |
| SO-C-302 | Sociology of Religion | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Sociology of Religion, Classical Theories of Religion (Durkheim, Weber, Marx), Religion and Society: Functions and Dysfunctions, Religious Movements: Revivalist, Reformist, Sects, Secularism: Debates and Indian Context, Religious Pluralism and Communalism in India |
| SO-C-303 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Environment and Society: Interrelationship, Environmental Problems: Pollution, Deforestation, Resource Depletion, Environmental Movements in India (Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan), Sustainable Development: Concepts and Challenges, Climate Change: Social Dimensions and Impacts, Environmental Ethics and Policy in India |
| SO-E-304 | Sociology of Education | Elective | 4 | Education and Society: Functionalist, Conflict, Interactionist views, Theories of Education: Human Capital, Credentialism, Education System in India: Structure, Challenges, Reforms, Educational Inequality: Caste, Class, Gender, Tribe, Role of Education in Social Mobility and Change, Education Policy and Planning in India |
| SO-E-305 | Sociology of Health and Medicine | Elective | 4 | Health, Illness, and Society: Sociological Perspectives, Medical Systems: Traditional, Modern, Alternative, Public Health: Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Health Policy and Planning in India, Social Determinants of Health: Poverty, Nutrition, Sanitation, Doctor-Patient Relationship and Medical Ethics |
| SO-E-306 | Industrial Sociology | Elective | 4 | Industrial Society: Characteristics and Evolution, Work Organization: Bureaucracy, Scientific Management, Human Relations, Labor Relations: Trade Unions, Collective Bargaining, Industrial Disputes: Strikes, Lockouts, Resolution, Impact of Globalization on Industry and Labor, Informal Sector and Contract Labor in India |
| SO-E-307 | Criminology | Elective | 4 | Crime and Deviance: Definitions, Theories (Biological, Psychological), Sociological Theories of Crime (Strain, Control, Labeling), Types of Crime: Violent, Property, White-Collar, Cyber Crime, Criminal Justice System: Police, Courts, Prisons, Punishment and Rehabilitation: Debates and Practices, Victimology and Crime Prevention |
| SO-P-308 | Project | Project | 2 | Research Topic Identification and Formulation, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Selection of Research Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Report Writing and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Project Work |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C-401 | Sociology of Mass Media | Core | 4 | Mass Media: Concepts, Evolution, Functions, Communication Theories: Cultivation, Agenda Setting, Uses and Gratifications, Media and Society: Representation, Ideology, Public Sphere, Globalization and Media Imperialism, Digital Media, Social Media, and their Sociological Impact, Media Ethics and Regulation in India |
| SO-C-402 | Sociology of Gender | Core | 4 | Gender, Sex, and Sexuality: Key Concepts, Theories of Gender (Feminist Perspectives), Patriarchy and Gender Stratification, Gender Roles: Socialization, Identity, Performance, Gender and Development: Policies and Programs in India, LGBTQ+ Issues and Gender Justice |
| SO-C-403 | Population Studies | Core | 4 | Demography: Scope, Methods, and Sources of Data, Population Theories (Malthus, Demographic Transition), Population Growth and Distribution: Global and Indian Context, Components of Population Change: Fertility, Mortality, Migration, Population Structure: Age-Sex Composition, Population Policy and Family Planning in India |
| SO-E-404 | Sociology of Development | Elective | 4 | Theories of Development: Rostow, Frank, Wallerstein, Development Planning and Strategies in India, Social Exclusion and Inclusive Development, Poverty Alleviation Programs and Challenges, Globalization, Liberalization, and Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India |
| SO-E-405 | Social Demography | Elective | 4 | Population Structure and Characteristics, Age and Sex Composition: Significance and Determinants, Demographic Transition Theory in detail, Population Dynamics: Components and Measures, Urbanization and its Demographic Implications, Family Planning and Reproductive Health in India |
| SO-E-406 | Social Psychology | Elective | 4 | Socialization: Agents, Theories, Stages, Group Dynamics: Formation, Cohesion, Leadership, Attitudes: Formation, Change, Measurement, Social Influence: Conformity, Obedience, Persuasion, Prejudice, Stereotypes, and Discrimination, Aggression, Altruism, and Prosocial Behavior |
| SO-E-407 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Elective | 4 | Concept of Human Rights: Evolution and Universality, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, Social Justice: Concepts, Theories, and Movements, Discrimination and Vulnerable Groups (Women, Dalits, Minorities), Role of NGOs and Civil Society in Human Rights |
| SO-D-408 | Dissertation | Dissertation | 2 | Advanced Research Problem Formulation, Extensive Literature Review and Gap Analysis, Selection of Appropriate Research Design and Tools, Ethical Data Collection and Advanced Analysis, Thesis Writing and Argumentation, Oral Defense (Viva-Voce) Preparation |
