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MA in Sociology at Brahma Ramdeo Baba Devanand Post Graduate College
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Brahma Ramdeo Baba Devanand Post Graduate College Deoria?
This MA Sociology program at Brahma Ramdeo Baba Devanand Post Graduate College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human societies, social behavior, and social structures. It delves into classical and contemporary sociological theories, research methodologies, and critical social issues specific to the Indian context, preparing students for impactful roles in various sectors. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking and a nuanced perspective on societal challenges and development in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline, particularly those with a background in social sciences, seeking to build a strong foundation in sociological inquiry. It also attracts working professionals aiming to upskill their understanding of social dynamics for roles in public administration, NGOs, research, or policy analysis. Career changers looking to transition into fields requiring strong analytical and social research skills will also find this program highly beneficial, particularly for engaging with India''''s diverse social landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including social research, public policy analysis, social work, journalism, and teaching. Entry-level salaries for social researchers or project coordinators typically range from INR 3-5 Lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and empirical research skills, crucial for navigating growth trajectories in government sectors, academic institutions, and leading non-governmental organizations across India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sociological Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding classical sociological theories and core concepts in Indian society. Join study groups, utilize library resources for foundational texts, and actively participate in classroom discussions to build a strong conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
College Library (Durkheim, Weber, Marx texts), Online academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust theoretical foundation is critical for analytical roles in research and policy, enabling you to frame social problems effectively for future career opportunities.
Develop Core Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Practice data collection techniques, basic statistical analysis using Excel, and qualitative data interpretation. Seek opportunities for minor research projects or surveys within the college or local community.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel for data tabulation, Local NGOs for survey practice, Textbooks on Research Methodology
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is highly sought after by NGOs, research institutions, and government bodies for data-driven decision-making and project evaluation.
Engage with Local Social Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek opportunities to understand local social issues prevalent in Deoria and surrounding areas. Volunteer with local NGOs, participate in awareness campaigns, or attend local government meetings to observe social dynamics firsthand.
Tools & Resources
Local NGO directories, Community outreach programs, Local news and government reports
Career Connection
Practical exposure to Indian social realities enhances your problem-solving skills and makes you a more empathetic and effective professional in social work and community development roles.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Skill Development- (Semester 3-4)
Choose optional papers strategically based on your career interests (e.g., Sociology of Health, Industrial Sociology). Complement classroom learning with online courses or workshops focused on specialized areas like social impact assessment, CSR, or advanced data analysis tools relevant to sociology.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses in social sciences, Coursera/edX for specialized certificates, Local workshops on data analysis software like SPSS (if available)
Career Connection
Specialized skills differentiate you in the job market, opening doors to niche roles in areas like public health, labor relations, or environmental policy research.
Seek Internships and Fieldwork- (Semester 3-4)
Actively look for internships during semester breaks with NGOs, social enterprises, or government agencies. Engage in fieldwork, data collection, and report writing under supervision to gain practical experience and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn for internship postings, Department faculty for guidance on fieldwork opportunities, Local government bodies for observational studies
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for industry exposure and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong professional references, enhancing your employability in India.
Participate in Academic Conferences and Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Present papers at college-level seminars or inter-college academic competitions. Write research articles for student journals or college magazines. This hones your presentation skills, critical thinking, and academic writing abilities.
Tools & Resources
College debate clubs, research societies, Student academic journals, University-level research competitions
Career Connection
Such participation builds your academic profile, boosts confidence, and prepares you for higher studies or roles requiring strong communication and analytical skills.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation or project work. Choose a topic with practical relevance to Indian society, conduct thorough research, and produce a high-quality, impactful report. Seek regular feedback from your faculty mentor.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Statistical software for advanced analysis, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece, showcasing your expertise and research capabilities to potential employers or for Ph.D. admissions.
Career Planning and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage with the college''''s placement cell (if available) or career counseling services. Prepare a compelling CV, practice interview skills, and attend workshops on public speaking and professional etiquette. Network with alumni working in relevant fields.
Tools & Resources
College career cell services, Online platforms for interview practice, Alumni network on LinkedIn
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures you are job-ready and competitive for roles in NGOs, government agencies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments upon graduation.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 4)
Actively connect with faculty, guest lecturers, professionals from internships, and alumni through professional networking events and online platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in professional associations if available.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, College alumni association events, Industry seminars and webinars
Career Connection
A strong professional network is invaluable for job referrals, mentorship, and staying updated on industry trends, which is crucial for long-term career growth in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, preferably with Sociology as a subject, as per Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Classical Sociological Tradition-I | Core | 4 | Auguste Comte: Positivism, Social Statics and Dynamics, Herbert Spencer: Organic Analogy, Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Suicide, Division of Labour, Max Weber: Social Action, Authority, Bureaucracy |
| SOC 102 | Research Methodology-I (Quantitative) | Core | 4 | Social Research: Nature, Types, Steps, Research Design: Exploratory, Descriptive, Experimental, Sampling Techniques: Probability and Non-Probability, Data Collection: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Data Analysis: Central Tendency, Tabulation |
| SOC 103 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core | 4 | Traditional Indian Social Structure: Varna, Jati, Ashram, Marriage, Family, Kinship Systems, Religion and Society in India, Rural and Urban Social Dynamics, Social Stratification: Class, Status, Power |
| SOC 104 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Political Sociology: Nature, Scope, Theories, Power, Authority, Legitimacy, State, Civil Society, Democracy, Political Elites and Social Movements, Political Culture, Socialization, Participation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 105 | Classical Sociological Tradition-II | Core | 4 | Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Alienation, V. Pareto: Logical and Non-Logical Action, Circulation of Elites, G. Simmel: Formal Sociology, Social Forms, Interaction, P. Bourdieu: Habitus, Capital, Field |
| SOC 106 | Research Methodology-II (Qualitative) | Core | 4 | Qualitative Research: Meaning, Types, Methods, Ethnography, Case Study, Life History, Content Analysis, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Data Analysis: Grounded Theory, Discourse Analysis, Ethics in Social Research |
| SOC 107 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural Sociology: Community, Agrarian Structure, Rural Development Programs in India, Urban Sociology: Urbanization, Urban Problems, Smart Cities concept, Urban Planning, Impact of globalization on rural and urban spaces |
| SOC 108 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Development: Theories (Modernization, Dependency), Human Development Index (HDI), SDGs, Development Planning in India: History, Policies, Social Change and Development Paradigms, Challenges of sustainable development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 201 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology-I | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism: Parsons, Merton, Conflict Theory: Dahrendorf, Coser, Symbolic Interactionism: Mead, Blumer, Ethnomethodology: Garfinkel, Exchange Theory: Homans, Blau |
| SOC 202 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Demography: Concepts, Measures (Fertility, Mortality, Migration), Population Theories: Malthus, Demographic Transition, Population Structure and Composition, Population Policy in India, Family Planning, Urbanization and Population Distribution |
| SOC 203 | Sociology of Crime and Deviance | Core | 4 | Crime and Deviance: Concepts, Theories (Anomie, Differential Association), Social Control and Justice System, Types of Crime: White Collar, Cybercrime, Organized Crime, Penology and Correctional Administration, Victimology and Restorative Justice |
| SOC (A) 204 | Sociology of Health (Optional Paper) | Elective | 4 | Health, Illness, Disease: Sociological Perspectives, Social Determinants of Health in India, Healthcare Systems and Policies in India, Medical Pluralism, Ethnomedicine, Public Health and Epidemiology |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 205 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology-II | Core | 4 | Post-Structuralism: Foucault, Derrida, Postmodernism: Lyotard, Baudrillard, Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Socialist, Globalization Theories and Impacts, Indian Sociological Thinkers: M.N. Srinivas, G.S. Ghurye |
| SOC 206 | Social Change and Development in India | Core | 4 | Social Change: Concepts, Theories, Factors, Planned Social Change in India: Five Year Plans, Social Movements: Agrarian, Environmental, Dalit, Impact of Globalization on Indian Society, Land Reforms, Green Revolution, Industrialization |
| SOC 207 | Dissertation / Project Work / Field Work | Core | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Fieldwork Techniques and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Dissertation/Project Report Writing, Presentation and Viva Voce |
| SOC (A) 208 | Industrial Sociology (Optional Paper) | Elective | 4 | Industrialization and Society in India, Industrial Relations and Labor Welfare, Trade Unions and Labor Movements, Work Culture and Organizational Behavior, Impact of Technology on Work |
