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BA in Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This BA Honours in Sociology program at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) offers an in-depth exploration of societal structures, human behavior, and cultural dynamics. It provides a robust theoretical foundation combined with practical research skills, addressing contemporary social issues with a critical perspective. The program uniquely integrates Indian societal contexts, making it highly relevant to the diverse challenges and opportunities within the country''''s evolving social landscape. It prepares students to understand and analyze complex social phenomena.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream who possess a keen interest in understanding societal complexities and human interactions. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in social research, policy analysis, development work, journalism, or public service. Students with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, desiring to contribute meaningfully to social development in India, will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, NGO workers, human resource specialists, or journalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in government bodies, think tanks, corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments, and non-profit organizations. The program fosters analytical skills crucial for success in various Indian industries.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Core Sociological Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational theories and concepts in sociology. Regularly read key texts, participate actively in class discussions, and form study groups with peers to solidify understanding. Focus on connecting theoretical frameworks to everyday social phenomena observed in India.
Tools & Resources
Core textbooks, academic journals, online sociological encyclopedias, peer study circles
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for advanced studies and analytical roles in social research or policy, enabling informed interpretations of societal issues.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to ''''Methods of Sociological Research.'''' Practice designing small-scale research proposals, data collection techniques like surveys and interviews, and basic data analysis. Utilize university library resources for literature reviews. Explore basic statistical software if introduced.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (basic exposure), Google Scholar, university library databases, research methodology guides
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is indispensable for roles in data analysis, market research, program evaluation, and academic research.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in debates and discussions, questioning conventional wisdom. Focus on developing clear, concise, and well-structured academic essays. Seek feedback from professors on written assignments to improve analytical rigor and expression. Read diverse perspectives on Indian social issues.
Tools & Resources
Writing center services, academic writing guides, peer review sessions, critical sociological essays on India
Career Connection
Strong critical thinking and writing skills are vital for all professional roles, particularly in policy, media, and advocacy where persuasive communication is key.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork and Community Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities for fieldwork, community engagement, or volunteer work with NGOs. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world social problems. Document experiences and reflect on how sociological concepts explain observed realities in various Indian communities.
Tools & Resources
University''''s NSS/CSR cells, local NGOs, community development organizations, field visit reports
Career Connection
Practical exposure enriches understanding, builds empathy, and makes you highly employable in development sectors, social work, and CSR roles in India.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-5)
Attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by sociologists, social workers, and policy makers. Connect with alumni working in relevant fields through university events or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Seek mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university alumni network, career fairs, professional association events
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities, providing insights into various career paths within India''''s social sector.
Deepen Specialization through Electives- (Semester 5)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career interests (e.g., Sociology of Health, Gender, Development). Dedicate extra time to reading advanced literature in these areas and attending related webinars or certification courses relevant to India''''s context.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera, advanced texts in chosen DSE areas, industry reports
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more competitive candidate for niche roles in policy, research, or advocacy related to your chosen area.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Approach your final year research project with utmost dedication. Choose a topic relevant to contemporary Indian society, conduct rigorous research, analyze findings critically, and present your work professionally. This is a significant opportunity to showcase your analytical and research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Research guides, statistical software (e.g., R, Python for data analysis), academic writing tools (e.g., Mendeley for citations), faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece for postgraduate studies, research positions, or think tanks, demonstrating your ability to contribute original insights.
Prepare for Higher Education or Placements- (Semester 6)
For those pursuing further studies, prepare for entrance exams (e.g., NET, SET, GRE) and start applying to Masters/PhD programs. For placements, develop a compelling resume focused on your sociological skills, practice interview techniques, and participate in mock interviews. Utilize the university''''s placement cell.
Tools & Resources
Career services, interview preparation platforms, resume builders, aptitude test resources
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures smooth transition to desired career paths, whether in academia, government, or the private sector in India.
Engage in Public Sociology and Advocacy- (Semester 5-6)
Translate sociological insights for a broader audience through blogs, articles, or presentations on social issues. Participate in advocacy campaigns or volunteer for organizations working on social justice in India. This enhances communication skills and public engagement capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Blogging platforms, social media for advocacy, local NGOs, public speaking forums
Career Connection
Demonstrates leadership, communication, and a commitment to social impact, valuable for roles in public relations, advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and civil services.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 level (ISC/CBSE/NIOS/STATE Board) in any stream from any recognized Board in India or abroad.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 86 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASO131 | Foundation to Sociology | Core | 4 | Emergence of Sociology, Sociological Imagination, Research Methods, Culture and Society, Socialization, Basic Social Institutions |
| BASO132 | Methods of Sociological Research | Core | 4 | Scientific Method in Sociology, Research Design, Data Collection Techniques, Quantitative Approaches, Qualitative Approaches, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| BAEL131 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Sustainable Development, Human Population and Environment |
| BAAEG131 | English Language I | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Grammar and Usage, Reading Comprehension, Basic Writing Skills, Oral Communication, Vocabulary Building, Introduction to Literary Forms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASO231 | Social Stratification | Core | 4 | Social Inequality Theories, Class, Status, and Power, Caste System in India, Gender and Sexuality, Race and Ethnicity, Social Mobility |
| BASO232 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Characteristics of Rural Society, Urbanization Processes, Rural-Urban Continuum, Village Studies in India, Urban Problems and Challenges, Urban Planning and Policies |
| BAAEG231 | English Language II | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Advanced Reading Strategies, Academic Writing and Essay Structure, Critical Thinking and Analysis, Public Speaking and Presentation, Research Skills, Literary Criticism Basics |
| BASC2XX | Skill Enhancement Course | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASO331 | Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Classical Sociological Thinkers (Marx, Durkheim, Weber), Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Postmodern and Feminist Theories, Contemporary Sociological Debates |
| BASO332 | Indian Society: Structure and Change | Core | 4 | Indian Social Structure, Caste System and its Transformations, Family, Kinship, Marriage in India, Processes of Social Change, Globalization and its Impact, Development and Displacements |
| BAAEG331 | English Language III | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Professional Communication, Research Paper Writing, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques, Critical Reading, Report Writing |
| BASC3XX | Skill Enhancement Course | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASO431 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Social Cognition and Perception, Self and Identity, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Prejudice and Discrimination, Social Influence and Conformity |
| BASO432 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Global Development Agendas, Sustainable Development Goals, Role of State and Market, Social Movements and Development, Impact of Globalization on Development |
| BAAEG431 | English Language IV | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Advanced Academic Writing, Discourse Analysis, Intercultural Communication, Media Literacy, Persuasive Writing, Research Methodology in English |
| BASC4XX | Skill Enhancement Course | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASO531 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | State, Society, and Power, Political Systems and Participation, Citizenship and Rights, Social Movements and Protest, Democracy and Governance, Globalization and Politics |
| BASO532 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Environmental Problems and Crises, Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Movements, Sustainable Lifestyles, Climate Change and Society, Environmental Policy and Governance |
| BASO551A | Sociology of Health and Illness | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Health Systems and Society, Social Epidemiology, Experience of Illness, Medicalization of Society, Public Health Policies, Health Inequalities |
| BASO551B | Sociology of Gender | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Gender Roles and Socialization, Patriarchy and Feminism, Gender and Work, Gender-based Violence, LGBTQ+ Studies, Gender and Development |
| BASO551C | Sociology of Education | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Education Systems and Structure, Social Inequality in Education, Education Policy and Reform, Globalization and Education, Curriculum Studies, Role of Schooling |
| BASO551D | Sociology of Human Rights | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concepts of Human Rights, Universalism vs. Relativism, Rights of Minorities and Vulnerable Groups, Social Justice and Advocacy, Human Rights Movements, Global Human Rights Regimes |
| BASO552A | Sociology of Visual Culture | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Media and Society, Visual Representation and Power, Popular Culture, Advertising and Consumerism, Spectacle and Surveillance, Digital Culture and Social Media |
| BASO552B | Introduction to Social Demography | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Population Studies Basics, Fertility, Mortality, and Migration, Population Structure and Composition, Demographic Transition Theory, Population Policies, Gender and Demography |
| BASO552C | Applied Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Policy Analysis, Social Impact Assessment, Program Evaluation, Community Development, Action Research, Sociology in Practice |
| BASO552D | Sociology of Religion | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Religious Pluralism, Secularization Debate, Religious Movements, Religion and Politics, Spirituality and Modernity, Religious Identity |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASO631 | Research Project / Dissertation | Core | 6 | Formulating Research Questions, Literature Review, Methodological Design, Data Analysis Techniques, Dissertation Writing, Research Ethics and Presentation |
| BASO651A | Sociology of Work and Industry | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Work Organization and Labor Processes, Industrial Relations, Labor Market Dynamics, Globalization of Work, Unemployment and Precarity, Future of Work and Automation |
| BASO651B | Sociology of Crime and Deviance | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Crime and Deviance, Social Control Mechanisms, Criminal Justice System, Types of Deviant Behavior, Victimology, Cybercrime and Society |
| BASO651C | Population and Society | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Demographic Processes and Change, Population Growth and Distribution, Age Structure and Dependency, Health, Disease, and Society, Urbanization Trends, Migration and its Social Impacts |
| BASO651D | Sociology of Human Rights | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concepts of Human Rights, Universalism vs. Relativism, Rights of Minorities and Vulnerable Groups, Social Justice and Advocacy, Human Rights Movements, Global Human Rights Regimes |
| BASO652A | Sociology of Disability | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Models of Disability, Social Exclusion and Inclusion, Rights of Persons with Disability, Inclusive Policies and Practices, Rehabilitation and Support Systems, Disability Movements |
| BASO652B | Sociology of Migration | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Migration Theories, Types of Migration (Internal, International), Diasporas and Transnationalism, Integration and Exclusion, Remittances and Development, Migration Policies and Governance |
| BASO652C | Urbanization and Development | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Urban Growth and Megacities, Slums and Informal Settlements, Urban Governance and Planning, Smart Cities Initiative, Social Networks in Urban Areas, Urban Poverty and Inequality |
| BASO652D | Social Justice and Equality | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concepts of Justice and Equality, Affirmative Action and Reservations in India, Anti-Discrimination Laws, Social Movements for Equality, Challenges to Social Justice, Global Justice Issues |
