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MA in Sociology at Dayanand Bachhrawan Post Graduate College
Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Dayanand Bachhrawan Post Graduate College Rae Bareli?
This MA Sociology program at Dayanand Bachhrawan Post Graduate College focuses on providing a deep theoretical and methodological understanding of social structures, processes, and issues, with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. It equips students with critical analytical skills to comprehend complex societal challenges, ranging from development and gender to social change and digital transformations. The program''''s interdisciplinary nature prepares graduates for diverse roles requiring sociological insight in India''''s rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from humanities, social sciences, or related fields who aspire to build careers in research, social work, public policy, and community development. It also caters to working professionals in NGOs, government sectors, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives looking to enhance their understanding of societal dynamics and improve their strategic impact. Individuals passionate about understanding human behavior and societal patterns will find this course particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths as social researchers, project managers in NGOs, policy analysts, development professionals, and community outreach specialists. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3 to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 8 to 15 LPA or more in leadership roles. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical abilities, opening doors to careers in academia, journalism, and various government examinations, aligning with the growing demand for social scientists in India''''s development agenda.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sociological Classics & Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational sociological theories (Comte, Durkheim, Weber, Marx) and the core principles of social research methodology. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and practice applying research techniques. Develop strong academic writing skills for theoretical essays and research proposals.
Tools & Resources
Key sociological texts (e.g., Giddens, Ritzer), Online academic journals (JSTOR, Sage Journals), University library resources for research methods
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base and understanding of research methods are essential for all future sociological careers, forming the bedrock for analytical roles in research, policy, and development. It helps articulate social issues effectively.
Engage in Local Field Visits & Observational Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively participate in local community visits, observational studies, or small-scale surveys, even if not formally part of the curriculum initially. Document social phenomena, cultural practices, and community structures in Rae Bareli or nearby areas to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world observations.
Tools & Resources
Notebook, camera (with consent), basic survey tools, Local government offices for demographic data
Career Connection
This builds practical research skills and an understanding of ground realities, crucial for roles in NGOs, social work, and rural/urban development, making you more marketable for fieldwork-intensive positions.
Build Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, present concepts to peers, and volunteer for any college-level seminars or debates. Focus on articulating sociological arguments clearly and concisely. Seek feedback on presentation style and content delivery.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides, Public speaking clubs (if available), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for presenting research findings, advocating for policy changes, and working collaboratively in any professional setting, enhancing your employability in consulting and advocacy roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake a Mini-Research Project- (Semester 3)
Collaborate with peers or faculty to undertake a small-scale research project on an Indian social issue (e.g., impact of a local policy, gender roles in a specific community). Go through the entire research cycle from design to preliminary analysis and report writing.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (for quantitative analysis) or NVivo (for qualitative analysis), SurveyMonkey/Google Forms, Research mentors
Career Connection
This hands-on experience strengthens your resume, showcases practical application of research methods, and is highly valued by research organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions in India.
Network with Professionals and Join Academic Forums- (Semester 3)
Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences (online or offline) organized by sociological associations, NGOs, or universities. Connect with faculty, researchers, and practitioners on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant academic forums or groups.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional sociological associations (e.g., Indian Sociological Society), University alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and potential job leads in diverse sectors including social development, public administration, and human resources within India.
Develop Specialization-Specific Skills- (Semester 3)
Deepen your knowledge in your chosen optional areas (e.g., Demography, Health, Political Sociology). Seek out additional readings, online courses (Coursera, NPTEL) or certifications in these sub-fields. For instance, if interested in Demography, learn basic statistical software.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, NPTEL lectures, Software like MS Excel for data organization
Career Connection
Specialized skills make you a more targeted candidate for specific roles in population research, health policy, or political analysis, enhancing your profile for government and private sector jobs in India.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 3-4)
Treat your dissertation as a professional research output. Select a topic with real-world relevance to India, conduct thorough research, and ensure high-quality data analysis and academic writing. Seek continuous feedback from your supervisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
Advanced research software, Academic writing guides, Regular consultations with faculty
Career Connection
A strong dissertation can serve as a portfolio piece, demonstrating your research capabilities to potential employers or for pursuing further academic studies (Ph.D.) in India or abroad.
Prepare for Career Opportunities & Entrance Exams- (Semester 4)
Identify specific career paths (e.g., civil services, NGO management, research analyst). Tailor your resume and cover letter. If aiming for civil services, start preparing for relevant sections (e.g., Sociology Optional). Practice interview skills and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services (if available), UPSC/State PSC study materials, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation ensures a smoother transition from academia to the professional world, optimizing your chances for securing coveted government jobs or roles in development organizations in India.
Engage in Social Advocacy or Volunteering- (Semester 4)
Volunteer with local NGOs, community organizations, or social movements working on issues that align with your sociological interests. This provides practical experience in social intervention, advocacy, and policy implementation at the grassroots level.
Tools & Resources
Local NGO directories, College social responsibility clubs
Career Connection
Direct experience in social advocacy is invaluable for roles in non-profits, international development agencies, and CSR departments, demonstrating commitment and practical skills in addressing social challenges in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, preferably with Sociology as a subject.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASOC-101 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 5 | August Comte and Positivism, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labor, Max Weber: Social Action, Authority, Bureaucracy, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Talcott Parsons: Structural Functionalism, Social System, Robert Merton: Middle Range Theories, Deviance |
| MASOC-102 | Methodology of Social Research | Core | 5 | Philosophy of Social Science, Research Design, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Tools, Data Analysis (Statistical and Interpretive), Report Writing, Ethics in Social Research |
| MASOC-103 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core | 5 | Perspectives on Indian Society, Caste System: Origin, Changes, Debates, Family, Marriage and Kinship in India, Religion, Diversity and Pluralism, Rural and Urban Transformations |
| MASOC-104 | Optional Subject I: Social Demography | Elective | 5 | Theories of Population, Demographic Processes: Fertility, Mortality, Migration, Population Structure and Composition, Population Policies and Programs in India, Health and Development Linkages |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASOC-201 | Modern Sociological Theories | Core | 5 | Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology, Symbolic Interactionism, Feminist Theories, Post-Structuralism and Post-Modernism, Critical Theory, Frankfurt School, Theories of Globalisation |
| MASOC-202 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 5 | Concepts of Rural and Urban, Rural Social Structure, Agrarian Relations, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Urbanization Process and Theories, Urban Social Problems, City Planning |
| MASOC-203 | Sociology of Social Change and Development | Core | 5 | Theories of Social Change, Development Models and Approaches, Social Movements in India, Globalization and its Impact, Sustainable Development Goals |
| MASOC-204 | Optional Subject II: Sociology of Health and Illness | Elective | 5 | Social Construction of Health and Illness, Healthcare Systems and Policies in India, Health Disparities and Inequality, Medical Pluralism and Traditional Healing, Public Health Challenges |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASOC-301 | Sociology of Gender | Core | 5 | Gender as a Social Construct, Patriarchy and Feminist Perspectives, Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender Inequality in India, Women''''s Movements and Empowerment |
| MASOC-302 | Sociology of Education | Core | 5 | Education and Socialization, Educational Institutions and Society, Education and Social Stratification, Education Policies in India, Higher Education and Knowledge Society |
| MASOC-303 | Optional Subject III: Political Sociology | Elective | 5 | Power, Authority, Legitimacy, State, Civil Society and Governance, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Democracy in India, Political Culture, Globalization and Politics |
| MASOC-304 | Dissertation / Project Work (Part I) | Core/Project | 5 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review, Formulation of Hypothesis/Research Questions, Research Design and Methodology, Pilot Study and Data Collection Plan |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASOC-401 | Social Problems in India | Core | 5 | Poverty and Inequality, Crime, Deviance and Delinquency, Drug Abuse, Alcoholism, Suicide, Communalism, Regionalism, Terrorism, Environmental Problems and Displacements |
| MASOC-402 | Sociology of Media and Culture | Core | 5 | Media and Society: Theories and Perspectives, Communication Processes and Models, Cultural Industries and Popular Culture, Social Media: Impact and Challenges, Digital Divide and Media Literacy |
| MASOC-403 | Optional Subject IV: Industrial Sociology and Labour Welfare | Elective | 5 | Industrialization and Society, Labor and Management Relations, Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining, Work Culture, Motivation and Productivity, Labour Welfare Measures and Legislation |
| MASOC-404 | Dissertation / Project Work (Part II) and Viva-Voce | Core/Project | 5 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Dissertation Submission, Ethical Considerations in Research, Presentation of Findings, Comprehensive Viva-Voce |
