

M-A in Sociology at DR. RAM NARAYAN MAHILA MAHAVIDYALAYA, KAYAMGANJ, FARRUKHABAD


Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at DR. RAM NARAYAN MAHILA MAHAVIDYALAYA, KAYAMGANJ, FARRUKHABAD Farrukhabad?
This M.A. Sociology program at DR. RAM NARAYAN MAHILA MAHAVIDYALAYA, affiliated with CSJMU, provides a profound exploration into the intricacies of human society. It delves into social structures, dynamics, and institutions, with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. The curriculum is designed to equip students with analytical tools to understand contemporary social issues, fostering a critical perspective on societal challenges relevant to India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates aspiring to pursue careers in social research, policy advocacy, or community development. It also caters to individuals aiming for competitive civil service examinations (UPSC, state PSCs) or academic pursuits. Working professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of social dynamics for roles in CSR, non-profits, or government sectors will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates gain robust analytical and research skills, enabling diverse career paths in India such as social researcher, policy analyst, program coordinator for NGOs, and roles in government social welfare departments. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 to 6 LPA, with significant growth for experienced professionals. The program also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees in sociology.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sociological Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand classical and modern sociological theories, key concepts, and their application to Indian society. Engage with foundational texts and supplementary materials to build a robust conceptual framework.
Tools & Resources
Core Sociology textbooks (e.g., Haralambos & Holborn, Ritzer), IGNOU study materials for M.A. Sociology, University e-library for academic articles, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is indispensable for cracking competitive exams like NET/JRF, UPSC, and for excelling in academic and research-oriented roles.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in workshops on research methodology, focusing on data collection techniques (surveys, interviews, observation) and basic data analysis. Undertake small observational studies or literature reviews to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus-prescribed research methods books (e.g., C.R. Kothari), Online tutorials for basic qualitative/quantitative analysis, Access to university library''''s research databases
Career Connection
Early proficiency in research methods is vital for project work, dissertation, and for jobs in social research, program evaluation, and policy analysis.
Engage with Contemporary Social Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow Indian newspapers, magazines, and documentaries focusing on social issues. Discuss these issues in class, critically analyzing them through a sociological lens to deepen understanding and develop informed perspectives.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), Documentaries on social themes, Departmental seminars and guest lectures
Career Connection
This practice enhances critical thinking and awareness, crucial for roles in journalism, advocacy, public relations, and for the General Studies papers in civil service exams.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Practical Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Actively seek and participate in fieldwork opportunities, even small ones, to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world social settings. Engage with communities, conduct interviews, and learn data documentation skills.
Tools & Resources
College''''s field visit programs, Local NGOs for volunteer work, Note-taking apps, audio recorders (with consent), Mentorship from faculty for field guidance
Career Connection
Hands-on fieldwork experience is highly valued by NGOs, social work organizations, and government agencies involved in rural and urban development projects.
Strategically Choose Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Align your elective subject choices with your career aspirations or academic interests. Deeply study these specialized areas, pursuing additional readings or mini-projects to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL and Swayam courses for specialized topics, Relevant academic journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Social Science), Discussions with faculty mentors for career guidance
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles in areas like environmental policy, health advocacy, or education sector research.
Network and Attend Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences relevant to sociology. Network with faculty, guest speakers, and professionals in the field to expand your academic and professional contacts.
Tools & Resources
University event calendars, Social media (LinkedIn) for professional connections, Departmental alumni association
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, collaborative projects, and can be crucial for job referrals in the social and academic sectors.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Undertake a robust and original dissertation or research project, showcasing comprehensive understanding and advanced research skills. This includes defining a clear problem, rigorous methodology, and insightful analysis.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (SPSS, R) or qualitative analysis software (NVivo basic), Anti-plagiarism tools (Turnitin via university), Consistent faculty supervision
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation is a strong credential for M.Phil./Ph.D. admissions, research positions, and demonstrates significant analytical and independent work capabilities.
Intensive Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for national-level competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF, UPSC Civil Services, and State PSCs. Practice previous year''''s papers, join mock test series, and revise sociological concepts thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers and model answers, Online test series platforms, Current affairs magazines and general knowledge books
Career Connection
Success in these exams can lead to prestigious government jobs, lectureships, or eligibility for Ph.D. admissions with fellowships across India.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Resume- (Semester 4)
Compile a professional portfolio including your research papers, project reports, internship certificates, and any publications. Develop a tailored resume highlighting your skills and experiences for desired roles.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (e.g., LinkedIn profile, personal website), Resume building workshops from career services, Professional headshot and cover letter templates
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and professional resume are critical for making a positive impression on recruiters during campus placements, off-campus applications, and for advanced studies.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with minimum marks as per CSJMU norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASC101 | Classical Sociological Tradition-I | Core | 4 | Emergence of Sociology and its Pioneers, Auguste Comte: Positivism and Social Dynamics, Herbert Spencer: Evolution and Social Darwinism, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Suicide, Max Weber: Social Action, Bureaucracy, Protestant Ethic |
| MASC102 | Research Methods in Sociology-I | Core | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Social Research, Types of Research Design: Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory, Sampling Techniques: Probability and Non-Probability, Methods of Data Collection: Observation, Interview, Construction of Questionnaire and Schedule |
| MASC103 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Introduction to Demography and its Scope, Theories of Population Growth and Control, Components of Population Change: Fertility and its Determinants, Components of Population Change: Mortality Patterns and Causes, Components of Population Change: Migration and its Social Impact |
| MASC104 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power, Authority, Legitimacy: Weberian Concepts, State, Civil Society and Nation-State, Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Elite Formations, Democracy, Citizenship and Political Participation |
| MASC105 | Practicum / Field Work / Internship | Practicum | 2 | Understanding Field Work Ethics and Principles, Observation Techniques in Social Settings, Conducting Informal Interviews and Group Discussions, Data Recording and Note-Making in Fieldwork, Preparing a Short Fieldwork Report |
| OE001 | Open Elective-1 | Open Elective | 3 | Introduction to an Interdisciplinary Subject, Basic Concepts and Theories of the Chosen Field, Relevance to Contemporary Society, Fundamental Skills related to the Elective, Case Studies or Applications |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASC201 | Classical Sociological Tradition-II | Core | 4 | Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class and Alienation, Vilfredo Pareto: Logical and Non-Logical Action, Circulation of Elites, Georg Simmel: Social Forms, Conflict, Money and Modernity, Talcott Parsons: Social System, Structure and Function, Robert K. Merton: Middle Range Theories, Manifest and Latent Functions |
| MASC202 | Research Methods in Sociology-II | Core | 4 | Quantitative Data Analysis: Univariate and Bivariate, Qualitative Data Analysis: Content Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Interpretation of Research Findings, Structure and Components of Research Report Writing, Ethical Issues in Social Research and Plagiarism |
| MASC203 | Sociology of Rural and Urban Society | Core | 4 | Concepts and Perspectives of Rural Sociology, Agrarian Social Structure, Land Reforms in India, Urbanization, Urban Growth and its Characteristics, Problems of Urban Life in India: Slums, Pollution, Rural-Urban Continuum and Linkages |
| MASC204 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Concepts and Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Dependency Theories and World Systems Theory, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India''''s Progress, Role of State, Market, and Civil Society in Development, Development Projects, Resettlement and Rehabilitation |
| MASC205 | Practicum / Field Work / Internship | Practicum | 2 | Advanced Field Observation and Data Collection, Engaging with Community Stakeholders, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Techniques, Developing a Small-Scale Research Proposal, Presenting Fieldwork Learnings |
| OE002 | Open Elective-2 | Open Elective | 3 | In-depth Study of an Interdisciplinary Topic, Advanced Methodologies in the Chosen Elective, Policy and Societal Impact of the Field, Critical Analysis of Contemporary Issues, Applied Project or Research in the Elective Area |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASC301 | Modern Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Symbolic Interactionism: G.H. Mead, H. Blumer, Phenomenology, Ethnomethodology and Everyday Life, Neo-Functionalism and Critical Theory, Conflict Theories: R. Dahrendorf, L. Coser, Post-Structuralism and Postmodernism: Foucault, Derrida |
| MASC302 | Social Stratification and Mobility | Core | 4 | Concepts and Dimensions of Social Stratification, Theories of Social Stratification: Functionalist, Conflict, Social Mobility: Types, Factors and Consequences, Caste System in India: Features, Changes, Debates, Class, Status, Power and Gender in Indian Society |
| MASC303 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Environment and Society: A Sociological Perspective, Environmental Problems and Movements in India, Climate Change: Social Causes and Consequences, Environmental Policies, Governance and Laws in India, Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice |
| MASC304A | Elective: Sociology of Health and Illness | Elective | 4 | Sociological Approaches to Health and Illness, Social Determinants of Health in India, Health Disparities and Inequalities, Medical Pluralism, Traditional and Alternative Medicines, Public Health Policies and Challenges in India |
| MASC304B | Elective: Sociology of Education | Elective | 4 | Education as a Social Institution: Functions and Dysfunctions, Theories of Education: Functionalist, Conflict, Interactionist, Education, Social Inequality and Social Mobility, Education Policies and Programs in India, Role of Education in Social Change and Development |
| MASC304C | Elective: Sociology of Marginalized Groups | Elective | 4 | Concept of Marginalization and Social Exclusion, Sociology of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in India, Minorities and Other Backward Classes: Issues and Challenges, Gender, Disability and Aged as Marginalized Categories, Policies and Movements for Social Justice |
| MASC305 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 6 | Identification of Research Problem and Objectives, Comprehensive Literature Review and Gap Analysis, Designing a Robust Research Methodology, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation of Findings, Writing and Presenting the Dissertation |
| OE003 | Open Elective-3 | Open Elective | 3 | Advanced Topics in the Chosen Interdisciplinary Field, Research and Analytical Methods Relevant to the Elective, Ethical Considerations in Specialized Areas, Global and Local Perspectives on Key Issues, Practical Application or Policy Recommendations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MASC401 | Contemporary Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Feminist Theories and Gender Perspectives, Postcolonial and Subaltern Studies, Cultural Sociology: Bourdieu, Giddens, Globalization Theories and World-Systems Perspective, Theories of Risk, Reflexive Modernization and Network Society |
| MASC402 | Social Change and Transformation | Core | 4 | Concepts and Theories of Social Change, Factors of Social Change: Economic, Technological, Cultural, Social Movements, Collective Action and Revolution, Impact of Globalization on Indian Society, Contemporary Social Issues and Challenges in India |
| MASC403 | Criminology and Sociology of Deviance | Core | 4 | Concepts of Crime, Deviance and Social Control, Theories of Crime Causation: Biological, Psychological, Sociological, Types of Crime: White-Collar, Cybercrime, Organized Crime, Criminal Justice System in India: Police, Courts, Prisons, Juvenile Delinquency, Rehabilitation and Prevention |
| MASC404A | Elective: Industrial Sociology | Elective | 4 | Industry and Society: Sociological Perspectives, Industrial Relations, Trade Unions and Labour Movements, Work, Technology, Automation and its Social Impact, Globalization, Liberalization and Indian Labour, Changing Nature of Work, Professions and Gig Economy |
| MASC404B | Elective: Gender and Society | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Sex, Gender, Patriarchy and Feminism, Theories of Gender: Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Postmodern, Gender Roles, Socialization and Identity Formation, Women''''s Movements in India and Gender Equality Initiatives, Gender and Development: Issues and Challenges |
| MASC404C | Elective: Sociology of Mass Communication | Elective | 4 | Communication and Society: Mass Media''''s Role, Theories of Mass Communication: Hypodermic Needle, Uses & Gratification, Media, Culture and Social Change, New Media, Digital Divide and Social Networking, Impact of Media on Public Opinion and Politics in India |
| MASC405 | Viva-Voce | Viva-Voce | 2 | Overall Understanding of Sociological Theories and Concepts, Clarity on Research Methodology and Dissertation Work, Ability to Critically Analyze Social Issues, Effective Communication and Presentation Skills, Application of Sociological Knowledge to Real-world Problems |
| OE004 | Open Elective-4 | Open Elective | 3 | Advanced Case Studies in the Chosen Elective, Development of Interdisciplinary Solutions, Global Trends and Local Adaptations, Project Management and Implementation Skills, Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Scenarios |




