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MA in Sociology at Gaya Prasad Verma Mahavidyalaya
Etawah, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Gaya Prasad Verma Mahavidyalaya Etawah?
This Sociology program at Gaya Prasad Verma Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with CSJMU, focuses on critically analyzing social structures, processes, and change. It encompasses classical and contemporary sociological theories, diverse research methodologies, and specialized areas like demography, rural sociology, and development studies. The curriculum aims to equip students with a deep understanding of societal issues in the Indian context, preparing them for impactful contributions to social research and policy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates from any discipline seeking a comprehensive understanding of human society and its dynamics. It attracts students passionate about social justice, policy analysis, and community development. It is also suitable for those aspiring to careers in teaching, research, journalism, NGOs, or civil services, providing them with a strong analytical foundation for India''''s evolving social landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India, including academic research, teaching positions, social work, and roles in government organizations (e.g., UPSC, state PSCs). Opportunities also exist in NGOs focused on rural development, public health, and women''''s empowerment. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and specialization in policy or research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Theories- (Semester 1)
Dedicate consistent effort to understanding foundational sociological theories (e.g., Durkheim, Marx, Weber) and the fundamentals of social research. Actively participate in class discussions to build a strong analytical base.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks (e.g., Ritzer, Haralambos), Online academic journals (via institutional library), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust theoretical understanding is crucial for excelling in civil service exams, academic research, and policy analysis roles in India.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Reading- (Semester 1)
Practice critically analyzing diverse sociological texts and research papers. Learn to identify arguments, evaluate methodologies, and form independent conclusions. Engage in debates and discussions to refine your analytical prowess.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, University library resources, Socratic seminars, Feedback from professors on assignments
Career Connection
Develops the analytical skills highly valued in research, journalism, public policy, and critical administrative roles in India.
Initiate Early Exposure to Social Issues- (Semester 1)
Begin following current affairs and social issues in India through reputable news sources, documentaries, and academic discussions. Look for opportunities to attend guest lectures or workshops on contemporary social challenges.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Public lectures by social scientists, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Enhances contextual understanding, making theoretical knowledge more relevant for future engagement in social development and activism.
Intermediate Stage
Strengthen Research Methodology & Application- (Semester 2)
Deepen your understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Actively engage in practical exercises involving data collection tools, basic statistical analysis, and ethical considerations in social research specific to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software tutorials (e.g., SPSS basics, Excel for data analysis), Survey tools (Google Forms), Case studies of Indian sociological research
Career Connection
Develops employable skills for research associate positions, data analysis roles in NGOs, and foundation for dissertation work.
Explore Specialization Interests- (Semester 2)
As elective options approach, explore different sub-fields of Sociology (e.g., rural, urban, gender, industrial, health). Read extensively on topics of interest beyond the curriculum and discuss with faculty to identify potential areas for future specialization or dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Advanced sociological textbooks, Special issues of journals, Faculty mentorship, Online courses or webinars on specific sociological sub-disciplines
Career Connection
Helps in making informed choices for electives and future career specialization, aligning studies with market demands in India''''s diverse social sectors.
Network and Engage with the Sociological Community- (Semester 2)
Attend departmental events, seminars, and workshops. Connect with senior students, alumni, and faculty to gain insights into various career paths, research opportunities, and academic trends within Indian sociology.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms, Alumni association events (if available), Departmental notice boards for events, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Builds a professional network invaluable for internships, mentorship, and job referrals in India''''s academic and social development sectors.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 3-4)
Meticulously plan and execute your dissertation or fieldwork-based project, ensuring a strong research question, robust methodology, and rigorous analysis of data relevant to an Indian context. Focus on contributing original insights.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation writing guides, Research ethics review boards, Statistical consultants, Academic supervisors, Institutional library for literature review
Career Connection
This capstone project is a critical portfolio piece for academic admissions, research roles, and demonstrating independent analytical capability to potential employers in India.
Prepare for Career Pathways and Higher Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Actively research career opportunities in government (UPSC/PSC), NGOs, social research firms, and academia. Attend campus placement talks, career counseling sessions, and prepare for competitive exams or Ph.D. applications.
Tools & Resources
University career services, UPSC/PSC coaching materials, Mock interviews, LinkedIn for job searches and professional profiles
Career Connection
Directly facilitates successful entry into desired professional or academic roles post-graduation in India.
Develop Professional Presentation and Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Practice presenting your research findings clearly and confidently, both orally (for viva-voce) and in written reports. Learn to articulate complex sociological ideas to diverse audiences, including non-specialists, for advocacy and public engagement.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking workshops, Departmental presentation opportunities, Peer feedback, Video recording for self-assessment
Career Connection
Essential for academic conferences, advocacy roles, media engagement, and effective leadership in any social sector position in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university (typically minimum 45-50% marks as per university norms)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-101 | Classical Sociological Tradition-I | Core | 6 | Sociology: Origin and Development, Auguste Comte: Positivism, Hierarchy of Sciences, Herbert Spencer: Evolutionism, Social Darwinism, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Suicide, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Alienation, Max Weber: Social Action, Ideal Types, Bureaucracy |
| MA-SOC-102 | Research Methods in Sociology-I | Core | 6 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Social Research, Scientific Method: Steps and Characteristics, Research Design: Exploratory, Descriptive, Experimental, Sampling: Types and Techniques, Data Collection: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Qualitative and Quantitative Research |
| MA-SOC-103 | Social Stratification | Core | 6 | Meaning and Nature of Social Stratification, Theories of Social Stratification: Functionalist, Conflict, Dimensions of Stratification: Class, Status, Power, Caste System in India: Features, Change, Gender and Inequality, Poverty and Social Exclusion |
| MA-SOC-104 | Indian Society: Structure and Change | Core | 6 | Basic Institutions of Indian Society: Family, Kinship, Caste, Class and Tribe in India, Village and Urban Life in India, Social Change in India: Modernization, Westernization, Sanskritization and Desanskritization, Contemporary Social Problems in India |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-201 | Classical Sociological Tradition-II | Core | 6 | Talcott Parsons: Social System, Pattern Variables, Robert K. Merton: Middle Range Theory, Deviance, George Herbert Mead: Self and Society, Symbolic Interactionism, Alfred Schutz: Phenomenology, Intersubjectivity, Erving Goffman: Dramaturgy, Presentation of Self, Harold Garfinkel: Ethnomethodology, Indexicality |
| MA-SOC-202 | Research Methods in Sociology-II | Core | 6 | Scaling Techniques: Likert, Thurstone, Data Analysis: Coding, Tabulation, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Hypothesis Testing: Chi-Square, T-test, Report Writing: Structure and Ethics |
| MA-SOC-203 | Social Demography | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Demography, Theories of Population Growth: Malthus, Demographic Transition, Components of Population Change: Fertility, Mortality, Migration, Population Composition: Age, Sex, Rural-Urban, Population Policies in India, Population and Development |
| MA-SOC-204 | Rural Sociology | Core | 6 | Concept and Scope of Rural Sociology, Rural Social Structure: Caste, Class, Power, Agrarian Structure and Relations in India, Rural Development Programmes in India, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural Migrations and their Impact |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-301 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology | Core | 6 | Structural Functionalism: Parsons, Merton, Conflict Theory: Marx, Dahrendorf, Collins, Symbolic Interactionism: Mead, Blumer, Phenomenology: Schutz, Berger and Luckmann, Feminist Perspectives: Radical, Liberal, Marxist, Postmodernism and Post-structuralism |
| MA-SOC-302 | Sociology of Development | Core | 6 | Concepts and Theories of Development: Modernization, Dependency, Underdevelopment and World Systems Theory, Development Planning in India: Five Year Plans, Globalization and Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Grassroots Movements and Development |
| MA-SOC-EL1 | Industrial Sociology (Elective-I) | Elective | 6 | Industrial Society: Concepts and Characteristics, Industrialization in India: Impact on Society, Labour Market and Industrial Relations, Workers'''' Movements and Trade Unions, Globalization and Indian Industry, Informal Sector and Contract Labour |
| MA-SOC-304 | Dissertation / Field Work based Project | Project | 12 | Problem Identification and Review of Literature, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Fieldwork Experience and Ethnography, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-401 | Modern Sociological Theories | Core | 6 | Habermas: Communicative Action, Public Sphere, Anthony Giddens: Structuration Theory, Reflexivity, Pierre Bourdieu: Habitus, Capital, Field, Michel Foucault: Power/Knowledge, Discourse, Manuel Castells: Network Society, Informationalism, Ulrich Beck: Risk Society, Second Modernity |
| MA-SOC-402 | Social Movements in India | Core | 6 | Concept and Theories of Social Movements, Agrarian Movements: Peasant, Farmers'''' Movements, Caste-based Movements: Dalit, Backward Class Movements, Tribal Movements: Autonomy, Resource Rights, Women''''s Movements: Patriarchy, Gender Justice, Environmental Movements: Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan |
| MA-SOC-EL2 | Sociology of Gender (Elective-II) | Elective | 6 | Concepts: Sex, Gender, Patriarchy, Matriarchy, Gender and Socialization, Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Gender Inequality in India: Education, Work, Health, Gender and Violence, Women''''s Movements and Gender Justice |
| MA-SOC-404 | Viva-Voce on Dissertation / Project Presentation | Project | 0 | Oral Presentation of Research Findings, Defense of Methodology and Analysis, Q&A Session with Examiners, Demonstration of Subject Matter Expertise, Articulation of Research Contribution, Reflection on Research Process and Learnings |
