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MA in Sociology at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Rampur
Rampur, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Rampur Rampur?
This MA Sociology program at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Rampur, affiliated with M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, focuses on developing a deep understanding of social structures, processes, and issues. The curriculum, aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizes theoretical foundations, research methodologies, and contemporary social concerns. It aims to equip students with critical analytical skills relevant to India''''s diverse socio-cultural landscape, preparing them for academic and practical roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts and social science graduates seeking to specialize in sociological analysis. It caters to fresh graduates aiming for careers in social research, policy analysis, NGOs, or civil services. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding societal dynamics, contributing to social change, and pursuing higher education or academic careers in India''''s evolving socio-economic environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, community development officers, or journalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in government, NGOs, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) sectors. The program fosters analytical thinking, enhancing prospects for civil services examinations and advanced doctoral studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong conceptual foundation by thoroughly understanding classical and contemporary sociological theories. Attend all lectures, actively participate in discussions, and refer to original texts of thinkers like Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Parsons, and Merton. Create summary notes and concept maps for interlinking theories.
Tools & Resources
University library, Online academic journals (JSTOR, ResearchGate via university access), Key sociological texts, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong theoretical understanding is crucial for analytical roles in research, policy formulation, and civil services, providing a framework to interpret complex social phenomena.
Develop Robust Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay special attention to the Social Research Methodology course. Engage in practical exercises for questionnaire design, interview techniques, and data collection. Utilize fieldwork opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge, even for minor projects. Seek faculty guidance for data analysis techniques using basic statistical tools (e.g., Excel for descriptive statistics).
Tools & Resources
SPSS tutorials (if available), NPTEL courses on research methods, Field visits, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for roles in market research, social impact assessment, policy evaluation, and any research-oriented position in NGOs or government.
Engage in Peer Learning and Academic Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex sociological concepts and current social issues. Organize informal debates or seminars on topics covered in class, encouraging diverse perspectives. This enhances critical thinking, articulation skills, and a deeper understanding of societal problems, especially in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Group study sessions, Department-level discussion forums, College cultural/academic clubs
Career Connection
Improves communication, teamwork, and analytical abilities, valuable for roles requiring collaboration and public speaking, such as social advocacy or teaching.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Elective Exploration and Deep Dive- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully select optional papers in Semesters 3 and 4 based on career interests (e.g., Political Sociology for civil services, Industrial Sociology for HR/CSR). Go beyond classroom learning by reading advanced literature and articles in your chosen specialization, connecting it to current Indian scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Subject-specific academic journals, Books recommended by faculty, Online courses (Coursera, edX) related to the chosen elective area
Career Connection
Builds expertise in a niche area, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in research organizations, government bodies, or specific NGO sectors.
Undertake an Impactful Dissertation/Major Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a research topic for your dissertation that is socially relevant, addresses a current issue in India, and aligns with your career aspirations. Conduct thorough literature review, rigorous data collection (primary/secondary), and insightful analysis. Aim for a well-structured, academically sound, and original contribution.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, Statistical software (if applicable), Faculty advisors, Ethical review boards (if required for fieldwork)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases independent research capability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, highly valued by employers and for further academic pursuits.
Network with Professionals and Attend Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences on sociology or related fields, both within the college and externally in Rampur or nearby cities. Engage with guest speakers, faculty from other institutions, and professionals working in social sectors. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni.
Tools & Resources
Department notices, University event calendars, Professional networking platforms, Industry association events
Career Connection
Expands professional network, provides insights into career opportunities, and can lead to internships, mentorship, or future job prospects in relevant fields.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Sociology or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-S1-P1 | Classical Sociological Tradition-I | Core | 4 | Enlightenment and Emergence of Sociology, Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Suicide, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Alienation, Max Weber: Social Action, Ideal Types, Bureaucracy, Religion |
| MA-SOC-S1-P2 | Methodology of Social Research | Core | 4 | Nature and Significance of Social Research, Research Design and Types of Research, Methods of Data Collection (Survey, Observation, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis, Interpretation and Report Writing, Ethics in Social Research |
| MA-SOC-S1-P3 | Perspectives on Indian Society | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Society (Indological, Structural-Functional, Marxist), Caste System: Origin, Features, Changes, Class Structure in India: Agrarian and Industrial, Family, Marriage and Kinship in India, Village Studies and Rural Social Structure |
| MA-SOC-S1-P4 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Concepts and Theories of Development (Modernization, Dependency), Indicators of Development (Human Development, Sustainable Development), Underdevelopment and Global Inequality, Role of State and NGOs in Development, Globalization and Development in India |
| MA-SOC-S1-P5 | Practical / Project Work | Practical | 2 | Field Work, Minor Project Report Preparation, Viva-Voce Examination |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-S2-P1 | Classical Sociological Tradition-II | Core | 4 | Vilfredo Pareto: Circulation of Elites, Residues and Derivations, Thorstein Veblen: Theory of the Leisure Class, Conspicuous Consumption, Georg Simmel: Social Forms, Fashion, Conflict, George Herbert Mead: Self, Mind, Society, Alfred Schutz: Phenomenology of the Social World |
| MA-SOC-S2-P2 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Conflict Theories (Dahrendorf, Coser), Symbolic Interactionism (Blumer, Goffman), Ethnomethodology (Garfinkel), Phenomenology and Postmodernism |
| MA-SOC-S2-P3 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural Society in India: Characteristics and Changes, Agrarian Social Structure and Peasantry, Rural Development Programmes and Policies, Urbanization in India: Trends and Patterns, Urban Problems (Slums, Crime, Pollution) and Planning |
| MA-SOC-S2-P4 | Sociology of Gender and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Patriarchy, Feminist Theories and Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Inequality: Education, Work, Health, Gender and Development: Approaches and Policies, Violence Against Women, Women''''s Empowerment |
| MA-SOC-S2-P5 | Practical / Project Work | Practical | 2 | Field Work Report, Minor Project Development, Viva-Voce Examination on Project |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-S3-P1 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | Core | 4 | Critical Theory (Frankfurt School, Habermas), Structuralism (Levi-Strauss) and Post-structuralism (Foucault, Derrida), Post-Colonial Theory (Said, Spivak, Bhabha), Subaltern Studies (Guha, Spivak), Cultural Studies and Theories of Practice (Bourdieu) |
| MA-SOC-S3-P2 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Demography, Theories of Population (Malthus), Sources of Demographic Data in India, Fertility: Concepts, Measures, Determinants, Mortality: Concepts, Measures, Health Transition, Migration: Types, Causes, Consequences, Population Policies in India |
| MA-SOC-S3-P3 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Emergence of Environmental Sociology, Ecological Paradigms, Environmental Problems in India: Causes and Consequences, Environmental Movements and Activism, Resource Management and Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Social Impact |
| MA-SOC-S3-P4 | Political Sociology (Optional) | Elective | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power, Authority and Legitimacy, State, Civil Society and Political Systems, Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Social Movements, Bureaucracy and Governance in India, Globalization and Politics |
| MA-SOC-S3-P5 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 2 | Major Project/Dissertation Proposal Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis for Dissertation, Dissertation Writing and Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-SOC-S4-P1 | Globalisation and Society | Core | 4 | Concepts and Debates on Globalization, Economic Globalization: WTO, MNCs, Liberalization, Cultural Globalization: Homogenization vs. Heterogenization, Social Consequences of Globalization in India, Resistance to Globalization, Anti-Globalization Movements |
| MA-SOC-S4-P2 | Sociology of Mass Media | Core | 4 | Media and Society: Theories of Mass Communication, Media Ownership, Control and Concentration, Media Effects: Agenda-Setting, Cultivation Theory, New Media, Social Media and Social Change, Media Representation of Social Issues, Media Ethics |
| MA-SOC-S4-P3 | Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Exclusion and Inclusion, Dimensions of Exclusion: Caste, Tribe, Gender, Disability, Marginalized Groups in India: Dalits, Adivasis, Minorities, Affirmative Action and Reservation Policies, Inclusive Development and Social Justice Initiatives |
| MA-SOC-S4-P4 | Social Stratification (Optional) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Social Stratification (Functionalist, Conflict), Dimensions of Stratification: Class, Status, Power, Social Mobility: Types, Determinants, Poverty and Inequality in Global and Indian Contexts, Stratification and Social Change |
| MA-SOC-S4-P5 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 2 | Advanced Research Methodology Application, Comprehensive Dissertation Execution, Final Dissertation Submission and Presentation, In-depth Viva-Voce |
