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BA in Sociology at Greater Mawlai College
East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Greater Mawlai College East Khasi Hills?
This Sociology program at Greater Mawlai College focuses on understanding human societies, social structures, interactions, and cultural dynamics. It provides a robust foundation in sociological theories, research methodologies, and contemporary social issues relevant to India. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, addressing the complexities of Indian society, its institutions, and ongoing transformations, making it highly relevant for various roles in social development and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into fields like social work, community development, policy analysis, and research. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding societal functions, advocating for social justice, and contributing to non-governmental organizations or government welfare schemes. Students with a strong interest in human behavior, cultural studies, and societal challenges will find this specialization enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social workers, community organizers, policy researchers, human resource professionals, and data analysts in social sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in NGOs, government agencies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Further studies like MA/MSW can lead to specialized roles and higher remuneration.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate a Sociological Imagination- (Semester 1-2)
Actively connect personal experiences to broader societal structures and historical contexts. Read diverse news, documentaries, and academic articles to understand social issues from multiple perspectives. Participate in classroom discussions with a critical lens.
Tools & Resources
Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Sociological journals (EPW, Contributions to Indian Sociology), Documentaries on Indian social issues
Career Connection
This practice builds foundational analytical skills essential for social research, policy analysis, and understanding community needs in any professional role.
Master Core Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Create detailed notes and concept maps for foundational theories and terms (e.g., caste, class, gender, socialisation, culture). Join study groups to discuss and clarify complex ideas, ensuring a strong grasp of basics.
Tools & Resources
Standard Sociology textbooks (e.g., NCERT, Haralambos and Holborn), Online academic resources like JSTOR (if accessible) and Swayam courses on sociology fundamentals
Career Connection
A strong conceptual understanding is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for postgraduate studies and for coherent communication in professional sociological roles.
Engage with Local Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Undertake small informal observation projects in your community to observe social interactions, group dynamics, and local customs. Attend college talks or local community events related to social issues. This provides context to theoretical learning.
Tools & Resources
Field diaries/notebooks, Local community forums/meetings, College seminars and workshops
Career Connection
Direct exposure to social realities enhances empathy and practical understanding, invaluable for future roles in social work, community development, and grassroots initiatives.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in methodological courses, focusing on survey design, interview techniques, and data interpretation. Seek opportunities to assist faculty in minor research projects or conduct small-scale surveys on campus or in local areas. Utilize basic statistical software if introduced.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (for data analysis basics, if self-taught), Google Forms for surveys, Reference books on research methodology
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is highly valued in market research, policy analysis, academic research, and evaluation roles across government and non-profit sectors.
Network with Professionals and Academia- (Semester 3-5)
Attend regional sociology conferences, workshops, or webinars organised by universities or research bodies. Connect with faculty members, guest speakers, and local NGO workers to understand career paths and gain insights into real-world applications of sociology.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University event calendars, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Sociological Society)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities, providing valuable industry insights and potential collaborative projects.
Specialise through Electives and Readings- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Generic Electives (GEs) that align with your career interests (e.g., health, environment, rural development). Supplement coursework with advanced readings and online courses in your chosen area of specialization.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL/Coursera/edX courses on specific sociological sub-fields, Advanced academic books and journal articles
Career Connection
Specialization helps in carving out a niche, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in NGOs, CSR, or government departments related to your chosen field.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Internships and Fieldwork- (Semester 6)
Actively search for and complete internships with NGOs, social enterprises, government departments (e.g., tribal affairs, rural development), or research organizations. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in social intervention or policy implementation.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, NGO websites, University career cells
Career Connection
Internships are critical for practical exposure, building a professional resume, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong referrals in the development sector and public administration.
Prepare for Higher Education and Career Entrance Exams- (Semester 6)
Begin preparing for postgraduate entrance examinations (e.g., MA Sociology, MSW, Civil Services) or competitive exams relevant to government jobs. Focus on current affairs, general knowledge, and advanced sociological concepts, practicing mock tests regularly.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC study materials, NET/SET exam guides, Coaching classes or online test series for specific exams
Career Connection
Early and structured preparation significantly increases chances of admission to top universities for higher studies or securing esteemed positions in the public sector.
Refine Communication and Report Writing- (Semester 6)
Practice writing concise and impactful research reports, policy briefs, and presentations based on your projects and internships. Develop strong verbal communication skills for interviews and professional interactions. Seek feedback on your writing from professors.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Google Slides), Public speaking clubs or workshops
Career Connection
Effective communication and professional writing are indispensable skills for almost any career, particularly in report-heavy roles in research, policy, and advocacy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 examination or equivalent qualification from a recognized Board/University
Duration: 6 Semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOGC-101 | Introduction to Sociology I | Core | 6 | Emergence of Sociology, Sociology and Common Sense, Basic Concepts: Society, Culture, Community, Social Institutions: Family, Marriage, Education, Sociological Imagination, Types of Societies |
| SOGC-102 | Sociology of India I | Core | 6 | Approaches to Indian Society, Caste System: Origin, Features, Changes, Village: Characteristics and Transformations, Tribe: Classification, Issues, Integration, Religion in India, Unity and Diversity in Indian Society |
| AECC-101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources: Renewable and Non-renewable, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Management, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
| GE-101 | Generic Elective I (Choose from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Interdisciplinary Learning, Broadening Academic Perspective, Skill Development, Introduction to other Disciplines, Critical Thinking, Application of diverse knowledge |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOGC-203 | Introduction to Sociology II | Core | 6 | Socialisation and Culture, Social Control and Deviance, Social Change: Theories and Factors, Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, Social Structure and Agency, Globalisation and Society |
| SOGC-204 | Sociology of India II | Core | 6 | Social Reforms and Movements, Agrarian Structure and Change, Industrialization and Urbanization, Gender and Society in India, Challenges of Development, Social Problems in India |
| AECC-202 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Theory of Communication, Types of Communication, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills |
| GE-202 | Generic Elective II (Choose from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Diverse Knowledge Acquisition, Analytical Skill Enhancement, Understanding Different Perspectives, Interdisciplinary Connections, Career Exploration, Personal Interest Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOGC-305 | Political Sociology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power, Authority and Legitimacy, State and Civil Society, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Democracy and Authoritarianism, Social Movements and Political Change |
| SOGC-306 | Sociology of Kinship | Core | 6 | Basic Concepts: Kinship, Affinity, Descent, Theories of Kinship, Family and Household, Marriage: Types and Functions, Kinship in Contemporary India, Changes in Family and Marriage |
| SOGC-307 | Social Stratification | Core | 6 | Concepts of Social Stratification, Dimensions: Class, Status, Power, Theories of Stratification (Marx, Weber), Social Mobility: Types and Determinants, Inequality and Exclusion, Global Stratification |
| SEC-301 | Research Methodology | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Ethics in Research |
| GE-303 | Generic Elective III (Choose from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Broadening Intellectual Horizons, Cross-Disciplinary Insights, Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills, Developing New Competencies, Preparation for Diverse Career Paths, Personal Enrichment |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOGC-408 | Sociological Thinkers I | Core | 6 | Auguste Comte: Positivism, Hierarchy of Sciences, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Max Weber: Social Action, Bureaucracy, Classical Sociological Traditions, Founding Fathers of Sociology |
| SOGC-409 | Methods in Sociological Research | Core | 6 | Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Survey Research: Design and Execution, Participant Observation and Ethnography, Case Study Method, Content Analysis, Data Interpretation and Report Writing |
| SOGC-410 | Economic Sociology | Core | 6 | Scope of Economic Sociology, Economy and Society, Market and Non-Market Economies, Work and Division of Labour, Consumption and Lifestyles, Globalisation and Economic Change |
| SEC-402 | Techniques of Social Research | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Questionnaire Construction, Interviewing Techniques, Scaling Methods, Data Presentation: Tables, Graphs, Use of Basic Statistical Tools, Fieldwork Preparation |
| GE-404 | Generic Elective IV (Choose from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Developing Holisitc Understanding, Academic Flexibility, Critical and Analytical Skills, Enhancing Employability, Personalized Learning Paths, Knowledge Application |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOGC-511 | Sociological Thinkers II | Core | 6 | Talcott Parsons: Social System, Pattern Variables, Robert Merton: Middle Range Theories, Dysfunction, Anthony Giddens: Structuration Theory, Michel Foucault: Power/Knowledge, Discourse, Modern Sociological Theories, Contemporary Debates in Sociology |
| SOGC-512 | Urban Sociology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Urban Sociology, Theories of Urbanization, Urban Ecology and Environment, Urban Planning and Development in India, Urban Problems: Poverty, Slums, Crime, Smart Cities and Urban Governance |
| SOGDSE-501 | Sociology of Health | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concepts of Health and Illness, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems in India, Sociology of Medicine, Public Health and Policy, Health Movements |
| SOGDSE-502 | Rural Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of Rural Society in India, Agrarian Social Structure, Rural Economy and Livelihoods, Rural Development Programs, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural-Urban Linkages |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOGC-613 | Gender and Society | Core | 6 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Theories of Gender, Gender Roles and Socialization, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Inequality and Empowerment, Masculinities and Identities |
| SOGC-614 | Social Movements | Core | 6 | Concept and Types of Social Movements, Theories of Social Movements, Peasant Movements, Workers'''' Movements, Environmental Movements, New Social Movements in India |
| SOGDSE-603 | Industrial Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature and Scope of Industrial Sociology, Industrialization and Society, Labour Market and Organisation of Work, Industrial Relations in India, Trade Unions and Workers'''' Participation, Impact of Technology on Work |
| SOGDSE-604 | Population Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Basic Concepts of Demography, Population Growth and Distribution, Fertility, Mortality, and Migration, Population Theories, Population Policy in India, Challenges of Population Change |
