.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-A in Sociology at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous) Chennai?
This B.A. Sociology program at Guru Nanak College, Chennai, focuses on understanding human society, social behavior, patterns of social relationships, interaction, and culture. It provides a robust foundation in sociological theories and methods, critically examining Indian society and its complex issues. The program prepares students for careers requiring strong analytical and communication skills, with a growing demand for social researchers and policy analysts in various Indian sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with an interest in social issues, human behavior, and public policy. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding societal structures and contributing to social change. Aspiring civil servants, social workers, market researchers, and journalists will find the curriculum highly relevant, building a strong theoretical and practical base for diverse career paths.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social work, research, public administration, human resources, journalism, and non-profit organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The analytical and critical thinking skills acquired are highly valued in policy analysis, community development, and academic research roles across Indian companies and government bodies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Sociological Vocabulary and Conceptual Base- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational sociological concepts from Core Courses like ''''Introduction to Sociology'''' and ''''Basic Concepts''''. Maintain a glossary of key terms and theorists, regularly reviewing definitions. Participate in classroom discussions and seek clarifications to solidify understanding of fundamental theories and their applications in Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, academic journals, online sociological dictionaries, discussion forums
Career Connection
A strong conceptual understanding is crucial for higher-level courses, research, and for excelling in competitive exams like UPSC where sociological knowledge is key.
Enhance Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear and concise academic writing through assignments and essays in English and Core Sociology papers. Pay attention to citation styles and avoid plagiarism. Utilize library resources for initial research, learning to distinguish credible sources from informal ones.
Tools & Resources
College library, academic writing guides, online citation generators, Grammarly
Career Connection
Proficient academic writing is essential for research roles, policy analysis, journalism, and effectively communicating findings in any professional setting.
Cultivate Critical Thinking through Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively connect concepts learned in Sociology with Allied Courses like Social Demography and Social Psychology, and compulsory subjects like Environmental Studies and Value Education. Analyze how different social phenomena intersect and influence each other, questioning assumptions and exploring multiple perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Cross-referencing textbooks, current news articles, documentaries, inter-departmental seminars
Career Connection
Critical thinking is highly valued in problem-solving, policy formulation, and research, enabling graduates to tackle complex societal challenges effectively.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Statistical Methods to Real-World Social Data- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize knowledge from ''''Statistical Methods for Social Research'''' to analyze publicly available datasets (e.g., NSSO, Census of India). Practice calculating measures of central tendency, dispersion, correlation using spreadsheet software. Form small study groups to work on mini-projects involving data interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, R/Python (optional), NSSO reports, Census data, online tutorials
Career Connection
Quantitative analysis skills are in high demand for market research, social impact assessment, data journalism, and government policy research roles.
Engage in Community Outreach and Human Rights Advocacy- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in college''''s ''''Extension Activities'''' (NSS, YRC) and ''''Human Rights'''' skill-based subject. Seek opportunities for volunteering with local NGOs working on social problems in Chennai. This provides practical exposure to social issues and builds empathy.
Tools & Resources
Local NGOs, college''''s NSS/YRC units, UN Human Rights documents, social media for advocacy
Career Connection
Direct community engagement is invaluable for social work, development sector careers, and understanding ground realities, enhancing employability in non-profit and public service organizations.
Deep Dive into Sociological Theories and Indian Context- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond classroom lectures for ''''Sociological Theories'''' and ''''Development of Sociology in India'''', read original works of classical theorists (Marx, Durkheim, Weber) and Indian sociologists (Ghurye, Srinivas). Form reading circles to discuss their relevance to contemporary Indian society and debates.
Tools & Resources
Original texts, academic commentaries, online open courses (e.g., NPTEL lectures), college faculty
Career Connection
A deep theoretical understanding enhances research capabilities, provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies, and is critical for roles requiring nuanced social analysis.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Independent Social Research Project- (Semester 5-6)
Leverage skills from ''''Social Research Methods'''' and ''''Project Work'''' in Semester 5. Identify a contemporary social issue in Chennai or Tamil Nadu, formulate a research question, collect primary/secondary data, and present findings. Seek guidance from faculty throughout the process.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, survey tools (Google Forms), interview guides, statistical software (SPSS/R/Excel)
Career Connection
Completing a research project significantly boosts resume, demonstrates practical research capabilities, and is a strong asset for jobs in research, policy analysis, and academia.
Develop Specialization through Electives and Certifications- (Semester 5-6)
Carefully choose Elective Courses (e.g., Industrial Sociology, Rural Sociology, Criminology) based on career interests. Supplement these with online certifications in related areas like HR management, public policy, or data analytics for social scientists to build a specialized skill set.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, NPTEL, Udemy, specific professional body certifications, career counsellors
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and relevant certifications make graduates highly competitive for targeted roles in specific sectors like HR, social development, or law enforcement support.
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Career Pathways- (Semester 5-6)
Engage in mock interviews, resume workshops, and group discussions organized by the college''''s placement cell. Network with alumni and professionals in desired fields. For those aiming for higher studies, prepare for entrance exams (e.g., TISSNET, DUET, JNU Entrance) and explore scholarship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell, alumni network, LinkedIn, coaching centers, university admission portals
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and preparation ensure a smooth transition into employment or higher education, maximizing post-graduation success.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGTA101 / UGHI101 / UGFR101 / UGSN101 | Part I - Language Course I (Tamil / Hindi / French / Sanskrit) | Language | 3 | Ancient and Medieval Literature, Modern Literature (Poetry, Short Stories, Drama), Grammar and Composition, History of Language and Culture, Literary Criticism and Aesthetics |
| UGEN102 | Part II - English Course I | Language | 3 | Poetry and Literary Appreciation, Prose and Critical Reading, Functional English and Communication, Grammar and Vocabulary, Writing Skills (Paragraph, Essay) |
| UGCY103 | Core Course I: Introduction to Sociology | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature, Scope of Sociology, Relationship with other Social Sciences, Basic Concepts: Society, Community, Association, Social Institutions: Family, Marriage, Religion, Social Processes: Cooperation, Conflict, Accommodation, Culture, Personality and Socialization |
| UGCY104 | Allied Course I: Social Demography | Allied | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Demography, Theories of Population Growth, Components of Population Change: Fertility, Mortality, Migration and Population Distribution, Population Composition and Characteristics, Population Problems and Policies in India |
| UGSS105 | Skill Based Subject I: Computer Applications for Social Sciences | Skill Based | 2 | Computer Fundamentals and Operating Systems, Word Processing and Document Creation, Spreadsheet Applications for Data Handling, Presentation Tools for Academic Purposes, Internet and Web Browsing for Research |
| UGNE106 | Part IV: Environmental Studies | Compulsory | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources and their Management, Environmental Pollution and Control Measures, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGTA201 / UGHI201 / UGFR201 / UGSN201 | Part I - Language Course II (Tamil / Hindi / French / Sanskrit) | Language | 3 | Advanced Grammar and Usage, Classical and Modern Literary Forms, Translation and Communication Skills, Cultural Aspects of Language, Prose, Poetry and Dramatic Works |
| UGEN202 | Part II - English Course II | Language | 3 | Literary Genres: Drama and Fiction, Critical Analysis of Texts, Advanced Grammar and Composition, Oral Communication and Presentation, Reading Comprehension and Summary Writing |
| UGCY203 | Core Course II: Basic Concepts of Sociology | Core | 4 | Social Structure and Social System, Status, Role, Norms and Values, Social Groups and their Classification, Social Control and Conformity, Social Interaction and its Forms, Socialization and Resocialization |
| UGCY204 | Allied Course II: Social Psychology | Allied | 4 | Nature, Scope and Methods of Social Psychology, Social Perception and Cognition, Attitude Formation and Change, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Social Influence and Conformity, Prejudice, Aggression and Pro-social Behavior |
| UGSS205 | Skill Based Subject II: Life Skill Education | Skill Based | 2 | Self-Awareness and Empathy, Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Decision Making and Problem Solving, Creative Thinking and Critical Thinking, Coping with Stress and Emotions, Time Management and Goal Setting |
| UGNE207 | Part V: Value Education | Compulsory | 2 | Concept of Value Education, Human Values: Love, Compassion, Forgiveness, Professional Ethics and Integrity, Social Values: Justice, Equality, Liberty, National Values and Constitutional Principles, Role of Values in Personal and Social Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGTA301 / UGHI301 / UGFR301 / UGSN301 | Part I - Language Course III (Tamil / Hindi / French / Sanskrit) | Language | 3 | Epic and Devotional Literature, Modern Literary Trends, Literary History and Movements, Advanced Communication and Writing, Introduction to Linguistics |
| UGEN302 | Part II - English Course III | Language | 3 | Modern Literature: Poetry, Prose, Short Stories, Literary Theory and Criticism Basics, Developing Argumentative and Analytical Writing, Public Speaking and Debate Skills, Introduction to Business Communication |
| UGCY303 | Core Course III: Culture and Society | Core | 4 | Concept and Characteristics of Culture, Elements of Culture: Norms, Values, Symbols, Cultural Relativism, Ethnocentrism, Cultural Lag, Theories of Social Change, Agents of Social Change: Education, Media, Technology, Culture and Personality, Subcultures, Countercultures |
| UGCY304 | Allied Course III: Statistical Methods for Social Research | Allied | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Statistics, Collection and Tabulation of Data, Diagrams and Graphical Representation, Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median, Mode, Measures of Dispersion: Range, Standard Deviation, Correlation and Regression Analysis |
| UGSS305 | Skill Based Subject III: Human Rights | Skill Based | 2 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Types of Human Rights: Civil, Political, Economic, Social, Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, National and State Human Rights Commissions, Role of NGOs in Human Rights Protection |
| UGEA306 | Part IV: Extension Activities | Compulsory | 1 | National Service Scheme (NSS), Youth Red Cross (YRC), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Sports and Games Participation, Rotaract/Leo Club Activities, Community Engagement and Outreach |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGTA401 / UGHI401 / UGFR401 / UGSN401 | Part I - Language Course IV (Tamil / Hindi / French / Sanskrit) | Language | 3 | Folk Literature and Oral Traditions, Journalism and Media Writing, Translation Theory and Practice, Regional Literary Traditions, Advanced Creative Writing |
| UGEN402 | Part II - English Course IV | Language | 3 | Contemporary Literature and Trends, Film and Media Studies, Academic Writing and Research Skills, Intercultural Communication, Professional Etiquette and Resume Building |
| UGCY403 | Core Course IV: Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Classical Sociological Traditions: Comte, Spencer, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Emile Durkheim: Division of Labour, Social Facts, Suicide, Max Weber: Social Action, Bureaucracy, Protestant Ethic, Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism and Phenomenological Sociology |
| UGCY404 | Allied Course IV: Social Anthropology | Allied | 4 | Nature, Scope and Methods of Social Anthropology, Culture and Civilization, Marriage, Family and Kinship Systems, Economic Anthropology: Production, Distribution, Consumption, Political Anthropology: Forms of Governance, Religion, Magic and Rituals in Tribal Societies |
| UGSS405 | Skill Based Subject IV: Professional Ethics | Skill Based | 2 | Introduction to Ethics and Morality, Professionalism and Ethical Dilemmas, Integrity, Honesty and Transparency, Confidentiality and Privacy, Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, Corporate Social Responsibility |
| UGES406 | Part V: Soft Skills | Compulsory | 1 | Communication Skills: Verbal and Non-Verbal, Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork, Leadership and Motivation, Time Management and Stress Management, Interview Skills and Group Discussions, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGCY501 | Core Course V: Social Stratification | Core | 4 | Concept and Dimensions of Social Stratification, Theories of Social Stratification, Class, Status and Power, Caste System in India: Features, Changes, Race, Ethnicity and Gender as Stratifying Factors, Social Mobility: Types and Determinants |
| UGCY502 | Core Course VI: Social Problems in India | Core | 4 | Concept and Nature of Social Problems, Poverty and Unemployment, Child Labour and Illiteracy, Drug Abuse and Alcoholism, Crime, Delinquency and Corruption, Communalism, Regionalism and Terrorism |
| UGCY503 | Core Course VII: Social Research Methods | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Social Research, Types of Research: Descriptive, Exploratory, Explanatory, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Sampling Techniques: Probability and Non-Probability, Tools of Data Collection: Interview, Questionnaire, Observation, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| UGCE5A | Elective Course I (Option A): Industrial Sociology | Elective | 4 | Industrial Sociology: Meaning, Scope, Industrialization and its Impact on Society, Division of Labour and Alienation, Industrial Relations and Trade Unions, Workers'''' Participation in Management, Challenges of Industrialization in India |
| UGCE5B | Elective Course I (Option B): Sociology of Education | Elective | 4 | Sociology of Education: Meaning, Scope, Education and Society: Functions of Education, Education and Social Inequality, Educational Policies and Reforms in India, Teacher and Student Role in Education, Formal and Informal Education |
| UGCE5C | Elective Course I (Option C): Urban Sociology | Elective | 4 | Urban Sociology: Meaning, Scope, Approaches, Urbanization and its Causes, Urban Problems: Poverty, Housing, Crime, Urban Planning and Development, Rural-Urban Continuum and Migration, Smart Cities Concept and Challenges |
| UGCE5D | Elective Course II (Option A): Rural Sociology | Elective | 4 | Rural Sociology: Meaning, Scope, Approaches, Rural Community: Features, Types, Agrarian Structure and Land Reforms, Rural Problems: Poverty, Indebtedness, Migration, Rural Development Programmes in India, Panchayati Raj Institutions |
| UGCE5E | Elective Course II (Option B): Sociology of Health and Medicine | Elective | 4 | Health and Illness as Social Constructs, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems and Policies in India, Medical Profession and Patient Role, Traditional Healing Systems, Public Health and Epidemiology |
| UGCE5F | Elective Course II (Option C): Women in Society | Elective | 4 | Gender and Society: Concepts of Sex and Gender, Status of Women in India: Historical and Contemporary, Feminist Perspectives and Movements, Violence Against Women: Types and Causes, Women Empowerment: Education, Economic, Political, Laws and Policies for Women''''s Rights |
| UGCY506 | Project Work | Project | 3 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Viva Voce Examination, Application of Sociological Concepts |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGCY601 | Core Course VIII: Development of Sociology in India | Core | 4 | Origin and Growth of Sociology in India, Contributions of Indian Sociologists (G.S. Ghurye, M.N. Srinivas), Contributions of Indian Sociologists (A.R. Desai, Yogendra Singh), Indigenization of Sociology in India, Current Trends and Challenges in Indian Sociology, Major Debates in Indian Sociology |
| UGCY602 | Core Course IX: Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration: Meaning, Scope, Principles of Social Welfare Administration, Social Work Agencies: Government and Non-Governmental, Social Legislation and Social Policy in India, Role of NGOs in Social Welfare, Funding and Evaluation of Welfare Programs |
| UGCY603 | Core Course X: Criminology and Penology | Core | 4 | Criminology: Meaning, Nature, Scope, Theories of Crime Causation (Classical, Biological, Psychological), Sociological Theories of Crime (Strain, Differential Association), Types of Crime: White Collar, Cyber Crime, Organized Crime, Penology: Theories of Punishment, Correctional Institutions, Juvenile Delinquency and Rehabilitation |
| UGCE6A | Elective Course III (Option A): Sociology of Environment | Elective | 4 | Environmental Sociology: Meaning, Scope, Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development and its Challenges, Climate Change and Social Impact, Environmental Policy and Governance |
| UGCE6B | Elective Course III (Option B): Sociology of Science and Technology | Elective | 4 | Science and Technology as Social Institutions, Social Construction of Scientific Knowledge, Impact of Technology on Society, Ethical Issues in Science and Technology, Digital Divide and Information Society, Innovation and Social Change |
| UGCE6C | Elective Course III (Option C): Disaster Management | Elective | 4 | Concept and Types of Disasters, Disaster Management Cycle: Mitigation, Preparedness, Disaster Response and Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Role of Government and NGOs in Disaster Management, Community-Based Disaster Management |
| UGCE6D | Elective Course IV (Option A): Organizational Behaviour | Elective | 4 | Organizational Behaviour: Nature, Scope, Individual Behaviour: Personality, Perception, Motivation, Group Dynamics and Team Building, Leadership Theories and Styles, Organizational Culture and Climate, Conflict Management and Change Management |
| UGCE6E | Elective Course IV (Option B): Industrial Relations | Elective | 4 | Industrial Relations: Concept, Scope, Approaches, Trade Unions: Objectives, Functions, Challenges, Collective Bargaining and Negotiations, Grievance Handling and Discipline, Industrial Disputes: Causes, Resolution Mechanisms, Labour Welfare and Social Security |
| UGCE6F | Elective Course IV (Option C): Media and Society | Elective | 4 | Media and Society: Theoretical Perspectives, Mass Communication: Models and Theories, Media Effects: Cultivation, Agenda-Setting, Media Representation of Social Issues, Global Media and Cultural Imperialism, Social Media and its Impact on Society |
