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BA-HONS in Sociology at Helen Lowry College
Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Helen Lowry College Aizawl?
This BA Hons Sociology program at Helen Lowry College of Arts & Commerce, Aizawl, Mizoram focuses on understanding human societies, social behavior, and cultural patterns. It delves into the complexities of Indian society, its institutions, and contemporary challenges. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills, making them adept at examining social structures and issues. There''''s a growing demand for social scientists in India for policy analysis, research, and community development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into various social sectors, including NGOs, government agencies, and research organizations. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding societal dynamics, social justice, and cultural diversity. Students with a strong aptitude for critical thinking, observation, and communication, and those aspiring for careers in public administration or social work, will find this program highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social work, policy analysis, research, journalism, human resources, and civil services. Entry-level salaries for social workers or research assistants typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in specialized roles. The program fosters skills crucial for community development and offers a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in India and abroad.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core sociological concepts like society, culture, stratification, and social change. Engage in regular reading of assigned texts and supplementary materials. Participate actively in classroom discussions to clarify doubts and deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology textbooks (Class XI & XII), Basic sociology readers (e.g., Haralambos & Holborn), Online academic journals for introductory articles
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for all advanced studies and analytical roles in social science, providing the vocabulary and frameworks for understanding complex issues.
Develop Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice summarizing academic articles, writing analytical essays, and preparing concise reports. Join a college writing club or seek feedback from professors on written assignments. Understand how to synthesize information from multiple sources effectively.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Online resources on academic writing, Peer review groups
Career Connection
Essential for research, policy formulation, journalism, and any role requiring clear communication and analytical reporting.
Engage with Indian Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, read newspapers, watch documentaries, and follow reputable Indian news analyses focusing on social issues in India and particularly in Mizoram. Try to connect classroom concepts with real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, Reputable news analysis channels, Documentaries on Indian society, Local community engagement programs
Career Connection
Provides context for applying sociological knowledge, crucial for roles in NGOs, government social welfare departments, and policy advocacy.
Intermediate Stage
Master Social Research Methodologies- (Semester 3-4)
Pay close attention to courses on research methods, statistics, and data analysis. Actively participate in practical exercises involving questionnaire design, data collection, and basic statistical interpretation. Consider assisting faculty in small research projects.
Tools & Resources
SPSS (basic tutorials), R (for beginners), Basic statistics textbooks, Field visit opportunities
Career Connection
Direct preparation for research assistant roles, data analysis positions, and crucial for academic pursuits and impact assessment in NGOs.
Explore Sociological Theories in Depth- (Semester 3-5)
Engage critically with classical and contemporary sociological thinkers. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and their relevance to current societal issues. Attend webinars or workshops on specific theoretical perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Classic texts (Durkheim, Marx, Weber), Contemporary theory readers, Online lecture series (e.g., NPTEL for social sciences)
Career Connection
Enhances analytical and problem-solving skills, vital for roles requiring in-depth understanding of social phenomena and policy formulation.
Gain Field Experience through Internships/Volunteering- (Semester 4-5 (during breaks or part-time))
Actively seek out internships or volunteering opportunities with local NGOs, government social welfare departments, or community-based organizations. This provides hands-on experience in applying sociological knowledge.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, NGO directories, Local community centers
Career Connection
Builds practical skills, professional network, and makes a resume stand out for immediate employment post-graduation.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Elective Choices- (Semester 5-6)
Thoughtfully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career interests. Deep dive into these chosen areas, reading beyond the syllabus and engaging in independent research.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals specific to chosen sub-fields (e.g., Urban Sociology, Sociology of Development), Advanced textbooks
Career Connection
Allows for focused skill development, making you a specialist in a particular area, which is highly valued in niche research or advocacy roles.
Prepare for Higher Studies and Civil Services- (Semester 5-6)
If aiming for M.A. or Civil Services (UPSC, MPSC), start focused preparation for entrance exams. This includes reviewing general studies, practicing analytical reasoning, and staying updated on current affairs, especially social issues.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/MPSC previous year papers, Coaching materials, Online test series, General knowledge books
Career Connection
Direct preparation for competitive examinations, opening doors to prestigious government positions or advanced academic research.
Develop Professional Networking and Interview Skills- (Semester 6)
Attend career fairs, workshops on resume building and interview techniques. Network with alumni and professionals in the social sector. Practice mock interviews to refine communication and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network, Career services department, Professional development workshops
Career Connection
Increases chances of securing placements or desired job roles by improving marketability and professional etiquette.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-101 | Introduction to Sociology I | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Sociology, Basic Sociological Concepts, Social Groups and Interaction, Culture and Socialization, Social Structure |
| SOC-C-102 | Sociology of India I | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Approaches to Indian Society, Caste System in India, Class Structure in India, Family and Kinship in India, Religion and Society in India |
| ENV-AECC-101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and Environment |
| GEN-GE-101 | Generic Elective 1 (Student Choice) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics), Interdisciplinary concepts, Broad foundational knowledge, Analytical thinking, Diverse perspectives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-203 | Introduction to Sociology II | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Social Stratification, Social Change and Development, Social Control and Deviance, Crime and Society, Social Movements |
| SOC-C-204 | Sociology of India II | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Agrarian Structure in India, Industrial Society in India, Urbanization in India, Tribes and Adivasi Societies, Gender and Society in India |
| ENG/MIL-AECC-202 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Public Speaking and Presentation, Grammar and Vocabulary |
| GEN-GE-202 | Generic Elective 2 (Student Choice) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics), Interdisciplinary concepts, Broad foundational knowledge, Analytical thinking, Diverse perspectives |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-305 | Sociological Thinkers I | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer''''s Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts and Suicide, Karl Marx: Class and Historical Materialism, Max Weber: Social Action and Bureaucracy |
| SOC-C-306 | Social Research Methods I | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Nature of Social Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods (Observation, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Ethics in Social Research |
| SOC-C-307 | Political Sociology | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, State, Citizenship, and Civil Society, Political Parties and Elections, Globalization and Politics |
| SOC-SEC-301 | Techniques of Social Survey | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Survey Design and Planning, Questionnaire Construction, Interviewing Skills, Data Entry and Tabulation, Basic Survey Report Writing |
| GEN-GE-303 | Generic Elective 3 (Student Choice) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics), Interdisciplinary concepts, Broad foundational knowledge, Analytical thinking, Diverse perspectives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-408 | Sociological Thinkers II | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Talcott Parsons and Structural Functionalism, Robert K. Merton''''s Middle Range Theory, C. Wright Mills: Sociological Imagination, Erving Goffman: Dramaturgy and Self, Peter L. Berger: Social Construction of Reality |
| SOC-C-409 | Social Research Methods II | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Report Writing |
| SOC-C-410 | Sociology of Religion | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Origin and Nature of Religion, Religion and Social Institutions, Religious Pluralism and Conflict, Secularization Debate, Religion and Social Change |
| SOC-SEC-402 | Data Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Types of Data, Data Presentation (Tables, Graphs), Correlation and Regression (Introduction), Hypothesis Testing Basics, Interpretation of Statistical Data |
| GEN-GE-404 | Generic Elective 4 (Student Choice) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics), Interdisciplinary concepts, Broad foundational knowledge, Analytical thinking, Diverse perspectives |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-511 | Sociological Theories | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Postmodernism and its Critics, Feminist Sociological Theories, Subaltern Studies, Critical Theory |
| SOC-C-512 | Urban Sociology | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Nature of Urban Sociology, Urbanization in India, Urban Problems and Challenges, Urban Planning and Policy, The City as a Social System |
| SOC-DSE-501 | Sociology of Development | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Dimensions of Development, Development Planning in India, Globalization and Development, Sustainable Development |
| SOC-DSE-502 | Gender and Society | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Gender Socialization and Identity, Patriarchy and Gender Inequality, Gender and Development, Women''''s Movements in India |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-613 | Industrial Sociology | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Industrial Sociology, Industrialization and Society in India, Labour Relations and Unions, Informal Sector and Globalization, Work, Industry, and Technology |
| SOC-C-614 | Social Demography | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Introduction to Demography, Population Theories, Components of Population Change (Fertility, Mortality, Migration), Population Composition and Structure, Population Policy in India |
| SOC-DSE-603 | Sociology of Education | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Education as a Social Institution, Education and Social Stratification, Educational Reforms in India, Challenges in Indian Education, Role of Education in Social Change |
| SOC-DSE-604 | Crime and Society | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Nature and Types of Crime, Theories of Crime and Deviance, Social Control and Justice System, Victimology, Prevention and Control of Crime |
