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MA in Humanities And Social Science at Indian Institute of Technology Mandi
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Science at Indian Institute of Technology Mandi Mandi?
This MA in Humanities and Social Sciences program at IIT Mandi focuses on interdisciplinary inquiry, blending core HSS methodologies with critical engagement across diverse fields. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, research aptitude, and a deep understanding of societal complexities, aligning with India''''s growing demand for professionals who can navigate complex socio-economic and cultural landscapes with a strong analytical foundation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, or Engineering backgrounds seeking to delve into advanced interdisciplinary research and critical thinking. It also suits working professionals looking to pivot into policy analysis, research, or academia, or those aiming to enrich their problem-solving capabilities with a holistic, human-centric perspective relevant to India''''s dynamic environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in policy research, development sector, journalism, education, and social entrepreneurship. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 10-15+ LPA for experienced professionals in research and policy roles. The program fosters critical thinking and ethical leadership, highly valued by Indian and international organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Strong Academic Writing and Research Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering academic writing styles, citation protocols, and avoiding plagiarism. Actively engage in critical reading assignments to develop analytical skills. Regularly attend workshops on research ethics and academic integrity to build a strong foundation for future research.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly (premium for academic checks), Zotero/Mendeley (for citation management), Purdue OWL (online writing lab), IIT Mandi Library resources for ethical guidelines
Career Connection
Excellent writing is crucial for research reports, policy briefs, and academic publications, enhancing employability in research and communication roles. Ethical practice builds trust and credibility in any professional setting.
Develop Interdisciplinary Research Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond core coursework, explore diverse HSS electives to understand varied methodologies and theoretical perspectives. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions. Start identifying potential research interests early and engage with faculty on interdisciplinary projects to broaden your intellectual horizon.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project MUSE (for interdisciplinary journals), Coursera/edX (for supplementary courses in new HSS areas), Departmental research groups
Career Connection
The ability to integrate insights from multiple disciplines is highly valued in complex problem-solving roles, especially in policy, development, and social innovation sectors in India.
Engage Actively in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex theories and research concepts. Regularly participate in class discussions and present your ideas, honing your communication and argumentative skills. Seek feedback from peers and provide constructive criticism to foster a collaborative learning environment.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Teams/Google Meet (for virtual study groups), Whiteboards/Mind mapping tools, Library discussion rooms
Career Connection
Effective communication and teamwork are essential for collaborative research projects and professional environments, improving your ability to articulate complex ideas and work effectively in teams.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Practical Internships and Field Projects- (Semester 2-3 (during breaks or as part of coursework))
Actively seek out internships with NGOs, government bodies, think tanks, or research organizations during semester breaks or as part of the HS 500 project. Gain hands-on experience in data collection, policy analysis, or community engagement to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world Indian contexts.
Tools & Resources
IIT Mandi Career Development Cell, LinkedIn, Internshala for internship listings, Networking with faculty for project leads
Career Connection
Practical experience is vital for understanding ground realities in India, building professional networks, and making your profile attractive for roles in development, public policy, and social impact.
Specialize Skills in Quantitative/Qualitative Data Analysis- (Semester 2-3)
Based on your research interests, dedicate time to mastering specific data analysis software. For quantitative research, learn R or SPSS; for qualitative, explore NVivo or Atlas.ti. Utilize online tutorials and institutional workshops to build proficiency beyond basic coursework.
Tools & Resources
R/Python (with packages like ''''tidyverse'''', ''''nltk''''), SPSS, Stata, NVivo, Atlas.ti, DataCamp, Coursera for specialized courses
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills, especially in data handling, are highly sought after by research firms, analytics companies, and policy institutions in India, opening up roles like research analyst or data scientist (with HSS context).
Build a Strong Academic and Professional Network- (Semester 2-3)
Attend conferences, workshops, and guest lectures hosted by IIT Mandi and other institutions. Engage with visiting scholars, alumni, and industry professionals. Proactively connect with faculty mentors for guidance on research and career paths.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn (for professional networking), Conference alerts (e.g., H-Net), Departmental networking events
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for identifying research collaborations, internship opportunities, and future job prospects in the Indian academic, research, and policy landscape.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Dissertation Research- (Semester 3-4)
Treat your dissertation as a flagship project, investing deeply in original research, rigorous methodology, and impactful findings. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and incorporate revisions diligently. Aim for a publication-worthy thesis that contributes significantly to your chosen HSS domain.
Tools & Resources
IIT Mandi thesis guidelines, Academic writing support services, Peer review from seniors/mentors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is your primary credential for academic careers, research positions, or entry into PhD programs, showcasing your ability for independent, sustained intellectual work. This is vital for top Indian institutions.
Prepare for Post-MA Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Actively research PhD programs (both in India and abroad), job openings in research institutions, policy think tanks, and NGOs well before graduation. Tailor your resume/CV and statement of purpose to specific applications, highlighting your HSS analytical strengths and Indian context knowledge.
Tools & Resources
IIT Mandi Career Development Cell, University websites for PhD programs, Job portals (DevNetJobs, CSRBox, Naukri)
Career Connection
Proactive and tailored preparation ensures a smooth transition into your desired career path, whether in advanced academia or professional roles, maximizing your placement potential.
Develop Presentation and Communication Excellence- (Semester 3-4)
Practice presenting your research findings clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form, especially for non-specialist audiences. Participate in mock viva sessions for your dissertation. Refine your ability to communicate complex HSS ideas effectively, a key skill for policy advocacy and public engagement.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Toastmasters (for public speaking), Departmental presentation workshops
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are indispensable for academics, policy analysts, consultants, and communicators, enabling you to influence decision-makers and disseminate your research impactfully across various Indian sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA/CPI in Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, or an equivalent degree. Candidates must also qualify through a written test and/or interview conducted by IIT Mandi.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 501 | Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing | Core | 4 | Academic discourse conventions, Analytical reading strategies, Essay writing techniques, Argumentation and logical reasoning, Research proposal development, Critical thinking strategies |
| HS 502 | Social Science Research Methods | Core | 4 | Research paradigms and epistemology, Quantitative methods (surveys, statistics), Qualitative methods (interviews, ethnography), Mixed methods research designs, Data analysis software introduction, Ethical considerations in research |
| HS 503 | Introduction to Humanities and Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Scope and evolution of HSS disciplines, Key theoretical frameworks in HSS, Interdisciplinary approaches and methods, Understanding social and cultural phenomena, Impact of HSS research on society, Foundational concepts in humanities |
| HS ELEC S1 1 | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective I | Elective | 4 | Chosen from the pool of HSS Electives based on student interest and availability., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS ELEC S1 2 | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective II | Elective | 4 | Chosen from the pool of HSS Electives based on student interest and availability., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS 590 | Seminar Series | Core | 2 | Academic presentation skills, Engaging in scholarly discourse, Dissemination of research findings, Receiving and providing peer feedback, Current trends and debates in HSS, Conference participation etiquette |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 500 | Internship/Project | Core | 4 | Project planning and scope definition, Fieldwork and data collection, Research implementation and execution, Technical report writing, Presentation of project findings, Professional communication in research settings |
| HS CORE DISC S2 1 | Core Discipline I | Core (Choice) | 4 | Student chooses one advanced core course from available options: Advanced Social Theory (HS 552), Advanced Literary Theory (HS 553), or Advanced Philosophy (HS 554)., Specific topics will be aligned with the chosen discipline''''s advanced theories and methodologies., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS CORE DISC S2 2 | Core Discipline II | Core (Choice) | 4 | Student chooses one specialized core course from available options such as Indian Society and Culture (HS 556), Psychological Perspectives on Human Behaviour (HS 557), Political Economy (HS 558), Cultural Studies (HS 559), Science, Technology, and Society (HS 560), or Environmental Humanities (HS 561)., In-depth study of a specific HSS domain with analytical frameworks., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS ELEC S2 1 | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective III | Elective | 4 | Chosen from the pool of HSS Electives based on student interest and availability., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS 591 | Research Methodology for HSS | Core | 2 | Advanced research design principles, Quantitative data analysis techniques, Qualitative data analysis methods, Statistical software applications (e.g., R, SPSS), Development of thesis proposal, Literature review and conceptual framework |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS ELEC S3 1 | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective IV | Elective | 4 | Chosen from the pool of HSS Electives based on student interest and availability., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS ELEC S3 2 | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective V | Elective | 4 | Chosen from the pool of HSS Electives based on student interest and availability., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS ELEC S3 3 | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective VI | Elective | 4 | Chosen from the pool of HSS Electives based on student interest and availability., Refer to the ''''Available HSS Courses Pool'''' for specific subject names and their topics. |
| HS 698 | Dissertation Part I | Core | 6 | Problem identification and research question formulation, Comprehensive literature review, Refinement of research design and methodology, Development of data collection tools, Seeking ethical clearance for research, Proposal writing and defense |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 699 | Dissertation Part II | Core | 12 | Data analysis and interpretation, Academic thesis writing, Scholarly presentation of findings, Oral defense (viva-voce), Contribution to existing knowledge, Refinement of arguments and conclusions |
Semester hss
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 552 | Advanced Social Theory | Core (Choice) | 4 | Classical sociological theories revisited, Contemporary social thought and debates, Critical theory and its applications, Postmodern and post-structuralist perspectives, Theories of power and social change, Structuralism and post-structuralism |
| HS 553 | Advanced Literary Theory | Core (Choice) | 4 | Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Semiotics, Post-structuralism and Deconstruction, Psychoanalytic criticism, Marxist and Feminist criticism, Postcolonial and Ecocriticism |
| HS 554 | Advanced Philosophy | Core (Choice) | 4 | Metaphysics and ontology, Epistemology: theories of knowledge, Ethics and moral philosophy, Aesthetics and philosophy of art, Philosophy of mind and consciousness, Advanced logic and reasoning |
| HS 556 | Indian Society and Culture | Core (Choice) | 4 | Diversity of Indian social structures, Caste, class, and gender in India, Religious traditions and their impact, Cultural practices and customs, Social change and modernization in India, Regional identities and national integration |
| HS 557 | Psychological Perspectives on Human Behaviour | Core (Choice) | 4 | Behavioral and cognitive theories, Developmental psychology, Social and cultural psychology, Abnormal psychology and mental health, Personality theories, Applications of psychology |
| HS 558 | Political Economy | Core (Choice) | 4 | Intersection of politics and economics, Theories of capitalist development, Global political economy, State, market, and society relations, Inequality and distribution of wealth, Indian political economy context |
| HS 559 | Cultural Studies | Core (Choice) | 4 | Theories of culture, Popular culture analysis, Media, power, and ideology, Identity and representation, Subcultures and resistance, Cultural policy and globalization |
| HS 560 | Science, Technology, and Society | Core (Choice) | 4 | Social construction of science and technology, Ethics of technology, Impact of S&T on society, Innovation and policy, Technological determinism vs. social shaping, Science communication and public understanding |
| HS 561 | Environmental Humanities | Core (Choice) | 4 | Human-environment interactions, Ecological thought and literature, Environmental justice and ethics, Climate change narratives, Conservation and indigenous knowledge, Representation of nature in culture |
| HS 504 | Indian Philosophy and Epistemology | Elective | 4 | Vedic and Upaniṣadic thought, Six schools of Darśana, Buddhist and Jain philosophies, Concepts of consciousness and self, Theories of knowledge (pramāṇas), Ethical frameworks in Indian philosophy |
| HS 505 | Political Philosophy | Elective | 4 | Classical Greek political thought, Modern political theories (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau), Concepts of justice, liberty, and equality, Democratic theory and practice, State, power, and sovereignty, Indian political thought |
| HS 506 | Social Psychology | Elective | 4 | Social cognition and perception, Attitudes, persuasion, and behavior, Group dynamics and influence, Prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, Aggression and altruism, Interpersonal attraction and relationships |
| HS 507 | Environmental Ethics | Elective | 4 | Philosophical foundations of environmentalism, Anthropocentrism vs. ecocentrism, Theories of deep ecology and ecofeminism, Environmental justice and sustainability, Ethics of climate change and biodiversity, Valuation of nature |
| HS 508 | Media and Society | Elective | 4 | Theories of media and communication, Media effects and audience studies, Role of media in democracy, Digital media and social change, Representation in media, Media ethics and regulation in India |
| HS 509 | Introduction to Linguistics | Elective | 4 | Phonetics and phonology (speech sounds), Morphology (word structure), Syntax (sentence structure), Semantics (meaning), Pragmatics (language in use), Language acquisition and variation |
| HS 510 | Development Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of economic development, Poverty, inequality, and human development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Rural and urban development issues, Globalization and developing countries, Development policies and challenges in India |
| HS 511 | Globalisation and Culture | Elective | 4 | Concepts and theories of globalization, Cultural flows and transnationalism, Hybridity and glocalization, Identity politics in a globalized world, Consumer culture and media globalization, Impact of globalization on Indian culture |
| HS 512 | Digital Humanities | Elective | 4 | Introduction to digital tools for HSS, Text mining and data analysis, Data visualization techniques, Digital archiving and preservation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for humanities, Computational linguistics basics |
| HS 513 | South Asian Studies | Elective | 4 | Historical trajectories of South Asia, Political systems and governance, Cultural and linguistic diversity of the region, Regional conflicts and cooperation, Economic development and challenges, Geopolitics and international relations |
| HS 514 | Gender Studies | Elective | 4 | Introduction to theories of gender, Patriarchy and gender inequality, Feminist movements and perspectives, Gender and sexuality studies, Gender roles in society and family, Women''''s empowerment and rights in India |
| HS 515 | Literature and Culture | Elective | 4 | Theories of culture and literary criticism, Intersections of literature with social phenomena, Postcolonial literature and cultural identity, Popular culture and literary forms, Representation of identity in texts, Textual analysis and cultural context |
| HS 516 | Indian English Literature | Elective | 4 | History and evolution of Indian writing in English, Major authors and their works, Themes of colonialism, nationalism, and identity, Contemporary Indian English fiction and poetry, Regional voices in Indian English literature, Diasporic writing |
| HS 517 | Cultural History of India | Elective | 4 | Ancient Indian cultural traditions, Medieval Indian cultural syncretism, Impact of colonialism on Indian culture, Modern Indian cultural identity, Art, architecture, and performing arts, Regional cultural diversity |
| HS 518 | Philosophy of Science | Elective | 4 | Nature of scientific method and inquiry, Epistemology of science: knowledge and justification, Falsificationism and logical positivism, Paradigm shifts and scientific revolutions, Realism vs. anti-realism in science, Ethical issues in scientific research |
| HS 519 | Indian Psychology | Elective | 4 | Indigenous psychological concepts, Yoga psychology and meditation practices, Buddhist psychology and mindfulness, Concepts of self, mind, and consciousness, Mental health and well-being in Indian traditions, Karma and reincarnation in psychological context |
| HS 520 | History of Economic Thought | Elective | 4 | Classical economics (Smith, Ricardo), Marxian economic theory, Neoclassical economics and marginalism, Keynesian economics and macro theory, Institutional and evolutionary economics, Indian economic thinkers and traditions |
| HS 521 | Urban Sociology | Elective | 4 | Theories of urbanization and urban growth, Urbanization patterns in India, City planning and urban development, Social inequalities and segregation in cities, Urban culture and lifestyles, Slums, informal settlements, and urban poverty |
| HS 522 | Sociology of Education | Elective | 4 | Education and social stratification, Education policies and reforms in India, Access, equity, and inclusion in education, Role of schooling in social mobility, Challenges in higher education, Curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment |
| HS 523 | Sociology of Health and Illness | Elective | 4 | Social determinants of health, Healthcare systems in India, Illness experiences and patient narratives, Medical ethics and professionalism, Public health policies and interventions, Health disparities and social inequality |
| HS 524 | Philosophy of Mind | Elective | 4 | The mind-body problem, The nature of consciousness, Intentionality and mental representation, Functionalism and computational theories of mind, Eliminative materialism and identity theory, Philosophy of AI and cognitive science |
| HS 525 | Philosophy of Language | Elective | 4 | Theories of meaning and reference, Speech acts and pragmatics, Semantics and propositional content, Language and thought, Ordinary language philosophy, Logic and natural language |
| HS 526 | Logic and Critical Reasoning | Elective | 4 | Introduction to deductive and inductive reasoning, Informal fallacies and biases, Categorical syllogisms, Propositional and predicate logic, Formal proofs and truth tables, Analyzing arguments in everyday contexts |
| HS 527 | Ancient and Medieval Indian History | Elective | 4 | Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and post-Vedic periods, Mauryan and Gupta empires, Delhi Sultanate and regional kingdoms, Mughal Empire and its administration, Cultural and social developments |
| HS 528 | Modern and Contemporary Indian History | Elective | 4 | Colonialism and its impact in India, Indian nationalist movement, Partition of India and its aftermath, Post-independence consolidation, Economic reforms and liberalization, Contemporary social and political challenges |
| HS 529 | South Asian Art and Aesthetics | Elective | 4 | Classical Indian art forms (sculpture, painting), Mughal and regional architectural styles, Colonial and modern art movements, Theories of Indian aesthetics (Rasa, Dhvani), Folk and tribal arts of South Asia, Contemporary art in the subcontinent |
| HS 530 | Psychology of Learning and Memory | Elective | 4 | Classical and operant conditioning, Cognitive theories of learning, Models of memory (working, long-term), Forgetting and retrieval failures, Applications in education and training, Neuroscience of learning |
| HS 531 | Cognitive Psychology | Elective | 4 | Perception and attention processes, Problem solving and decision making, Language comprehension and production, Cognitive biases and heuristics, Memory systems and encoding, Cognition in artificial intelligence |
| HS 532 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Elective | 4 | Personnel selection and assessment, Training and development in organizations, Work motivation and job satisfaction, Leadership theories and styles, Organizational culture and climate, Stress management and employee well-being |
| HS 533 | Environmental Psychology | Elective | 4 | Human-environment interaction theories, Perception of environmental quality, Environmental attitudes and behavior, Sustainable lifestyles and conservation, Impact of crowding and noise, Restorative environments |
| HS 534 | Political Sociology | Elective | 4 | Power, authority, and legitimation, State formation and functions, Social movements and political change, Political parties and electoral behavior, Governance and civil society, Democracy and its challenges |
| HS 535 | Sociology of Science and Technology | Elective | 4 | Social construction of scientific knowledge, Science policy and funding, Innovation systems and technological change, Impact of technology on society, Ethical issues in science and technology, Public understanding of science |
| HS 536 | Indian Political Economy | Elective | 4 | Economic history of colonial and post-colonial India, Planning models and state intervention, Economic reforms and liberalization, Agrarian issues and rural development, Industrial policy and structural change, Social welfare and poverty reduction programs |
| HS 537 | Comparative Politics | Elective | 4 | Political systems and regimes (democracy, authoritarianism), Elections and electoral systems, Political parties and interest groups, Federalism and decentralization, Globalization and national politics, Political development and transitions |
| HS 538 | International Relations | Elective | 4 | Major theories of International Relations (realism, liberalism), Foreign policy analysis, Conflict, cooperation, and security studies, International organizations and global governance, Human rights and humanitarian intervention, India''''s foreign policy and regional dynamics |
| HS 539 | Public Administration | Elective | 4 | Theories of bureaucracy and administration, Public policy formulation and implementation, Governance and accountability, E-governance and digital transformation, Administrative reforms in India, Public service delivery |
| HS 540 | Social Movements in India | Elective | 4 | Theories of social movements, Peasant and working-class movements, Women''''s movements and gender activism, Environmental movements and sustainability, Dalit and tribal movements, Human rights and civil liberties movements |
