.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Humanities Social Science at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Humanities & Social Science at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Humanities & Social Science PhD program at IIT Roorkee focuses on advanced interdisciplinary research in areas such as Economics, English, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology. It is designed to foster critical inquiry into complex societal challenges, often with an emphasis on the Indian context. Leveraging IIT''''s unique technical environment, the program encourages novel methodological approaches and a nuanced understanding of human behavior and social structures, addressing significant intellectual and practical questions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring researchers, academicians, and policy analysts who hold a Master''''s degree in relevant disciplines and possess a strong aptitude for critical thinking and rigorous research. It attracts individuals passionate about contributing to social theory, public policy, cultural studies, and economic development. Professionals in think tanks, NGOs, or government seeking advanced research credentials and a deeper understanding of societal dynamics in India would also find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue thriving careers in academia, becoming professors and researchers in universities and research institutions across India and globally. They are also well-prepared for roles in policy formulation within government bodies like NITI Aayog, specialized consulting firms, and leadership positions in non-profit organizations focused on social impact. The program cultivates high-level analytical and research skills, enabling contributions to critical national and international discourse.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Research Methodologies- (undefined)
Diligently engage with the compulsory Research Methodology course, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Utilize online resources like Coursera courses on statistical analysis (e.g., in R or Python) and academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus) to broaden your methodological toolkit beyond coursework. Form a peer study group to discuss complex theoretical concepts and research designs.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, Coursera (for method-specific courses), Mendeley/Zotero (for citation management)
Career Connection
A strong foundation in diverse research methodologies is indispensable for designing impactful studies, critical for thesis success and future academic/research roles.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Seminars & Workshops- (undefined)
Actively participate in departmental and inter-departmental seminars, especially those from engineering or management, to identify potential areas of interdisciplinary research. Attend workshops on academic writing and research ethics to refine scholarly communication skills. Seek early interaction with your potential supervisor to align research interests and identify key literature.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, IIT Roorkee central library workshops, Academic writing centers
Career Connection
Broadening intellectual horizons beyond one''''s immediate specialization can lead to innovative research questions and unique career opportunities at the intersection of fields.
Initiate Early Literature Review and Proposal Development- (undefined)
Begin a comprehensive literature review from Semester 1 itself, cataloging key theories, debates, and gaps in your area of interest. Use reference management software systematically. Work closely with your supervisor to progressively refine your PhD proposal, ensuring it addresses a significant research problem with a feasible methodology.
Tools & Resources
EndNote, Zotero, Google Scholar, IIT Roorkee digital library resources
Career Connection
A well-structured and timely research proposal sets the stage for efficient thesis progression and demonstrates capability in scholarly inquiry, crucial for securing research grants.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Thesis Research & Data Collection- (undefined)
Dedicatedly focus on your chosen thesis topic, moving beyond coursework to intensive literature analysis. Develop and pilot your data collection instruments, whether surveys, interview guides, or experimental designs. Become proficient in specialized software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for quantitative; NVivo, Atlas.ti for qualitative) relevant to your chosen methodology.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R/Python (for statistical analysis), NVivo/Atlas.ti (for qualitative analysis), Departmental labs and software licenses
Career Connection
Mastery of research tools and robust data collection practices are fundamental skills highly valued in both academic research and industry positions requiring analytical expertise.
Active Participation in Conferences and Publications- (undefined)
Present your preliminary research findings at national and international conferences. Seek feedback from peers and established scholars. Aim for at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal before your synopsis submission. This builds your academic profile and refines your communication of complex ideas.
Tools & Resources
Academic conference databases (e.g., WikiCFP), Journal ranking platforms (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science), IIT Roorkee research portal
Career Connection
Early publications and conference presentations enhance your CV significantly, proving research productivity and networking with potential employers/collaborators in academia.
Prepare Rigorously for Comprehensive Examination- (undefined)
Develop a structured study plan for your comprehensive examination, covering core disciplinary knowledge and your specific research domain. Form a comprehensive exam study group with peers. Conduct mock vivas or presentations with senior PhD scholars and faculty members to identify gaps in your knowledge and presentation style.
Tools & Resources
Departmental course syllabi, Past comprehensive exam questions (if available), Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Successfully clearing the comprehensive exam is a critical milestone, demonstrating mastery of your field and readiness for independent research, directly impacting progression and eventual degree award.
Advanced Stage
Structured Thesis Writing and Revision- (undefined)
Establish a consistent writing routine, setting daily or weekly word count targets. Utilize academic writing support services or peer review groups for feedback on clarity, coherence, and argumentation. Focus on iterative drafting and revision with your supervisor, ensuring the thesis meets high scholarly standards.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly/QuillBot (for initial grammar checks), Departmental writing support, Peer review groups
Career Connection
The ability to produce high-quality, sustained academic writing is paramount for publishing, securing academic positions, and effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences.
Refine Presentation and Defense Skills- (undefined)
Practice your synopsis and pre-synopsis presentations repeatedly, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and engaging delivery. Prepare thoroughly for your thesis defense by anticipating potential questions from examiners and formulating articulate responses. Seek feedback on your presentation style from faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides, Public speaking workshops, Mock defense sessions
Career Connection
Strong presentation and defense skills are crucial for successfully completing your PhD and are transferable assets for future academic talks, job interviews, and professional presentations.
Strategic Career Planning and Networking- (undefined)
Actively explore post-PhD career options, whether in academia, industry research, or policy. Prepare tailored CVs and cover letters. Network with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals at conferences and career events. Consider applying for postdoctoral fellowships or early-career research grants to kickstart your independent research journey.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIT Roorkee Alumni network, Academic job portals (e.g., jobs.ac.uk, higheredjobs.com), Grant funding agency websites
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking in the advanced stage can significantly enhance your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions immediately after graduation, aligning with India''''s competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.A./M.Sc./MBA/M.Phil./M.Tech./M.E.) in relevant discipline with minimum 6.5 CGPA/60% marks; or B.Tech./B.E. with specific CGPA (for certain areas like Economics). Valid score in UGC-NET/GATE/other national level examination or institutional entrance exam is required.
Duration: Minimum 2 years, Maximum 7 years
Credits: Minimum 12 credits of coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSH-601 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science Research, Literature Review Techniques, Research Design and Hypotheses, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Academic Ethics and Plagiarism, Proposal Writing |
| HSH-603 | Data Analysis for Social Sciences | Elective | 4 | Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R), Data Interpretation |
| HSH-608 | Advanced Literary Theory | Elective | 4 | Post-structuralism, Postcolonialism, Feminist Theory, Cultural Studies, New Historicism, Psychoanalytic Criticism |
| HSH-607 | Philosophical Issues in Social Sciences | Elective | 4 | Epistemology of Social Inquiry, Ontology of Social Reality, Ethics in Social Research, Hermeneutics and Interpretation, Positivism vs. Interpretivism, Critique of Value Neutrality |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSH-602 | Academic Writing | Elective | 2 | Argumentation and Evidence, Structure of Research Papers, Citation Styles (APA, MLA, Chicago), Writing for Publication, Editing and Proofreading, Crafting Abstracts and Introductions |
| HSH-604 | Social Science Research | Elective | 4 | Theoretical Frameworks, Survey Design and Sampling, Interview Techniques, Focus Group Discussions, Case Study Method, Ethical Considerations |
| HSH-605 | Qualitative Research Methods | Elective | 4 | Ethnography and Participant Observation, In-depth Interviewing, Content Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Grounded Theory, NVivo/Qualitative Data Analysis Software |
| HSH-606 | Econometrics for Social Sciences | Elective | 4 | Classical Linear Regression Model, Violations of Assumptions, Panel Data Analysis, Time Series Econometrics, Simultaneous Equations Models, Instrumental Variables |
| HSH-609 | Cognitive Psychology | Elective | 4 | Attention and Perception, Memory Systems and Processes, Language Acquisition and Processing, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Cognitive Development, Artificial Intelligence and Cognition |
| HSH-610 | Organizational Psychology | Elective | 4 | Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Leadership Theories and Styles, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, Organizational Culture and Climate, Stress Management in Organizations, Performance Appraisal and Feedback |
| HSH-611 | Public Policy Analysis | Elective | 4 | Policy Process Models, Stakeholder Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Policy Implementation and Evaluation, Governance and Public Administration, Indian Policy Context |
| HSH-612 | Environmental Economics | Elective | 4 | Environmental Externalities, Valuation of Environmental Goods, Pollution Control Policies, Sustainable Development, Climate Change Economics, Resource Scarcity and Management |
| HSH-613 | Development Economics | Elective | 4 | Theories of Economic Development, Poverty and Inequality, Human Capital and Health, Agriculture and Rural Development, Globalisation and Development, Development Planning in India |
| HSH-614 | Gender Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Gender, Gender and Society in India, Feminist Movements, Gender, Work, and Economy, Gender and Representation, Gender-Based Violence |
| HSH-615 | Indian English Literature | Elective | 4 | Origins and Evolution, Major Authors and Genres, Themes of Nation, Identity, Partition, Post-Independence Writings, Diasporic Literature, Contemporary Trends |
| HSH-616 | Postcolonial Theory and Literature | Elective | 4 | Colonialism and Empire, Subaltern Studies, Orientalism and Occidentalism, Hybridity and Mimicry, Nationalism and Postcolonial Identity, Globalisation and Neo-colonialism |
| HSH-617 | Culture and Society | Elective | 4 | Cultural Theories, Socialization and Identity, Cultural Change and Globalisation, Popular Culture and Media, Rituals and Symbols, Culture in Indian Context |
| HSH-618 | Psychology of Well-being | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Happiness and Well-being, Positive Psychology Interventions, Resilience and Coping Mechanisms, Mindfulness and Meditation, Subjective Well-being Measurement, Cross-cultural Perspectives on Well-being |
| HSH-619 | Philosophy of Mind | Elective | 4 | Mind-Body Problem, Consciousness and Qualia, Personal Identity, Free Will and Determinism, Artificial Intelligence and Cognition, Emotion and Rationality |
| HSH-620 | Urban Sociology | Elective | 4 | Urbanization Theories, Social Ecology, Urban Poverty and Inequality, Slums and Informal Settlements, Urban Governance and Planning, Smart Cities in India |
| HSH-621 | Advanced Economic Theory | Elective | 4 | Consumer Theory and Duality, Producer Theory and Cost Functions, General Equilibrium Theory, Welfare Economics, Game Theory, Asymmetric Information |
