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M-A in Social Systems Sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Social Systems (Sociology) at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This M.A. in Sociology (Social Systems) program at Jawaharlal Nehru University focuses on critically analyzing social structures, processes, and change. Rooted in rigorous theoretical and methodological training, it explores societal complexities through an interdisciplinary lens. The program delves into India-specific social dynamics, making it highly relevant for understanding the nation''''s unique challenges and developmental trajectory. It prepares students for advanced research and diverse professional roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates from any discipline seeking a comprehensive understanding of society, critical thinking skills, and research aptitude. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring to careers in academia, policy analysis, and social development. Working professionals in NGOs, research institutions, or government sectors looking to deepen their sociological understanding and analytical capabilities will also find it beneficial. Prior academic background in social sciences is advantageous but not mandatory.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in academia, government, policy think tanks, and national/international NGOs in India. Typical roles include social researcher, policy analyst, development professional, or lecturer. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The rigorous research training also provides a strong foundation for M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies, aligning with the growing demand for expert social scientists in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Theoretical and Methodological Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with classical and contemporary sociological theories, critically analyzing their relevance to Indian society. Simultaneously, master qualitative and quantitative research methods through hands-on exercises, workshops, and case studies. Focus on understanding the philosophical underpinnings of social inquiry.
Tools & Resources
JNU Library databases, NCERT Sociology textbooks for foundational concepts, NPTEL courses on research methodology, Peer study groups, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding and methodological skills are essential for any research-oriented career, policy analysis, and even for competitive exams.
Active Participation in Departmental Seminars and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Attend and actively participate in the numerous seminars, lectures, and debates organized by CSSS and other centers within SSS. Engage with visiting scholars, faculty, and fellow students to broaden perspectives and sharpen critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, JNU academic calendars, Discussion forums, Pre-reading suggested materials for seminars
Career Connection
Develops presentation skills, networking with experts, exposure to current research, and fosters intellectual curiosity crucial for advanced studies and research roles.
Develop Strong Academic Writing and Critical Reading Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving academic writing by seeking feedback from professors and peers on essays and research papers. Practice critical reading by summarizing, analyzing, and critiquing assigned texts. Utilize university writing centers if available.
Tools & Resources
JNU''''s Central Library resources, Online academic writing guides (e.g., Purdue OWL), Peer review sessions, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Clear and concise communication is vital for all professional roles, especially in research, policy, and journalism.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Specialised Electives and Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose elective courses that align with emerging interests or career aspirations (e.g., gender studies, development, global studies). Explore opportunities for interdisciplinary courses offered by other JNU schools to broaden academic horizons.
Tools & Resources
JNU course catalogue, Faculty advisors, Academic interest groups
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise, making graduates more attractive for specific research projects or roles in specialized NGOs and policy bodies.
Pursue Short-term Research Projects or Internships- (Semester 3 breaks, concurrent with studies)
Actively seek out opportunities for short-term research projects under faculty mentorship or internships with NGOs, think tanks, or government departments during semester breaks. This provides practical exposure to applying sociological concepts in real-world settings.
Tools & Resources
JNU career services (if any), Faculty networks, Internship portals like Internshala, LinkedIn, Direct applications to organizations like PRADAN, CRY
Career Connection
Gaining practical experience is crucial for building a resume, developing professional networks, and understanding career pathways in the social sector.
Join and Contribute to Academic Forums/Publications- (Semester 3)
Become an active member of JNU''''s various academic clubs, societies, or student-led journals. Contribute short articles, reviews, or research notes to showcase analytical and writing abilities, and to engage in intellectual discourse beyond the classroom.
Tools & Resources
JNU student organizations, Departmental magazines, National/international student journals focused on social sciences
Career Connection
Enhances academic profile, demonstrates commitment to the field, builds a portfolio of published work, and improves networking within the academic community.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Rigorous Dissertation Research Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the MA dissertation, choosing a topic of genuine interest with strong faculty guidance. Execute primary/secondary research meticulously, adhering to academic ethics, and aim for a high-quality, publishable-level output.
Tools & Resources
JNU research ethics guidelines, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for quantitative; NVivo for qualitative), JNU Library, Research methodology books, Faculty supervisors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful testament to research capabilities, essential for M.Phil./Ph.D. admissions, and highly valued by research organizations and policy think tanks.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 4)
Leverage JNU''''s extensive alumni network to gain insights into diverse career paths. Attend career fairs, departmental alumni meets, and connect with professionals in desired sectors (e.g., development, policy, academia, journalism) to explore opportunities and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
JNU alumni association, LinkedIn, Professional conferences, Departmental guest lectures
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for discovering hidden job markets, receiving referrals, and securing placements after graduation in India''''s competitive job landscape.
Prepare Comprehensive Career Documents and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Develop a compelling CV, cover letter, and a portfolio showcasing research work, publications, and relevant skills. Practice interview techniques, focusing on articulating sociological concepts and research experience clearly for academic, research, or development roles.
Tools & Resources
JNU career counseling services (if available), Online resume builders, Mock interview sessions with peers/faculty, Resources like Naukri.com for job descriptions
Career Connection
Effective self-presentation is critical for successful job applications and interviews, leading directly to employment or higher education opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline under 10+2+3 pattern of education with at least 50% marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA 401 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology-I | Core | 4 | Classical Sociological Theories, Foundational Thinkers (Marx, Weber, Durkheim), Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Sociology of Knowledge |
| MA 402 | Methods in Social Research | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science, Research Design, Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MA 403 | Society and Economy: Theoretical Formulations | Core | 4 | Economic Sociology Theories, Capitalism and Its Forms, Work, Labour and Industrial Relations, Consumption and Lifestyles, Informal Economy and Globalization, Neo-liberalism and Society |
| MA 404 | Social Stratification | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Stratification, Class, Status, and Power, Caste System in India, Gender and Inequality, Race and Ethnicity, Social Mobility and Poverty |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA 405 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology-II | Core | 4 | Contemporary Sociological Theories, Post-structuralism and Postmodernism, Feminist Theories, Postcolonial Theory, Network Theory and Digital Society, Critiques of Modernity |
| MA 406 | Social Change, Development and Discontents | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Change, Development Models and Critiques, Globalization and its Impact, Environmental Sociology, Social Problems and Discontents, Resistance and Transformation |
| MA 407 | Indian Society: Structure and Process | Core | 4 | Caste System: Historical and Contemporary, Tribal Societies and Integration, Family, Kinship, and Marriage in India, Religion and Secularism, Rural-Urban Dynamics and Migration, State, Society, and Citizenship |
| MA 408 | Rural and Urban Studies | Core | 4 | Theories of Urbanization, Rural Transformation and Agrarian Change, Spatial Sociology and City Planning, Mega Cities and Global Cities, Rural Development Policies, Urban Governance and Social Life |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA 501 | Approaches to the Study of Social Systems | Core | 4 | General Systems Theory, Cybernetics and Society, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Social Networks Analysis, Complexity Theory in Social Sciences, Social Institutions as Systems |
| MA 502 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Theories of Gender, Patriarchy and Social Structures, Gender Roles and Socialization, Feminist Movements and Discourses, Masculinity Studies, Sexuality and Identity |
| MA 503 | Globalization and Society | Core | 4 | Theories of Globalization, Economic Globalization and Its Impact, Cultural Flows and Hybridity, Global Governance and Transnationalism, Resistance to Globalization, Migration and Diasporas |
| MA 504 | Social Institutions and Processes (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Institutions, Family and Kinship as Institutions, Education and Socialization, Religion and Rituals, Political Institutions and Power, Law and Social Control |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA 516 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Academic Ethics and Plagiarism |
| MA 517 | Modern Indian Social Thought | Core | 4 | Colonial Modernity and Its Critics, Gandhi''''s Social Philosophy, Ambedkar''''s Critique of Caste, Nehruvian Modernization, Feminist and Subaltern Perspectives, Contemporary Indian Intellectuals |
| MA 518 | Social Movements | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Movements, Collective Action and Protest, Resource Mobilization Theory, New Social Movements, Environmental Movements in India, Identity Politics and Resistance |
| MA 519 | Public Policy and Social Justice (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Policy Analysis Frameworks, Welfare State and Social Provisions, Human Rights and Social Justice, Governance and Development, Participatory Planning, Policy Implementation and Evaluation |
