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MASTER-OF-ARTS in Sociology at JSS College for Women, Kollegal
Chamarajanagara, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at JSS College for Women, Kollegal Chamarajanagara?
This Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology program at JSS College for Women, Chamarajanagar, affiliated with the University of Mysore, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of social structures, processes, and dynamics within an Indian and global context. It emphasizes critical sociological theories, robust research methodologies, and a nuanced perspective on contemporary social issues. The program differentiates itself by integrating classical sociological thought with modern applications, preparing students for diverse challenges in the evolving Indian societal landscape, where understanding social complexities is crucial for effective policy-making and community development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring social scientists, researchers, and community development professionals seeking to delve deeper into societal functions. It attracts fresh graduates from various disciplines, particularly those with a background in sociology, humanities, or social sciences, who aim to build a strong theoretical and empirical foundation. Additionally, working professionals in NGOs, government agencies, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments looking to enhance their analytical skills and contribute meaningfully to social causes will find this program highly beneficial, offering a robust platform for intellectual growth and career advancement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this MA Sociology program can expect to embark on diverse and impactful career paths across India. Common roles include social researchers, policy analysts, community development officers, human resource specialists, and CSR managers in both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-12 LPA, depending on the sector and expertise. The program equips students with critical thinking, research, and communication skills, vital for growth trajectories in fields demanding social insight and problem-solving, fostering professional certifications in areas like social impact assessment and program evaluation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with classical and contemporary sociological theories by reading original texts and critical commentaries. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and apply them to current social events and debates. Focus on foundational thinkers and their lasting contributions.
Tools & Resources
University library, JSTOR, Sociological journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds a strong theoretical base essential for research, policy analysis, and understanding societal complexities, crucial for any sociology-related career requiring analytical depth.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding research methodologies and basic social statistics. Participate in introductory workshops on data collection tools (e.g., survey design, interview techniques) and familiarise yourself with basic statistical software concepts and applications.
Tools & Resources
Research methods textbooks, University workshops on data collection, Introductory statistics tutorials
Career Connection
Lays the groundwork for conducting independent research, a valuable skill for research roles, data analysis, and evidence-based policy formulation in various sectors.
Engage in Critical Indian Social Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, regularly read newspaper articles, academic journals, and government reports on contemporary Indian social issues. Actively participate in class discussions focusing on applying sociological concepts to India''''s unique social fabric and challenges.
Tools & Resources
Indian Express, The Hindu, Economic & Political Weekly (EPW), Government social welfare reports
Career Connection
Provides an in-depth understanding of the Indian context, highly valued by NGOs, government bodies, and social development organizations working within the country.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Applied Social Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively seek opportunities to participate in minor research projects under faculty guidance or as part of course assignments. Focus on practical aspects of data collection, analysis, and report writing for real-world social problems, building a portfolio of work.
Tools & Resources
Academic mentors, Departmental research initiatives, Survey tools like Google Forms
Career Connection
Develops practical research experience, crucial for roles in NGOs, social research firms, and academic pursuits, enhancing employability and project management skills.
Network with Social Sector Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend webinars, seminars, and workshops organized by the department, university, or local NGOs focusing on current social issues. Actively connect with guest speakers, alumni, and professionals in fields like social work, policy, and development.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network, Local NGO events, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and potential job leads in the social sector, building valuable professional relationships and insights into industry demands.
Specialise Through Electives- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective subjects that align with specific career interests, such as Industrial Sociology, Rural Sociology, or Gender Studies. Dive deep into the chosen area to gain specialized knowledge and skills that differentiate your profile.
Tools & Resources
Course handbooks, Faculty advisors, Industry reports related to chosen specialization
Career Connection
Allows for focused development of expertise, making students more competitive for roles requiring specialized knowledge in specific domains of sociology, thereby enhancing career prospects.
Advanced Stage
Initiate and Complete Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time and effort to your dissertation or major project, selecting a topic of personal and academic interest. Ensure rigorous methodology, thorough analysis, and clear presentation of findings to demonstrate advanced research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Academic supervisors, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Reference management tools
Career Connection
Serves as a capstone project, showcasing advanced research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute original work, highly valued by employers and for further academic or research pursuits.
Prepare for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the college''''s placement cell and university career services. Prepare a strong resume highlighting sociological skills, participate in mock interviews, and practice articulating research findings and social insights effectively to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Online resume builders, Mock interview sessions, Job portals
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for securing employment in relevant organizations by refining job application skills, building confidence, and ensuring a smooth transition from academia to the professional world.
Engage in Community Outreach and Advocacy- (Semester 4)
Participate in social awareness campaigns, volunteer with local NGOs, or engage in advocacy efforts related to social justice or development issues. This provides hands-on experience in community engagement and real-world problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
Local community organizations, University outreach programs, Social media for awareness campaigns
Career Connection
Enhances practical experience in social change, demonstrates commitment to societal well-being, and develops leadership, empathy, and communication skills, vital for roles in NGOs, social enterprises, and public service.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree with Sociology as a major/optional subject (minimum 45% aggregate; 40% for SC/ST/Cat-1 candidates) or any Bachelor''''s degree with minimum 50% aggregate from a recognized university.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C 1.1 | Classical Sociological Theory – I | Core | 4 | Enlightenment and Sociological Thought, Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer and Social Darwinism, Emile Durkheim and Social Facts, Karl Marx and Historical Materialism |
| SO-C 1.2 | Research Methods and Social Statistics – I | Core | 4 | Social Research and Scientific Method, Research Design and Types, Hypothesis and Variables, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling Techniques |
| SO-C 1.3 | Sociology of India – I | Core | 4 | Classical Indian Thinkers (Gandhi, Ambedkar), Traditional Indian Social Structure, Caste System: Origin and Change, Village Community and Agrarian Structure, Family, Marriage and Kinship in India |
| SO-C 1.4 | Sociology of Development – I | Core | 4 | Concept of Development and Underdevelopment, Theories of Development (Modernization, Dependency), Indicators of Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Role of State and NGOs in Development |
| SO-E 1.5.1 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Elective | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Context, Social Justice: Concept and Dimensions, Role of Judiciary and NGOs |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C 2.1 | Classical Sociological Theory – II | Core | 4 | Max Weber: Rationality and Bureaucracy, Talcott Parsons: Social System and Action, Robert Merton: Middle Range Theories, Conflict Theories: Ralf Dahrendorf, Symbolic Interactionism: Mead and Blumer |
| SO-C 2.2 | Research Methods and Social Statistics – II | Core | 4 | Data Analysis: Coding and Tabulation, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Normal Distribution, Correlation and Regression, Hypothesis Testing: Chi-square, T-test |
| SO-C 2.3 | Sociology of India – II | Core | 4 | Social Change in India: Modernization, Globalization and Indian Society, Social Movements in India, Religion and Secularism in India, Challenges to Indian Society |
| SO-C 2.4 | Sociology of Development – II | Core | 4 | Globalization and Development, Indian Development Experience, Gender and Development, Environment and Development, Development Planning and Policies in India |
| SO-E 2.5.1 | Urban Sociology | Elective | 4 | Urbanization: Trends and Patterns, Theories of Urbanization, Urban Problems in India, Urban Planning and Policies, Indian Cities and their Dynamics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C 3.1 | Theories of Social Change | Core | 4 | Concept and Nature of Social Change, Evolutionary Theories of Change, Functionalist Theories of Change, Conflict Theories of Change, Cyclical Theories of Change |
| SO-C 3.2 | Perspectives on Indian Society | Core | 4 | Indological Perspective (G.S. Ghurye), Structural Functional Perspective (M.N. Srinivas), Marxist Perspective (D.P. Mukerji), Subaltern Perspective (Ranajit Guha), Feminist Perspectives on Indian Society |
| SO-C 3.3 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Patriarchy and Matriarchy, Feminist Theories, Gender Inequality in India, Gender and Development Policies |
| SO-E 3.4.1 | Industrial Sociology | Elective | 4 | Industry and Society, Work and Organization, Industrial Relations in India, Labor Movements and Trade Unions, Globalization and Industry |
| SO-E 3.5.1 | Rural Sociology | Elective | 4 | Rural Society: Concept and Characteristics, Agrarian Structure and Change, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural Development Programs in India, Rural-Urban Linkages |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-C 4.1 | Sociology of Globalization | Core | 4 | Concept and Theories of Globalization, Economic Globalization and its Impact, Cultural Globalization and Identity, Globalization and Social Movements, Anti-Globalization Perspectives |
| SO-C 4.2 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Environmental Sociology: Scope and Theories, Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Problems in India, Environmental Movements and Governance, Climate Change and Society |
| SO-C 4.3 | Sociology of Health | Core | 4 | Health and Society: Medical Sociology, Social Epidemiology, Health Care Systems in India, Traditional Medical Systems, Health Policy and Public Health |
| SO-E 4.4.1 | Political Sociology | Elective | 4 | Power, Authority and Legitimacy, State, Civil Society and Governance, Political Parties and Voting Behavior, Democracy and Decentralization in India, Social Movements and Politics |
| SO-D 4.5 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Collection and Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
