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MASTER-OF-ARTS in Sociology at Karnatak Arts College, Dharwad
Dharwad, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Karnatak Arts College, Dharwad Dharwad?
This Master of Arts in Sociology program at Karnatak Arts College, Dharwad, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of social structures, processes, and dynamics with a strong theoretical and methodological foundation. The curriculum delves into classical and contemporary sociological thought, research methods, and critical areas like gender, development, environment, and crime. It prepares students for diverse roles in social research, policy analysis, and community development, reflecting the growing need for skilled social scientists in India''''s complex socio-economic landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates from any discipline, particularly those with a background in social sciences, humanities, or even science/commerce who possess a keen interest in understanding societal issues. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for careers in academia, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, or corporate social responsibility wings. Working professionals seeking to upskill their research capabilities or transition into social impact roles will also find the program highly beneficial, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths as social researchers, project managers in NGOs, policy analysts, academicians, or development professionals. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and specialization. Growth trajectories include leadership roles in social sector organizations, research institutions, and consulting firms focused on social development. The analytical and research skills acquired are highly transferable, opening doors to various industries in a rapidly evolving job market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to thoroughly understand the foundational sociological theories from Comte, Durkheim, Weber, and Marx, along with contemporary perspectives. Create mind maps and summary notes for each theory, focusing on their core arguments, concepts, and relevance. Engage in weekly discussion groups with peers to clarify doubts and explore different interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Standard sociology textbooks (e.g., Ritzer, Haralambos), Online academic journals, Peer study groups, University library resources
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding is essential for any sociological research, policy analysis, or academic role, providing the conceptual tools to interpret social phenomena.
Develop Strong Research Method Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to both quantitative and qualitative research methods modules. Actively participate in practical sessions, learn to use computer applications like MS Excel/SPSS for data tabulation and basic analysis. Volunteer for departmental mini-research projects to gain hands-on experience in survey design, data collection, and preliminary analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS tutorials, Online courses on research methods (e.g., NPTEL), Mock data sets, Departmental research projects
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is highly sought after by NGOs, research institutions, and government bodies for impact assessment, policy formulation, and data-driven decision-making.
Engage with Local Social Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Read local newspapers and credible online Indian news sources daily to stay informed about social, economic, and political issues in Karnataka and India. Attend public lectures, seminars, and workshops organized by the college or local NGOs on topics like rural development, gender equality, or environmental concerns to connect classroom learning with real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
Local newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Deccan Herald), Reputable Indian news portals, College event calendars, NGO outreach programs
Career Connection
This builds contextual understanding crucial for roles in development, social work, and policy, demonstrating a commitment to addressing India''''s unique challenges.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize Through Electives and Practical Application- (Semester 3)
Carefully select electives in areas like Social Gerontology, Health, Media, Human Rights, or Social Movements that align with your career interests. Actively participate in the Data Analysis using SPSS practical, aiming to complete a small, self-initiated data analysis project using publicly available datasets (e.g., NSSO, Census data) to apply learned skills.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software, Government statistical websites (NSSO, Census of India), Specialized textbooks for chosen electives, Academic journals
Career Connection
Demonstrating expertise in a specific sub-field and practical data analysis skills enhances employability for specialized research or program management roles.
Seek Internships or Volunteering Opportunities- (Semester 3 Break)
Actively search for and undertake short-term internships or intensive volunteering roles with local NGOs, government social welfare departments, or community development projects during semester breaks. Focus on gaining exposure to field realities, project implementation, and understanding grassroots challenges in India.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Direct outreach to NGOs and social organizations in Dharwad
Career Connection
Practical experience significantly boosts resumes, provides networking opportunities, and helps clarify career aspirations within the social sector.
Network and Attend Academic Conferences- (Semester 3)
Attend regional or national sociology conferences, seminars, or workshops (even virtually) to present findings from your practical projects or simply to learn from established scholars and network with peers and potential mentors. Join professional sociological associations in India.
Tools & Resources
Indian Sociological Society, University academic calendars, Online conference platforms
Career Connection
Builds academic profile, connects you with the broader sociological community, and opens doors for higher studies or research collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Project Management- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that genuinely interests you and has real-world relevance, preferably linked to a societal issue in India. Dedicate significant time to thorough literature review, rigorous data collection (if applicable), and analytical writing. Treat the dissertation as a full-fledged research project, managing timelines and resources effectively.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Thesis writing guides, University faculty mentorship, Citation management software (e.g., Zotero)
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases independent research capability, critical thinking, and written communication skills, which are highly valued in research, policy, and academic careers.
Prepare for Career Progression- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and group discussions. Explore competitive exams for government roles (UPSC, state PSCs) or apply for PhD programs. Tailor your applications based on your chosen career path (NGO, research, academia) and highlight your sociological insights relevant to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Government job portals, Coaching institutes for competitive exams, University admission websites for higher studies
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures readiness for the job market or further academic pursuits, maximizing chances for successful placement or admission.
Publish or Present Research- (Semester 4 and Post-Graduation)
Consider refining your dissertation or a significant project from your coursework into a publishable paper for a student journal or a presentation at a small academic symposium. This demonstrates proactive engagement with the academic community and strengthens your profile for future endeavors.
Tools & Resources
Departmental guidance, Peer review, University publications, Student research conferences
Career Connection
Publication or presentation experience is a significant asset for academic careers, research positions, and can even distinguish you in non-academic roles requiring strong analytical output.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks (relaxation for reserved categories); preference given to those with Sociology as a subject.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO 1.1 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Emergence of Sociology, Auguste Comte and Positivism, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labour, Suicide, Max Weber: Social Action, Authority, Bureaucracy, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class and Conflict, Alienation |
| SO 1.2 | Research Methods in Sociology-I | Core | 4 | Social Research: Meaning, Types, Scientific Method, Formulation of Research Problem and Hypothesis, Research Design: Exploratory, Descriptive, Experimental, Sampling: Types, Probability and Non-Probability, Data Collection Tools: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire |
| SO 1.3 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Development: Concepts, Theories (Modernization, Dependency), Indicators of Development: HDI, PQLI, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Social Planning and Development in India, Role of State, NGOs, Civil Society in Development |
| SO 1.4 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Demography: Concepts, Scope, Theories, Sources of Demographic Data: Census, Surveys, Mortality: Measures, Determinants, Fertility: Measures, Determinants, Migration: Types, Causes, Consequences, Population Policy in India |
| SO 1.5 | Computer Applications for Social Sciences | Practical | 4 | Basic Computer Concepts: Hardware, Software, Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet and Email, Data Analysis Software (SPSS Basics) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO 2.1 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism: Parsons, Merton, Conflict Perspective: Dahrendorf, Collins, Symbolic Interactionism: Mead, Blumer, Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology, Post-Modernism and Globalization Theories |
| SO 2.2 | Research Methods in Sociology-II | Core | 4 | Qualitative Research: Ethnography, Case Study, Content Analysis, Quantitative Data Analysis: Tabulation, Central Tendency, Dispersion, Hypothesis Testing: Chi-Square, Correlation, Regression (basic), Report Writing: Structure, Referencing, Ethical Issues, Use of SPSS/Statistical Software for basic analysis |
| SO 2.3 | Sociology of Gender | Core | 4 | Sex and Gender: Concepts, Social Construction of Gender, Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Gender and Family, Work, Education, Gender and Violence, Health, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Justice |
| SO 2.4 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural Sociology: Characteristics, Agrarian Structure, Rural Development Programs in India, Urban Sociology: Urbanization, Theories of Urban Growth, Urban Problems: Poverty, Housing, Crime, Urban Planning and Smart Cities in India |
| SO 2.5 | Field Work/Survey Project | Practical | 4 | Formulation of Field Work Objectives, Data Collection Techniques in Field, Observation and Interviewing Skills, Report Writing for Field Work, Ethical Considerations in Field Research |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO 3.1 | Industry and Society | Core | 4 | Industrialization: Theories, Social Impact, Industrial Relations: Trade Unions, Labor Laws, Globalization and Indian Industry, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Informal Sector and Contract Labor |
| SO 3.2 | Environment and Society | Core | 4 | Environmental Sociology: Scope, Theories, Ecology and Society, Human-Nature Relationship, Environmental Problems: Pollution, Climate Change, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy |
| SO 3.5 | Data Analysis using SPSS | Practical | 4 | Introduction to SPSS Interface, Data Entry and Data Management, Descriptive Statistics using SPSS, Inferential Statistics using SPSS (Chi-Square, T-test), Generating Graphs and Charts, Interpretation |
| SO 3.3 | Social Gerontology | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Aging, Theories of Gerontology, Demography of Aging in India, Health and Well-being in Old Age, Family and Social Support for Elderly, Policies and Programs for Senior Citizens in India |
| SO 3.4 | Sociology of Health and Illness | Elective | 4 | Sociology of Health: Concepts, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems in India: Ayurveda, Allopathy, Illness Behavior and Health Seeking Practices, Medical Pluralism, Traditional Healing, Public Health Challenges and Policies in India |
| SO 3.5 | Sociology of Mass Media | Elective | 4 | Mass Media: Concepts, Theories (Cultivation, Agenda Setting), Role of Media in Society, Socialization, Media and Culture, Globalisation, New Media and Social Change, Media Ethics and Regulations in India |
| SO 3.6 | Human Rights | Elective | 4 | Human Rights: Origin, Evolution, Generations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, National Human Rights Commission, NGOs, Challenges to Human Rights in India (e.g., Caste, Gender) |
| SO 3.7 | Social Movement | Elective | 4 | Social Movements: Concepts, Theories (Relative Deprivation), Types of Social Movements: Reform, Revolutionary, Peasant, Dalit, Women''''s, Environmental Movements in India, Role of Leadership, Ideology, Impact and Outcomes of Social Movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO 4.1 | Sociology of Crime and Deviance | Core | 4 | Crime and Deviance: Concepts, Theories (Anomie, Differential Association), Social Control: Formal and Informal, Types of Crime: White-Collar, Cyber Crime, Organized Crime, Juvenile Delinquency, Correctional Institutions, Criminal Justice System in India |
| SO 4.2 | Sociology of Education | Core | 4 | Education: Concepts, Functions of Education, Theories of Education: Functionalist, Conflict, Education and Social Inequality (Caste, Class, Gender), Education Policy in India (NPE, RTE), Challenges in Indian Education System |
| SO 4.5 | Dissertation/Field Work | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination |
| SO 3.3 | Social Gerontology | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Aging, Theories of Gerontology, Demography of Aging in India, Health and Well-being in Old Age, Family and Social Support for Elderly, Policies and Programs for Senior Citizens in India |
| SO 3.4 | Sociology of Health and Illness | Elective | 4 | Sociology of Health: Concepts, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems in India: Ayurveda, Allopathy, Illness Behavior and Health Seeking Practices, Medical Pluralism, Traditional Healing, Public Health Challenges and Policies in India |
| SO 3.5 | Sociology of Mass Media | Elective | 4 | Mass Media: Concepts, Theories (Cultivation, Agenda Setting), Role of Media in Society, Socialization, Media and Culture, Globalisation, New Media and Social Change, Media Ethics and Regulations in India |
| SO 3.6 | Human Rights | Elective | 4 | Human Rights: Origin, Evolution, Generations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, National Human Rights Commission, NGOs, Challenges to Human Rights in India (e.g., Caste, Gender) |
| SO 3.7 | Social Movement | Elective | 4 | Social Movements: Concepts, Theories (Relative Deprivation), Types of Social Movements: Reform, Revolutionary, Peasant, Dalit, Women''''s, Environmental Movements in India, Role of Leadership, Ideology, Impact and Outcomes of Social Movements |
