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BA in Sociology at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This Sociology program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on understanding human society, social behavior, patterns of social relationships, and culture. It delves into Indian societal structures, changes, and contemporary issues. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, empirical research, and a critical perspective on various social phenomena, preparing students for diverse roles in social development and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in human society, culture, and social dynamics. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into social research, policy analysis, NGOs, or civil services. It''''s also beneficial for individuals aiming for careers in community development, journalism, or academia who need a strong foundational understanding of societal frameworks and challenges in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in social work, research agencies, government policy departments, NGOs, and human resources in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 7-15 LPA. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, crucial for growth trajectories in social sector management and public administration.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core sociological theories and Indian societal structures introduced in core courses. Actively participate in class discussions and maintain a dedicated notebook for definitions and key thinkers to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology textbooks (Classes XI & XII), Online encyclopedias like SociologyGuide.com, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are essential for cracking competitive exams (UPSC, OPSC) and for advanced studies in sociology, providing a robust knowledge base.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing clear, concise essays and short answers for assignments. Seek constructive feedback from professors. Join student clubs that promote public speaking or debates to improve articulation and presentation skills, crucial for academic projects.
Tools & Resources
University writing center (if available), Grammarly, YouTube tutorials on academic presentation, Debate/Oratory clubs
Career Connection
Essential for producing compelling research papers, project reports, and effective communication in any professional role, enhancing employability.
Engage with Current Social Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read national newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), watch credible news analyses, and follow social documentaries to connect classroom theories with real-world Indian social problems. Discuss these issues with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Leading national newspapers, PRS Legislative Research (for policy insights), Reputable documentary platforms
Career Connection
Develops awareness and critical thinking vital for careers in journalism, policy analysis, and social work by providing real-world context.
Intermediate Stage
Master Sociological Research Methods- (Semester 3-4)
Pay close attention to Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) focusing on research techniques. Actively seek opportunities for small-scale projects or field visits, even informal ones, to practice data collection (interviews, surveys) and basic analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS (basic tutorials), Google Forms for survey design, Local NGOs for potential volunteer research opportunities
Career Connection
Directly applicable in research roles, NGOs, market research, and preparing for advanced academic research, making you job-ready.
Explore Diverse Sociological Sub-fields- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond core subjects, dive deeper into specific areas like Political Sociology, Sociology of Religion, or Economic Sociology. Read supplementary books and journal articles. Consider taking a Generic Elective from a related discipline to broaden interdisciplinary understanding.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, University library resources, Interdisciplinary departments
Career Connection
Helps in identifying specific areas of interest for postgraduate studies or niche career paths in policy or specialized research, aiding career focus.
Network with Faculty and Guest Lecturers- (Semester 3-4)
Attend all guest lectures, workshops, and seminars organized by the department. Engage with visiting scholars or professionals, asking questions and seeking mentorship. These interactions can open doors to research projects or internship recommendations.
Tools & Resources
Department notice boards, Professional networking events, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Builds professional contacts and provides invaluable insights into different career trajectories and opportunities within the social sector.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Apply all learned research methodologies by undertaking a substantial research project (if part of curriculum, or self-initiated). Focus on a contemporary Indian social issue to demonstrate analytical and research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (R, Python libraries for data analysis), Academic writing guides, Faculty mentors for guidance
Career Connection
Critical for postgraduate admissions and directly applicable to roles requiring independent research, policy formulation, and data interpretation in India.
Prepare for Higher Studies or Civil Services- (Semester 5-6)
Students aspiring for MA/MPhil/PhD should start preparing for entrance exams. Those aiming for civil services (UPSC, OPSC) should begin integrated preparation, leveraging their Sociology knowledge for optional papers, enrolling in coaching or study groups.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s question papers, Coaching institutes (e.g., Vision IAS, Drishti IAS for UPSC), Online study portals
Career Connection
Direct path to prestigious public service roles or advanced academic careers, providing a clear trajectory for future success.
Seek Internship and Placement Opportunities- (Semester 5-6)
Actively search for internships in NGOs, CSR divisions of companies, government departments (e.g., Women & Child Development, Rural Development), or social research firms. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight sociological insights and research skills.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Career fairs
Career Connection
Provides crucial work experience, industry exposure, and often leads to pre-placement offers, accelerating career entry and growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 in any stream (General eligibility for UG Arts courses)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | |
| SOC-CC-1 | Introduction to Sociology | Core | 6 | Sociology as a Discipline, Basic Concepts (Society, Community, Culture, Status), Social Institutions (Family, Marriage, Education), Social Control and Social Change, Early Sociological Thinkers (Comte, Spencer) |
| SOC-CC-2 | Sociology of India-I | Core | 6 | Approaches to Indian Society (Indological, Structural-Functionalist), Features of Indian Society (Unity in Diversity), Basic Institutions (Caste, Varna, Jajmani System), Family and Kinship, Religion and Society |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | MIL Communication (Odia/Hindi/Bengali/Urdu/English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | |
| SOC-CC-3 | Sociology of India-II | Core | 6 | Social Institutions in India (Marriage, Family, Kinship), Scheduled Castes and Tribes, Backward Classes, Agrarian Social Structure, Industrialization and Urbanization |
| SOC-CC-4 | Social Stratification | Core | 6 | Theories of Social Stratification (Functionalist, Conflict), Dimensions of Stratification (Class, Status, Power), Social Mobility, Caste and Class in India, Gender and Stratification |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-SEC-1 | Basic Concepts in Sociological Research | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Social Research Process, Research Design Types, Data Collection Techniques (Observation, Interview), Sampling Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation |
| SOC-CC-5 | Political Sociology | Core | 6 | Political System and State, Power and Authority, Elites and Political Parties, Bureaucracy, Globalization and Democracy |
| SOC-CC-6 | Sociology of Religion | Core | 6 | Theories of Religion (Durkheim, Weber, Marx), Magic and Ritual, Religion and Society, Religious Pluralism in India, Secularism |
| SOC-CC-7 | Sociology of Kinship | Core | 6 | Kinship Systems (Descent, Alliance), Marriage Types and Rules, Family Structures, Changing Kinship in India, Gender and Kinship |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-SEC-2 | Techniques of Sociological Research | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Research, Fieldwork and Ethnography, Ethical Issues in Research |
| SOC-CC-8 | Economic Sociology | Core | 6 | Nature of Economic Sociology, Division of Labour, Capitalism and Socialism, Globalization and Economy, Markets and Social Networks |
| SOC-CC-9 | Sociology of Development | Core | 6 | Theories of Development, Underdevelopment and Dependency, Sustainable Development, Development and Displacement, Gender and Development |
| SOC-CC-10 | Social Movements | Core | 6 | Theories of Social Movements, Types of Social Movements (Peasant, Women, Environmental), New Social Movements, Role of Media, Indian Social Movements |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines (e.g., Political Science, History, Economics) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-CC-11 | Sociological Thinkers-I | Core | 6 | Auguste Comte (Positivism), Herbert Spencer (Evolutionism), Emile Durkheim (Social Facts, Division of Labour), Max Weber (Authority, Bureaucracy), Karl Marx (Class, Alienation) |
| SOC-CC-12 | Social Demography | Core | 6 | Demography as a Discipline, Theories of Population Growth, Fertility and Mortality, Migration, Population Policy in India |
| SOC-DSE-1 | Sociology of Environment | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Environment and Society, Ecological Crisis, Environmental Movements, Sustainable Development, Climate Change |
| SOC-DSE-2 | Urban Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theories of Urbanization, Urban Social Structure, Urban Problems, Planning and Development, Indian Cities |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-CC-13 | Sociological Thinkers-II | Core | 6 | Talcott Parsons (Social System, Pattern Variables), Robert Merton (Middle Range Theory), C. Wright Mills (Sociological Imagination), Erving Goffman (Dramaturgy), Peter L Berger (Social Construction of Reality) |
| SOC-CC-14 | Industrial Sociology | Core | 6 | Industrial Revolution, Theories of Industrial Relations, Work and Organization, Labour Movements, Industrialization in India |
| SOC-DSE-3 | Medical Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Health and Illness, Social Causes of Disease, Medical Profession, Public Health, Healthcare System in India |
| SOC-DSE-4 | Indian Sociological Traditions | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Early Indian Sociologists (Radhakamal Mukherjee, G.S. Ghurye), Contributions of M.N. Srinivas, A.R. Desai, Irawati Karve, Louis Dumont, Contemporary Indian Sociological Debates |
