.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-A-HONS in Sociology at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
.png&w=1920&q=75)
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, and cultural patterns with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. It delves into the complexities of social institutions, stratification, and change. The program is vital for addressing contemporary social issues and understanding societal dynamics in India, which has a significant demand for social researchers and policy analysts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in social justice, policy analysis, and community development. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in NGOs, research organizations, or government sectors. Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of societal structures and human interactions will find this specialization enriching, regardless of their prior academic background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social work, research, public administration, and human resources. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in NGOs, government departments, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This program aligns with the need for socially conscious professionals in India''''s rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly understand foundational sociological theories, concepts, and Indian social structures. Actively participate in classroom discussions and utilize library resources for broader reading beyond textbooks to build a strong theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Library, NCERT Sociology textbooks (for foundational clarity), Key sociological texts (Durkheim, Weber, Marx)
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for analytical thinking, essential for any career in social science research, policy analysis, or academic pursuits, enabling effective problem-solving.
Develop Academic Writing and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving essay writing, report preparation, and oral presentation skills. Seek feedback on assignments and participate in college debate societies or communication workshops to enhance verbal clarity and persuasive argumentation.
Tools & Resources
College Writing Center, Online grammar and style guides, Debate Clubs
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for researchers, policymakers, social workers, and HR professionals to articulate findings, advocate for causes, and collaborate effectively in diverse settings.
Engage in Local Community Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively observe and reflect on local community dynamics, social interactions, and cultural practices in Mayurbhanj. Document observations and discuss them with faculty to connect theory with real-world scenarios and understand grassroots issues.
Tools & Resources
Personal Journal, Local community events, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
This builds observational skills and empathy, vital for fieldwork in social work, rural development, and understanding diverse societal challenges, particularly in the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Social Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Form small groups to conduct mini-research projects using basic sociological methods learned. This could involve small surveys, interviews, or case studies on local social issues to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
Tools & Resources
Google Forms, Basic statistical software (e.g., Microsoft Excel for data tabulation), Research methodology textbooks
Career Connection
Hands-on research experience is highly valued by research organizations, NGOs, and for higher studies, demonstrating practical application of theoretical knowledge and research aptitude.
Attend Workshops and Guest Lectures- (Semester 3-5)
Participate in workshops on specific research techniques, data analysis, or contemporary social issues organized by the department or other institutions. Attend guest lectures by eminent sociologists or social workers to gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices, University event calendars, Online webinars on platforms like YouTube/Coursera
Career Connection
Enhances specialized skills, exposes students to current debates and emerging trends in sociology, and facilitates networking opportunities with professionals in the social sector.
Explore Interdisciplinary Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Strategically choose Generic Electives from allied disciplines like Economics, Political Science, or Psychology to broaden perspective and enhance analytical capabilities, crucial for holistic societal understanding.
Tools & Resources
Academic counselor, Syllabi of other departments
Career Connection
A multidisciplinary outlook is crucial for roles requiring holistic problem-solving, such as in policy making, urban planning, or development studies, where interconnectedness is key.
Advanced Stage
Internship in a Social Sector Organization- (Semester 6 (during summer break or final semester))
Seek internships with NGOs, social welfare departments, research institutions, or CSR wings of companies to gain practical exposure to social interventions and policy implementation firsthand.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Online internship portals (Internshala, Impactpool), Professional network
Career Connection
Direct industry experience is vital for placements, providing practical skills, understanding organizational cultures, and building a professional network for future employment in India''''s social sector.
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Work on a substantial research project or dissertation on a chosen sociological topic, applying advanced research methods. This demonstrates independent research capability and in-depth knowledge in a specialized area.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisor, Statistical software (SPSS/R/Python for data analysis), Academic databases
Career Connection
Showcases expertise and critical thinking, which are highly valued in academic research, think tanks, and advanced roles in policy analysis and evaluation across government and non-profit sectors.
Prepare for Higher Studies or Civil Services- (Semester 5-6)
Identify specific career goals (e.g., Masters in Sociology, Social Work, or UPSC/OPSC Civil Services). Start preparing for entrance exams, mock interviews, and general knowledge relevant to these fields early.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling cell, Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms
Career Connection
Proactive preparation for competitive exams or postgraduate admissions directly impacts career trajectory, opening doors to prestigious roles in government or specialized academic fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-1 | Introduction to Sociology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Sociology, Basic Concepts and Perspectives, Culture and Society, Socialization and Identity, Social Institutions |
| SOC-C-2 | Sociology of India | Core | 6 | Approaches to Study Indian Society, Caste System and its Transformations, Class and Tribe, Village and City in India, Social Change in India |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I (From other disciplines e.g. History/Political Science/Economics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Foundation of allied subjects |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-3 | Political Sociology | Core | 6 | Power, Authority and Legitimacy, State, Civil Society and Citizenship, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Social Movements, Democracy and Governance |
| SOC-C-4 | Social Stratification | Core | 6 | Dimensions of Social Stratification, Class, Status and Power, Theories of Stratification, Social Mobility, Inequality and Exclusion |
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Fundamentals of Communication, Grammar and Vocabulary, Writing Skills, Oral Communication, Reading Comprehension |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II (From other disciplines e.g. History/Political Science/Economics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Foundation of allied subjects |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-5 | Methods of Sociological Enquiry | Core | 6 | Nature of Social Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Methods of Data Collection (Survey, Observation), Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, Ethics in Social Research |
| SOC-C-6 | Religion and Society | Core | 6 | Sociological Theories of Religion, Religion and Social Structure, Religious Pluralism and Secularism, Ritual, Myth and Belief, Religion and Social Change |
| SEC-1 | Statistical Methods for Social Research | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Types of Data and Variables, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Hypothesis Testing Basics |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III (From other disciplines e.g. History/Political Science/Economics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Foundation of allied subjects |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-7 | Economic Sociology | Core | 6 | Economy and Society, Work, Division of Labour and Alienation, Production, Consumption and Exchange, Globalization and Economic Change, Informal Economy and Livelihoods |
| SOC-C-8 | Sociology of Kinship | Core | 6 | Kinship Systems and Terminology, Family, Household and Marriage, Changing Family Structures in India, Descent and Alliance, Gender and Kinship |
| SEC-2 | Techniques of Social Research | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Survey Research Methods, Interview and Questionnaire Design, Observation and Case Study, Content Analysis, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV (From other disciplines e.g. History/Political Science/Economics) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary Perspective, Foundation of allied subjects |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-9 | Social Anthropology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Social Anthropology, Culture, Society and Personality, Kinship, Marriage and Family, Economic and Political Anthropology, Religion and Magic |
| SOC-C-10 | Social Thought | Core | 6 | Classical Sociological Thinkers (Durkheim, Weber, Marx), Indian Sociological Traditions, Structural-Functionalism and Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Postmodernism and Critical Theories |
| DSE-1-A | Sociology of Health and Illness | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Sociological Perspectives on Health, Illness Experience and Medicalization, Health Care Systems in India, Public Health and Policy, Alternative Medicines |
| DSE-1-B | Industrial Sociology | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Work and Organization, Industrial Relations in India, Labor Markets and Unions, Globalization and Work, Informal Economy and Employment |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C-11 | Urban Sociology | Core | 6 | Urbanization in India, Theories of Urban Development, Urban Social Problems, Urban Planning and Governance, Rural-Urban Linkages |
| SOC-C-12 | Environmental Sociology | Core | 6 | Environment and Society Interface, Social Ecology and Eco-feminism, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Social Impact |
| SOC-C-13 | Gender and Society | Core | 6 | Social Construction of Gender, Feminist Theories, Gender Inequality and Patriarchy, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender and Development |
| SOC-C-14 | Rural Sociology | Core | 6 | Rural Social Structure, Agrarian Relations and Change, Rural Development Programs in India, Poverty, Indebtedness and Migration, Panchayati Raj Institutions |
| DSE-2-A | Criminology | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Concept of Crime and Deviance, Theories of Criminology, Types of Crime in India, Criminal Justice System, Punishment and Rehabilitation |
| DSE-2-B | Social Demography | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Basic Demographic Concepts, Fertility, Mortality and Migration, Population Structure and Composition, Population Policies in India, Demographic Transition Theory |
