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MA in Sociology at M.P. Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at M.P. Mahila Mahavidyalaya Gorakhpur?
This MA Sociology program at M.P. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with DDU Gorakhpur, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of social structures, processes, and issues within the Indian context and globally. It delves into classical and contemporary sociological theories, robust research methodologies, and specialized areas like rural, urban, political, and development sociology. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills to interpret complex social phenomena and contribute to academic discourse and social interventions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Sociology or a related social science discipline who aspire to build a career in social research, community development, policy analysis, or academia. It also caters to working professionals in the NGO sector, government, or public administration seeking to deepen their theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of societal challenges in India. Individuals passionate about social justice, cultural studies, and human behavior will find this program enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, project coordinators in NGOs, policy analysts, academicians, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in research and policy roles. The program fosters critical thinking and empathy, essential for growth in social sector organizations, research institutions, and governmental bodies addressing India''''s unique developmental challenges.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Classical & Indian Sociological Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding the theories of Comte, Durkheim, Weber, Marx, and Indian thinkers like Ghurye and Srinivas. Form study groups to discuss concepts and their relevance to contemporary India. Regularly read academic journals and current affairs.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology books (Class XI/XII), Standard textbooks (Haralambos, Ritzer), DDUGU central library, Peer study groups, Academic papers on Jstor/Google Scholar
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for analytical roles in research, policy analysis, and UPSC civil services examinations, providing the necessary framework for interpreting social data.
Develop Core Research Skills (Logic & Statistics)- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on Logic of Sociological Enquiry and Social Statistics. Practice statistical problems rigorously and understand the application of different research methods. Engage in small-scale observational studies or data collection exercises.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for basic data analysis (if available), Excel, Online tutorials for statistics, Field visit to local NGOs to understand data collection
Career Connection
Essential for any research-oriented role (NGOs, think tanks, academia), data analysis in market research, and program evaluation in development projects.
Engage with Indian Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Supplement classroom learning of Indian Society with real-world observations. Participate in college-organized debates, seminars, or community outreach programs focusing on local social issues like caste, gender, and rural development in Gorakhpur and surrounding areas.
Tools & Resources
Local newspapers, Documentaries on Indian society, Guest lectures from local social workers/activists, College cultural events promoting social awareness
Career Connection
Builds empathy and contextual understanding vital for roles in social work, community development, journalism, and public service, especially in rural and semi-urban Indian settings.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives & Mini-Projects- (Semester 3)
Choose electives like Sociology of Education or Health thoughtfully, aligning with specific career interests. Proactively seek opportunities for mini-research projects or assignments in these specialized areas to build a focused portfolio and deepen expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty guidance, Specialized academic journals, Relevant government reports (e.g., NFHS, DISE), Local organizations working in chosen fields
Career Connection
Enables deeper specialization for specific sectors, making candidates more attractive to niche NGOs, focused research organizations, or relevant government departments.
Apply Social Research Methods Practically- (Semester 4 (leading into Dissertation))
Actively apply the knowledge gained in ''''Methods of Social Research'''' by designing and executing a small research study. This could involve conducting surveys, interviews, or content analysis on a relevant local issue under faculty supervision, preparing for the final dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Questionnaire design tools (e.g., Google Forms), Interview guides, Ethical guidelines for social research, Basic statistical software
Career Connection
Directly translates into skills required for roles in program monitoring and evaluation, fieldwork, data collection, and analysis in research firms, NGOs, and government projects.
Network and Attend Academic Engagements- (Semester 3-4)
Attend sociology workshops, conferences, or webinars organized by DDUGU or other institutions in the region. Connect with faculty, guest speakers, and senior students. Explore opportunities for short-term internships during academic breaks to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards and event calendars, Professional social media platforms (LinkedIn), Websites of academic associations (e.g., Indian Sociological Society), Career counseling sessions
Career Connection
Expands professional network, provides exposure to current research trends, and can lead to mentorship opportunities or early career breaks within the social sector.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Select a relevant, researchable topic for the dissertation early. Conduct a thorough literature review, collect data diligently, analyze findings critically, and write a high-quality report. This project is the culmination of all learned research and analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors and mentors, DDUGU library resources and online databases, Citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), Academic writing guides and workshops
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases advanced research capability, analytical rigor, and subject matter expertise, highly valued for academic pursuits, research positions, and even competitive examinations like UGC NET/JRF.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations & Placements- (Semester 3-4)
If aspiring for UGC NET/JRF, civil services (UPSC/UPPCS), or state-level examinations, begin focused preparation during the final year. Attend career counseling sessions, mock interviews, and workshops focusing on resume building and communication skills relevant to these roles.
Tools & Resources
Online test series and previous year question papers, UGC NET/JRF specific study materials, DDUGU placement cell (if applicable) for general career guidance, Government job portals
Career Connection
Directly targets entry into prestigious government services, research fellowships, or academic teaching positions, which are major career avenues for Sociology postgraduates in India.
Develop Professional Communication & Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in seminars, academic presentations, and group discussions within advanced courses. Practice articulating complex sociological ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to prepare for professional settings and research dissemination.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides), Mock presentation sessions with peers and faculty, Academic writing workshops, Feedback from professors and peers on communication clarity
Career Connection
Essential for all professional roles, particularly in academia, research dissemination, advocacy, and consultancy, enabling effective communication of insights to diverse stakeholders and policy-makers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com.) from a recognized university with at least 45% marks in aggregate. Preference may be given to candidates with Sociology as a subject at the undergraduate level (as per DDUGU general PG eligibility norms).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer and Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim and Social Facts, Max Weber and Social Action, Karl Marx and Historical Materialism |
| SOC 102 | Logic of Sociological Enquiry | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science, Scientific Method and Research Process, Concept, Theory, and Hypothesis, Research Design and its Types, Methods and Techniques of Data Collection |
| SOC 103 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core | 4 | Structure of Indian Society, Caste System and its Dynamics, Family, Marriage, and Kinship, Village and Agrarian Social Structure, Tribal Society in India |
| SOC 104 | Indian Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Radhakamal Mukerjee''''s Social Ecology, G.S. Ghurye''''s Studies on Caste and Tribe, D.P. Mukerji''''s Dialectics of Tradition, M.N. Srinivas'''' Sanskritization and Dominant Caste, Yogendra Singh''''s Modernization of Indian Tradition |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 201 | Sociological Theories: Structure and Process | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Conflict Perspective (Dahrendorf, Coser), Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Blumer), Ethnomethodology (Garfinkel), Post-Modernism and Post-Structuralism |
| SOC 202 | Social Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Probability and Sampling, Correlation and Regression Analysis |
| SOC 203 | Rural & Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Characteristics of Rural Society, Agrarian Social Structure and Change, Urbanization in India, Urban Community and Social Problems, Rural-Urban Linkages and Migration |
| SOC 204 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, State, Civil Society, and Democracy, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Social Movements and Political Change, Political Culture and Participation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 301 | Perspectives on Indian Society: Issues and Changes | Core | 4 | Social Stratification in India, Caste, Class, and Gender Issues, Minorities and Social Exclusion, Development and Social Displacements, Emerging Social Problems |
| SOC 302 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Introduction to Demography, Theories of Population Growth, Fertility and Mortality, Migration and Urbanization, Population Policy in India |
| SOC 303 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Psychology, Socialization and Personality, Attitude and Prejudice, Public Opinion and Propaganda, Group Dynamics and Leadership |
| SOC-EL-1 (A) | Sociology of Education | Elective | 4 | Education as a Social System, Education and Social Mobility, Formal and Informal Education, Education Policy in India, Challenges and Reforms in Indian Education |
| SOC-EL-1 (B) | Sociology of Health | Elective | 4 | Health and Society, Social Epidemiology, Illness Behavior and Social Response, Health Care Systems in India, Traditional Medicine and Health Policy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 401 | Theoretical Debates and Contemporary Challenges | Core | 4 | Modernity and its Discontents, Globalization and its Social Impact, Environment and Sustainable Development, Human Rights and Social Justice, Gender and Identity Politics |
| SOC 402 | Methods of Social Research | Core | 4 | Research Design and Types, Quantitative Data Collection Techniques, Qualitative Research Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Ethical Issues in Social Research |
| SOC 403 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Models of Development in India, Sustainable Development Goals, Development Planning and Implementation, Social Change and Resistance to Development |
| SOC-EL-2 (A) | Industrial Sociology | Elective | 4 | Industry and Society, Industrial Relations and Labor Laws, Labor Market and Globalization, Industrial Conflicts and Resolution, Work Culture and Organization |
| SOC-EL-2 (B) | Social Movements | Elective | 4 | Concept and Theories of Social Movements, Typology of Social Movements, Peasant and Agrarian Movements, Women''''s Movements in India, Environmental Movements and Human Rights |
| SOC 404 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
