

BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-HONOURS in Sociology at NORMAN PUTSURI COLLEGE


Dimapur, Nagaland
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at NORMAN PUTSURI COLLEGE Dimapur?
This Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology program at Norman Putsure College focuses on developing a critical understanding of society, human behavior, and social structures. It delves into the complexities of Indian society, global social issues, and theoretical frameworks. The program equips students with analytical and research skills, making them valuable assets for various sectors in the Indian job market, from government to NGOs and market research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) with a keen interest in understanding societal dynamics, social justice, and human behavior. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in civil services, social work, public policy, or academia, and those looking to develop strong analytical and communication skills for diverse professional roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including social work, policy analysis, market research, journalism, human resources, and civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-12 LPA for experienced professionals in policy or research roles. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies and research.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Sociological Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core sociological concepts and theories by consistent reading of prescribed texts and supplementary materials. Participate actively in classroom discussions to clarify doubts and broaden perspectives on societal issues.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Sociology textbooks (for foundational understanding), Key sociological texts (Durkheim, Marx, Weber), Academic journals accessible via college library, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust theoretical base is crucial for analytical roles in research, policy, and civil services, enabling a deeper understanding of societal problems.
Develop Critical Thinking and Argumentation- (Semester 1-2)
Practice analyzing social phenomena from multiple perspectives. Write critical essays and participate in debates on current affairs, connecting them to sociological theories taught in class. This helps in forming well-reasoned arguments.
Tools & Resources
Newspaper editorials, Current affairs magazines (e.g., EPW), Debate clubs or college forums, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Essential for roles requiring policy analysis, journalism, or any field where informed decision-making and persuasive communication are valued.
Initiate Basic Field Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Conduct small-scale, informal observations of social interactions or community patterns in your immediate surroundings (e.g., local markets, public spaces). Document your observations and reflect on them through a sociological lens.
Tools & Resources
Notebook and pen for field notes, Basic guides on qualitative observation, Discussion with professors
Career Connection
Cultivates early research skills and observational abilities, beneficial for future roles in social research, community development, and ethnographic studies.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research Methodologies- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Seek opportunities to assist professors or seniors in their research projects to gain hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus-prescribed research methodology books, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., basic Excel for data handling), College research center if available
Career Connection
Directly prepares for roles in market research, policy evaluation, social impact assessment, and academic research positions.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Identify NGOs, local government bodies, or social enterprises in Nagaland or nearby regions for short-term internships or volunteer work. Apply sociological concepts to real-world issues, gaining practical insights and networking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell (if available), Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, provides practical exposure, and makes your resume stand out for placements in development, social work, and CSR.
Participate in Academic Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and actively participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences (online or offline) related to sociology or social issues. Present your research findings or review papers if given a chance, to enhance presentation skills and gain exposure.
Tools & Resources
College notice boards for event announcements, University department websites, Online academic platforms
Career Connection
Boosts public speaking, critical engagement, and networking skills, valuable for academic careers, public relations, and advocacy roles.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Dissertations- (Semester 6)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career interests (e.g., Rural Sociology for development, Urban Sociology for urban planning). Undertake a comprehensive dissertation or research project in your final year.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for guidance, University library resources, Advanced research software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo basic tutorials)
Career Connection
Develops deep expertise in a chosen sub-field, highly valued for specialized research positions, higher studies, and policy formulation roles.
Prepare for Civil Services or Higher Education- (Semester 6)
If aspiring for Civil Services (UPSC, NPSC) or postgraduate studies, start dedicated preparation, including reviewing past papers, attending coaching, or focusing on entrance exam syllabi. Sociology is a popular optional subject for civil services.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NPSC previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, University entrance exam guides, Mentorship from seniors/alumni
Career Connection
Directly supports pathways into prestigious government positions or specialized academic careers, offering significant career progression.
Refine Professional Portfolio and Networking- (Semester 6)
Curate a professional portfolio showcasing your research papers, projects, internships, and skills. Actively network with alumni, professionals in your target industries, and potential employers through online platforms and career fairs.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile optimization, Resume building workshops, College alumni network events, Career guidance cell
Career Connection
Increases visibility, opens doors to job opportunities, and provides valuable career insights, facilitating smoother entry into the professional world.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per Nagaland University undergraduate admission norms (typically 10+2 or equivalent in any stream with a minimum percentage)
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C1 | Introduction to Sociology I | Core | 6 | Emergence of Sociology, Sociological Imagination, Society and Culture, Social Institutions, Socialization, Deviance and Crime |
| SOC-C2 | Sociology of India I | Core | 6 | Colonialism and Indian Society, Debates on Tradition, Caste System in India, Class in India, Tribal Communities, Rural Transformation |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and Environment, Environmental Ethics |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 (Example: Psychology) | Generic Elective (Choice from other disciplines) | 6 | Introduction to Psychology, Cognitive Processes, Motivation and Emotion, Personality Theories, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C3 | Introduction to Sociology II | Core | 6 | Social Stratification, Power and Authority, Social Change, Theories of Society, Globalisation and Society, Social Control |
| SOC-C4 | Sociology of India II | Core | 6 | Family and Marriage Systems, Religion in India, Education System, Politics and Governance, Indian Economy, Social Movements in India |
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Grammar and Usage, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Oral Communication, Presentation Skills, Report Writing |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 (Example: Political Science) | Generic Elective (Choice from other disciplines) | 6 | Introduction to Political Theory, Concepts of State and Nation, Indian Constitution, Democracy and Governance, International Relations, Public Administration |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C5 | Sociological Thinkers I | Core | 6 | Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Early Sociological Traditions |
| SOC-C6 | Research Methodology I | Core | 6 | Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research, Sampling Techniques, Questionnaire Construction |
| SOC-C7 | Social Stratification | Core | 6 | Theories of Social Stratification, Dimensions of Inequality (Class, Status, Power), Caste and its Dynamics, Gender and Inequality, Race and Ethnicity, Social Mobility |
| SEC-1 | Techniques of Social Survey | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Survey Method, Questionnaire Design, Interviewing Techniques, Data Processing and Tabulation, Fieldwork Ethics, Report Writing |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 (Example: Economics) | Generic Elective (Choice from other disciplines) | 6 | Principles of Microeconomics, Consumer Behavior, Market Structures, National Income Accounting, Inflation and Unemployment, Monetary and Fiscal Policy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C8 | Sociological Thinkers II | Core | 6 | Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton, Ralf Dahrendorf, C. Wright Mills, Anthony Giddens, Contemporary Sociological Theories |
| SOC-C9 | Research Methodology II | Core | 6 | Advanced Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Research Designs, Ethnography, Content Analysis, Data Interpretation and Presentation, Ethics in Social Research |
| SOC-C10 | Political Sociology | Core | 6 | Power, State and Society, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Democracy and Citizenship, Bureaucracy and Governance, Political Participation, Social Movements and Political Change |
| SEC-2 | Oral History | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Concept and Scope of Oral History, Interviewing Skills, Transcription and Archiving, Ethical Considerations, Interpretation of Oral Narratives, Case Studies |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 (Example: History) | Generic Elective (Choice from other disciplines) | 6 | Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History, Modern Indian History, World Civilizations, Historiography, Contemporary Global Issues |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C11 | Economic Sociology | Core | 6 | Economy and Society, Markets and Economic Action, Work, Industry, and Labour, Globalization and Development, Consumption and Culture, Informal Economy |
| SOC-C12 | Sociology of Kinship | Core | 6 | Family and Household, Marriage Patterns, Kinship Systems, Gender and Kinship, Property and Inheritance, Changing Forms of Family |
| DSE-1 | Sociology of Health | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Health and Illness as Social Constructs, Social Determinants of Health, Medical Systems and Practices, Public Health Interventions, Health Policy and Governance, Ethical Issues in Healthcare |
| DSE-2 | Urban Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Urbanization Process, Theories of Urbanism, Rural-Urban Linkages, Urban Problems (Poverty, Crime, Environment), Urban Planning and Development, Social Life in Cities |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC-C13 | Sociology of Religion | Core | 6 | Religion and Society, Classical Theories of Religion, Religion in Contemporary India, Sects, Cults and New Religious Movements, Secularization Debate, Religious Pluralism and Conflict |
| SOC-C14 | Gender and Society | Core | 6 | Construction of Gender, Feminist Sociological Theories, Patriarchy and Power, Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender, Work and Economy, Gender-based Violence and Movements |
| DSE-3 | Rural Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Rural Society in India, Agrarian Structure and Relations, Rural Development Programs, Migration and Rural Change, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Rural Livelihoods |
| DSE-4 | Diaspora and Transnationalism | Discipline Specific Elective (Example) | 6 | Concept of Diaspora, Types of Diaspora, Migration Theories, Identity and Belonging, Transnationalism, Indian Diaspora |




