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MA in Sociology Self Finance at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous)
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology (Self Finance) at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Ernakulam?
This MA Sociology program at Sacred Heart College, Ernakulam, Kerala, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of social structures, processes, and change. With a strong emphasis on theoretical foundations and research methodologies, it prepares students for analytical roles in a diverse society. The program addresses contemporary social issues relevant to India, making it highly pertinent to current societal challenges and policy formulation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into social research, policy analysis, or community development. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in social science expertise, government sector roles, or NGOs. Individuals with a keen interest in understanding societal dynamics, human behavior, and cultural patterns will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, development professionals, community organizers, and civil service aspirants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The analytical and critical thinking skills gained are highly valued in both public and private sectors, aligning with roles in CSR, market research, and academic pursuits.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on deeply understanding classical and contemporary sociological theories (Comte, Durkheim, Weber, Marx, Feminist, Postmodern) by reading original texts and engaging in critical discussions. Build a strong conceptual base for all future courses.
Tools & Resources
Core readings by classical thinkers, Academic journals like Sociological Bulletin, Peer study groups, Online courses on NPTEL for foundational concepts
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding is essential for analytical roles in research, policy formulation, and academic teaching, enabling nuanced understanding of social phenomena.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all methodology classes, practice designing questionnaires, conducting mock interviews, and understanding basic statistical analysis using tools like Excel. Seek opportunities to assist professors in their research projects.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for beginners tutorials, M.G. University library resources, Research papers on JSTOR, Methodology workshops
Career Connection
Essential for roles in social research, market analysis, data collection, and program evaluation in NGOs, government, and private firms.
Engage with Indian Societal Context- (Semester 1-2)
Supplement classroom learning on Indian society by reading newspapers, social commentaries, and participating in local community discussions or college events focused on Indian social issues. Visit local NGOs to understand ground realities.
Tools & Resources
Indian Express, The Hindu, Economic & Political Weekly (EPW), Documentaries on Indian social issues, Local community organizations
Career Connection
Provides invaluable context for working with Indian populations, developing culturally sensitive policies, and succeeding in civil services or development sector roles.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Theories- (Semester 3)
Thoughtfully choose elective courses that align with your career interests (e.g., Political Sociology, Sociology of Health). Delve deeper into advanced theoretical perspectives, connecting them to contemporary social problems.
Tools & Resources
Elective-specific readings, Specialized journals, Faculty consultations for guidance on career-aligned choices, Guest lectures by subject matter experts
Career Connection
Allows for focused knowledge building, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in specific sub-fields of sociology (e.g., health policy, urban planning).
Gain Practical Field Exposure- (Semester 3)
Actively seek internships with NGOs, social welfare departments, or research institutes during semester breaks. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world social problems and gain hands-on experience in data collection, community engagement, or program implementation.
Tools & Resources
College career cell, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Networking with alumni and professors, Local government departments
Career Connection
Critical for developing practical skills, building a professional network, and enhancing employability in the development and social sector.
Hone Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on writing clear, concise, and evidence-based research papers and essays for all assignments. Participate in seminars and present your research findings to improve public speaking and academic presentation abilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), Public speaking clubs, Feedback from professors
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, research roles, and any professional position requiring effective communication and persuasive arguments.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Quality Research Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your MA project. Choose a relevant topic, conduct thorough literature review, collect and analyze data rigorously, and present findings professionally. Seek regular mentorship from your faculty guide.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, Statistical software (if applicable), M.G. University digital library, Constant interaction with project guide
Career Connection
A strong project showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for research organizations, PhD applications, and policy-oriented roles.
Prepare for Career and Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Identify target career paths (NGOs, government, academia, civil services) and tailor your preparation. Attend career counseling sessions, practice for interviews, and refine your resume/CV. For higher studies, explore PhD programs and scholarship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career guidance counselors, Online job portals, GRE/UGC NET preparation materials, Alumni network
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition from academics to professional life or further academic pursuits, maximizing post-graduation opportunities.
Network and Build Professional Relationships- (Semester 4)
Attend departmental events, conferences, workshops, and seminars to interact with faculty, alumni, and professionals in the field of sociology. Build a network that can offer mentorship, job leads, and collaborative opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional sociological associations, College alumni events, Industry meetups
Career Connection
A strong professional network can open doors to internships, job offers, and long-term career growth, providing valuable insights and support.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com.) from Mahatma Gandhi University or any other University recognized by M.G. University with a minimum of 45% marks in Part III subjects (aggregate for optional subjects under CBCSS/other patterns). A relaxation of 5% for OBC/OEC candidates. SC/ST candidates need only to have passed the qualifying examination.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC1C01 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology I | Core | 4 | Enlightenment and Sociological Thought, Founders of Sociology (Comte, Spencer, Marx, Durkheim, Weber), Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Ethnomethodology and Post-structuralism |
| SOC1C02 | Methodology of Social Research I | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science, Epistemology and Ontology in Social Research, Positivism and Interpretivism, Critical Theory Approaches, Research Design and Ethics, Qualitative and Quantitative Traditions |
| SOC1C03 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core | 4 | Indian Social Structure and Diversity, Caste System and its Transformations, Village Studies and Rural Dynamics, Religious Pluralism and Secularism, Social Movements in India, Urbanization, Globalization, and Indian Society |
| SOC1C04 | Applied Statistics for Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics and Data, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Sampling Theory, Hypothesis Testing and Significance, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Statistical Software Basics for Social Data |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC2C05 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology II | Core | 4 | Feminist Sociological Theories, Postmodernism and Post-structuralism, Critical Race Theory and Subaltern Studies, Cultural Studies and Theories of Globalization, Ecological Sociology and Network Society, Contemporary Sociological Debates |
| SOC2C06 | Methodology of Social Research II | Core | 4 | Data Collection Methods (Survey, Observation, Interview), Questionnaire Design and Scaling Techniques, Sampling Procedures and Types, Quantitative Data Analysis (Software Basics), Qualitative Data Analysis Approaches, Research Report Writing and Ethics |
| SOC2C07 | Sociological Demography | Core | 4 | Theories of Population, Demographic Processes (Fertility, Mortality, Migration), Population Composition and Structure, Population Growth and Distribution in India, Population Policies and Development, Health and Demographic Transitions |
| SOC2C08 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Self, Identity, and Socialization, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Social Perception, Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations, Leadership and Conformity, Deviance and Social Control, Aggression, Altruism, and Pro-social Behavior |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC3C09 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural-Urban Continuum and Differences, Rural Development and Agrarian Social Structure, Urbanization in India and its Challenges, Slums and Urban Poverty, Urban Governance and Planning, Smart Cities and Social Impact |
| SOC3C10 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Globalization and Development, Poverty, Inequality, and Social Exclusion, Social Impact Assessment, Development Planning in India and NGOs |
| SOC3C11 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction Theories, Environmental Movements and Activism, Ecological Modernization and Risk Society, Climate Change and Social Responses, Environmental Policy and Governance, Resource Management and Green Consumerism |
| SOC3E01 | Political Sociology (Elective I - Sample) | Elective | 4 | Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, State, Nation, and Political Systems, Elites, Political Parties, and Interest Groups, Democracy and Participation in India, Civil Society, Media, and Human Rights, Political Culture and Social Movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC4C12 | Social Stratification and Mobility | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Stratification (Marx, Weber), Class, Status, and Power, Caste, Gender, Race, and Ethnicity, Social Mobility and Inequality in India, Global Stratification and Poverty, Social Justice and Affirmative Action |
| SOC4C13 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Gender as a Social Construct, Patriarchy and Feminist Perspectives, Gender Roles, Stereotypes, and Socialization, Violence Against Women and Gender-based Issues, Women''''s Movements and Gender Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights and Gender Identity |
| SOC4C14 | Globalization and Society | Core | 4 | Theories of Globalization, Economic Globalization and its Impact, Cultural Globalization and Hybridity, Global Inequality and Development, Transnationalism and Migration, Anti-Globalization Movements and India''''s Role |
| SOC4E06 | Sociology of Religion (Elective II - Sample) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Religion (Durkheim, Weber, Marx), Sacred and Profane, Rituals, and Belief Systems, Cults, Sects, and Religious Movements, Religion and Social Change, Religious Pluralism and Secularism in India, Modernity and Challenges to Religion |
| SOC4P15 | Project | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Interpretation, Presentation of Findings |
| SOC4V16 | Viva Voce | Viva Voce | 4 | Comprehensive Oral Examination, Defense of Project Work, Understanding of Core Sociological Concepts, Application of Research Methodology, Current Sociological Debates |
