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MA in Sociology at Santosh Kumar Mahavidyalaya, Kasimpur Behdar
Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Santosh Kumar Mahavidyalaya, Kasimpur Behdar Hardoi?
This MA Sociology program at Santosh Kumar Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing an in-depth understanding of social structures, processes, and issues prevalent in Indian society and globally. It emphasizes theoretical perspectives, research methodologies, and specialized areas like rural, urban, industrial, and development sociology. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills for understanding complex societal challenges and contributing to social development, aligning with growing demands for social scientists in India''''s policy and development sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Sociology, Social Work, or related humanities disciplines who aspire to careers in social research, policy analysis, or community development. It also suits working professionals from NGOs, government agencies, or social enterprises looking to enhance their theoretical foundations and research capabilities. Individuals passionate about understanding societal dynamics and contributing to social change 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, project coordinators, development practitioners, policy analysts, and academicians. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in government, NGO, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) sectors. The program''''s focus on research methodology also prepares students for PhD studies and potential alignment with national eligibility tests like UGC NET.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sociological Theories and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to deeply understand core sociological theories (e.g., structural functionalism, conflict theory) and fundamental concepts. Form study groups to discuss complex ideas, debate perspectives, and clarify doubts. Utilize university library resources and online academic journals like EPW for foundational reading.
Tools & Resources
University Library, JSTOR/Google Scholar for academic papers, Sociology reference books
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for advanced research and analytical roles in social policy and development, forming the bedrock for understanding societal issues.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in ''''Methodology of Social Research'''' papers. Practice designing simple research questions, identifying appropriate data collection methods, and understanding basic sampling techniques. Engage with faculty for guidance on mini-research projects or assignments to apply classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
Research methods textbooks, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., basics of Excel for data organization)
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methodology is indispensable for roles in social research, M&E (Monitoring & Evaluation) in NGOs, and academic pursuits.
Engage with Indian Sociological Thought- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbook learning, explore the works of Indian sociological thinkers like Ghurye, Srinivas, and Ambedkar. Read original texts or well-regarded commentaries. This will provide a nuanced understanding of India-specific social issues and theoretical applications.
Tools & Resources
Classic texts by Indian sociologists, EPW (Economic and Political Weekly) archives
Career Connection
Understanding the Indian context is vital for effective work in social development, policy formulation, and community engagement within India.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Practical Social Surveys/Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Collaborate with peers or faculty on small-scale social surveys or fieldwork. This can involve visiting a local village for rural sociology insights or an urban slum for urban sociology. Focus on ethical considerations, data collection, and initial data interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Questionnaire design templates, Interview guides, Basic field observation tools
Career Connection
Practical fieldwork experience is highly valued by NGOs, research organizations, and government agencies seeking candidates with real-world exposure to social issues.
Attend Workshops on Data Analysis & Software- (Semester 3)
Seek opportunities to attend workshops or online courses on basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis software, such as SPSS/R (for quantitative) or NVivo/Atlas.ti (for qualitative). Even a basic understanding enhances employability significantly.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for introductory courses, YouTube tutorials for SPSS/R basics
Career Connection
Analytical skills using software are crucial for data-driven policy recommendations, academic research, and evaluation roles.
Participate in Departmental Seminars & Discussions- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and informal discussions on contemporary social issues. Present your own short papers or summaries of research. This refines critical thinking, public speaking, and academic networking skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Academic event calendars
Career Connection
Networking with faculty and peers, along with presenting ideas, builds confidence and opens doors to mentorship and collaborative projects.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that aligns with your career interests and apply all learned research methodologies. Focus on a well-structured literature review, robust methodology, and clear analysis. This serves as a portfolio piece for future employers or academic applications.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Advanced statistical software if applicable
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation demonstrates independent research capability, a key requirement for research analyst, policy development, and academic roles.
Prepare for UGC NET/JRF Examination- (Semester 4)
Begin systematic preparation for the UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) for Assistant Professorship or JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) in Sociology. This involves revising the entire MA syllabus and practicing previous year''''s papers. It is essential for academic and research careers in India.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET Sociology syllabus, Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms
Career Connection
UGC NET/JRF qualification is often a prerequisite for teaching positions in Indian colleges and universities and provides a fellowship for PhD research.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 4)
Connect with alumni who have pursued diverse career paths after MA Sociology. Attend career fairs, webinars, and online professional forums related to social development, CSR, and research. Seek mentorship and insights into industry trends and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni network platforms (if available), NGO/CSR portals
Career Connection
Building a professional network is critical for identifying job openings, gaining industry insights, and securing referrals in a competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Sociology/Social Work as a subject or any equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 66 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC101 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Sociological Theory, Structural Functionalism, Conflict Perspective, Symbolic Interactionism, Phenomenological Sociology, Postmodernism |
| MSOC102 | Methodology of Social Research - I | Core | 4 | Social Research: Meaning, Types & Significance, Research Design, Techniques of Data Collection (Observation, Interview, Questionnaire), Sampling, Content Analysis |
| MSOC103 | Rural Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural Sociology: Nature, Scope & Significance, Rural Social Structure, Agrarian Class Structure, Rural Development Programs, Rural Leadership, Rural-Urban Continuum |
| MSOC104 | Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Urban Sociology: Nature, Scope & Theories, Urbanization in India, Urban Problems (Slums, Pollution, Crime), Urban Planning & Governance, Smart Cities |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC201 | Indian Sociological Thinkers | Core | 4 | Contribution of G.S. Ghurye, M.N. Srinivas, S.C. Dube, B.R. Ambedkar, D.P. Mukerji, M.K. Gandhi |
| MSOC202 | Methodology of Social Research - II | Core | 4 | Data Processing & Analysis, Univariate & Bivariate Analysis, Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing |
| MSOC203 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development & Underdevelopment, Theories of Development, Sustainable Development, Development Displacements, Globalization & Development |
| MSOC204 | Sociology of Mass Media | Elective (Student chooses one from options) | 4 | Mass Media: Concepts & Types, Theories of Communication, Media & Socialization, Media Representation of Marginalized Groups, Social Impact of New Media |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC301 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core | 4 | Unity & Diversity in India, Caste System, Class Structure, Family & Kinship, Religion & Society, Social Movements |
| MSOC302 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Demography: Concepts & Scope, Population Theories, Fertility, Mortality, Migration, Population Policy in India |
| MSOC303 | Industrial Sociology | Core | 4 | Industrial Sociology: Concepts & Scope, Theories of Industrial Society, Industrial Relations, Labour Welfare, Impact of Globalization on Industry |
| MSOC304 | Sociology of Gender | Elective (Student chooses one from options) | 4 | Gender: Concepts & Theories, Social Construction of Gender, Patriarchy & Matriarchy, Gender Roles & Stereotypes, Women''''s Movements in India |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC401 | Social Problems in India | Core | 4 | Concept of Social Problems, Poverty & Inequality, Unemployment, Crime & Deviance, Drug Abuse, Terrorism, Communalism |
| MSOC402 | Dissertation/Project Work | Core (Project) | 6 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Collection & Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation & Viva Voce |
| MSOC403 | Sociology of Health | Elective (Student chooses one from options) | 4 | Health & Illness: Sociological Perspectives, Social Determinants of Health, Medical Pluralism in India, Health Care System, Public Health Challenges |
| MSOC404 | Open Elective | Open Elective (Student chooses from university-wide options) | 4 |
