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M-A in Sociology at Shri Govind Mahavidyalaya
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Shri Govind Mahavidyalaya Moradabad?
This M.A. Sociology program at Shri Govind Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of social structures, processes, and dynamics with a strong emphasis on Indian society. It equips students with theoretical knowledge and research skills essential for analyzing contemporary social issues. The program prepares graduates for diverse roles in research, policy, and community development across various sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking a deeper understanding of societal complexities and social research methodologies. It also suits individuals interested in careers in social work, public administration, NGOs, or academic research. Candidates aspiring for civil services or social policy roles in India will find this specialization particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths in social research, community development, policy analysis, and journalism within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in government and non-profit sectors. The program''''s strong theoretical foundation also aids in preparing for NET/JRF and Ph.D. admissions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational theories and Indian social structures. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts, utilizing textbooks and supplementary readings recommended by faculty. Engage actively in classroom discussions to clarify doubts and deepen comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Standard sociology textbooks (e.g., Haralambos & Holborn, Ritzer), NCERT Sociology books for basics, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for analytical roles in research and policy, and for excelling in competitive exams like NET/JRF and UPSC civil services.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding research methodology and basic statistical concepts. Practice designing simple research questionnaires and analyzing sample data. Utilize university library resources for academic journals and research papers to understand research application.
Tools & Resources
Basic statistical software tutorials (e.g., for SPSS), University library databases (JSTOR, Sage Journals), Online tutorials on research methods
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is essential for roles in NGOs, government research agencies, and academic research, preparing students for data-driven decision-making.
Engage with Contemporary Indian Social Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read daily newspapers, reputable news magazines, and watch documentaries on current social issues in India. Participate in college debates or seminars related to topics like rural development, caste dynamics, or gender equality to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, Frontline magazine, Documentaries on Indian social issues, College socio-cultural clubs
Career Connection
Awareness of current social issues is vital for policy-making, advocacy, and social work roles, allowing students to connect theory with real-world problems.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek opportunities to conduct small-scale research projects, even as part of coursework or independently. This could involve field visits, conducting interviews, or collecting primary data on a local issue. Present findings in college-level seminars or department-led sessions.
Tools & Resources
Faculty guidance for project topics, Basic data collection apps/forms, Presentation software
Career Connection
Practical research experience enhances problem-solving skills and provides a portfolio for applying to research assistant positions or internships at NGOs and think tanks.
Participate in Sociology-focused Workshops/Conferences- (Semester 3)
Attend workshops, webinars, or student conferences on specialized sociological topics, either organized by the university or other institutions. This exposes students to new ideas, methodologies, and networking opportunities with peers and experts in the field.
Tools & Resources
Event listings from UGC, ICSSR, Social media groups for academic events, Departmental notices
Career Connection
Networking and exposure to current research trends are crucial for academic and research career paths, and for identifying potential mentors or collaborators.
Explore Elective Specializations Strategically- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective papers based on individual career interests (e.g., social development, policy, criminology). Deep dive into these chosen areas, reading beyond the syllabus and exploring case studies relevant to the Indian context to build specialized expertise.
Tools & Resources
Subject-specific journals, Reports from government bodies (e.g., Ministry of Women and Child Development), Expert interviews
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge enhances employability in specific sectors like health, environment, or human rights, making graduates more targeted candidates for specialized roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4 (part of curriculum))
Choose a relevant research topic for the dissertation, preferably one with practical implications for Indian society. Conduct rigorous data collection, analysis, and present findings in a structured, academic manner. Seek regular feedback from the supervisor and prepare for a robust viva voce.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (SPSS, R, STATA if applicable), Referencing tools (Zotero, Mendeley), Plagiarism checker software
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a significant resume builder, showcasing independent research capabilities crucial for academic careers, policy analysis, and advanced research roles.
Prepare for Post-MA Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Identify target career paths early and prepare accordingly. For civil services, focus on current affairs and sociology optional papers. For academia, prepare diligently for NET/JRF examinations. For development, actively seek internships with leading NGOs or government projects.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET exam guides, Online coaching platforms, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, NGO Darpan)
Career Connection
Proactive preparation ensures a smooth transition into employment or higher education, maximizing the return on investment in the MA degree.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Attend alumni meet-ups, career fairs, and professional workshops to connect with sociologists, policy-makers, and development practitioners. Build a professional network that can provide mentorship, internship leads, and job opportunities post-graduation within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni association, Professional sociological associations in India
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for job placements and career advancement, opening doors to unadvertised opportunities and valuable industry insights.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-S-101 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer''''s Evolutionary Theory, Emile Durkheim''''s Social Facts and Solidarity, Max Weber''''s Social Action and Authority, Karl Marx''''s Historical Materialism and Class Conflict |
| MA-S-102 | Methodology of Social Research | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Research, Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Observation), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation |
| MA-S-103 | Rural Sociology | Core | 4 | Concept of Rural Society and Economy, Rural Social Structure and Institutions, Agrarian Relations and Change, Rural Development Programs in India, Panchayati Raj Institutions |
| MA-S-104 | Indian Society - Structure and Change | Core | 4 | Caste System in India, Family, Kinship, and Marriage, Religion and Society in India, Social Change Processes in India, Tribal Communities and Issues |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-S-201 | Modern Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Conflict Theories (Dahrendorf, Coser), Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Goffman), Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology, Post-Structuralism and Postmodernism (Foucault, Derrida) |
| MA-S-202 | Statistical Methods in Social Research | Core | 4 | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Sampling Distributions, Hypothesis Testing (Chi-Square, t-test), Correlation and Regression Analysis, Interpretation of Statistical Data |
| MA-S-203 | Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Concept of Urbanization and Urbanism, Theories of Urban Growth, Urban Social Problems (Slums, Poverty), Urban Governance and Planning, Smart Cities and Sustainable Urban Development in India |
| MA-S-204 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Role of State and Market in Development, Social Movements and Development, Challenges of Development in India |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-S-301 | Perspectives on Indian Society | Core | 4 | Indological Perspective (Ghurye), Structural Functional Perspective (Srinivas), Marxian Perspective (Desai), Subaltern Perspective (Guha), Feminist Perspective on Indian Society |
| MA-S-302 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Sociological Approaches to Environment, Environmental Movements in India, Ecology, Development and Displacement, Climate Change and Social Impact, Environmental Governance and Policy |
| MA-S-303 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Demography, Sources of Demographic Data in India, Theories of Population Growth, Fertility, Mortality, and Migration Trends, Population Policy in India |
| MA-S-304A | Sociology of Health | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper I) | 4 | Sociological Perspectives on Health and Illness, Health Care Systems in India, Social Epidemiology, Medical Pluralism, Health Policy and Challenges in India |
| MA-S-304B | Political Sociology | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper I) | 4 | Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, State and Civil Society, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Democracy and Political Participation in India, Sociology of Law and Justice |
| MA-S-304C | Industrial Sociology | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper I) | 4 | Industrialization and Society, Formal and Informal Organization, Industrial Relations in India, Trade Unions and Labour Welfare, Globalization and Indian Industry |
| MA-S-305A | Sociology of Crime | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper II) | 4 | Theories of Crime and Deviance, Types of Crime (Organized, Cyber, White-collar), Criminal Justice System in India, Juvenile Delinquency, Victimology and Rehabilitation |
| MA-S-305B | Human Rights | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper II) | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in the Indian Constitution, Human Rights Institutions in India, Challenges to Human Rights in India |
| MA-S-305C | Rural Development | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper II) | 4 | Theories and Approaches to Rural Development, Rural Poverty and Livelihoods, Government Schemes for Rural Development, Role of NGOs in Rural Development, Challenges of Sustainable Rural Development |
| MA-S-306A | Social Psychology | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper III) | 4 | Socialization and Self-Concept, Attitudes and Attitude Change, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Prejudice, Stereotypes, and Discrimination, Interpersonal Attraction and Aggression |
| MA-S-306B | Social Gerontology | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper III) | 4 | Demography of Aging, Theories of Aging, Social Support and Family Care for Elderly, Health and Well-being in Old Age, Policies and Programs for the Elderly in India |
| MA-S-306C | Globalization & Society | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper III) | 4 | Concepts and Dimensions of Globalization, Economic and Cultural Globalization, Impact of Globalization on Indian Society, Transnationalism and Diasporic Communities, Anti-Globalization Movements |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA-S-401 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Distinction between Sex and Gender, Theories of Gender (Patriarchy, Feminism), Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender and Development in India, Women''''s Movements and Empowerment |
| MA-S-402 | Sociology of Kinship | Core | 4 | Kinship Systems and Terminology, Descent and Alliance Theories, Family and Household Forms, Marriage Patterns and Functions, Changes in Kinship in Modern India |
| MA-S-403 | Project Report / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Viva Voce Examination |
| MA-S-404A | Research Project/Dissertation/Term Paper | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper IV) | 4 | Advanced Research Design, Ethical Considerations in Research, In-depth Literature Review, Comprehensive Data Analysis, Academic Writing and Presentation |
| MA-S-404B | Collective Behaviour and Social Movements | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper IV) | 4 | Theories of Collective Behavior, Forms of Collective Behavior (Crowds, Riots), Theories of Social Movements, Types of Social Movements in India, Role of Media in Social Movements |
| MA-S-404C | Diaspora and Society | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper IV) | 4 | Concept and Typologies of Diaspora, Indian Diaspora: History and Trajectories, Identity, Culture, and Belonging in Diaspora, Transnationalism and Global Networks, Impact of Diaspora on Home and Host Countries |
| MA-S-405A | Sociology of Disaster Management | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper V) | 4 | Sociological Perspectives on Disasters, Types of Disasters (Natural, Man-made), Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Disaster Management Policy in India |
| MA-S-405B | Urban Planning and Development | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper V) | 4 | Theories of Urban Planning, Components of Urban Planning (Housing, Transport), Challenges of Urban Development in India, Smart Cities Mission, Sustainable Urbanization Strategies |
| MA-S-405C | Social Stratification | Elective (Choice for Elective Paper V) | 4 | Dimensions of Social Stratification (Class, Status, Power), Theories of Social Stratification, Caste, Class, and Gender in India, Social Mobility, Inequality and Social Justice |
