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MA in Sociology at Sree Narpati Singh Mahavidyalaya
Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Sree Narpati Singh Mahavidyalaya Sant Kabir Nagar?
This MA Sociology program at Sree Narpati Singh Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, human behavior, and social phenomena within the Indian and global context. It delves into theoretical foundations, research methodologies, and specialized areas like rural-urban dynamics, gender, environment, and development. The program prepares students for critical analysis of contemporary social issues and equips them with skills highly relevant to India''''s evolving socio-economic landscape and public policy needs.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Sociology or related fields who seek to deepen their analytical and research capabilities. It also caters to aspiring researchers, civil service candidates, and professionals in NGOs or social development sectors looking to enhance their understanding of societal complexities. Individuals passionate about contributing to social change and policy-making in India will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in social research, policy analysis, development sector (NGOs, international organizations), human resources, and media. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience into positions like program manager, social scientist, or public policy advisor (INR 6-12+ LPA). The program fosters skills aligned with roles in government agencies, think tanks, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with classical and modern sociological theories by reading original texts and critical commentaries. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and apply them to current Indian social issues. Utilize platforms like NPTEL and Swayam for supplementary lectures on sociological thought.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Sociology, Key sociological texts (Durkheim, Weber, Marx), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for analytical roles in research, policy analysis, and academia, enabling graduates to interpret social phenomena with depth and rigor.
Master Research Methodology and Basic Statistics- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to social research methods and statistics. Practice designing research questionnaires, conducting mock interviews, and basic data analysis using tools like MS Excel or basic statistical software. Participate in classroom research projects to gain hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel, NCSS-STAT, Mock research projects, Online tutorials on research methods
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is highly valued in market research, social impact assessment, data analytics, and academic research roles, making graduates employable in various sectors.
Engage with Local Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Undertake small-scale observations or informal interviews with local community members (e.g., in Sant Kabir Nagar and surrounding areas) to connect theoretical concepts from rural-urban sociology or environmental sociology with ground realities. Document these observations in a reflective journal.
Tools & Resources
Community interaction, Observation journal, Local news reports
Career Connection
Develops practical understanding and empathy, essential for roles in NGOs, community development, and grassroots social work in India.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Indian Social Perspectives- (Semester 3)
Focus intensely on papers related to Indian society, social movements, and development. Read diverse perspectives from Indian sociologists and critically analyze contemporary social challenges like caste, gender, and regional disparities. Attend webinars and discussions by prominent Indian social scientists.
Tools & Resources
Journals of Indian sociological research, Books by M.N. Srinivas, Andre Beteille, Webinars by Indian social scientists
Career Connection
Prepares students for roles in government social welfare departments, policy think tanks focused on India, and development organizations working on specific Indian issues.
Seek Internships in Social Sector/NGOs- (Semester 3 (during breaks))
Actively search for short-term internships with local NGOs, government social welfare departments, or research organizations during semester breaks. This provides practical exposure to real-world social issues and professional networking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Online internship portals (Internshala, ImpactGuru), University career services, Networking with faculty
Career Connection
Builds practical skills, enhances resume, and creates professional networks critical for securing full-time positions in the social development sector post-graduation.
Develop Advanced Data Analysis Skills- (Semester 3)
For those interested in research, explore advanced qualitative or quantitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo for qualitative, SPSS for quantitative) through online courses or workshops. Apply these skills in project work.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX courses on SPSS/NVivo, University workshops, Advanced research methodology books
Career Connection
Makes graduates competitive for research associate roles, data analyst positions in NGOs, and advanced academic pursuits (PhD) requiring rigorous methodology.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a dissertation topic that aligns with your career interests and allows for in-depth research on a specific social issue relevant to India. Dedicate significant time to fieldwork, data collection, and rigorous academic writing, seeking regular feedback from your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Statistical software, University library resources
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for research positions, policy roles, and academic careers.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations/Placements- (Semester 4)
If aiming for civil services (UPSC, UPPSC) or other government jobs, integrate preparation with your MA studies, focusing on current affairs and optional sociology papers. For placements, refine interview skills, build a strong CV, and network with alumni and visiting faculty.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC study materials, Career counseling services, Mock interviews, LinkedIn networking
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing prestigious government roles or private sector placements by aligning academic knowledge with examination or industry requirements.
Develop Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in seminars, conferences, and paper presentations, both within and outside the college. Practice articulating complex sociological ideas clearly and concisely. This is vital for any professional role requiring interaction with diverse stakeholders.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Student conferences, Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Essential for roles in public relations, advocacy, training, and leadership positions where effective communication is paramount, across various sectors in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A.) with Sociology as a major subject or an equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC101 | Classical Sociological Traditions | Core | 4 | Enlightenment and Positivism, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class and Conflict, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labor, Suicide, Max Weber: Social Action, Authority, Bureaucracy, Pareto, Simmel, Mead: Major Contributions |
| MSOC102 | Methodology of Social Research | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science, Research Design and Hypotheses, Methods of Data Collection (Observation, Interview, Questionnaire), Sampling Techniques, Scaling Techniques and Data Presentation |
| MSOC103 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Concept of Rural Society and Agrarian Structure, Rural Economy and Social Change in India, Urbanization: Theories and Trends, Urban Social Problems and Planning, Rural-Urban Linkages and Continuum |
| MSOC104 | Environmental Sociology | Core | 4 | Environment and Society: Basic Concepts, Ecological Crisis and its Social Dimensions, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development and Conservation, Environmental Justice and Policy |
| MSOC105 | Practicum (Field Work/Project) | Practicum | 2 | Fieldwork Preparation and Ethics, Data Collection through Observation and Interview, Case Study and Ethnography, Data Analysis and Report Writing, Presentation of Field Findings |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC201 | Modern Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Structural Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Conflict Theories (Dahrendorf, Coser), Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Blumer), Ethnomethodology (Garfinkel), Post-structuralism and Post-modernism (Foucault, Derrida), Feminist Theories and Critical Race Theory |
| MSOC202 | Techniques of Social Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research, Survey Research Design and Administration, Content Analysis and Participatory Rural Appraisal, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation, Regression, and Hypothesis Testing |
| MSOC203 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, State, Nation, and Civil Society, Democracy and Bureaucracy, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Social Movements and Political Change in India |
| MSOC204 | Industrial Sociology | Core | 4 | Industrialization and its Social Impact, Labor and Management Relations, Informal Sector and Contract Labor, Globalization and New Forms of Work, Technology, Automation, and Future of Work |
| MSOC205 | Project Work | Project | 2 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology Selection and Data Analysis Plan, Ethical Considerations in Research, Project Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC301 | Theoretical Perspectives on Indian Society | Core | 4 | Indological and Orientalist Perspectives, Structural-Functionalist Views (M.N. Srinivas), Marxist Approaches to Indian Society, Subaltern and Dalit Perspectives, Post-modern and Feminist Critiques, Caste, Class, and Tribe in India |
| MSOC302 | Sociology of Social Movements | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Movements, Collective Action and Resource Mobilization, Peasant and Workers'''' Movements in India, Women''''s and Environmental Movements, Identity Politics and Human Rights Movements |
| MSOC303 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Globalization and its Impact on Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Development Planning and Policies in India, Social Indicators of Development |
| MSOC304 | Sociology of Health | Core | 4 | Health, Illness, and Society, Social Determinants of Health, Medical Systems and Health Seeking Behavior, Public Health and Epidemiology, Health Policies and Healthcare Challenges in India |
| MSOC305 | Project Work/Dissertation | Project/Dissertation | 4 | Advanced Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Theoretical Interpretations of Data, Dissertation Writing and Structure, Research Ethics and Presentation Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSOC401 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Population Theories (Malthus, Demographic Transition), Population Composition and Structure, Fertility, Mortality, and Migration, Population Policies and Programs in India, Demographic Challenges and Opportunities |
| MSOC402 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Sex and Gender: Basic Concepts, Patriarchy and Gender Roles, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Women''''s Empowerment and Agency, Feminist Perspectives and Movements in India |
| MSOC403 | Criminology and Penology | Core | 4 | Theories of Crime Causation, Types of Crime (Organized, Cyber, White Collar), Criminal Justice System in India, Punishment and Rehabilitation, Juvenile Delinquency and Victimology |
| MSOC404 | Dissertation | Dissertation | 8 | Independent Research Project, In-depth Literature Review, Primary and Secondary Data Analysis, Original Research Contribution, Dissertation Defense and Viva Voce |
