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BA in Sociology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This Sociology program at Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology focuses on understanding human society, social behavior patterns, and institutional structures. It equips students with critical analytical skills to comprehend complex social phenomena, particularly within the diverse Indian context. The program differentiates itself by integrating theoretical frameworks with practical research methodologies, addressing contemporary societal challenges and fostering a holistic view of community dynamics. There is a growing demand in India for professionals who can analyze social trends, inform policy, and drive social development initiatives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream seeking entry into social research, policy analysis, or community development. It also benefits working professionals in NGOs, government sectors, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles looking to deepen their sociological understanding and analytical capabilities. Career changers transitioning into fields requiring strong socio-cultural insights, like journalism or human resources, will also find this program valuable. Students passionate about social justice, public service, and understanding human behavior will thrive.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, community development officers, human resource specialists, and content writers for social causes. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 6-10 LPA in NGOs, research firms, government bodies, and CSR departments. The program lays a strong foundation for higher studies in social work, public administration, or media studies, and aligns with skills needed for various competitive civil service examinations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental sociological theories, concepts, and terminologies introduced in the first two semesters. Utilize concept maps, flashcards, and group discussions to reinforce learning. Regularly review classical thinkers like Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks (e.g., Haralambos & Holborn), Online academic journals (JSTOR, ResearchGate), Peer study groups, University library resources
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for advanced analysis, research, and for excelling in competitive exams (e.g., UPSC, state PSCs) that often test conceptual clarity in Sociology.
Develop Robust Research Method Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in practical research assignments and the Social Research Methods project. Focus on developing skills in data collection (surveys, interviews, observation), data analysis, and ethical considerations. Participate in mini-research projects suggested by faculty.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (basic usage), Google Forms for surveys, Field observation guides, Research methodology textbooks
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods opens doors to roles in social research firms, policy think tanks, and data analysis positions in NGOs or government departments.
Enhance Communication and Soft Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the ''''English'''' and ''''Soft Skills'''' courses to hone written and oral communication, presentation abilities, and professional etiquette. Participate in debates, public speaking events, and workshops on resume building and interview skills.
Tools & Resources
University''''s Communication Lab, Toastmasters (if available), Online courses on communication, Career guidance cell workshops
Career Connection
Excellent communication is vital for presenting research findings, engaging with communities, and performing well in interviews for any professional role in India.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork and Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Proactively seek and complete the internship/fieldwork component in Semester 3 with organizations relevant to your interests (e.g., NGOs, social welfare departments, research institutions). Document experiences thoroughly and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
University''''s placement cell, Internshala, LinkedIn, NGO directories, Mentors and faculty connections
Career Connection
Practical experience provides invaluable exposure to real-world social issues and helps build a professional network, often leading to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations.
Specialize through Elective Choices- (Semester 4-5)
Carefully select Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) in Semesters 4 and 5 that align with your career aspirations. Dive deep into chosen areas like gender studies, environmental sociology, or criminology to build specialized knowledge and expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Career counseling sessions, Industry reports on specialized fields, Online specialization courses
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more competitive candidate for niche roles in specific social sectors (e.g., Gender specialist, Environmental consultant, Criminologist).
Participate in Academic Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and, if possible, present papers at university-level or regional sociological conferences and workshops. This exposure enhances academic networking, presentation skills, and keeps you updated on current research trends in India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental announcements, University''''s academic calendar, Indian Sociological Society events, Call for Papers
Career Connection
Such participation builds your academic profile, which is beneficial for postgraduate studies, research assistantships, and positions requiring analytical prowess.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Impactful Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
Approach your Semester 5 Project Work as an opportunity to conduct original research on a relevant social issue. Aim for a publication-quality report or presentation. Seek faculty guidance rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Advanced research software (e.g., NVivo, advanced R/Python for social data), Statistical consultants, Academic writing workshops, Departmental review panels
Career Connection
A robust final project demonstrates independent research capability, a key skill highly valued by research organizations, policy institutes, and for advanced academic pursuits.
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Career Pathways- (Semester 6)
By Semester 6, finalize your post-graduation plans, whether it''''s higher education (MA/MSW/MBA), civil services, or direct placements. Actively prepare for entrance exams, interviews, and tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job roles.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET coaching materials, Mock interviews, Alumni network for career advice, Placement cell resources
Career Connection
Proactive planning ensures a smooth transition into your chosen career path, optimizing placement opportunities or securing admission into desired postgraduate programs.
Network and Build Professional Relationships- (Semester 5-6)
Leverage departmental alumni events, guest lectures, and professional associations to build a strong network. Connect with professionals in your areas of interest and seek mentorship for career guidance and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni Association portals, Professional sociological associations in India, Faculty mentorship program
Career Connection
Networking is crucial in the Indian job market for discovering hidden opportunities, gaining insights into industry trends, and securing referrals for competitive positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 50% in any stream
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL19HS001 | English | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Communication, Applied Grammar, Vocabulary Building, Reading Comprehension, Basic Writing Skills |
| UL19SO101 | Introduction to Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Sociology, Origin and Development of Sociology, Basic Sociological Concepts, Social Institutions, Social Control and Social Change |
| UL19SO102 | Social Research Methods | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation |
| UL19AE001 | Environmental Sciences | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Natural Resources, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
| UL19ES001 | Soft Skills | Skill Enhancement Course | 1 | Self-Introduction and Presentation, Time Management, Public Speaking, Group Discussion Etiquette, Basic Interview Skills |
| UL19SO103 | Project on Social Research Methods | Practical | 4 | Fieldwork Planning, Observation Techniques, Interview Schedule Design, Data Tabulation, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL19HS002 | Communicative English | Core | 3 | Advanced Communication Strategies, Functional Grammar, Listening and Speaking Skills, Effective Writing, Presentation Techniques |
| UL19SO201 | Social Anthropology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Anthropology, Culture and Society, Kinship, Marriage, Family, Economic and Political Systems, Religion and Magic |
| UL19SO202 | Social Stratification | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Stratification, Theories of Stratification, Dimensions of Stratification, Social Mobility, Caste, Class, Gender in India |
| UL19GE001 | Generic Elective I | Elective | 3 | Topics chosen from a broad range of subjects across disciplines, selected by the student. |
| UL19ES002 | Professional Skills | Skill Enhancement Course | 1 | Professional Etiquette, Resume Building, Interview Preparation, Teamwork and Collaboration, Conflict Resolution |
| UL19SO203 | Community Engagement Project | Practical | 3 | Community Needs Assessment, Project Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Data Documentation, Impact Assessment |
| UL19VE001 | Value Education | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Human Values, Professional Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Spirituality and Self-Development, Social Harmony |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL19HS003 | Academic English | Core | 3 | Academic Reading Strategies, Writing Academic Essays, Research Paper Structure, Citation and Referencing, Effective Oral Presentations |
| UL19SO301 | Sociological Theories | Core | 4 | Classical Sociological Thinkers (Comte, Spencer), Durkheim: Social Facts and Anomie, Marx: Class and Conflict, Weber: Bureaucracy and Rationality, Contemporary Sociological Perspectives |
| UL19SO302 | Sociology of Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development, Theories of Development, Development Policies in India, Social Exclusion and Inclusion, Sustainable Development |
| UL19GE002 | Generic Elective II | Elective | 3 | Topics chosen from a broad range of subjects across disciplines, selected by the student. |
| UL19ES003 | Problem Solving Skills | Skill Enhancement Course | 1 | Analytical Thinking, Decision Making Techniques, Creative Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Root Cause Analysis |
| UL19SO303 | Internship / Field Work | Project | 5 | Understanding Organizational Structure, Data Collection in Real-world Settings, Application of Sociological Concepts, Report Preparation, Presentation of Findings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL19SO401 | Industrial Sociology | Core | 4 | Emergence of Industrial Sociology, Theories of Industrial Relations, Work and Organization, Industrial Conflicts and Resolution, Globalisation and Labour |
| UL19SO402 | Rural and Urban Sociology | Core | 4 | Rural Social Structure, Agrarian Relations and Change, Urbanization and Industrialization, Urban Social Problems, Rural-Urban Linkages |
| UL19SO403 | Sociology of Health and Illness | Core | 4 | Sociological Perspectives on Health, Social Determinants of Health, Healthcare Systems in India, Illness Experience and Medicalization, Health Movements |
| UL19SOE01 | Sociology of Human Rights | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE I Option) | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Historical Development, Human Rights in India, Vulnerable Groups and Rights, Human Rights Movements |
| UL19SOE02 | Sociology of Youth | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE I Option) | 4 | Concept of Youth, Youth Culture and Subculture, Challenges Faced by Youth in India, Youth and Social Change, Youth Policies and Programs |
| UL19SOE03 | Sociology of Art and Culture | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE I Option) | 4 | Sociological Theories of Art, Culture and Society, Popular Culture, Art, Media and Power, Cultural Policy and Heritage |
| UL19ES004 | Logical Reasoning | Skill Enhancement Course | 1 | Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Critical Thinking Puzzles, Problem-solving Techniques |
| UL19GE003 | Generic Elective III | Elective | 3 | Topics chosen from a broad range of subjects across disciplines, selected by the student. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL19SO501 | Sociology of Education | Core | 4 | Education as a Social Institution, Theories of Education, Education and Social Inequality, Education in India, Policies and Reforms in Education |
| UL19SO502 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Concept of Gender, Theories of Gender, Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender Inequality in India, Gender and Development |
| UL19SO503 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 4 | Sociological Perspectives on Environment, Environmental Problems and Society, Environmental Movements, Sustainable Development, Environmental Governance |
| UL19SOE04 | Sociology of Religion | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE II Option) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Religion, Theories of Religion, Religion and Social Change, Religious Pluralism in India, Secularism and Modernity |
| UL19SOE05 | Sociology of Mass Media | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE II Option) | 4 | Mass Media and Society, Theories of Mass Communication, Media Representation, Impact of Media on Culture, New Media and Social Change |
| UL19SOE06 | Sociology of Crime and Deviance | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE II Option) | 4 | Concepts of Crime and Deviance, Theories of Crime, Types of Crime, Criminal Justice System, Social Control and Punishment |
| UL19SO504 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Analysis using Software, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL19SO601 | Social Problems in India | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Problem, Poverty and Unemployment, Caste and Ethnic Conflicts, Gender-based Violence, Corruption and Good Governance |
| UL19SO602 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | State and Society, Power and Authority, Political Systems and Participation, Democracy and Governance in India, Social Movements and Protest |
| UL19SO603 | Population Studies | Core | 4 | Introduction to Demography, Population Theories, Fertility and Mortality, Migration and Urbanization, Population Policy in India |
| UL19SOE07 | Sociology of Disasters | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE III Option) | 3 | Concepts of Disaster, Sociological Perspectives on Disasters, Disaster Management Cycle, Vulnerability and Resilience, Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction |
| UL19SOE08 | Medical Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE III Option) | 3 | Social Context of Health, Doctor-Patient Relationship, Medical Profession, Health Inequalities, Alternative Medicine Systems |
| UL19SOE09 | Gerontology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE III Option) | 3 | Introduction to Aging, Theories of Aging, Social Aspects of Aging, Health and Well-being in Old Age, Policies for the Elderly |
| UL19SOE10 | Urban Planning and Policy | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE IV Option) | 3 | Concepts of Urban Planning, History of Urban Development, Urban Policies in India, Slums and Informal Settlements, Sustainable Urbanization |
| UL19SOE11 | Social Demography | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE IV Option) | 3 | Demographic Concepts, Population Composition, Demographic Processes, Population and Environment, Demographic Data Sources |
| UL19SOE12 | Sociology of Conflict | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE IV Option) | 3 | Nature of Social Conflict, Theories of Conflict, Conflict Resolution Strategies, Violence and Peace Studies, Ethnic and Communal Conflicts |
