

M-A-SOCIOLOGY in General at Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Education


Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is General at Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Education Lucknow?
This M.A. Sociology program at Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Education, affiliated with the University of Lucknow, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human society, social behavior, and cultural patterns. It delves into foundational theories, research methodologies, and contemporary social issues relevant to the Indian context, preparing students to critically analyze societal challenges and contribute to social development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking a deeper understanding of societal dynamics, particularly those interested in public service, social work, research, or policy analysis. It also suits working professionals aiming to enhance their analytical and problem-solving skills for roles in NGOs, government agencies, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments within India.
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 CSR managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 7-15 LPA. The program fosters critical thinking and empirical research skills, crucial for advancing in social sector organizations and government bodies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Sociological Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with classical and contemporary sociological theories by reading original texts and participating in critical discussions. Form study groups to dissect complex concepts and relate them to current Indian social phenomena.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, online academic journals (e.g., Economic & Political Weekly), discussion forums, peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding is essential for all sociological roles, enabling analytical depth for research and policy formulation.
Develop Core Research Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on Logic of Sociological Enquiry and Methods of Social Research. Practice qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques through small-scale projects, even if informal. Learn basic statistical software like Excel for data organization.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, online tutorials for Excel/Google Sheets, small surveys/interviews within the college community
Career Connection
Proficiency in research methods is crucial for roles in social research, data analysis, and program evaluation.
Understand Indian Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Supplement coursework on Indian Social System and Social Change and Development in India with field visits (if organized by department) or independent observation of local communities, NGOs, or government welfare programs. Read contemporary news and analyses of Indian social issues.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers/magazines, documentaries on Indian society, local community centers, guest lectures
Career Connection
Develops a contextualized understanding vital for social work, community development, and policy implementation in India.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Knowledge to Societal Issues- (Semester 3)
Engage deeply with subjects like Industrial Sociology, Sociology of Education, or Sociology of Crime and Deviance. Seek opportunities for minor research projects or case studies, applying theoretical frameworks to contemporary Indian social issues and policy debates.
Tools & Resources
Case study analysis, policy documents from Indian government bodies (e.g., NITI Aayog), reports from NGOs, academic conferences
Career Connection
Develops practical problem-solving skills and the ability to critically evaluate social programs, beneficial for roles in policy analysis and social impact.
Undertake Field Work and Initial Dissertation Research- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in the Field Work component, identifying a research topic, collecting primary data, and initiating preliminary analysis. Regularly consult with faculty advisors to refine methodology and ensure ethical research practices relevant to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Research ethics guidelines, data collection tools (interview schedules, questionnaires), qualitative analysis software demonstrations
Career Connection
Provides hands-on experience in social research, a critical skill for positions in research institutions, academia, and government departments.
Network and Seek Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3)
Proactively connect with faculty, alumni, and professionals in the social sector through university events, workshops, and online platforms. Explore short-term internships with local NGOs, government agencies, or CSR initiatives to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university career fairs, local NGO directories, alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
Builds professional networks and offers practical exposure, enhancing employability for future roles in social work, research, or development.
Advanced Stage
Execute and Defend Final Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to completing the Project / Dissertation with rigorous data analysis, scholarly writing, and clear articulation of findings. Prepare thoroughly for the viva-voce, demonstrating mastery of the research process and subject matter.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, statistical software for data analysis, presentation skills training, mock defense sessions
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases independent research capability, critical thinking, and communication skills, highly valued by employers and for further academic pursuits.
Target Specific Career Paths and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 4)
Identify specific career interests within sociology (e.g., environmental sociology, public health, gender studies) and tailor job applications. Actively participate in university placement cells, prepare a compelling resume, and practice interview techniques for roles in social research, development, or policy.
Tools & Resources
University career counseling, online job portals focused on social sector roles (e.g., CSRBOX), resume-building workshops, interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Directly translates academic learning into tangible career opportunities in government, non-profit, or corporate sectors in India.
Build Professional Portfolio and Continuous Learning Plan- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of research papers, projects, and relevant experiences. Identify areas for continuous learning, such as advanced data analysis, specialized sociological fields, or relevant soft skills, to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), professional development webinars, certifications in specific research methods
Career Connection
Ensures long-term career growth, adaptability, and positions graduates as lifelong learners ready for leadership roles in their chosen field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com./B.B.A./B.C.A./B.Tech./B.Voc. etc.) from any recognized University with minimum 45% marks for General/OBC and 40% marks for SC/ST candidates. Candidates having Sociology as a subject in Graduation will be preferred.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-101 | Classical Sociological Tradition | Core | 5 | Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Karl Marx |
| SO-102 | Logic of Sociological Enquiry | Core | 5 | Science and Social Research, Positivist Approach, Interpretivist Approach, Feminist Epistemology, Research Design and Data Collection |
| SO-103 | Indian Social System | Core | 5 | Features of Indian Society, Caste System, Family, Marriage and Kinship, Religion and Society, Rural and Urban Society |
| SO-104 | Social Demography | Core | 5 | Basic Concepts of Demography, Sources of Demographic Data, Theories of Population Growth, Population Composition, Population Policy in India |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-201 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | Core | 5 | Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Post Modernism, Feminist Theory |
| SO-202 | Methods of Social Research | Core | 5 | Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Data Analysis (Primary & Secondary), Ethical Issues in Social Research, Report Writing |
| SO-203 | Social Change and Development in India | Core | 5 | Concepts of Social Change, Dimensions of Social Change, Models of Development, Social Movements in India, Sustainable Development |
| SO-204 | Sociology of Rural and Urban Society | Core | 5 | Rural Sociology, Urban Sociology, Rural-Urban Linkages, Urban Planning, Slums and Urban Problems |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-301 | Industrial Sociology and Labour Welfare | Core | 5 | Industrial Society, Work and Organization, Industrial Relations, Labour Welfare Legislation, Globalization and Labour |
| SO-302 | Sociology of Education | Core | 5 | Education and Society, Education and Social Stratification, Education and Social Mobility, Educational Policies in India, Challenges in Indian Education |
| SO-303 | Sociology of Crime and Deviance | Core | 5 | Crime and Deviance, Theories of Crime, Forms of Crime, Criminal Justice System, Prevention and Control of Crime |
| SO-304 | Field Work | Project | 5 | Research Problem Formulation, Data Collection Techniques, Ethical Considerations in Fieldwork, Preliminary Data Analysis, Fieldwork Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SO-401 | Sociology of Environment | Core | 5 | Environmental Sociology, Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Movements, Environmental Policy and Governance, Sustainable Development |
| SO-402 | Sociology of Health | Core | 5 | Health and Society, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems, Traditional Medicine Systems, Public Health Challenges |
| SO-403 | Sociology of Gender | Core | 5 | Gender as a Social Construct, Gender Roles and Stratification, Feminist Perspectives, Gender and Development, Gender Issues in India |
| SO-404 | Project / Dissertation | Project | 5 | Advanced Research Design, Data Interpretation and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Ethical Considerations in Research, Presentation and Defense of Findings |




