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B-A-HONS in Sociology at University of Delhi

University of Delhi is a premier central university in Delhi, established in 1922. Renowned for its academic excellence across diverse programs, including Arts, Sciences, and Commerce, DU fosters a vibrant campus environment. Ranked 6th by NIRF 2024, it educates over 700,000 students.

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Delhi, Delhi

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About the Specialization

What is Sociology at University of Delhi Delhi?

This B.A. (Hons.) Sociology program at University of Delhi focuses on a systematic study of human society, social behavior, patterns of social relationships, interaction, and culture. It delves into the complexities of Indian society, its institutions, changes, and challenges. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills to understand societal structures and dynamics, relevant for diverse fields in India that require socio-cultural insight and research capabilities.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds (humanities, science, commerce) seeking entry into social research, policy analysis, development work, journalism, and human resources. It also caters to individuals passionate about understanding societal issues, human behavior, and contributing to social change. Aspiring civil servants and those interested in postgraduate studies in social sciences will also find this program highly beneficial.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in NGOs, think tanks, government social welfare departments, market research firms, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and media organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking, research skills, and ethical understanding, highly valued in various Indian companies and public sector roles, aligning with growth trajectories in social impact and analytical professions.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Build Foundational Sociological Imagination- (Semester 1-2)

Actively engage with core sociological concepts by connecting classroom learning to everyday observations and current events in India. Read newspapers critically, watch documentaries, and discuss social issues with peers and faculty.

Tools & Resources

NCERT Sociology textbooks, frontline.thehindu.com, EPW (Economic & Political Weekly), Documentaries on Indian social issues

Career Connection

Develops critical thinking and contextual understanding essential for social research, policy analysis, and journalism roles.

Enhance Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Focus on developing clear, concise, and academically sound writing skills. Participate in workshops on essay writing, referencing styles (e.g., APA/MLA), and basic literature review. Start practicing short research assignments.

Tools & Resources

Purdue OWL, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, University writing centers, Peer feedback

Career Connection

Essential for all professional roles requiring report writing, project proposals, and research documentation.

Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)

Leverage the Generic Elective (GE) options to explore allied disciplines like Psychology, Economics, or History. This broadens perspective and helps identify potential interdisciplinary career paths or advanced studies.

Tools & Resources

DU''''s common GE course lists, College professors from other departments, University library resources

Career Connection

Prepares for roles requiring multidisciplinary approaches, such as urban planning, development studies, or public policy.

Intermediate Stage

Develop Core Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 3-4)

Deepen understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Actively participate in practical exercises, design small-scale surveys, conduct interviews, and learn data analysis basics using software.

Tools & Resources

SPSS/R tutorials, Interview guides, Survey platforms (e.g., Google Forms), Field visit opportunities (if available)

Career Connection

Directly relevant for careers in market research, social research, data analysis, and program evaluation in NGOs and government.

Seek Internships with NGOs or Think Tanks- (Semester 4-5)

Apply for internships with local NGOs, social welfare organizations, or think tanks focusing on Indian social issues. Gain practical exposure to fieldwork, data collection, and report writing in real-world settings.

Tools & Resources

Internshala, NGO websites (e.g., Goonj, Salaam Baalak Trust), University placement cell

Career Connection

Provides hands-on experience, builds a professional network, and enhances employability for development sector and research roles.

Participate in Debates and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)

Actively engage in departmental and college-level debates, seminars, and paper presentations on contemporary sociological themes in India. This enhances public speaking, argumentation, and critical discussion skills.

Tools & Resources

College debate clubs, Departmental societies, Academic journals (e.g., Economic & Political Weekly)

Career Connection

Develops communication and analytical skills crucial for advocacy, journalism, policy roles, and higher education.

Advanced Stage

Undertake an Independent Research Project- (Semester 5-6)

For the final year, undertake an independent research project or dissertation on a chosen sociological topic, applying learned methodologies. This could be part of a DSE course or an extracurricular initiative.

Tools & Resources

Faculty mentors, University library databases, Statistical software, Field research

Career Connection

Showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for postgraduate applications and research-oriented careers.

Prepare for Higher Studies or Civil Services- (Semester 6)

Identify potential postgraduate programs in India or abroad, or begin preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination (optional Sociology paper). Focus on consolidating knowledge and practicing analytical answers.

Tools & Resources

University career guidance cell, UPSC portals, Online coaching resources, Previous year question papers

Career Connection

Direct pathway to specialized academic careers, public administration, or policy-making roles in India.

Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 6)

Curate a portfolio of academic achievements, research papers, internships, and project work. Attend career fairs, network with alumni, and build professional connections on platforms like LinkedIn.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, College alumni network, Professional conferences, Career workshops

Career Connection

Facilitates job search, opens doors to mentorship, and helps secure desirable placements in various sectors across India.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. Admission is based on scores obtained in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). Required CUET subject combination: Any one Language from List A + Any two subjects from List B1 + Any one subject from either List B1 or List B2 OR Any one Language from List A + Any one subject from List B1 + General Test. Merit determined by the best CUET (UG) score from these combinations.

Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters

Credits: 116 Credits

Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
SOGC101Introduction to Sociology ICore (DSC)4Emergence of Sociology, Sociological Imagination, Basic Concepts: Society, Culture, Community, Socialisation and Identity, Research Methods in Sociology, Sociology and Other Disciplines
SOGC102Sociology of India ICore (DSC)4Colonialism and Indian Society, Caste System: Structure and Change, Tribes and their Integration, Agrarian Social Structure, Religion and Society in India, Family, Kinship, and Marriage
SOGC103Political SociologyCore (DSC)4Power, Authority and State, Democracy and Citizenship, Political Parties and Bureaucracy, Social Movements in India, Politics of Identity and Difference, Globalization and Governance
Introduction to PsychologyGeneric Elective (GE) - Choice based from common pool4Nature and Scope of Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation, Perception, and Attention, Learning and Memory, Motivation and Emotion
Environmental StudiesAbility Enhancement Compulsory Course (AEC) - Common Pool2Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources and Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Control, Climate Change and Global Warming, Environmental Ethics and Policies, Sustainable Development Goals
Constitutional Values & Fundamental DutiesValue Addition Course (VAC) - Common Pool2Philosophy of the Indian Constitution, Preamble and Basic Structure, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Secularism and Democracy
Digital EmpowermentSkill Enhancement Course (SEC) - Common Pool2Basics of Digital Literacy, Internet and Online Safety, E-governance and Digital Services, Digital Communication Tools, Online Research and Information Access, Ethical Use of Digital Technologies

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
SOGC201Introduction to Sociology IICore (DSC)4Social Change and Development, Social Control and Deviance, Collective Behavior and Social Movements, Social Institutions: Economy, Polity, Education, Culture and Identity, Sociological Research Ethics
SOGC202Sociology of India IICore (DSC)4Industrialization and Urbanization, Middle Classes and Consumption, Gender and Sexuality in India, Youth, Culture and Identity, Development, Displacement and Resistance, Social Problems and Inequalities
SOGC203Sociology of ReligionCore (DSC)4Classical Theories of Religion, Religion and Social Change, Secularization Debate, New Religious Movements, Ritual, Belief and Practice, Religion in Contemporary Society
Principles of MicroeconomicsGeneric Elective (GE) - Choice based from common pool4Basic Economic Problems, Demand and Supply Analysis, Consumer Behavior Theories, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures and Competition, Welfare Economics and Market Failures
English CommunicationAbility Enhancement Compulsory Course (AEC) - Common Pool2Effective Listening and Speaking, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Academic Writing and Reporting, Presentation Skills, Non-verbal Communication, Interpersonal Communication
Ethics and CultureValue Addition Course (VAC) - Common Pool2Foundations of Moral Philosophy, Ethical Dilemmas in Society, Cultural Relativism and Universalism, Values in Indian Society, Ethics of Technology, Cross-cultural Communication
Financial LiteracySkill Enhancement Course (SEC) - Common Pool2Basics of Personal Finance, Budgeting and Savings, Investment Planning, Debt Management, Banking and Digital Payments, Insurance and Risk Management

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
SOGC301Sociological Thinkers ICore (DSC)4Auguste Comte: Positivism, Herbert Spencer: Social Evolution, Emile Durkheim: Social Facts, Division of Labor, Karl Marx: Class, Conflict, Capitalism, Max Weber: Rationality, Authority, Bureaucracy, Foundational Theories
SOGC302Methods of Sociological Inquiry ICore (DSC)4Philosophy of Social Science, Research Design and Ethics, Quantitative Research Approaches, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Questionnaire), Measurement and Scaling
SOGC303Social StratificationCore (DSC)4Theories of Social Stratification, Class, Status, and Power, Caste and Race, Gender and Ethnicity, Social Mobility, Inequality and Global Stratification
Indian History: From Early Times to C. 300 CEGeneric Elective (GE) - Choice based from common pool4Harappan Civilization, Vedic Period and Rise of Kingdoms, Jainism and Buddhism, Mauryan Empire and Administration, Gupta Age: Society, Economy, Culture, Post-Mauryan Developments
Academic Writing and CompositionSkill Enhancement Course (SEC) - Common Pool2Elements of Academic Writing, Essay Structure and Argumentation, Research Paper Organization, Citation and Referencing Styles, Avoiding Plagiarism, Critical Thinking in Writing
Yoga: Philosophy & PracticeValue Addition Course (VAC) - Common Pool2Historical Evolution of Yoga, Astanga Yoga: Eight Limbs, Asanas (Postures) and Pranayama (Breathing), Meditation and Mindfulness, Health Benefits of Yoga, Yoga in Daily Life

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
SOGC401Sociological Thinkers IICore (DSC)4Talcott Parsons: Structural Functionalism, Robert Merton: Middle-Range Theory, Alfred Schutz: Phenomenology, Erving Goffman: Dramaturgy, Presentation of Self, Michel Foucault: Power, Knowledge, Discourse, Contemporary Sociological Theories
SOGC402Methods of Sociological Inquiry IICore (DSC)4Qualitative Research Approaches, Ethnography and Participant Observation, In-depth Interviews and Focus Groups, Content Analysis and Discourse Analysis, Case Study Method, Data Analysis in Qualitative Research
SOGC403Economic SociologyCore (DSC)4Classical Economic Thought, New Economic Sociology, Markets, States, and Firms, Informal Economy and Labor, Consumption and Culture, Globalization and Economic Change
Introduction to Political ScienceGeneric Elective (GE) - Choice based from common pool4Concepts of State and Nation, Sovereignty and Power, Forms of Government, Political Ideologies (Liberalism, Socialism), International Relations Theories, Rights and Justice
Data Analysis using SoftwareSkill Enhancement Course (SEC) - Common Pool2Introduction to Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS/R), Data Entry and Management, Descriptive Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode), Inferential Statistics (T-tests, Chi-square), Data Visualization, Interpreting Statistical Output
Swachh BharatValue Addition Course (VAC) - Common Pool2Sanitation Issues in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Vision and Goals, Waste Management and Recycling, Public Health and Hygiene, Community Participation in Sanitation, Sustainable Sanitation Practices

Semester 5

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
SOGC501Sociology of KinshipCore (DSC)4Family and Household, Marriage Systems and Types, Descent and Alliance Theories, Kinship in Contemporary India, Changes in Family Structure, Reproduction and New Kinship Forms
SOGC502Urban SociologyCore (DSC)4Theories of Urbanization, Urban Growth and Planning, Urban Poverty and Inequality, Informal Sector and Livelihoods, Smart Cities and Infrastructure, Urban Culture and Identity
SOGE501ASociology of HealthDiscipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Choice based4Social Determinants of Health, Health, Illness and Society, Medical Systems and Practices, Public Health Interventions, Health Policy and Governance, Global Health Issues
SOGE502ASociology of EducationDiscipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Choice based4Education and Social Change, Inequality in Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Higher Education in India, Education Policy and Reform, Vocational Training and Skill Development

Semester 6

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
SOGC601Sociology of GenderCore (DSC)4Gender as a Social Construct, Patriarchy and Feminist Theories, Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender and Development, Women''''s Movements in India, Sexuality and Identity
SOGC602Rural SociologyCore (DSC)4Agrarian Society and Structure, Rural Development Initiatives, Rural-Urban Migration, Poverty and Livelihoods in Rural India, Land Reforms and Green Revolution, Panchayati Raj Institutions
SOGE601ASociology of Mass MediaDiscipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Choice based4Media Theories and Society, Role of Media in Social Change, New Media and Digital Culture, Globalization and Media Imperialism, Media Ethics and Regulations, Public Sphere and Media Representation
SOGE602AIndustrial SociologyDiscipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Choice based4Industrialization and Society, Labor, Work and Management, Industrial Relations and Trade Unions, Informal Sector and Gig Economy, Automation and Future of Work, Corporate Social Responsibility
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