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BA in Sociology at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This Sociology program at University of Mysore focuses on understanding human society, social behavior, and intricate social structures. It delves into Indian social realities, addressing critical aspects like caste, class, gender, and the dynamics of rural-urban life. The curriculum provides a robust theoretical foundation alongside empirical research methods, reflecting the diverse and complex socio-cultural landscape of India. The program emphasizes critical analysis of social issues, preparing students for impactful roles in community development, policy analysis, and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from arts, humanities, or science streams seeking to develop a nuanced understanding of societal functioning and human interactions. It also suits aspiring civil servants, social workers, researchers, and policy analysts who require a strong foundation in sociological theories and methods. Individuals passionate about social justice, community engagement, and contributing to societal well-being will find this specialization particularly rewarding, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social work, NGO management, market research, journalism, human resources, and civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in policy-making or research roles. The program aligns well with further studies in social sciences, public administration, or development studies, offering pathways to academic and leadership positions in Indian organizations and think tanks.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding core sociological concepts, theories, and Indian social structures introduced in the initial semesters. Actively participate in discussions, prepare detailed notes, and clarify doubts promptly to build a robust academic base.
Tools & Resources
Recommended textbooks by Indian authors (e.g., M.N. Srinivas, Andre Beteille), NCERT Sociology books for background reading, University library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong conceptual base is crucial for higher-level courses, competitive examinations (UPSC, KPSC), and analytical roles in social research and policy formulation.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with diverse sociological texts, journal articles, and contemporary news reports from an analytical perspective. Practice identifying arguments, evidence, and underlying assumptions, and articulate your own informed opinions.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Reputable Indian news sources (The Hindu, Indian Express), Departmental seminars and workshops on critical thinking
Career Connection
Essential for research, policy analysis, journalism, and any role requiring informed decision-making and understanding complex social phenomena in a diverse society.
Engage in Early Field Exposure- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities for short-term volunteering or observational visits to local NGOs, community centers, or rural areas. This provides practical context to theoretical knowledge and firsthand experience of social realities.
Tools & Resources
University NSS (National Service Scheme) unit, Local community organizations, Faculty guidance for suitable volunteering options
Career Connection
Builds empathy, exposes students to real social issues, and helps identify potential areas of interest for future internships and careers in social work or development.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 3-4)
Pay close attention to courses on sociological thinkers and research methods. Actively engage in understanding quantitative and qualitative research designs, data collection techniques, and basic statistical analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS or R for basic data analysis tutorials, Research methodology textbooks, University workshops on data analysis, Mentorship from faculty on small research projects
Career Connection
Indispensable for roles in market research, policy evaluation, academic research, and data-driven decision-making in various sectors within India.
Participate in Academic and Co-curricular Activities- (Semester 3-4)
Join departmental clubs, participate in debates, essay competitions, and inter-collegiate events related to social sciences. Present papers at student seminars or conferences to hone presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards and student council, Faculty advisors for guidance on events, Online platforms for academic event listings
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, networking, leadership skills, and builds a strong academic profile, valuable for postgraduate studies and competitive job markets in India.
Explore Electives for Specialization Interest- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) and Open Electives (OEs) that align with emerging career interests, such as demography, social statistics, or specific areas of development, to build focused expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty counseling for course selection, Alumni interactions for career insights, University''''s course catalogues for available electives
Career Connection
Helps in developing specialized skills and knowledge, making students more attractive to specific industry niches or for advanced studies in a chosen area.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Substantial Research Project or Internship- (Semester 5-6)
Engage in a semester-long research project or an internship with an NGO, research institute, or government agency. Apply theoretical and methodological knowledge to a real-world social problem, culminating in a report or presentation.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors for project guidance, University placement cell for internship assistance, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn) and direct outreach to organizations
Career Connection
Provides practical experience, networking opportunities, a strong resume builder, and often leads to pre-placement offers or full-time roles in development or research sectors.
Prepare for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Simultaneously with final year studies, prepare for entrance examinations for MA/MSW programs in reputed Indian universities or civil service examinations (UPSC, KPSC). Focus on general studies and optional subjects relevant to sociology.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes for competitive exams, Online study materials and previous year question papers, Mock tests and mentorship from seniors or alumni who have cleared these exams
Career Connection
Directly facilitates entry into advanced academic programs or prestigious government roles in India, offering significant career progression and societal impact.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 5-6)
Attend workshops, seminars, and alumni meets to connect with professionals in sociology-related fields such as social policy, development, and research. Seek guidance, explore career opportunities, and build a strong professional network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, University alumni association events, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Sociological Society), Guest lectures and industry interaction events organized by the department
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internships, job opportunities, and insights into industry trends, crucial for a successful career launch and growth in the Indian context.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH SOG 101 | Sociology of Indian Society | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Sociology, Basic Concepts in Sociology, Social Institutions in India, Indian Social Structure, Current Social Issues |
| BAH SOG 102 | Introduction to Sociology | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Origin and Development of Sociology, Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Socialization, Social Groups and Processes, Social Control and Deviance |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH SOG 201 | Social Institutions | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Marriage, Family and Kinship, Religion and Society, Economy and Society, Polity and Society, Education and Society |
| BAH SOG 202 | Social Stratification | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Meaning and Types of Stratification, Caste System in India, Class System, Gender Stratification, Social Mobility |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH SOG 301 | Sociological Thinkers - I | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Auguste Comte and Positivism, Herbert Spencer and Social Darwinism, Emile Durkheim and Social Facts, Max Weber and Social Action, Karl Marx and Conflict Theory |
| BAH SOG 303 | Social Demography | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Concepts of Demography, Population Structure and Composition, Population Dynamics (Fertility, Mortality, Migration), Population Policies in India, Census in India |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH SOG 401 | Sociological Thinkers - II | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Talcott Parsons and Structural Functionalism, Robert K. Merton and Middle Range Theory, C. Wright Mills and Sociological Imagination, Erving Goffman and Dramaturgy, George Herbert Mead and Symbolic Interactionism |
| BAH SOG 403 | Social Statistics | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Introduction to Social Statistics, Data Collection, Tabulation and Diagrammatic Representation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH SOG 501 | Methods of Social Research | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Nature of Social Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Observation, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| BAH SOG 502 | Sociology of Development | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Concepts of Development and Underdevelopment, Theories of Development, Development in India, Social Movements and Development, Sustainable Development |
| BAH SOG 503 | Industrial Sociology | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Industry and Society, Industrial Relations, Labour Welfare and Legislations, Industrial Disputes and Resolution, Globalization and Industry |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH SOG 601 | Rural Sociology | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Rural Sociology, Rural Social Structure and Change, Agrarian Class Structure, Rural Development Programs in India, Panchayati Raj Institutions |
| BAH SOG 602 | Urban Sociology | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Urban Sociology, Urbanization in India, Urban Social Structure, Urban Problems and Challenges, Urban Planning and Development |
| BAH SOG 603 | Gender and Society | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Social Construction of Gender, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender and Development |
