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MA in Sociology at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA Sociology program at the University of Mysore focuses on providing a deep understanding of societal structures, human behavior, and cultural dynamics, with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. It delves into classical and contemporary theories, rigorous research methodologies, and critical social issues relevant to India. The program aims to equip students with analytical skills to address complex social challenges and contribute to social policy and development, meeting the growing demand for social scientists in India''''s diverse landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from B.A. Sociology, B.S.W., or related humanities and social sciences fields who seek to advance their theoretical and methodological knowledge. It also suits individuals passionate about social research, policy analysis, and community development. Working professionals in NGOs, government agencies, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives looking to upskill and gain a deeper sociological perspective on societal challenges will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, development sector professionals, academicians, and CSR managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 Lakhs to 6 Lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for positions in government ministries, NGOs, international development organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions, supporting India''''s focus on inclusive growth and social welfare.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Sociological Theories and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand classical and contemporary sociological theories, focusing on their historical context and application to Indian society. Simultaneously, build a strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative research methods, practicing data collection techniques and basic statistical analysis using available software. This foundational knowledge is crucial for advanced studies and credible research.
Tools & Resources
Core textbooks (e.g., Ritzer, Giddens), Online academic journals (JSTOR, ResearchGate), SPSS/R for basic statistical practice
Career Connection
A solid theoretical and methodological base is essential for any research-oriented role, policy analysis, or academic pursuit, enabling you to frame arguments and design impactful studies.
Engage in Departmental Seminars and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and classroom discussions. Present your perspectives on social issues and critically engage with different viewpoints. This practice enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and exposure to diverse sociological insights, particularly those relevant to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards and email lists, Classroom discussions and debates, Sociological abstracts
Career Connection
Improved communication and critical thinking are vital for roles requiring public speaking, report writing, and policy advocacy, making you a more effective professional.
Develop Academic Writing and Referencing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on refining academic writing skills for essays, research papers, and reports. Pay close attention to proper citation styles (e.g., APA, Chicago) and plagiarism prevention. Utilize university writing centers or online resources to enhance clarity, coherence, and scholarly integrity in your written work.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Strong academic writing is indispensable for thesis work, publishing research, and producing professional reports for NGOs, government, or corporate entities.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects and Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek opportunities to conduct small-scale research projects or participate in fieldwork under faculty guidance. Apply theoretical knowledge and research methods to study local social phenomena, communities, or policy impacts. This hands-on experience builds practical research skills and contextual understanding of Indian society.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Local NGOs and community organizations, Interview guides, survey tools
Career Connection
Practical research experience enhances your CV, making you more competitive for research assistant positions, data analyst roles, and field-based development jobs.
Participate in National and Regional Conferences- (Semester 3)
Attend and, if possible, present papers at sociology conferences or workshops at the national or regional level in India. This exposes you to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities with prominent scholars, and feedback on your own work, deepening your understanding of diverse sociological applications.
Tools & Resources
Indian Sociological Society (ISS), University research cell, Conference alerts platforms
Career Connection
Networking with academics and practitioners can lead to research collaborations, mentorship, and awareness of job openings in the academic and development sectors.
Explore Elective Courses Strategically- (Semester 2-3)
Choose elective courses in areas that align with your career interests, such as development studies, gender studies, or industrial sociology. This allows for specialization and building a unique profile. Consider interdisciplinary electives if available, to broaden your perspective and enhance problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental advisors, Course catalogs of other departments, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Strategic electives demonstrate focused expertise to potential employers, especially for specialized roles in policy analysis, social welfare, or human resource management.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Work for Specialization- (Semester 4)
Utilize your final year project or dissertation as an opportunity for in-depth research on a topic of genuine interest and career relevance. Choose a supervisor who aligns with your research area and dedicate significant effort to producing high-quality original research that can potentially be published or presented.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, Research supervisors, Statistical software (e.g., NVivo for qualitative)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases your research capabilities, critical thinking, and independent work ethic, which are highly valued in academic, research, and policy-making roles.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Further Studies- (Semester 4)
If pursuing government jobs or higher education (Ph.D.), begin preparing for competitive exams like NET/JRF, UPSC (Civil Services), or state-level administrative services. Integrate exam preparation with your coursework, focusing on general knowledge, analytical abilities, and sociological concepts relevant to these exams.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (optional), Previous year question papers, Online learning platforms for exam prep
Career Connection
Success in these exams opens doors to prestigious government positions, research fellowships, and academic careers in India, providing significant career advancement.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic work, research papers, fieldwork reports, and project outcomes. Actively build your professional network by connecting with alumni, faculty, and professionals in your chosen field through LinkedIn, alumni events, and industry seminars. Seek mentorship from experienced individuals.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Professional networking platforms
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio and strong professional network are invaluable for job searching, securing referrals, and identifying career opportunities in India''''s competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any graduate who has studied Sociology as an optional subject / graduated with B.A. / B.S.W. / B.A. Honors / B.Sc. Honors / B.Sc. in Home Science with not less than 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST/CAT-I Candidates) is eligible. For other B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com. / B.B.A. graduates, they must have obtained not less than 50% marks in aggregate (45% for SC/ST/CAT-I Candidates).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC HC 1.1 | Classical Sociological Theory | Hard Core | 4 | Auguste Comte''''s Positivism, Herbert Spencer''''s Social Darwinism, Emile Durkheim''''s Social Facts, Karl Marx''''s Historical Materialism, Max Weber''''s Social Action |
| SOC HC 1.2 | Research Methods and Statistics in Sociology – I | Hard Core | 4 | Sociological Research Design, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling Techniques, Field Work in Sociology, Ethical Issues in Research |
| SOC HC 1.3 | Rural Sociology | Hard Core | 4 | Nature of Rural Society, Rural Social Structure, Agrarian Social Structure, Rural Development Programs in India, Panchayat Raj Institutions |
| SOC HC 1.4 | Urban Sociology | Hard Core | 4 | Nature of Urbanization, Urban Ecology, Urban Social Problems, Theories of Urbanization, Urban Planning in India |
| SOC SC 1.5 | Sociology of Indian Society | Soft Core | 4 | Foundations of Indian Society, Caste System in India, Family and Kinship, Religion and Society, Tribal Society in India |
| SOC SS 1.6 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Soft Skill | 2 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Social Justice Frameworks, Challenges to Human Rights in India |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC HC 2.1 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | Hard Core | 4 | Functionalism (Parsons, Merton), Symbolic Interactionism (Mead, Goffman), Conflict Theory (Dahrendorf, Coser), Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology, Postmodernism and Post-structuralism |
| SOC HC 2.2 | Research Methods and Statistics in Sociology – II | Hard Core | 4 | Quantitative Data Analysis, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Hypothesis Testing |
| SOC HC 2.3 | Social Demography | Hard Core | 4 | Concepts of Demography, Theories of Population Growth, Components of Population Change, Population Policies in India, Family Planning and Health |
| SOC SC 2.4 | Sociology of Development | Soft Core | 4 | Concept of Development, Theories of Development and Underdevelopment, Indicators of Development, Globalization and Development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) |
| SOC OE 2.5 | Sociology of Health | Open Elective | 4 | Concept of Health and Illness, Social Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems in India, Indigenous Health Systems, Health Movements in India |
| SOC SS 2.6 | Gender and Society | Soft Skill | 2 | Concepts of Gender and Sex, Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender Inequality in India, Women''''s Movements, Gender and Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC HC 3.1 | Advanced Sociological Theory | Hard Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Critical Theory (Frankfurt School), Feminist Theories, Environmental Sociology Theories, Theories of Globalization |
| SOC HC 3.2 | Industrial Sociology | Hard Core | 4 | Industrialization and Society, Work and Organization, Industrial Relations, Informal Sector in India, Globalization and Indian Industry |
| SOC HC 3.3 | Social Stratification | Hard Core | 4 | Dimensions of Social Inequality, Theories of Social Stratification, Caste, Class, and Power, Gender and Inequality, Social Mobility |
| SOC HC 3.4 | Sociology of Political Science | Hard Core | 4 | Power and Authority, State and Civil Society, Political Systems in India, Political Parties and Elections, Democracy and Participation |
| SOC SC 3.5 | Crime and Society | Soft Core | 4 | Sociological Theories of Crime, Types of Crime, Criminal Justice System in India, Juvenile Delinquency, Correctional Administration |
| SOC SS 3.6 | Media and Society | Soft Skill | 2 | Theories of Media, Media and Social Change, Role of Media in Democracy, New Media and Social Networking, Media Ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC HC 4.1 | Social Movements in India | Hard Core | 4 | Theories of Social Movements, Peasant Movements in India, Tribal Movements, Women''''s Movements, Environmental Movements |
| SOC HC 4.2 | Environmental Sociology | Hard Core | 4 | Sociology of Environment, Environmental Problems, Sustainable Development, Environmental Policies in India, Climate Change and Society |
| SOC SC 4.3 | Globalization and Society | Soft Core | 4 | Concepts of Globalization, Economic Globalization, Cultural Globalization, Political Globalization, Impacts of Globalization on India |
| SOC HC 4.4 | Project Work / Dissertation | Hard Core | 4 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
| SOC SS 4.5 | Current Affairs | Soft Skill | 2 | Contemporary Social Issues, National and International Events, Government Policies and Initiatives, Economic and Political Developments, Sociological Perspectives on Current Events |
