.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA in Sociology at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay Deoria?
This Sociology program at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay focuses on understanding societal structures, human behavior, and social change in India and globally. It delves into critical theories and research methods, equipping students with analytical skills vital for public service, social work, and research. The program emphasizes India-specific contexts like caste, class, gender, and rural-urban dynamics, preparing graduates for diverse roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about social issues, public policy, and community development. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in NGOs, research organizations, or government administration, and those preparing for civil services examinations. A strong interest in human societies, critical thinking, and a commitment to social welfare are beneficial prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including social work, research assistant roles, policy analysis, and community development. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in NGOs, government departments, think tanks, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with potential for further postgraduate studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Sociological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational theories and concepts from Semester 1 and 2. Utilize textbooks, online lectures (e.g., NPTEL humanities series), and group discussions to build a strong theoretical base. Focus on understanding Indian social structures and problems.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL (Sociology courses), NCERT Sociology textbooks (Class XI-XII), Library resources, Study groups
Career Connection
A solid conceptual understanding is crucial for analytical roles, research, and for clearing competitive exams like UPSC, where sociological knowledge is often tested.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to practical courses like Field Work/Survey. Learn to design basic questionnaires, conduct interviews, and analyze simple data. Practice summarizing findings clearly and concisely, focusing on local community issues.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork manual, Basic statistics software (e.g., Excel), Community interactions, Local survey opportunities
Career Connection
These skills are directly applicable for entry-level research assistant positions in NGOs, government, and market research firms.
Cultivate Critical Thinking & Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond memorizing, learn to critically evaluate sociological theories and apply them to contemporary Indian issues. Practice structured essay writing and argumentation, focusing on clear expression and evidence-based analysis for assignments.
Tools & Resources
Journal articles (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), University writing center if available, Peer feedback
Career Connection
Strong critical thinking and writing are invaluable for academic pursuits, policy analysis, and communication roles in any professional setting.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Social Research- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in the Social Research Methods and Project-based courses. Seek opportunities for small-scale research projects focusing on local rural or urban sociological issues. This could involve mini-surveys or case studies in nearby villages or urban localities.
Tools & Resources
SPSS (basic introduction), Google Forms for data collection, Local community centers for primary data, University faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Hands-on research experience significantly boosts employability for roles in social impact assessment, program evaluation, and academic research.
Explore Indian Social Realities Through Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize Rural Sociology and Urban Sociology projects to understand ground realities. Visit local panchayats, urban slums, or community centers (with necessary permissions) to observe and analyze social structures, problems, and development initiatives firsthand. Document findings meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Local government offices, NGOs working in rural/urban areas, Sociological documentaries on India, Academic papers on Indian society
Career Connection
Practical exposure to Indian social issues is highly valued by development organizations, CSR wings, and government programs focused on social welfare.
Network with Professionals & Academia- (Semester 3-4)
Attend any webinars, seminars, or guest lectures organized by the department or university on sociological topics. Try to connect with faculty and guest speakers to gain insights into career paths and research opportunities beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn (for professional connections), Department notice boards for events, University career services
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internships, and potential job leads in a competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Execute a Capstone Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5)
Select a relevant topic for the Research Project/Dissertation in Semester 5 and execute it with rigor. This involves extensive literature review, robust data collection (primary/secondary), thorough analysis, and professional report writing. Aim for originality and relevance to contemporary Indian society.
Tools & Resources
Research journals (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), Statistical analysis skills, Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece for research jobs, higher education, and demonstrates independent analytical capabilities to employers.
Undertake a Meaningful Internship/Apprenticeship- (Semester 6)
Secure an internship in Semester 6 with a relevant NGO, social enterprise, government department, or CSR initiative. Focus on applying sociological theories, developing project management skills, and understanding organizational dynamics. Actively seek feedback and document your experiences.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn Jobs for internships, University placement cell support, NGO directories, Mentors from the organization
Career Connection
Internships are critical for gaining practical experience, building professional networks, and often lead directly to full-time employment or strong references in the development sector.
Prepare for Post-Graduation/Civil Services- (Semester 5-6)
Alongside final year studies, dedicate time to preparing for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services (with Sociology as an optional subject), state PSC exams, or entrance exams for Masters in Sociology/Social Work programs. Utilize dedicated study groups and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC previous year papers, Coaching institute materials (if opted), Online test series, Mentors who cleared exams
Career Connection
Strategic preparation enables entry into highly sought-after government positions or specialized postgraduate studies, significantly enhancing career prospects in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 Pass from a recognized board
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 52 (for Sociology Major courses) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJC-101 | Introduction to Sociology (समाजशास्त्र का परिचय) | Core (Major) | 4 | Nature, Scope & Subject-matter of Sociology, Basic Concepts (Society, Community, Association, Institution), Social Institutions (Family, Marriage, Kinship, Religion), Socialization & Culture, Social Control (Formal & Informal) |
| MJC-102 | Field Work/Survey (क्षेत्रीय कार्य / सर्वेक्षण) | Practical (Major) | 2 | Introduction to Fieldwork in Sociology, Types of Social Survey, Data Collection Tools (Observation, Interview, Questionnaire), Basic Data Analysis, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJC-201 | Social Change and Social Control (सामाजिक परिवर्तन और सामाजिक नियंत्रण) | Core (Major) | 4 | Social Change: Meaning, Characteristics & Types, Theories of Social Change (Evolutionary, Cyclical, Conflict), Factors of Social Change (Technological, Economic, Cultural), Social Control: Meaning & Types, Agencies of Social Control |
| MJC-202 | Social Problems (सामाजिक समस्याएँ) | Project (Major) | 2 | Concept of Social Problem, Causes & Consequences of Social Problems, Major Social Problems in India (Poverty, Unemployment, Crime), Juvenile Delinquency, Drugs, Corruption, Remedies & Policies |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJC-301 | Social Research Methods (सामाजिक अनुसंधान पद्धतियाँ) | Core (Major) | 4 | Meaning & Nature of Social Research, Types of Research (Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory), Research Design & Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods (Observation, Interview, Questionnaire), Sampling (Types & Techniques) |
| MJC-302 | Rural Sociology (ग्रामीण समाजशास्त्र) | Project (Major) | 2 | Rural Society: Characteristics & Structure, Indian Village (Changing Profile), Rural Social Stratification (Caste, Class, Power), Rural Development Programs, Agrarian Relations; Rural-Urban Continuum |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJC-401 | Classical Sociological Thinkers (शास्त्रीय समाजशास्त्रीय विचारक) | Core (Major) | 4 | Auguste Comte (Positivism, Hierarchy of Sciences), Emile Durkheim (Social Facts, Division of Labour, Suicide), Karl Marx (Historical Materialism, Class Conflict, Alienation), Max Weber (Social Action, Authority, Bureaucracy), Herbert Spencer (Social Evolution) |
| MJC-402 | Urban Sociology (नगरीय समाजशास्त्र) | Project (Major) | 2 | Urban Society: Characteristics & Growth, Urbanization in India, Urban Social Problems (Housing, Poverty, Crime, Pollution), City Planning, Urban Development & Governance |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJC-501 | Indian Society: Structure and Change (भारतीय समाज: संरचना और परिवर्तन) | Core (Major) | 4 | Unity & Diversity in Indian Society, Caste System (Features, Changes), Class System, Family, Marriage & Kinship in India, Religious Pluralism, Social Movements (Peasant, Tribal, Women''''s, Dalit) |
| MJC-502 | Sociology of Development (विकास का समाजशास्त्र) | Core (Major) | 4 | Concept of Development & Underdevelopment, Theories of Development (Modernization, Dependency), Sustainable Development, Social Indicators of Development, Role of NGOs & Civil Society |
| MJC-503 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-1) | Elective (Major) | 3 | Specific topics vary based on the elective chosen by the student, such as Sociology of Health, Industrial Sociology, or Political Sociology. |
| MJC-504 | Research Project/Dissertation (अनुसंधान परियोजना / शोध प्रबंध) | Project (Major) | 3 | Problem Identification & Research Proposal Writing, Data Collection & Analysis Techniques, Report Writing & Formatting, Presentation & Viva-Voce |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJC-601 | Gender and Society (लिंग और समाज) | Core (Major) | 4 | Basic Concepts (Sex, Gender, Patriarchy), Gender Roles & Socialization, Gender Inequality (Work, Education, Health), Women''''s Movements in India, Gender and Development |
| MJC-602 | Social Demography (सामाजिक जनसांख्यिकी) | Core (Major) | 4 | Demographic Concepts (Fertility, Mortality, Migration), Theories of Population, Population Growth & Structure in India, Population Policy, Family Planning Programs |
| MJC-603 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE-2) | Elective (Major) | 3 | Specific topics vary based on the elective chosen by the student, such as Environmental Sociology, Sociology of Ageing, or Sociology of Religion. |
| MJC-604 | Internship/Apprenticeship (इंटर्नशिप/प्रशिक्षुता) | Internship (Major) | 3 | Practical Exposure in Social Organizations/NGOs, Application of Sociological Theories in Real-world Settings, Skill Development (Communication, Report Writing), Field Report Submission, Viva-Voce |
