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MA in Sociology at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay Deoria?
This MA Sociology program at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay, affiliated with Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, focuses on providing a deep theoretical and empirical understanding of societal structures, social change, and human behavior within an Indian context. The program distinguishes itself by integrating classical and contemporary sociological theories with specialized areas like rural and urban sociology, social demography, and various elective options, preparing students for critical societal analysis. The demand for skilled sociologists is growing in India, particularly in research, policy analysis, and community development sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into social research, development, public policy, and journalism. It also benefits working professionals looking to upskill in social analysis or transition into roles involving community engagement, CSR, or government services. Individuals with a keen interest in understanding societal dynamics, inequalities, and development challenges in India would find this specialization particularly rewarding. Prior background in social sciences is advantageous but not strictly mandatory.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social researchers, policy analysts, development professionals, NGO workers, journalists, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-12 LPA or more in organizations like government ministries, research institutions, NGOs, and corporate CSR departments. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills highly valued in India''''s evolving social and economic landscape, aligning with opportunities in impact assessment and public administration.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Classical Sociological Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the foundational thinkers like Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, understanding their core concepts and applying them to contemporary Indian societal issues. Participate in weekly discussion groups with peers to debate theoretical perspectives and their relevance.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on classical sociology, Online academic journals, DDUGU e-resources, NPTEL lectures on sociology
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding is crucial for advanced research, policy analysis, and academic roles, enabling a deeper understanding of social phenomena.
Develop Robust Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on mastering research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, through practical assignments and small-scale field exercises. Seek opportunities to assist faculty in ongoing research projects to gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for quantitative analysis, Qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo free trial), Research ethics guidelines, DDUGU library resources
Career Connection
Essential for roles in social research, M&E (monitoring and evaluation), data analysis, and policy formulation across NGOs, government, and corporate sectors.
Engage with Indian Social Realities- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, actively read current affairs, government reports, and sociological analyses pertaining to India''''s rural, urban, and demographic challenges. Participate in local community events or volunteer with NGOs in Deoria to observe real-world applications of sociological concepts.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, EPW (Economic and Political Weekly), Government census data, Local NGO publications
Career Connection
Builds contextual understanding vital for development work, social policy, and journalism, making graduates more informed and effective in Indian job markets.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Choice and Advanced Theory Application- (Semester 3-4)
Deliberately select elective courses in Semesters 3 and 4 that align with specific career aspirations, such as public health, development, or gender studies. Critically apply advanced sociological theories like post-structuralism and postcolonial perspectives to analyze current global and Indian societal challenges, presenting insights in academic discussions.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals, DDUGU''''s research centers, Guest lectures from field experts, Online courses for specific sociological sub-disciplines
Career Connection
Enables specialization in high-demand areas, equipping students with niche expertise valuable for targeted roles in research, policy formulation, and development organizations.
Execute High-Impact Dissertation/Fieldwork Project- (Semester 3-4)
Undertake a comprehensive dissertation or fieldwork project with societal relevance, focusing on rigorous research design, ethical data collection, and robust analysis. Seek continuous feedback from faculty and aim for a high-quality written report and presentation, which can serve as a portfolio piece.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, Statistical software like R or Python for advanced analysis, Academic writing workshops, DDUGU research repository
Career Connection
A strong project demonstrates independent research capabilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, making it a key asset for research roles, higher studies, and policy analysis positions.
Professional Networking and Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in university career fairs, departmental workshops, and networking events to connect with alumni and professionals in relevant fields. Prepare a professional resume and hone interview skills through mock interviews and career counseling, focusing on articulating sociological insights for practical roles.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, DDUGU placement cell, Career counseling services, Resume builders, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Direct pathway to internships and full-time employment by building professional connections and ensuring readiness for the job market in government, NGOs, and the private sector.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Classical Sociological Traditions - I | Core | 4 | August Comte, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Karl Marx, Herbert Spencer, Social Evolution |
| SOC 102 | Research Methods and Techniques in Sociology - I | Core | 4 | Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Quantitative Methods, Sampling, Hypothesis |
| SOC 103 | Rural Sociology in India | Core | 4 | Rural Society, Agrarian Structure, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Green Revolution, Rural Migration |
| SOC 104 | Sociology of India | Core | 4 | Indian Society, Caste System, Tribal Society, Family and Kinship, Religion, Social Change |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 201 | Classical Sociological Traditions - II | Core | 4 | Talcott Parsons, Robert K Merton, Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Feminist Theories |
| SOC 202 | Research Methods and Techniques in Sociology - II | Core | 4 | Qualitative Methods, Fieldwork, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Ethics in Research, Case Study Method |
| SOC 203 | Urban Sociology in India | Core | 4 | Urbanization, Urban Problems, Slums, Urban Planning, Urban Governance, Smart Cities |
| SOC 204 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Population Dynamics, Fertility, Mortality, Migration, Population Policy, Demographic Transition |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 301 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology - I | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Phenomenology, Ethnomethodology, Critical Theory, Postmodernism |
| SOC 302 | Dynamics of Social Change | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Change, Globalization, Modernization, Social Movements, Development, Resistance |
| SOC 303 | Industrial Sociology | Elective (Group A, choose one) | 4 | Industrial Relations, Labor Market, Globalization and Industry, Industrial Conflicts, Trade Unions, Work Culture |
| SOC 305 | Sociology of Education | Elective (Group A, choose one) | 4 | Education and Society, Social Inequality, Education Policy, Schooling, Pedagogy, Higher Education |
| SOC 307 | Political Sociology | Elective (Group A, choose one) | 4 | Power, State, Political Parties, Democracy, Governance, Social Movements |
| SOC 304 | Sociology of Health | Elective (Group B, choose one) | 4 | Health and Society, Illness Behavior, Health Care Systems, Public Health, Medical Pluralism, Health Policy |
| SOC 306 | Sociology of Gender | Elective (Group B, choose one) | 4 | Gender and Society, Feminist Theories, Patriarchy, Gender Roles, Sexuality, Women''''s Movements |
| SOC 308 | Social Problems in India | Elective (Group B, choose one) | 4 | Poverty, Unemployment, Crime, Corruption, Environmental Issues, Communalism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 401 | Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology - II | Core | 4 | Interpretive Sociology, Postcolonial Theory, Subaltern Studies, Cultural Studies, Risk Society, Network Society |
| SOC 402 | Dissertation / Project Work / Fieldwork | Project | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation, Ethical Considerations |
| SOC 403 | Sociology of Diaspora | Elective (Group C, choose one) | 4 | Diaspora Studies, Migration, Identity, Transnationalism, Cultural Hybridity, Indian Diaspora |
| SOC 405 | Sociology of Development | Elective (Group C, choose one) | 4 | Theories of Development, Underdevelopment, Sustainable Development, Social Planning, NGOs, Global Inequality |
| SOC 407 | Sociology of Religion | Elective (Group C, choose one) | 4 | Religion and Society, Secularization, Religious Pluralism, Sects, New Religious Movements, Religious Fundamentalism |
| SOC 404 | Environmental Sociology | Elective (Group D, choose one) | 4 | Environment and Society, Ecological Crisis, Environmental Movements, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Green Politics |
| SOC 406 | Sociology of Human Rights | Elective (Group D, choose one) | 4 | Human Rights Frameworks, Social Justice, Inequality, State and Rights, Global Human Rights, Advocacy |
| SOC 408 | Population Studies | Elective (Group D, choose one) | 4 | Population Growth, Age Structure, Demographic Dividends, Urbanization, Population Challenges, Family Planning |
