Master of Arts [MA] (Sociology) Syllabus, Course Structure and Program Schedule 2025-2026

The curriculum for MA Sociology is inclusive of some compulsory papers and electives. Students can also select a maximum of two interdisciplinary courses from other departments. The compulsory papers deal with fundamental concepts in Sociology.

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Some papers may be repeated from the BA Sociology curriculum but cover an in-depth knowledge of the topics concerned. Electives are related to specialized knowledge in the field of Sociology.

MA Sociology: Scheme of Assessment

The final assessment is based on performance in an end semester theory examination and performance in various modes of internal assessment.

Internal assessment criteria are class participation, projects, assignments, group and solo presentations, dissertation etc.

Weightage given to each criterion in final assessment is given below:

Assessment Criteria	Weightage
Theory Examination	70%
Internal Assessment	30%
Dissertation	100%

The syllabus for MA Sociology covers some specific areas and hence it remains similar in structure and outlook in all Indian Universities. Below is an overview of the syllabus for MA Sociology course.

Name of Course	Topics	Description
Sociological theories	The Development of Sociology in 19^th Century Karl Marx Max Weber Emile Durkheim	This is an introductory paper which introduces the development of Sociology as a field of study.
Sociological Theory: Some Conception Issues	Self, Interaction, Event System and Structure Discourse, Genealogy and Practice	This paper looks into conception issues in the field of sociological theory.
Sociology of Kinship	What is Kinship? Studying Kinship Transformations in the family, marriage and property New areas in the study of kinship	Kinship is an important factor in the sustenance of society. This paper aims to highlight various forms of kinship which exist in a society and analyzes them.
Religion and Society	Classical Perspectives in the study of religion The making of Sacred Space and Sacred Time Interpreting Religious Symbols, Practices and Culture Religion in the Public Sphere: Religious Mobilization and the Secular Critiques of Religion	Religion plays a significant role in the formation of a society. In this course, students learn to look at religion from an unbiased perspective and learn about their effect in the conception of society.
Political Sociology	Nature and Scope of Political Sociology Basic Concepts of Political Sociology Local Structures of Power State and Society under Capitalism State and Society under Socialism State and Society in India	This course looks into the fundamentals aspects of politics which affect and sustain a society.
Economic Sociology	Introduction: Economy in Society Production and Reproduction Consumption and Exchange Economy and the State	An important course which examines the relationship between social and economic practices.
Sociology of India	Development of Sociology and Social Anthropology of India Approaches to the study of Indian Society Caste-structure and Change Aspects of Rural Social Structure Family, Kinship and Marriage Religion in India Social Organization of Agriculture Aspects of Urban India Aspects of Politics and Society in Contemporary India Locations of Modernity	This course discusses in detail aspects of Indian society and approaches to study them.
Methods of Sociological Research	Research Methods Major Data Sources on Indian Society	This course is about research methods and data resources for research in sociology.
Social Stratification	Understanding Social Stratification Occupation, Social Stratification, and Class Race and Ethnicity Gender and Stratification	Stratification has been prevalent in societies through ages. This course explores the concept behind stratification in society.
Sociology of Development	Perspectives on the study of Development State and Market: Institutions and Ideologies The Micro-Politics of Development	This course aims to analyze development through a sociological perspective.
Sociology of Symbolism	Principles of Semiology Narrative Forms Language, Text, and Culture Visuality and Symbol	Symbols play a major part in communication in a society. This course analyzes symbols and language in a sociological context.
Industry and Society	Industrialization, industrialism and post-industrial society Employee organizations: Blue Collar, White Collar, and Managers Work organization and Alienation Industrial Conflict and its Resolution	Last century has witnessed an upsurge in industrialization and has affected the structure of societies across the world. This course analyses the relationship between society and industry.
Gender and Society	Gender in Sociological Analysis Reproduction, Sexuality and Ideology Family, Work and Property The Politics of Gender	Gender plays a pivotal role in the formation of society. This course analyses gender relation and various ideas which shape the perception of gender in society.
Sociology of Education	The Idea of Education Education and Society Schooling Practices The State, Education, and Equality	This course examines the relationship between education and society.
Sociology of Organization	Sociology and Organization Studies – Introduction Models of Rationality Work, Interaction, Organization Organization, and Culture	This course aims to study the role Organizations play in the development and sustenance of society.
Population and Society	Introduction to population studies and classical approaches Fertility Mortality Migration Population Politics and Policies	The population is an important aspect of society. This paper analyzes various aspects of the population in relation to its development of a society.
Sociology of Science	Introduction to the problems of Sociology of Science Origin of Modern European Science Functionalist Theory of Science Marxist theory of Science and Society: A Case study Structuralist Theory of Science: Paradigm or Gestalt Ethnography of the Laboratory	Science plays an important part in the transformation of society. In this course, a student will learn the inter-relationship of science and society and how scientific discoveries and theories affect a society.
Agrarian Sociology	Understanding Agrarian Sociology Pre-Capitalist forms of production and the transition debate Commercialization of Agriculture Colonial Land settlements and reforms Agrarian Conflict	Agrarian Societies are one of the earliest forms of community and civilization. This paper examines the development and transformation of agrarian society.
Sociology of Law	Introduction to Jurisprudence Sociological and Anthropological Jurisprudence The Political Economy of Law Law and Society in India	Law is a crucial pillar of civilization. This paper aims to reflect on the relationship between Law and Society.
Medical Sociology	Body, Medicine, and Society: Theoretical Perspectives Narrating Health and Illness Culture, Medicine and Medical Practice Politics of Global Health and Health policies	This paper relates sociological perspectives to the science of medicine and health.