Sociology Department of Plassey College started with General Course in 2019. The goal of the department has been to equip its students with critical, analytical ability by providing them theoretical and analytical exposure to various social realities.
The basic character of Sociology lies in its criticality and reflexive nature. In Sociology one searches for and looks at recurrent patterns in the familiar social world quite differently from the way one is conventionally accustomed to do. In doing so students build up a store of sociological knowledge that provides them with their observational ability or develop their analytical capability. In a very important sense Sociology thus empowers its students and practitioners by equipping them with powerful insights into the social forces and processes that mould human lives and experiences, opportunities and constraints, and problems and possibilities in the contemporary and modern society.
Visiting Faculty: Susanta Biswas (M.A, M.Phil., UGC-NET)
Learning Goals in Sociology:
To support the development of our students' ability to "think like sociologists," we have established the following learning goals for sociology students:
- To apply sociological concepts to real life conditions;
- To integrate social theory and research;
- To analyse quantitative and qualitative data to generate conclusions;
- To examine critically social issues of importance;
Sociology, as a subject, has a broad spectrum of topics. These include:
- Family issues,
- Marital advantages and disadvantages
- Deviance in society,
- Divorce causes,
- Criminology,
- Dynamics of group interaction,
- Gender roles,
- Professional roles,
- Public policy,
- Dynamics of ageing,
- Causes of social inequality.
Course Outcome:
1. Social Worker: A career in helping people and improving societies, which pretty much defines a social worker, is the most sought-after job for sociology aspirants. Sociology graduates can use the knowledge of social dynamics to analyse social issues and find ways to help resolve them. Social workers refer issues to appropriate community agencies to ensure the allotment of resources to individuals and families in need.
2. Rehabilitation Counsellor: Rehabilitation counsellors use their counselling techniques learned in sociology to guide youths who have been misled into making wrong decisions in life, who have committed a crime and have completed their penitence, and those who have been abused or traumatised by life events.
3. Career in Academics: Post-graduates in sociology, after qualifying the National Eligibility Test (N.E.T), or, State Eligibility Test (SET), can pursue their career academics and research (in government as well as private organizations).
4. Survey Researcher: As the name suggests, survey researchers conduct surveys to make various decisions. These include observing patterns of social and political issues, health and culture, and how consumers are reacting to a particular product or service. They create questionnaires, form focus groups, and get clear answers. Sociologists make use of data collection and statistical analysis techniques to gather evidence and create well-informed reports for public and private organisations.
5. Career in Administrative Service: Sociology graduates can opt for Indian Civil Services like IAS, IPS and IFS as well, after qualifying the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) held by Union Public Service Commission. They can also write the exams conducted by State Public Service Commission and get into various administrative post.
6. Career in Health ,Family and Child development Service: Post-graduates in Sociology may join Centre for Gerontological Studies and pursue their career as Gerontologists. They can get into the post of Child Development Project Officer or District Programme Officer, qualifying the exam held by State Public Service Commission. They can also work as Probation Officer in District Child Protection Society.
7. Policy Analyst: Sociologists have to study policies in their academic journey. That’s why they are hired as policy analysts to observe social issues and recommend legislators to address these issues. Sociologists can make use of their knowledge and skill to analyse sociological research data to understand if particular legislation has made a positive or negative impact on social issues and population.
Sociology is a gateway to step further into the intricacies of our societies. It teaches us that not only societies shape us, but we also shape our societies. This is common in all societies and communities. Sociologists advocate the importance of citizen awareness and participation, both of which are the foundation of democracy.
Sociologists are vital in sustaining balance in our societies. Sociologists help institutions to create policies based on well-researched decisions that educate and empower the citizen.
Sociologists establish a foundation of knowledge about social interactions, organisational structures that facilitate development in communities. As adept counsellors, sociologists can also help youths to prepare for specific careers, drive professional and personal growth by sharpening specific skills that are required in significant organisations. They can also help families and couples to find balance in their life and make better decisions.