Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology has been established in November 1970.

Vision and Mission of the Department: Advancement and dissemination of sociological knowledge for upholding values such as democracy, equality, social justice and inclusiveness required for just and humane society.

The goals of the Department

• To equip the students with the latest sociological knowledge, research aptitude and skills
• To enrich students’ understanding of the dynamics of Indian Society and the global social order
• To strengthen sociological research pertaining to the issues in the region in particular and nation in general and
• To strengthen research in the thrust area of the Department, namely Sociology of Development and Environment.

Sponsorship: This Department was identified by the UGC under UGC/SAP/DRS-Phase-I (w.e.f 16th Nov. 2004) with the thrust area “Sociology of Environment and Development”. After the evaluation of work done during I phase by the UGC Expert Committee, the Department is currently Supported by UGC under it's SAP – DRS- Phase-II w.e.f. 2009-2010.

Since its inception, the Department has exhibited dynamism in its endeavor in the field of research. Initially, research focus of the faculty was on social history of the region (Prof. Vilas Sangave’s unique work on Chh. Shahu Papers) and sociology of religion). Then the research focus shifted towards rural and industrial sociology with empirical focus on this region. With UGC sanctioned project under the emerging areas in 1994-95, and SAP-DRS-I, the department is continuously undertaking and encouraging research in the thrust areas identified. The Department is currently trying to strengthen the research in the field of Sociology of Development: Emerging Issues in the wake of Globalization. Under this broad theme following sub-themes have been identified: A] Culture, Development and Environment, B] Poverty and Social Inequalities, C] Mass Communication and Information Society, D] Gender and Society

The M. A. and M. Phil. courses include papers in the specialized field of sociology of Development and Environment. For M.S.W., there are three specializations:

• Community Development
• Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
• Human Resource Development

The Department offers M. A. M. Phil. and Ph. D. (Sociology) programmes and MSW (on self-supporting basis) programme.

Facilities / Services: The Department has in-house facility of photocopying and of data processing on the SPSS software.

The faculty members and students have participated in the extension activities of the University (NSS, State Level Evaluation Committee for Nirmal Gram Yojana etc.). Besides, the extension services are taken up by MSW students as part of their course requirement in local Slum, Bal Sankul Graha, Old Age Home, Psychiatric Clinics etc.

The senior teachers provide consultancy services to the teachers in the affiliated colleges for Minor and Major research projects, without charging any fees.

Photo Copy Machine=01, Computers =20, Printers = 07, LCD Projector+ 01, Overhead projectors: 02, Audio System =01 Computer Lab with SPSS Software.

This Department has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic exchange and co-operation with TALEEM Research Foundation, Ahmedabad, on 25-01-2007.

At present there are 03 Professors and 03 Lecturers (Sociology); two temporary Lecturers in Social Work, filled up as per the prescribed qualifying standards and reservation rules. Some contributory teachers are invited for teaching three papers for MSW. The number of UGC approved positions is adequate and all the teachers are competent to undertake teaching, research and extension activities.