About the Department of Sociology

Introduction

Sociology is the systematic study of society, social relationships, social institutions, social change, and human behaviour. It helps us understand how individuals and groups interact with one another and how social, cultural, economic and political factors influence human life. The discipline has a broad scope and contributes significantly to research, social awareness, critical thinking and the practical understanding of contemporary social issues.

The Department of Sociology is committed to helping students understand society from different perspectives and develop an objective and scientific approach towards social life. Sociology enables students to examine social structures, institutions, cultures, traditions, inequalities and changing patterns of human relationships.

History of the Department

The Department of Sociology was established in 1968. Shri C. V. Mulagund was the pioneer of the department and played an important role in establishing and strengthening Sociology education in the institution.

Shri I. Y. Koujalagi joined the department in 1976 and served the institution with dedication until his retirement in June 2013. Shri C. H. Biradar joined the department in 1979 and continued his valuable service until his retirement in May 2013. Dr. S. B. Jadhav joined the department in 2019 and has continued to contribute to the academic development of the department.

Over the years, the department has worked towards creating an engaging learning environment where students can connect sociological concepts with real-life social situations.

Academic and Student-Centric Activities

The department organizes various academic and co-curricular activities to enhance students' knowledge, communication skills, analytical ability and understanding of society. These activities include:

• Quiz programmes
• Group discussions
• Seminars and presentations
• Project work and field-based assignments
• Special lectures by subject experts
• Student presentations and interactive sessions
• Discussions on contemporary social issues

A special lecture is organized every semester to provide students with additional academic exposure and encourage them to explore current social issues beyond the prescribed curriculum.

Contribution of Sociology to Students

Sociology encourages students to look at society from different perspectives and helps them understand the diversity of cultures, communities, traditions and social institutions. It develops an objective and scientific attitude and helps students question stereotypes, prejudices and misconceptions.

The study of Sociology enables students to:

• Understand social relationships and institutions.
• Appreciate cultural and social diversity.
• Develop critical and analytical thinking.
• Understand the causes and consequences of social change.
• Recognize and examine social problems and inequalities.
• Develop respect for different communities, cultures and perspectives.
• Connect classroom learning with real-life social situations.
• Develop research, communication and presentation skills.
• Become socially responsible and sensitive citizens.

Vision

“To develop socially aware, critically thinking and responsible individuals who understand society, appreciate diversity and contribute positively to social development.”

Mission

• To provide students with a strong foundation in sociological concepts and theories.
• To develop critical, analytical and scientific thinking about society and human behaviour.
• To promote understanding and appreciation of social and cultural diversity.
• To encourage students to identify and understand contemporary social issues.
• To develop students' research, communication and problem-solving skills.
• To connect academic learning with real-life social experiences and community concerns.
• To nurture social responsibility, equality, democratic values and human dignity.

Objectives of the Department

1. To impart quality education in Sociology through effective and student-centred teaching-learning practices.
2. To help students understand the structure, functioning and transformation of society.
3. To develop students' ability to analyse social issues objectively and scientifically.
4. To promote awareness about social problems, inequalities and social change.
5. To remove prejudices, stereotypes and misconceptions through rational and evidence-based understanding.
6. To encourage research orientation, project work and field-based learning.
7. To develop students' communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
8. To encourage active participation in seminars, discussions, quizzes and other academic activities.
9. To promote values of equality, social justice, tolerance, cooperation and respect for diversity.
10. To prepare students to become responsible, socially conscious and active members of society.