About the Department

Sociology is a discipline that covers the various dimensions of social life, including patterns of human behaviour and the structure and functioning of major social institutions such as family, marriage, kinship, education, economy, religion, and many others. Sociology goes beyond ordinary, taken-for-granted views of reality to provide a deeper, more illuminating, and critical understanding of social life. Through its distinctive analytical perspectives, social theories, and research methods, Sociology, as a discipline, expands our understanding of human social relationships, culture, and institutions that profoundly shape both our lives and human history.

The Department of Sociology of Mahishadal Girls’ College was inaugurated in 1991 with a modest number of students and a small number of faculty members. The department began its academic journey with the introduction of the Pass Graduate Course. Later, in 2001, the Sociology Honours Course was introduced, marking an important milestone in the academic growth of the department. Since then, the department has grown significantly and has established itself as one of the most vibrant, dynamic, and academically active departments of the college.

Year of Establishment

The Department of Sociology was inaugurated in 1991 with the Pass Graduate Course. The Sociology Honours Course was introduced in 2001.

Aims & Objectives

The Department of Sociology is committed to the holistic development of its students. It offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of the subject, thereby contributing to their overall intellectual and personal development. The department is dedicated to creating an academic environment that encourages critical thinking, analytical abilities, social awareness, and a deeper understanding of the society in which students live. The course aims to train students to critically analyse the social environment in which they live and to become self-aware, responsible, and socially conscious citizens.

Teaching-Learning Methods

In addition to the traditional Chalk-and-Talk method, the department follows a variety of innovative and learner-centred teaching-learning methods, including:

• E-learning and audio-visual methods, particularly the screening and sociological analysis of films.
• Student seminars, quizzes, and debates.
• Fieldwork and periodic academic tours.
• Publication and maintenance of a Wall Magazine (“Suchetana”), focusing on gender sensitisation and issues related to women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Individual mentoring, with students divided among specific faculty members who serve as academic counsellors and mentors.

Facilities & Student Support

• A departmental Seminar Library, providing immediate academic support in addition to the resources available in the College Central Library.
• Add-On Certificate Courses and Remedial Courses for the better academic support and assistance of students.
• Close, individual attention through academic counsellors and mentors assigned to students.

Community Engagement & Social Responsibility

The department places considerable emphasis on community engagement and social responsibility. The Community Development Programme provides students with an opportunity to engage meaningfully with the community and develop empathy, social responsibility, and civic consciousness. Gender sensitisation initiatives in and around the campus, including students’ participation in the Pride March, are among the noteworthy practices of the department.

Quality Assurance & Feedback

Along with periodic assessment tests to evaluate and monitor the academic progress of students, the department also places importance on the continuous evaluation of teaching-learning practices. The performance of teachers is assessed through feedback forms and the Departmental Audit Book, thereby encouraging reflection and continuous improvement in academic practices. The department maintains a close relationship with the parents and guardians of its students through Parent-Teacher Meetings and other online modes of communication, helping establish a collaborative relationship among teachers, students, and parents.

Alumni Association

The Alumni Association of the department is also well maintained. The department takes pride in its strong and continuing relationship with its former students. It is particularly noteworthy that two members of the present faculty are themselves alumni of the department, reflecting the strong academic legacy and enduring bond between the department and its students.