Sociology Department

Departmental Profile

As one of the most popular social sciences, Sociology offers a comprehensive understanding of the structure and functions of groups, organizations, associations and how human beings interact with each other in these contexts. Since all human beings are essentially social beings, the subject matter of sociology ranges from breakdown of the traditional family structure, mob behaviour, motherhood to globalization, widespread influence of technology and changing patterns of work. Indeed, it is difficult to describe the scope of Sociology in few words as its subject matter is huge and encompassing. The subject enables us to understand the nature of various social realities, it introduces students to a Sociological way of thinking about life and living, Sociological perspectives to important national and international affairs. So the subject not only provides intellectual foundation to their career, but also gives them with a perspective necessary for understanding and analysing their lifelong interactions with social reality and hyperreality.

At Maharani Kasiswari College, the department of Sociology boasts of a rich legacy. The Department has pioneered U.G. studies in Sociology pass and honours courses under the Calcutta University from the session 1981-82.The Department was graced with stalwarts such as Dr. Sudeshna Basu Mukherjee (Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Calcutta), Dr. Mallika Sengupta (was an eminent poet, feminist and reader of sociology), Dr.Sujata Sen (Retired Professor in Sociology, Kalyani University), Prof. Basabi Sur (Retired Professor in Sociology, Calcutta University), Dr. Ramanuj Ganguly (Professor, Department of Sociology, West Bengal State University and Dr. Krishnadas Chatterjee (Retired Professor, Maharani Kasiswari College) being part of the Department. Currently, the Department has three full time teachers and two SACT (State Aided College Teacher). The faculty of this Department believes that education is a critical tool for helping the young mind to understand, analyse and criticize the world that we live in. With seminars, field trips and special lectures being the essential pillars of the Department of Sociology, our students also learn to engage in critical discussions and acquiring the necessary theoretical as well as practical skills. As a result of our collaborative efforts, we have been able to produce students who are well-placed in prestigious institutions and organizations. With an understanding that learning should move beyond the classroom, faculty members of the department of Sociology are constantly engaged in providing unique experiences to the students through innovative teaching practices, fun learning sessions and enriching discussions and activities. Students of our Department have been placed in various esteemed organizations (NGOs & govt. sectors etc). The Department aims to encourage, to create interest among the students about Sociology and to cultivate Humanity, Nationality.

Programme & Course Outcome

SWOC

Strengths

• The department of sociology has always taken an active interest in social issues. In accordance with its motto, it has organized regular workshops, seminars, webinars and field trips for inculcating a sense of social responsibility, empathy and discipline among students.
• Apart from academics, the faculty members of this department are actively involved in administrative activities and are members of various college committees as convenors and members.
• Students of the sociology department take part in various extension activities and are members of various important cells such as NSS and NCC.

Weaknesses

• Absenteeism is a major problem among students of the sociology department.
• Placement among students needs to improve.
• Department-alumni engagement needs to be strengthened.

Future Plans of the Department

• The department plans to introduce certificate/value-added courses for students who are interested in exploring interesting social phenomena such as positive ageing. The department is hopeful that such a strategy will enable students to develop a sense of social responsibility, empathy and enrich their thought process that will help them in practical implementations/higher studies/research/applied fields in future.  
• The department plans to take regular interactions cum counselling sessions with the students so as to improve their academic score and enhance their mental health.
• It plans to organise classes for aspiring students who are interested to appear for WBCS and School Service Commission exams with Sociology as a subject after the end of the pandemic phase.
• The department plans to organise social awareness campaigns among students to empower them to lead the fight against various social issues.

Head of the Department