Sociology

This is a fundamental course of sociology introducing basic concepts like group, society, social structure, culture, caste, religion, gender. The course is intended to establish the link between psychology and sociology. Sociology is a macro subject of social sciences and complements the micro or individualistic understanding of human behaviour through psychology. 

By Prof. Sumedha Ojha

1. Sociology and Society

1.1 Definition and formation and scope of Sociology as a subject

1.2 Historical sketch of sociology and important western thinkers- Agust Compte, Emile     Durkheim, Carl Marx, Max Weber

1.3 Sociology as a closet social science to psychology

2. Basic concepts and terms in Sociology

2.1 Group and types of group- Formal-informal, Primary-Secondary

2.2 Social stratification- class and caste, status-role

2.3 Social institutions- Marriage, family, work organization, religion, education

3. Culture and Socialization

3.1 Definition of culture- Sociological and anthropological view

3.2 Dimensions of culture, cognitive aspects, identity, cultural change

3.3 Socialization and agents of socialization- family, peer groups, schools, mass media

4. Research methods in Sociology

4.1 Objective and subjective aspects of sociology research

4.2 observational and field study method

4.3 Survey and interview method

The following course introduces basic sociological concepts and relevance to psychology.