Department of Sociology
Vision:
Formation of socially pro-active citizens.
Mission:
To create awareness on social issues; to develop interest in social concerns; to inculcate human values and sensitivity to social problems; and to mould wholesome personalities.
The subject of Sociology was introduced in the academic year 1990-1991. Each year there is a tremendous increase in the students joining the department. The strength of the department has increased to over 400 students.
This academic year the department has been very active. It has screened important films and documentaries such as – India Untouched, Oliver Twist, etc, relevant to the syllabus. On the occasion of Goa’s Opinion Poll inter class activities were organized for our students. Students participated in a debate, poster competition, poetry recitation and a speech competition.
The honors course in Sociology from the academic Year 2019-2020 has received a good response from the student community. We are confident the department will grow further.
The department adopts a holistic development model to enhance the growth of our students. As such a number of activities are organized each year.
As a result alongwith exceptional academic performance, our students also organize and participate in an entire gamut of activities – curricular, co- -curricular and extra-curricular. Academic seminars, workshops, debates, discussions, viewing films, quizzes, and others enhance their understanding of the subject. Competitions both intra- collegiate and inter-collegiate prepare them for team work. College events – Festa Sociologica and Sociology Day hon their organising and managerial skills. Our students graduate with added skills and abilities to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
The skills obtained at the undergraduate level help the students, move on to postgraduate programmes such as sociology, social work, human resource management, development studies, law, teacher training, etc. The Department focuses on the all-round development of its students including the development of a high EQ and requisite skills that equip them not only for an academic career in sociology but also to advance into professional fields of law, journalism, civil services, the corporate sector, social welfare, and others.
The Department of Sociology is committed to equipping students with not only theoretical knowledge but also a diverse range of practical and transferable skills essential for personal growth and professional success. Through a combination of innovative courses, experiential learning, and active participation in academic events, students are prepared to navigate complex social realities with confidence and sensitivity.
Courses such as Social Skills and Etiquette are designed to cultivate interpersonal competence, communication abilities, and professional conduct. Specialized courses on gender, enable students to recognize and critically respond to gender biases and inequalities prevalent in workplaces and institutions.
The internship module provides students with hands-on experience in professional settings, teaching students how to approach potential employers, prepare for job interviews, and effectively navigate challenges within workplace environments. This exposure significantly enhances their confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Field-based learning through educational visits, such as the field trip to a local village in Canacona, or places of sociological importance such as Coorg, offer students an immersive introduction to ethnographic methods. These experiences allow them to engage directly with communities, gaining insights into local cultures, histories, and lived realities, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation of sociological research in practice.
In addition, the department actively involves students in organizing academic events. The National Seminar on “Decolonizing Ethnography: Sociological, Philosophical and Critical Perspectives on Tribes in Goa” ; celebration of the Sociology Day, Events like – Festa Sociologica and others provided students with valuable opportunities to participate in planning and execution. Their involvement in coordinating sessions, managing logistics, and engaging with scholars helped develop leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Overall, the Department of Sociology ensures that students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the critical thinking, social awareness, and practical competencies required to excel in a dynamic and evolving world.
As I pursued higher education in law I discovered that my background of sociology was very useful, since society and law are closely associated. Sociology prepared me with knowledge of social organisations and the social world. Apart from research skills Sociology provided me with skills of critical thinking, analytical reasoning and problem solving. Sociology taught me to analyse data, enabled me to understand the social structure and the social trends. The investigative skills learnt in Sociology have been a great help in understanding and solving complex legal cases. I am very happy I chose Sociology as it has been instrumental in changing my outlook on life.
— Adv. Ronit N. Shinde