Indian Sociology: Understanding Society and Culture

Course Syllabus

Course Description:

This comprehensive course explores the development, key concepts, and significant contributions to Indian sociology. Students will examine the historical emergence, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary applications of sociological thinking in the Indian context.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze the historical emergence of Indian sociology

Evaluate contributions of key sociological thinkers

Apply sociological concepts to Indian social phenomena

Understand major social institutions and their transformations

Develop critical thinking about Indian social issues

Course Structure:

Unit 1: Emergence of Indian Sociology (Weeks 1-3)

Historical context and colonial influence

Indigenous knowledge systems

Transition from social anthropology

Early institutional developments

Key sociological terms: Social facts, social structure, social stratification

Unit 2: Pioneering Figures (Weeks 4-6)

G.S. Ghurye's contributions

M.N. Srinivas and social change

D.P. Mukerji's perspectives

Radhakamal Mukerjee's ecological approach

Key terms: Sanskritization, dominant caste, westernization

Unit 3: Theoretical Milestones (Weeks 7-9)

Development of Indian sociological theories

Village studies tradition

Caste system analysis

Family and kinship studies

Key terms: Social mobility, cultural diffusion, social institution

Unit 4: Contemporary Indian Sociology (Weeks 10-12)

Modern theoretical approaches

Gender and feminist perspectives

Urban sociology in India

Globalization and social change

Key terms: Social movements, urbanization, modernization