Birpara College

Sociology

About The Department

Year of Establishment: 1995

The Department of Sociology opened in 1995. On 14 August 1995, Sociology Pass course was introduced in Birpara College along with Economics and Geography and on 6 June 2005 Sociology Honours was started. The first departmental faculty members were Smt. Madhukala Karki. and Smt. Malashree Majumder. Later Smt. Anupa Minj joined the department as Guest Lecturer. Currently, there are five faculty members comprising two Assistant Professor and three State Aided College Teachers (SACTs). The current seat capacity in Sociology Honours is 48.

Since 2005, the Sociology Honours and Programme course has been emphasizing on teaching sociology at both conceptual and methodological levels in the light of changing trends for the students. Therefore, besides the traditional methods, various types of practical experiential methods and co-curricular approaches have been applied for teaching here. Therefore, field trips were organized for the students of each batch so that the students could learn how to relate theory with data. This helps in developing sociological perspectives on rural & urban experiences among the students which they could not otherwise acquire. Moreover, it enables the students to think creatively, develops their critical thinking skills and inspires them in research activities. Moreover, it represents social phenomena or concepts to be understood in the light of logic. It enables a student to become an independent thinker.

Objective/ Vision

Sociology being a fundamental discipline in social sciences, it was important, from the beginning to build up the Department in a way that would enable students to develop matured and critical thinking. It was a challenge to the Department to install in the students’ perspectives that would enable them not only to qualify for all kinds of professions and occupations but also to do so successfully. It was also hoped that the students would be able to pursue the quest of sociological understanding not only academically but also in practical application; and this too, not from a narrow sectarian point of view but from a critical and matured point of view.

Mission / Future prospects

Established as one of the leading departments in the college, the department is looking forward to expanding to Post Graduate level with the aim of introducing more relevant and innovative courses. The department has maintained classical sociological insights as well as high contemporary relevance through its curriculum. In the future, it will adopt and introduce a new teaching method for students.

  • Provide accessible and affordable quality education in Sociology to rural & urban students, promoting academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
  • Foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities in students, enabling them to navigate the complexities of social life.
  • Promote Socio-cultural awareness, and community engagement among students, encouraging them to appreciate and value their local culture and tradition.
  • Maintain classical sociological insights as well as high contemporary relevance.
    Develop research and documentation skills in students.

Performance/ Placement

Students of Sociology at Birpara College under the University of North Bengal have been consistently performing well. This is further reflected in the fact that most of them are deciding to do Masters in MSW, Rural Studies, Himalayan Studies, Anthropology and Women Studies alongside this subject. Many students also qualify from outside universities and achieve results successfully. Moreover, many students have been seen to be associated with various NGOs after graduation.

Courses Offered

Sociology as Generic Elective (GE) course for other Honours subjects in 3rd and 4th semester. Beside this, GE course is also for 5th and 6th semester BA Program course students.
Sociology as Discipline Specific Core (DSC) from paper I to IV is taught for 1st to 4th semester and DSE (Discipline Specific Elective) Paper I and II is taught for 5th and 6th semester program students.
Sociology as SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) is taught for 3rd and 4th Semester B.A. Honours students & Program DSC1 students. It also offered for DSC2 5th and 6th semester Program students.

Departmental Resources

The department gives students access to a number of academic resources:
Stock of textbooks and reference books in the Departmental and Central Library.
E-Bank of digital books
Departmental YouTube channel.
Departmental Lecture Series- Click here

Debates, seminars, talks, and extempore sessions are regular features of the department’s academic calendar, enriching students’ critical thinking skills and fostering a spirit of intellectual inquiry. Internal assessments, conducted in various forms, serve as a comprehensive measure of students’ progress and understanding, ensuring continuous evaluation and feedback.

Notably, the Department of Bengali stands out for its proactive approach to assessment, conducting the highest number of tests in the college. This rigorous evaluation mechanism reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and its relentless pursuit of student success.

In conclusion, the Department of Bengali at Siliguri Mahila Mahavidyalaya stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural enrichment, nurturing the minds of students and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in an ever-changing world. With a rich legacy of accomplishments and a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence, the department continues to inspire and empower generations of learners, shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

Objectives

Studying Bengali literature within an academic syllabus serves multifaceted objectives that extend beyond mere comprehension of texts. Here are some key objectives:

1. Cultural Appreciation

Bengali literature offers a profound insight into the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and ethos of the Bengali-speaking people. By studying Bengali literature, students gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural nuances embedded within the language, fostering cross-cultural understanding and respect.

2. Language Proficiency

Bengali literature serves as a linguistic resource for students to enhance their proficiency in the Bengali language. Through exposure to a wide array of literary genres, styles, and linguistic expressions, students develop a nuanced understanding of Bengali grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, thereby strengthening their language skills.

3. Aesthetic Appreciation

Exposure to the literary masterpieces of Bengali literature cultivates students' aesthetic sensibilities and fosters an appreciation for artistic expression. Through the exploration of poetic imagery, narrative techniques, and rhetorical devices, students develop a discerning eye for beauty, creativity, and artistic innovation.

4. Literary Analysis & Interpretation

Studying Bengali literature hones students' analytical and critical thinking abilities as they dissect and interpret complex literary texts. By analyzing themes, characters, motifs, and literary devices, students learn to discern deeper meanings, contextualize historical and social influences, and appreciate the intricacies of narrative structures.

5. Cultural & Historical Context

Bengali literature provides a window into the socio-political, historical, and cultural milieu of Bengal across different epochs. Through the study of literary works spanning various periods, students gain insights into the evolution of Bengali society, its triumphs, challenges, and transformations, thus fostering a holistic understanding of regional history and identity.

6. Identity Formation

Bengali literature plays a pivotal role in shaping individual and collective identities, offering diverse narratives and perspectives that resonate with readers' personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. By engaging with literary works that reflect themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery, students embark on a journey of introspection and self-awareness, enriching their sense of cultural identity and belongingness.

In essence, the study of Bengali literature in the syllabus serves as a gateway to cultural heritage, linguistic enrichment, critical inquiry, and personal growth, empowering students to navigate the complexities of the world with insight, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.

Outcomes

Studying Bengali literature yields a range of outcomes that extend far beyond academic achievement, enriching students’ lives in diverse ways:

1. Cultural Awareness

By delving into the rich tapestry of Bengali literature, students develop a profound appreciation for the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of the Bengali-speaking community. They gain insights into the historical, social, and cultural contexts that have shaped Bengali identity, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

2. Language Proficiency

Immersion in Bengali literary texts enhances students' language proficiency, enabling them to communicate effectively and confidently in Bengali. Through exposure to diverse linguistic styles, vocabulary, and grammar structures, students develop a nuanced command of the language, facilitating both written and oral expression.

3. Critical Thinking Skills

Analyzing complex literary works hones students' critical thinking abilities, enabling them to evaluate ideas, discern themes, and interpret textual nuances. By engaging with diverse perspectives and exploring the underlying messages of literary texts, students cultivate a deeper understanding of human nature, society, and the human condition.

4. Aesthetic Sensibility

Exposure to the aesthetic beauty of Bengali literature nurtures students' aesthetic sensibilities, fostering an appreciation for literary craftsmanship, poetic imagery, and narrative artistry. Through the exploration of vivid descriptions, evocative language, and emotive storytelling, students develop a discerning eye for artistic expression and creativity.

5. Cultural Identity

Studying Bengali literature nurtures a sense of cultural identity and belonging among students, connecting them to their linguistic and cultural roots. By engaging with narratives that reflect their own lived experiences and cultural heritage, students develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world, fostering a sense of pride and belongingness.

6. Personal Growth

Ultimately, the study of Bengali literature promotes personal growth and self-discovery, empowering students to explore existential questions, navigate moral dilemmas, and grapple with the complexities of the human experience. Through the vicarious experiences of literary characters and the introspective reflections of authors, students embark on a journey of self-awareness, empathy, and intellectual growth.

Books In Library: Text And Reference-642, Story Books-367

Result (Last Five Years)

Sl. No.NameDesignation
1Dr. Dil Kumar PradhanTeacher-in-Charge, Convener
2Sri Dipankar BhaumikTeachers’ Representative
3Sri Hridkamal SarkarTeachers’ Representative
4Smt. BratatiSarenTeachers’ Representative
5Smt. Asha LamaSecretary, Teachers’ Council

Faculty Members

Message From The HOD

SK. Kamruzzaman || HOD

Welcome to the Department of Sociology

Greetings and salutations, I am Sk Kamruzzaman, Head of the Department of Sociology. The Department of Sociology started its journey in 1995 and today it has become a family of five members. Apart from me, Shaan Anjum, Mrs. Kajal Das, Mrs. Shaswati Chakraborty and Mrs. Mamoni Barman are here. In 2005, keeping in mind the demands of the students, Honors was introduced in this subject. Every year, students from different languages ​​choose this subject to make their social thinking more rational. In this regard, our teachers have been working tirelessly to improve their teaching with their skills and love. Our department not only provides formal education to the students, but also inspires the students towards personality development, social interaction and relationship building, good manners, social responsibility, development of values, etc. Moreover, the main objective of our department is to practice and raise awareness about various social problems and recent issues. We invite you to our department.

Gallery

Manali Field Tour

Meghalaya Field Tour

Tajpur-Mandarmani Field Tour

Old Memories of Sociology Field Tours: 2008-2014

Meghalaya Field Tour

Sociology Internal Assessment ( Evaluation)

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