DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
The Department of Sociology at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College provides a critical lens through which students can
understand and analyze the complex structure and dynamics of human society. The curriculum offers a comprehensive
exploration of sociological theories, research methods, and key themes such as social stratification, gender, caste,
class, religion, urbanization, and social change. Located in the heart of Bihar, a state with a rich and diverse social
fabric, the department offers a unique opportunity to study traditional social structures and rapid modern
transformations firsthand. Guided by a dedicated faculty, students learn to conduct empirical research, think critically
about social issues, and develop a deep empathy for diverse communities. The department aims to cultivate socially aware
and responsible citizens equipped to pursue careers in social work, research, public policy, education, and development
sectors.
The Sociology Department at B.D. College, Patna, distinguishes itself through its deeply contextual and immersive
approach to the social sciences. Its greatest strength is its ability to use Bihar's societal landscape—marked by its
vibrant village communities, caste dynamics, gender relations, and development challenges—as a living laboratory for
sociological inquiry. The department moves beyond textbooks by emphasizing field-based learning, encouraging students to
engage in surveys, case studies, and community interaction. This practical exposure is complemented by discussions on
contemporary issues, fostering critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of Indian society. This makes the
department an ideal training ground for aspirants of civil services, social research, NGOs, human resources, and
development agencies, providing them with the essential analytical tools and grassroots sensitivity needed to drive
meaningful social change.
The Department of Sociology at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College, Patna, is committed to providing a rigorous academic
foundation in sociological theories and research methodologies. The department offers a structured undergraduate program
designed to analyze social institutions, processes, and transformations systematically. Supported by a qualified faculty
and access to relevant academic resources, the department promotes an environment of critical thinking and scholarly
debate. The program aims to develop a profound understanding of social realities and equip students with the analytical
skills necessary for successful careers in social work, research, public administration, counseling, and other related
fields.
INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT
The Department of Sociology at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Mithapur, Patna serves as a vital
center for the
study of social structures, cultural dynamics, and contemporary societal issues in Bihar and India. The
department's
infrastructure is thoughtfully designed to support empirical research, theoretical engagement, and
community-based
learning, aligning with the academic standards of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the National
Assessment and
Accreditation Council (NAAC), and the Patliputra University (PPU).
1. Academic and Research Facilities
The department operates from a dedicated wing within the college, featuring smart classrooms equipped
with projectors,
audio-visual systems, and interactive whiteboards. These facilities enable immersive teaching methodologies,
including
documentary screenings, virtual field visits, and guest lectures by sociologists and social activists via video
conferencing. The departmental library is a cornerstone of its infrastructure, housing over 2,000
books, including
classical sociological texts, works on Indian society, and region-specific studies on Bihar's social fabric.
Subscriptions to journals like Sociological Bulletin, Contributions to Indian Sociology, and Economic and
Political
Weekly provide access to contemporary research and debates.
2. Digital and Technological Resources
To bridge traditional sociological study with modern research tools, the department maintains a dedicated
computer lab
with high-speed internet connectivity. Software for qualitative and quantitative data analysis, such as
NVivo, SPSS, and
ATLAS.ti, supports research on topics like caste dynamics, gender inequality, and urbanization. Access
to online
databases like JSTOR, Sage Publications, and Census India Digital Library allows students to explore
demographic data,
historical records, and scholarly articles. The department also uses a Learning Management System (LMS)
for distributing
study materials, assignments, and feedback.
3. Research and Collaboration Spaces
The department promotes research through its Center for Social Studies, which provides dedicated
workstations for
faculty and postgraduate students. Collaboration with institutions like the Asian Development Research
Institute (ADRI),
Patna, and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) facilitates fieldwork, surveys, and
community studies.
The department’s seminar hall, equipped with modern presentation tools and seating for 150 participants,
hosts
workshops, conferences, and lectures on themes such as social justice, rural development, and identity politics.
4. Practical Learning and Engagement
A unique feature of the department is its Social Research Lab, where students engage in hands-on projects
using
ethnographic tools, survey techniques, and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods. The department also
maintains an
archive with case studies, interview transcripts, and visual documentaries on Bihar's social movements,
cultural
practices, and developmental challenges. Field visits to villages, urban slums, and NGOs provide students with
grounded
insights into societal issues.
5. Community Engagement and Outreach
The infrastructure supports extension activities such as social awareness campaigns, gender sensitivity
workshops, and
livelihood training programs. Students participate in community outreach initiatives, including
internships with
grassroots organizations and government social welfare departments. The department’s digital repository
of
research
papers and case studies is accessible to researchers, activists, and the public, fostering broader engagement
with
social issues.
6. Safety and Accessibility
The department prioritizes safety and inclusivity, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, fire safety systems,
and secure
storage for archival materials. Digitization efforts ensure the preservation of rare documents, while
climate-controlled
environments protect physical collections.
7. Future Initiatives
Plans for expansion include an oral history lab for documenting marginalized narratives, partnerships
with international
universities for comparative studies, and the development of a social innovation incubator to address
grassroots
societal challenges in Bihar.
In summary, the Department of Sociology at B.D. College combines traditional resources like libraries and
archives with
modern digital tools and practical learning spaces to create an enriching academic environment. This
infrastructure not
only supports rigorous scholarship but also empowers students to engage meaningfully with the social and
cultural
dynamics of Bihar and India.
Number of Seats in U.G. : 122
Number of Seats in P.G. : 30
