Re-accredited by NAAC
with A Grade
College with Potential for Excellence- UGC
Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University

Sociology

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Alumnae College Activities Upcoming Events Research Journals Rahul Gandhi in Campus Rank Holders Inauguration of St. Teresa's Elysium College Magazine Academic Calendar Special Features Photo Gallery

WELCOME TO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

The department of Sociology saw its inception in 1966 with Postgraduate programme in Sociology, under the dynamic and able leadership of Prof. Sr .Marie Cecile. We pride ourselves on being the first department in Kerala that offered Sociology exclusively for women at the postgraduate level. The rapid strides made in education scenario and the new expectations of society called for widening the horizon of the department. Addressing this need the college launched undergraduate programme in Sociology in the year 1971 and later, in 1985, the department was recognized by Mahatma Gandhi University as a centre for Doctoral research.

One of the most sought after courses in the Arts disciplines, the programmes offered by Sociology department are unique, incorporating 'holistic' learning experience combining real world experiences and events with classroom discussion and analysis. Community outreach, discussions and seminars are interwoven into the workday of sociology students. The focus areas of study are Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology, Research Methods, Environmental Sociology, Anthropology, Demography, Industry and Society, Globalization, Gender Studies , Gerontology and Kerala Studies, to mention a few. 'Informatics' is offered as the Choice Based Core Course and Elements of Social Psychology as Open Course at the undergraduate level. The department also offers Complementary Courses to English Language and Literature, Communicative English, Economics and History main students. We value and nurture a strong spirit of community and collegiality that we see as central to the vitality of our department.

The faculty of the department is outstanding for their meritorious profile, versatile talent and dedication to the cause of education and research. The students of the department have consistently secured the highest number of University Ranks, First Classes and Pass Percentage at the Graduate and Postgraduate levels. Our Students have also excelled in co-curricular and extracurricular activities both at the college and at the University levels.

Vision

The Department of Sociology commits itself to the vision of excellence, national development and global competence by grooming our students to be Competent, Committed, Creative and Compassionate.

Mission

To form a community of committed sociologists who are concerned with ethical and social justice issues. The Sociology programmes at St. Teresa's emphasize the need to apply sociological analyses to understand everyday lives. Hence we aim to instill in students 'Sociological Imagination' and 'Sociological Consciousness'. This academic skill is believed to be a prerequisite for interpreting and acting on contemporary social issues such as the inequalities in access to power and resources among different groups, the persistent ruin of the environment, and the deconstructive ethos of a highly technological post-modern age.

Research

The research tradition diligently initiated by Prof. Sr. Marie Cecile, the foundress of the department, has been kept alive by the faculty all through the last forty five years. Many among the faculty- former and present- hold doctoral degrees. The PhD programme is active and there are 6 research guides in the department. 7 Scholars have been awarded Ph. D and 8 scholars are pursuing their doctoral programme. The faculty of the Department has also undertaken several research projects-minor and major- during the last four and a half decades and has also published books, articles, and research papers in different fields of Sociology. Studies have been conducted in the fields of Demography, Gender, Urban Sociology, and Environmental Sociology. The Sociology of Diaspora, Community Studies, Education, and Sociology of Deviance are some of the new areas that the research scholars are working on at present.

LIST OF FACULTY

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT- Dr. Claramma Thomas, Associate Professor, M.Phil, Ph.D

Dr. Gladis Mary John, Assistant Professor, M.A., Ph.D

Smt. Dora Dominic, Assistant Professor M.A., B.Ed

Smt. Sajitha J. Kurup, Assistant Professor, M.A.

Smt. Elizabeth Abraham, Assistant Professor, M.A., B.Ed

Guest Lecturers

Smt. Sabeena M,M.A
Mrs. Libina Sebastian, M.A., M.Phil.
Mrs. Saritha Parel, M.A.

OUR STARS

1. Sr. Marie Cecile M.A., B.Ed
Dr. Sr. Anne Felice, M.A., Ph.D
Smt. Flora M. Dey, M.A ,M.Phil
Smt. Mercy Francis , M.A
Dr. Ramola B. Joseph, M.A., Ph.D
Dr. Fr. George Koilparambil, M.A., Ph.D
Smt. Annie Thomas, M.A., M.Phil
Smt. Maraimma Joseph, M.A., B.Ed
Smt. Laila Basil, M.A.
Dr. Celinamma Scariah, M.A., Ph.D
Dr. Shally Joseph, M.A., Ph.D

Research Guides

Fr. Dr. George Koilparambil
Dr. Ramola Joseph
Dr. Celinamma Scariah
Dr. Shally Joseph
Dr. Gladis Mary John
Dr. Sara Neena T.T

Courses student achievements

REPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF SOCIOLOGY ASSOCIATION 2012-13

INAUGURATION OF SOCIOLOGY ASSOCIATION

The sociology association is a student run organization which elects its own leadership, encourages participation in the welfare of the local community, thereby providing a sociological orientation to its students and promotes interaction between the students and department faculty.
The Sociology Association was inaugurated on 16^th July 2012 by Prof. K. Mohandas, retired Professor and Principal, Govt College Tripunithura. He spoke on the theme of 'Paradigm Shift in our lives'. In his inaugural address he stressed the importance of bringing about a paradigm shift while studying sociology. He urged us to make practical application of the theoretical knowledge that we gain. He made it a point to mention that it was high time educated women actively participate in the public domain thus ensuring a dynamic public and social life.

I. SEMINARS\ACTIVITIES

Over the years students of the department of sociology have actively participated in the association activities and have benefitted from it. The department improves each year with the development of its students. With an aim to increase solidarity among the students, all association activities were conducting by recognizing each of the under graduate and postgraduate classes as a distinct group and it was made mandatory that all the groups must have a captain and vice captain from the respective class itself. This was done with an aim to give equal representation to all students and also to instill leadership qualities among the students from the first year itself.

Class	Captain	Vice-captain
I D C	Sherwin	Monsha sabu
II D C	Kavya C R	Rajasree R Nair
III D C	Lini jolly	Athira K P
I P G	Sabitha	Sharanya
II P G	Shivani	Shabeera

OUTCOME
The year wise competitions facilitated in the fostering of healthy competition between students of different classes. Students from each class got an opportunity to take the lead and all students strived to bring out their best in academic, artistic and literary creations.

NOTICE BOARD

The notice board of the department was always kept up-to-date with the activities of the department. It became a showcase of the events and achievements of the department. The purpose of the notice board was to keep the students informed of the progress of the department.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

WOMEN AND SOCIETY

The tradition of St. Teresa's college has always been towards the upliftment and enlightenment of women by providing them qualitative education. But in light of the increased crimes on women and the narrow outlook towards the role of women in society the association organized an inter-department essay writing competition on the topic 'THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN MEDIA' on 22 August, 2012. Students were encouraged to express their opinions freely on the topic. And the best essay was awarded.

VISUAL MEDIA- A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

A study was conducted on the impact of contemporary visual media on college students on 12 September, 2012. The session was flagged off by Mr. Mcartin from the famous director duo Rafi-Mcartin who emphasized the need for good visual media as they tend to play a vital role on the younger generation's outlook towards society and culture.

As part of the study all the students of the sociology department were shown four contemporary movies- CHILDREN OF HEAVEN, I AM, PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS and KERALA CAFÃ‰- all portraying varied facets of social life. It was followed by a detailed discussion and debate among the college students. The post graduate students also presented a detailed and analytic review of the movies and how they relate to our own immediate environment.

ON EMERGING KERALA

Emerging Kerala conference was a widely debated issue in the month of September. In order to spread awareness among students on the social, cultural and economic effect of 'emerging Kerala' an inter department poster making competition was organized by the association on the topic 'emerging Kerala in 20 years' on 24 September 2012. Prizes were awarded to the best poster.

BLOOD DONATION CAMP

Students of the department were active participants in the blood donation camp on 1 October 2012. They also attended an awareness program on blood donation. Our students came back enlightened on the process of blood donation, how the blood reaches the patients, on how to tackle anemia and also the awareness camp helped dispel the myth regarding women being poor blood donators.

OUTCOME

The association's aim has always been to motivate the students to be free thinkers, explore options, and instead of focusing only on academics, encourage them to fine tune their literary and creative skills-But with a sociological orientation.

SOCIO FEST

2011-12 was indeed a great year for the association as it hosted its very own inter-collegiate fest for the first time on 3 October, 2012. The students and teachers showed great co operation and mutual support during the entire event. Almost 10 colleges within Cochin participated in this event. The chief guest for the inauguration ceremony was the founder of the NGO Theruvoram Mr. Murugan. The fest included various competitions as follows.

1. Photography competition on the topic 'gone, but not forgotten'

This competition harvested the most enthusiastic response as most number of teams were registered for this event.

2. Debate competition on the topic 'women in politics- a necessity or a hype'

This competition enabled a platform for students to express their opinions. Fiery debates, challenging rebuttals and the rush to make your point.

3. Student journalism on any relevant social issue.

This was the most anticipated event of the fest. It brought together students from various streams together. It brought out the inquisitive nature of the students as they strived to bring an issue to light, sensitize the audience on the urgency to takle the problem. The prize winning entries were on Female Foeticide, Exploitation of women and a better and greener Cochin

4. Caption writing competition.

Prize money was awarded to all the winning teams. The enthusiastic response to the fest indeed marked an important milestone in the history of our department.

OUTCOME

The fest saw the coming together of students to discuss various socially relevant topics. It fostered a healthy competition among students. It also brought out the organizational and leadership skills of the students of the association. The mutual support extended throughout the fest also strengthened the student-faculty relationship of the department.

SOCIAL EXPOSURE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

REACHING OUTâ€¦

The main aim of the association activities this year was to make the students active participants in the society. Rather than providing in-class teaching, we sought to encourage the students to explore the field.

It was mandatory for every class/group to undertake an outdoor activity to widen their experience and increase interaction and communication with the society.

The second year students undertook a survey on September 21 2012. The students visited the rural village of valappu in vypin and conducted a study on the problems faced by the residents of the area. Problems like lack of hospitals, transportation, lack of quality education etc came into light.

The first year degree students undertook an orphanage visit. They went to Ashwas Bhavan in Fort Kochi, an orphanage housing 55 children on 20th October. The main aim of this visit was to develop communication between the students and the children at the orphanage. A joint effort was made to collect dresses and other essentials for the children which was distributed by our students. The first year students also organized a variety of entertainment activities-games, songs and dance programs for the children. The children at the orphanage were very enthusiastic about our visit. This visit was mutually beneficial. And our students pledged to support the education of at least one child at the orphanage.

The third year students extended a helping hand to a nongovernmental organization that aimed at giving protection to abandoned children and elders. The students made a concrete effort to provide the required aids and help for the organization. The students still continue to remain in contact with the NGO.

To develop a practical approach in Urban Sociology the students of the post graduate classes went on an educational field visit to Mattancherry on October 15, 2012. The objectives of the visit were to compare between the old and new cities. Another aim was to study the spatial segregation of communities or different ethnic groups. They presented a report on how Mattancherry becomes a meeting point of all cultures with its diversity of population and 38 varied communities.

Students of all classes were taken to watch the socially relevant movie "ENTE" directed by Rajesh Touchriver.

THERUVORAM

Theruvoram is an NGO working 24x7 for the rehabilitation of abandoned people in Kochi. Theruvoram aims to reach out to the most marginalized children and elder citizens to provide rescue, shelter, rehabilitation, medical aid, emotional support and guidance.

The association in collaboration with the NGO conducted an awareness class on august 7, 2012. The founder of the NGO, Mr.Murugan, addressed the gathering. Documentary videos of the work done by theruvoram were presented to the students to make them more acquainted with the NGO's activities. Murugan sir stressed the need for young members of the society to be active helpers in the society, to help the poor and needy. Many students volunteered to help in the activities of the organization.

VISIT TO MATTANCHERRY.

On the 15^th of October, students from 2^nd year M.A went on a field visit to Mattancherry. The objectives of the visit are to compare between the old and new cities ie, Mattanchery and Greater kochi. Another aim was to study the spacial segregation of communities or different ethnic groups.

VISIT TO KARUNA SPECIAL SCHOOL

As a part of Sociology Association activities students of I MA Sociology visited Karuna Special School , Nayarambalam on 20^th December 2012. 13 students and Smt. Sabeena. M visited the place. Karuna Special School is a school of mentally challenged students, run by CTC sisters. There are about 70 students and 13 teachers. We celebrated Christmas with them. Students continue to help the teachers in their spare time.

VISIT TO KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE

Students of II M.A. along with Dr. Gladis Mary John went to the Biennale and made a critical evaluation of it.

SERIES OF LECTURES

8/1/2013

An interactive session on 'Dream/ aspirations: Exploration through stories' was conducted for the II BA and PG students chaired by Ms. Tessy James, corporate facilitator, Infopark, Kochi.

22/ 1/2013

A discourse on 'Youth and planning' was organized under the auspices of planning forum for III BA and PG students. Mr. Joshy Varghese, nodal person, Outreach, Rajagiri collage of social sciences was the resource person.

31/01/2013

Advocate A. Jayashanker, President, Indian Lawyers Association and programme producer at IndiaVision News Channel, delivered a talk on 'Civic Responsibility' for III BA and PG students.

TERESIAN RURAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME (TROP)

The department of Sociology under the auspices of the Teresian Rural Outreach programme conducted extension activities at Valapu- Our lady of perpetual help Church. The target group of the activities was women and children. In the first phase of the extension activities the department members visited the Parish priest and interacted with women who are organized in the church through Matirvedi on 19th July. Through the visit we were able to build rapport with the Parish priest and the residents.

A social survey was conducted to know about the Socio- Economic background and social problems faced by the residents at Valappu. With the help of Parish priest and women's organization students went through hundred residents of Ward No 9 of Elankunnapuzha panchayath on September 21st .The survey results and the qualitative data analysis revealed the social problems faced by the residents.

Most of the men are addicted to alcohol and are not having productive employment
Women have to do work to look after the needs of family. Most of the women are involved in jobs as house maids, prawn peeling, selling fish , self-employment etc.
The people are effected by water logging and unhygienic situations related with water logging.
The educational facility in that area is poor and the students are not able to acquire proficiency in language and mathematics.
Most of the students are not going for higher education.

Social Survey of Teresian Rural Outreach Programme

On 24/01/2013 students of I M.A. along with Smt. Dora Dominic went to Elamkunnapuzha Grama Panchayath to participate in the grama sabha. The objective of the visit was to instill in the students the idea of participatory planning at the grass root level. Students presented a report of it and discussions were made.

MAGAZINE

'Socius 2012-13' symbolizes the continuing tradition of team work and solidarity within the department. The magazine is a reflection of the artistic, literary academic and extracurricular achievements of the students in the department. The making of the magazine saw the coming together of creative minds and dedicated attempts by the students to provide articles for the manuscript magazine.

COVER PAGE DESIGNING

No matter how the saying goes, almost always a book is judged by its cover. Inorder to harness the creative skills of the students and also to make a gateway for more notable representation in the department magazine the editorial board conducted a cover page designing competition. The central theme of the magazine was 'revolution NOW'. Our magazine sought to highlight the changes that our students wished to bring out in their life, in society, in any cultural practice. The magazine was intended to be a free platform to bring out the opinion of our students on.

The department conducted a workshop on 'Soft skills and the use of ICT in learning enhancement' for the post graduate students from 10-12 September, 2012.

Poster competition

On 14/01/2013 a poster competition was conducted for III BA Sociology students on the topic crime against women and a cash prize of Rs.500/- was given to the best presentation.

Speech competition

The best speaker from students of sociology was selected for the Fr.George Koilparampil Award by conducting an elecution competition on the topic '65 Years of Indian Democracy'. Dr. Helen K.J. of Hindi Dept. was the judge. This program was conducted on 31/ 01 2013.

NATIONAL SEMINARS

Under the leadership of Dr. Gladis Mary john, co-coordinator of the women's cell of the college the department organized the UGC sponsored national seminar on 'Women in Development Process: Role of Local Self Government-Strategies and Policies in the Changing Scenario' from 06.08.2012 to 08.08.2012. The seminar was inaugurated by Smt. Rosakutty K.C, chairperson of Kerala women's commission. The seminar was attended by participants from various states.

Seminars on Women Empowerment and Protection through Nirbhaya, Local Self-Governments: Opportunities for Creative Involvement, Development and Empowerment-a perspective from Kerala, Right to Food Programme through LSG, Women in developmental Process:Role of LSGs-process and programmes, empowering women through social advocacy were conducted. Eminent personalities like Lida Jacob I.A.S, high court advocate Mr. Sherry Thomas etc were the speakers during the event.

PATICIPATION AND PRESENTATION OF PAPERS IN SEMINARS

INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS

1. All faculty members and students of the department attended an international conference on 'nutritional medicine, health and wellness' on 7-8 june, 2012 conducted by St. Teresa's College.

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SEMINARS

1. Dr. Gladis Mary John was the resource person at the national seminar on 'human rights:governance and issues' organized by K R Narayanan study centre at St. Stephen's college, Uzhavoor.

2. All the faculty members participated in the UGC sponsored national seminar on '' Women in Development Process- Role of local self Government-Strategies and Policies in changing Scenario' conducted by the women's cell from 6-8 august 2012. Dr. Gladis Mary John was the co-coordinator of the seminar.

3. Mrs Dora Dominic and Mrs. Sajitha Kurup and undergraduate students attended a UGC sponsored national seminar on 'Towards Green Consumerism- Innovative Approaches and Practices' on 9 and 10 august 2012.

4. All the faculty members and the students attended a state level seminar on 'Intellectual Property Rights - Concepts, Policies and Guidelines' on july 11, 2012.

RESULTS

COURSE	No. of 1^st class	Pass percentage	Rank
M.A FINAL	9	100	2

51 students appeared for the undergraduate university exam. They cleared with a pass percentage of 86% and a university average of B+.

ACHIEVEMENTS

RANK HOLDERS

Three brilliant girls of our department bagged the 1st, 2nd and 4th ranks of the Mahathma Gandhi University MA degree Examination 2012.

i. Sithara S - 1st rank

ii. Greeshma T K- 2nd rank

iii. Reenu Jacob- 4th rank

Shabeera P.A. bagged the first rank in the first year M A degree examination in Mahathma Gandhi University.

Other achievements

Femi Cleetus of 3rd DC Sociology won the first place in M G University Badminton championship. She also participated in youth and senior state volleyball championship.
Anupa Sasi of 3rd DC Sociology participated in the Kerala state women's championship.
Anusha K V and Riswana C of 1st DC sociology won the 6th place in the 40th Kerala state inter district junior volleyball championship.
Savannah Xavier and Aswathy M N of 3rd DC sociology attended the district yoga championship and won the 2nd and 5th prize respectively. They have been selected to participate in the state level competition.

MEMBERSHIP IN ACCADEMIC BODIES

5 teachers of the department are Life members in KSS
All students are Ordinary members of KSS

Points discussed in the Colloquium on Urban Planning organized by the department

The number of road accidents in Kochi city has been reduced from 178 in December, 2012 to 127 in January, 2013 which indicates the effective working of traffic police in the city with the help of public. This was revealed by Mr. K.G.James, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kochi city, when he was participating in the panel discussion on 'Urban Planning' organised by The Planning Forum of St. Teresa's College initiated by the Department of Sociology.

The police department takes initiative to organise many programmes for ensuring the safety of women in the city he added. He also stressed the role of responsible public in bringing about planned changes. The stress has to be more on Law abiding than on Law enforcement. This is possible only when we become true responsible citizens he added.

Development of suburban areas should be highlighted in the urban planning programme says K.J.Sohan, Chairman Town Planning Standing Committee. Importance of inland navigation is a step in this regard.

Dr. Rajan, Chedambath, Director, Centre for Heritage Environment & Development stressed the importance of city's history in planning its future. Mr. Rangadasa Prabhu, President, EDRAAC stated that a multi faceted approach was required for solving the problems faced by residents of the city.

Dr. Sr. Teresa, Principal, St. Teresa's College also participated in the discussion. She was of the opinion that the planning should be done by receiving inputs from the grassroots level. The youth are no longer willing to accept the outdated systems that have been prevalent for decades.

Dr. Claramma Thomas, Head, Department of Sociology welcomed the gathering & Dr. Gladis Mary John delivered the vote of thanks.

Students from the neighbouring colleges also actively interacted with the panel members.

The students raised questions regarding: - the traffic control making more efficient, the problem of minor harassment in the buses, the problem of buses not stopping in the bus stop ,issues in waste management in the flats, water supply, rain water harvesting, the role of residents' Associations in solving the problems in the local level etc.

Re-accredited by NAAC with A Grade College with Potential for Excellence- UGC Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University