Bangladesh University Dhaka · Est. 2001
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Department of Sociology

BSS (Hons) in Sociology

First Year · 36 creditsSecond Year · 36 creditsThird Year · 36 creditsFourth Year · 36 credits

Syllabus

48 courses. Select a course to read its description.

First Year · 36 credits

Semester 112 credits
SOC-1101Introduction to Sociology3 cr
This course introduces students to the basic concepts, theories, and methods of sociology. Emphasizing scientific inquiry, it covers topics such as culture, socialization, social institutions, social inequality, deviance, and social change. Through lectures, discussions, and assignments, students will develop the skills to analyze social structures and issues, understand the interdependence of social institutions, and apply sociological perspectives to real-world situations.
SOC-1102Social History and World Civilization3 cr
This multidisciplinary course develops into the key themes of Social History and World Civilization, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of historical and sociological developments across time. Through the exploration of topics such as the scope and trends of social history, the relationship between history and historical sociology, the classification and evolution of societies, and the birth of civilizations, students will develop critical analytical skills. The course covers significant milestones including the rise and fall of Greek and Roman civilizations, Medieval Europe’s feudal structure, and the emergence of capitalism and industrial society, extending to the study of post-industrial and information age societies. By engaging with influential sociological perspectives and examining both past and present civilizations, students will be equipped to interpret historical events and societal changes, fostering a sociological imagination and preparing them to address the challenges of the 21st century.
SOC-1103English-Ι3 cr
This course is designed to enhance students’ proficiency in English by developing their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, with a special emphasis on practical business communication. Through a variety of engaging activities and targeted instruction, learners will explore different approaches to language learning, master key grammatical structures, and practice effective writing strategies, including report and composition writing. The course also covers essential aspects of oral communication such as pronunciation, dialogue, and storytelling, while familiarizing students with the principles and types of business communication relevant to modern workplaces. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with both the foundational language skills and the communicative competence necessary for academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
SOC-1104Bangladesh Studies3 cr
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, and heritage of Bangladesh, while also examining the nation’s geography, economy, society, and political evolution. Students will explore key historical periods—including the ancient, Muslim, British, and Pakistan eras—as well as significant events such as the Partition of Bengal, the Language Movement, the Six Point Program, the United Front Election, the Mass Upsurge, and the Liberation War leading to the emergence of independent Bangladesh. The course also covers the development and amendments of the constitution, the ideals and philosophies that shaped the nation, and Bangladesh’s role in regional and international affairs. By engaging with both historical and contemporary issues, students will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh in its pursuit of a peaceful and sustainable future, equipping them with critical knowledge to understand the nation’s identity and its place in the world.
Semester 212 credits
SOC-1201Social Anthropology3 cr
This course introduces students to the core concepts and methods of social anthropology, providing a broad understanding of how societies and cultures are studied across different times and places. Through the examination of anthropological theories, cultural practices, kinship systems, economic and political organizations, and religious beliefs, students will develop insights into the principles that shape social and cultural life. The course also explores the relevance of anthropology to contemporary issues, highlighting how anthropological perspectives help us understand both the diversity and commonality of human experience. By engaging with case studies, discussions, and audio-visual materials, students will gain the analytical skills needed to examine specific societies and ethnic groups, as well as to appreciate the dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity in the modern world.
SOC-1202Social Psychology3 cr
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to social psychology, focusing on the dynamic interplay between individual behavior and the social environment. Building upon foundational knowledge from introductory psychology, students will explore key concepts such as self-perception, social cognition, group processes, attitudes, leadership, and collective behavior. The curriculum covers the historical development and theoretical foundations of social psychology, as well as the influence of social and cultural factors on perception, learning, and personality. Through lectures, discussions, and presentations, students will develop the analytical skills necessary to understand how individuals think, feel, and act in social contexts, and how these processes shape and are shaped by groups, crowds, public opinion, and mass communication. This course equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights for understanding human behavior in a social world.
SOC-1203Economy and Society3 cr
This course examines the intricate relationship between society and the economy, exploring how social structures, values, and institutions shape economic life and influence social change. Students will be introduced to key concepts in economic sociology, covering the historical development of economic systems, the functioning of markets, organizations, and institutions, and the sociocultural factors that impact economic behavior. The curriculum addresses topics such as national income, inequality, economic stratification, labor movements, and the production process, providing a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of socioeconomic life. Through lectures, presentations, discussions, and case studies, students will develop the analytical tools needed to apply sociological perspectives to economic issues, critically assess capitalist societies, and understand the central problems facing modern economies.
SOC-1204English – ΙΙ3 cr
This course is designed to enhance students’ proficiency in English by focusing on the development of grammatical accuracy as well as reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Through a comprehensive exploration of essential grammar topics—including tense, articles, prepositions, clauses, and sentence structure—students will build a strong linguistic foundation. The course also covers vocabulary building, the distinction between formal and informal English, and strategies for effective reading, such as skimming and scanning. Writing skills are developed through practice with sentences, paragraphs, essays, reports, and letters, while listening and speaking modules emphasize note-taking, oral communication, and everyday conversational skills. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the practical language tools and confidence necessary for effective communication in both academic and real-life contexts.
Semester 312 credits
SOC-1301Sociology of Religion3 cr
This course offers a critical and comprehensive introduction to the sociology of religion, examining religious beliefs, practices, and institutions from both historical and sociological perspectives. Students will explore foundational concepts such as the definition and nature of religion, as well as its relationship with morals, magic, and science. The course investigates major sociological theories of religion, including functional and conflict approaches, and considers the role of religion in shaping social stratification, political systems, and economic life. Through comparative studies of world religions and the analysis of religion’s impact on social change, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate religious belief systems and their significance in both historical and contemporary contexts. By fostering critical sociological thinking, the course encourages students to question and understand the multifaceted role of religion in societies around the world.
SOC-1302Sociology of Marriage & Family3 cr
This course provides a comprehensive overview of marriage and family in contemporary society, examining the evolving nature of intimate relationships and the social factors that shape them. Topics include love, dating, courtship, cohabitation, various forms of marriage and family life, childbirth, parenting, and the challenges faced by families such as divorce and family violence. Through the application of functional, conflict, and symbolic-interactionist perspectives, students will analyze the structure and functions of families, evaluate alternative patterns of marriage and family, and consider the impact of modernization and legal frameworks on family life. By exploring both historical developments and current issues, the course equips students with the knowledge and analytical tools to understand, compare, and critically assess marriage and family dynamics in diverse social contexts.
SOC-1303Social Problems3 cr
This course explore the ways in which such social problems become defined. This includes an exploration of the different worldviews and theoretical perspectives that shape how we see social problems and the effects of different ways of defining social problems across time and cultures. Through learning to analyses how issues are problematized, you will gain insights into the social framing of contemporary policy initiatives. This course is focus on a range of social problems and the use of sociological theory to understand the social-economic processes surrounding the construction of issues as social problems and attempts by policymakers to address them.
SOC-1304Microeconomics3 cr
Microeconomics studies how individuals and firms make choices aboutscarce resources. By examining supply, demand, pricing, and incentives, it explains how markets function and how economic decisions shapeoutcomes at the individual and firm level. The study of economics introduces students to analytical and problem-solving techniques that can be applied to consumer behavior, managerial and production decisions, market structures, and the price mechanism.

Second Year · 36 credits

Semester 112 credits
SOC-2101Social Statistics: Elements of Statistics3 cr
This course will teach the fundamentals of analyzing numerical data in a social science context. Students will learn effective ways of presenting informational summaries, the use of statistical inference from samples to populations, and the linear model which forms the basis of much social science research. Emphasis will be on an intuitive understanding of statistical formulae and models, and on their practical application. The topics include frequency distribution, central tendency, variability, probability theory, and estimation.
SOC-2102Social Structure of Bangladesh3 cr
This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interaction in the context of the social structure of Bangladesh. Topics include socialization, class, structure, social institutions, and organization. This course demonstrates students' knowledge of sociological concepts for the interaction between individuals, groups, and society.
SOC-2103Sociology of Organization3 cr
Sociology of Organization examines the social aspects of organizations and how individuals interact within organizations to achieve common objectives. It studies both the formal and informal structures of organizations. The field of Sociology of Organization emerged in the 18th century during the Industrial Revolution as societies transitioned from agricultural to industrial economies. This brought many economic and social changes. Sociology of Organization analyzes all elements of organization including management structures, informal social networks among workers, and the role of labor unions. It provides insights into improving workplace conditions and relations between workers and management.
SOC-2104Macroeconomics3 cr
This course is an extension of Microeconomics and examines economic activity at the national level by studying concepts like GDP, GNP, inflation, and unemployment. It also covers fiscal and monetary policies and howgovernments use tools to achieve economic goals. The primary goals of macroeconomics are to achieve stable economic growth and maximize the standard of living. Economic indicators are a good source of information to track macroeconomic performance.
Semester 212 credits
SOC-2201Social Statistics: Application of Statistics in Sociology3 cr
This course provides an introduction to the application of statistical methods in sociology. It focuses on the use of statistical techniques to analyze social phenomena, interpret social data, and test sociological theories. Students will learn how to use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
SOC-2202History of Social & Political Thought3 cr
This course examines major texts in the history of social and political thought and the questions they raise about the design of the political and social order. It considers the ways in which thinkers have responded to the particular political problems of their day, and the ways in which they contribute to a broader conversation about human goods and needs, justice, democracy, and the proper relationship of the individual to the state. One aim will be to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various regimes and philosophical approaches in order to gain a critical perspective on our own. Thinkers include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Tocqueville.
SOC-2203Sociology of Education3 cr
Sociology of education course is directly or indirectly related to the study of social knowledge. Some disciplines study how education reproduces external power relations (such as class, race, gender, age, and religion); others study the power and control relations within education itself. The sociology of education is a relatively new but vibrant field that examines the interrelationships between education and social structures. This branch differs from educational psychology in that it focuses on external factors that influence education, including family background, race, state education policies, and social class.
SOC-2204Rural Sociology3 cr
This course will discuss the major theories and approaches in the rural society study of development, and will take a specific look at rural- society relations in the developing world. The intention is to critically review the history of development theory, with a special attention to the political context and content of each model, alongside anthropological models of culture change. The course will continue by looking at the relation between rural and the development machine, and trace the paradigm shifts in development models. The sociology of food and agriculture is one focus of rural sociology, and much of the field is dedicated to the economics of farm production. Other areas of study include rural migration and other demographic patterns, environmental sociology, amenity-led development, public lands policies, social disruption,the sociology of natural resources(including forests, mining, fishing andother areas), rural cultures, and identities, rural health care, and educationalpolicies. Many rural sociologists work in the areas of development studies,community studies, community development, and environmental studies.Much of the research involves the Third World.
Semester 312 credits
SOC-2301Urban Sociology3 cr
This course is designed to introduce students to a set of original writings in thefield of urban sociology. With an emphasis on scientific inquiry, it covers topicssuch as culture, socialization, social institutions, socialinequality, deviance, andsocial change. Through lectures, discussions, and assignments, students will beable to analyze social structures and issues, examine the relationships betweensocio-spatial change, technological change, and the built environment and human behavior, assess how and why they have changed over time, and discuss theimplications of these paradigm shifts for urban scholarship, social policy, andplanning practice.
SOC-2302Gender, Society & Development3 cr
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of Gender and sex, familyand socialization, different stages of development, Women’s empowerment,gender politics, gender diversity, Integration of women development. Throughlectures, discussions, and assignments, students will develop the skills to trendsof violence against women, CEDAW, Situation analysis, Fourth Five years planesand women development policy analyze social structures and issues, understandthe interdependence of social fact, and apply sociological perspectives to real-world situations.
SOC-2303Sociology of disaster3 cr
This course will investigate how culture, inequality, social structure shape howpeople face disasters, how they respond and the ways in which they recover orfail to do so. How disasters lead to rapid social change will also be explored.Emphasizing scientific inquiry, it covers topics such as culture, socialization, socialinstitutions, social inequality, deviance, and social change. Through lectures,discussions, and assignments, Students will learn the foundations of sociology ofdisaster theory will examine a number of case studies and will apply theory to thein-depth study of one event.
SOC-2304Beliefs and Rituals3 cr
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of social religion, beliefsand rituals of sociology. We raise sociological questions at the level of theindividual, at the level of the nation, at the level of religious traditions and at thelevel of religious fields. Emphasizing scientific inquiry, it covers topics such asculture, socialization, social institutions, social inequality, deviance, and socialchange. Through lectures, discussions, and assignments, students will develop theskills to analyze social structures and also explore the rise of new forms of latemodern religion, such as fundamentalism and new age spirituality.

Third Year · 36 credits

Semester 112 credits
SOC-3101Sociological Theory: Comte to Pareto3 cr
Sociological theories are statements of how and why particular facts about thesocial world are related. They range in scope from concise descriptions of a singlesocial process to paradigms for analysis and interpretation. Through lectures,discussions, and assignments, students will develop the skills to analyze socialproblems and issues, understand the interdependence of social and applysociological perspectives to real-world situations. They have become classicsbecause they have a wide range of application and deal with centrally importantsocial issues.
SOC-3102Research Methodology: Qualitative Approach3 cr
The course mainly describes the basic elements of qualitative research. This course also explains how to execute a qualitative research through different steps. Different methods of social research explain in this course. The statisticaltools that used in the qualitative research also describe in this course. Throughlectures, discussions, field work and assignments, students will develop the skillsto analyze social research.
SOC-3103Sociology of Environment3 cr
Sociology of Environment, examines the relationship between society and theenvironment. Topics include environmental sociology theories, sustainability,environmental justice, and human-environment interactions. Through lectures,discussions, and assignments, students will develop the skills throughinterdisciplinary perspectives, students analyze the social dimensions ofenvironmental issues and explore strategies for creating more equitable andsustainable.
SOC-3104Social Demography3 cr
This course pays particular attention to the causes and consequences of population change. Demography, the science of population, is concerned withvirtually everything that influences, or can be influenced by,population size,distribution, processes, structure, or characteristics. Through lectures,discussions, and assignments, students will develop the skills to analyze socialdemography and social issues, understand and apply to real-world situation.
Semester 212 credits
SOC-3201Research Methodology: Quantitative Approach3 cr
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of quantitative research,theories, and methods of Research Methodology. Emphasizing scientific inquiry.This course also explains how to execute quantitative research throughdifferent steps. Different methods of social research explain in this course. Thestatistical tools that used in the quantitative research also describe in this course.Through lectures, discussions, field work and assignments, students will developthe skills to analyze social research and apply sociological perspectives to real-world situations.
SOC-3202Oriental Social Thought3 cr
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of oriental social thought.The work of such oriental social thought & social structure are statements ofhow and why particular facts about the social world are related. Emphasizingscientific inquiry, it covers topics such as culture, socialization, social institutions,social inequality, deviance, and social change. Through lectures, discussions, andassignments, students will develop the skills to analyze social structures andissues, understand the interdependence of social institutions, and applysociological perspectives to real-world situations.
SOC-3203Feminism & Women’s Movement3 cr
This course introduces feminism as both an intellectual commitment and a social and political movement that seeks justice and equality for women. It explores the historical development of women’s movements and the key concepts, ideas, and debates within feminist thought. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of feminist perspectives and understand how gender shapes the relationships among individuals, groups, and societies.
SOC-3204Introduction to Government3 cr
The study of government reveals that the world of politics, along with its institutions, leaders, and citizens, is a complex and far-reaching one. This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles, structures, and functions of government. Students will explore how governments are formed, how power and authority are distributed, and how political decisions affect societies. Topics include the role of constitutions, political ideologies, branches of government, public policy, elections, and citizen participation. Through examining both theoretical concepts and real-world examples, the course aims to develop students’ understanding of how governments operate and how individuals can engage effectively in political life.
Semester 312 credits
SOC-3301Economic Development and Social Change3 cr
This course aims to provide students with an economic understanding of development and its relationship with social change in developing countries. It examines the major theories, concepts, and indicators of economic development and explores how economic growth influences social structures, institutions, and quality of life. The course also analyzes development policies, poverty reduction strategies, and the effectiveness of various development initiatives. Upon completion, students will be able to evaluate the interaction between economic development and social transformation in different societal contexts.
SOC-3302Social Inequality3 cr
This course introduces students to the concept of social inequality and its impact on individuals, groups, and societies. It examines the major forms of inequality, including those based on class, gender, race, ethnicity, and power, and explores how these inequalities are created, maintained, and challenged within social structures and institutions. The course also discusses key sociological theories and perspectives used to understand patterns of inequality and social stratification. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze the causes and consequences of social inequality and evaluate efforts aimed at promoting social justice and equality.
SOC-3303Rural Development3 cr
This course introduces students to the concepts, theories, and practices of rural development, with a focus on improving the economic and social conditions of rural communities. It examines the key issues affecting rural areas, including poverty, agriculture, infrastructure, education, and access to resources. The course also explores development policies, community participation, and sustainable strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life in rural societies. Upon completion, students will be able to understand the challenges of rural development and evaluate different approaches to promoting sustainable and inclusive development in rural areas.
SOC-3304Criminology3 cr
Criminology is the study of crime, criminal behavior patterns, and the law. This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of criminology as a field of study and is typically taken at the beginning of a student’s core degree requirements. The course examines the major theories of crime, patterns of criminal behavior, and the socialcontexts in which crime occurs. Students explore the socioeconomic and socio-cultural factors that have influenced crime over time and analyze how these factors shape criminal activities and societal responses. The course also covers key topics such as crime prevention, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the role of victims in the study of crime. Upon completion, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the causes, patterns, and consequences of crime in society.

Fourth Year · 36 credits

Semester 112 credits
SOC-4101Social Theory: Persons to Postmodernism3 cr
This course introduces students to the major traditions and developments in social theory from classical thinkers to contemporary postmodern perspectives. It examines the contributions of key theorists and their ideas about society, social structure, power, culture, and human behavior. Beginning with the works of early social thinkers, the course traces the evolution of sociological thought through modern and postmodern approaches. Students will explore how different theories interpret social change, inequality, and the relationship between individuals and society. Upon completion, students will be able to understand and critically analyze major social theories and apply them to contemporary social issues.
SOC-4102Industrial Sociology3 cr
This course introduces students to the sociological study of industry, work, and organizations in modern society. It examines the social relationships, structures, and processes that shape industrial life, including the organization of work, labor relations, management practices, and workplace culture. The course also explores the impact of industrialization, technological change, and globalization on workers and organizations. Students will analyze issues such as labor movements, industrial conflict, job satisfaction, and the role of industry in social and economic development. Upon completion, students will be able to understand the social dynamics of industrial systems and evaluate their effects on individuals and society.
SOC-4103Sociology of Poverty3 cr
This course introduces students to the sociological study of poverty, its causes, consequences, and social implications. It examines poverty as a structural and social issue, exploring how economic systems, social institutions, inequality, and policy decisions contribute to the persistence of poverty. The course analyzes major theories and perspectives on poverty, as well as the relationships between poverty and factors such as education, employment, gender, health, and social class. Students will also explore national and global dimensions of poverty, along with strategies and policies aimed at poverty reduction and social development. Upon completion, students will be able to critically understand the social roots of poverty and evaluate approaches designed to address it effectively.
SOC-4104Research Design and Monograph Writing3 cr
This course exposes students to, and engages them in, a range of traditional and contemporary research practices relevant to the arts and humanities. Students receive practical training and knowledge in the use of quantitative and qualitative research tools and materials, gaining skills in the use of archival, database, and published material to support hands-on research practice. The course suits students seeking experience in social science research methods.
Semester 212 credits
SOC-4201Sociology of Developing Societies3 cr
The focus of this course is on the sociological study of development and underdevelopment level in Bangladesh society. Applying different empirical and theoretical perspectives on development .This course is mainly descriptive and narrative giving a broad vista on pattern and processes of development.
SOC-4202Sustainable Development3 cr
This course starts with a short history of the principles and background to the concept of sustainable development, and proceeds to draw on insights from politics and international relations, gender studies and demography, human geography, economic sociology, and social anthropology to unravel the multiple issues and interpretations of sustainability, its politics, and its relevance. Students will learn to think critically about what sustainability means and how it can be applied. It will encourage students to examine from the lens of sustainability the challenges that contemporary societies are being confronted with from global to local levels.
SOC-4203Introduction to Computer Program – Ι3 cr
This course is one of the basic courses of Computer Science which elucidates the computer fundamentals designed to develop basic computer literacy among students. The course provides fundamental knowledge about computer hardware and software, operating systems, and essential applications used in academic and professional environments. Students will learn practical skills such as word processing, creating presentations, managing files, and using the internet for research and communication. By the end of the course, learners will be able to operate a computer efficiently and apply basic digital tools to support their academic tasks and everyday activities.
SOC-4204Political Sociology3 cr
Political sociology helps to understand how democracies are born, how they die, who governs us, how social movements affect political institutions, etc. This course introduces students to the major themes and debates in political sociology. The attempt is to equip students to visualize substantive political realities through concepts and contemporary case studies. The course explores the mutual constitution of the political and the social.
Semester 312 credits
SOC-4301Gender, Violence & Development3 cr
This course explores the complex relationship between gender and different forms of violence within social, cultural, political, and economic contexts. It examines how gender inequalities and patriarchal power structures contribute to various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and structural violence. The course also analyzes how institutions, laws, media, and cultural norms shape the understanding and response to gendered violence. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, gender studies, and feminist theory, students will critically engage with contemporary debates, policies, and movements addressing gender-based violence. By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper understanding of the social roots of violence and the strategies used to challenge and prevent it.
SOC-4302Sociology of Mass Communication3 cr
Sociology of Mass communication aims to introduce students to the central issues regarding the multi – dimensional relation between communication, information, media and society. The course is intended to provide students with a basis for further study and research related to the examination of the sociology of the communicator, audience, content, effects, and communication as a social process.
SOC-4303Issues and Problems of Contemporary Bangladesh3 cr
This course is devoted to in-depth discussion of a variety of problems in societies raised by current ethical controversies in Bangladesh. Possible topics include Cultural conflict, Class conflict, Unequal distribution of wealth and opportunity, Family disorganization, Drug addiction, Slums and resultant problems, Suicide, Old age, Over population, Malnutrition, Unemployment, Rural and urban poverty, Child labour. The aim of the course is to identify and understand the main philosophical issues raised by these topics, and to help you develop and defend your own views about them.
SOC-4304Introduction to Computer Program – ΙI3 cr
This course is a basic course on computer science. The objective of this course is to learn the fundamental and elementary concepts of computer science. The course focuses on developing proficiency in advanced features of common software such as word processing, spreadsheets, andpresentation tools. Students will learn how to organize and analyze data,create professional documents and presentations, and apply basic digital communication and online research skills. By the end of the course, students will be able to use computer technology more efficiently for problem-solving, academic work, and workplace tasks.
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