Central Department of Sociology Tribhuvan University

Central Department of Sociology, Tribhuvan University: Promoting Excellence in Sociological Education

Introduction The Central Department of Sociology, established in 1981, is a prominent teaching department at Tribhuvan University. With its exceptional faculty and conducive academic environment, it is the preferred choice for aspiring students pursuing a Master's Degree in sociology. Let's explore the unique features, courses, research opportunities, international collaborations, and contributions of the department.

Academic Programs

1. Master's Degree Program: Over 500 students enroll annually for the Master's Degree Program in sociology, offered in 33 campuses and colleges affiliated with Tribhuvan University.
2. Curriculum Structure: The first year focuses on five comprehensive courses covering sociological concepts, theories, and research methods. In the second year, students can choose from one common course and three optional courses, which address contemporary social issues in Nepal, including social exclusion and inclusion.
3. Dissertation Requirement: Master's students must undertake field-based research and write a dissertation, fostering critical thinking and practical research skills.

Faculty and Research

1. Expert Faculty: The Central Department of Sociology boasts a team of 33 full-time faculty members, highly qualified and experienced, trained in esteemed institutions across the globe.
2. Research Projects: Faculty members are actively involved in numerous research projects funded by national and international agencies, contributing to academic knowledge in areas such as environment, ethnicity, gender, migration, economic development, and social change.
3. International Collaborations: The department collaborates with universities and research institutes worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Asian countries. It hosts visiting researchers and welcomes Fulbright Professors, enriching the academic environment.

Ph.D. Program and Scholarly Contributions

1. Ph.D. Program: The department, in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers a Ph.D. program in sociology. Currently, 29 students are pursuing their Ph.D., and ten have already received their Ph.D. degrees from Tribhuvan University.
2. Scholarly Publications: Faculty members publish research articles in prestigious national and international journals, covering a wide range of academic interests. The publications reflect the department's focus on social inclusion and exclusion, addressing pertinent issues in Nepali society.

Research Funding and Grants

1. Funding Support: The department receives an annual budget of approximately 10 million Nepalese Rupees from Tribhuvan University for administrative and management costs.
2. Research Grants: It secures grants from national and international institutions to support academic research and organize international seminars. Notable grants have been received from organizations like Wenner-Gren Foundation, Norwegian Fund for Development and Education, GTZ, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, and OXFAM.
3. Autonomous Research Management: The department ensures efficient project management by maintaining separate committees, dedicated bank accounts, and independent accounting systems.

International Collaborations and Affiliations

1. Collaborative Programs: The Central Department of Sociology has a rich history of collaborative programs with universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. These programs facilitate cultural exchange and academic cooperation.
2. Cornell-Nepal Joint Study Program: A longstanding collaboration with Cornell University, the residential program offers a unique learning experience for students from both institutions, fostering academic and cultural growth.

Services to Development Organizations

1. Capacity Building: The department provides capacity building training and mentorship to fellows supported by the Social Inclusion Research Fund (SIRF). This collaboration enhances research skills in the field of social inclusion and exclusion for both the grantees and the faculty.
2. Academic Services: CDS offers academic and applied research services to national and international development organizations, contributing its expertise to promote social development.

Academic Seminars, Conferences, and Publications

1. Knowledge Dissemination: CDS organizes academic seminars, conferences, and workshops, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines and contemporary social, political, and environmental issues in Nepal.
2. International Symposium: The recent symposium on ethnicity and federalization attracted participants from academia, politics, civil service, donor agencies, media, social activists, and civil society, fostering meaningful discussions and intellectual exchange.
3. Publications: The department has published several books, including "Development Practices in Nepal" (1997) and "Seminar Proceedings on Sociology of Nepal: Taking Stock of Teaching, Research, and Practice" (2010). It also maintains the "Occasional Papers in Sociology" series.

The Central Department of Sociology at Tribhuvan University upholds the values of excellence, collaboration, and research-driven education. With its remarkable faculty, extensive academic programs, research initiatives, and international engagements, it continues to make significant contributions to sociological knowledge and social development in Nepal.

Supporting Research Activities and Grants The Central Department of Sociology at Tribhuvan University recognizes the importance of research and actively supports various research activities. It offers research grants to young and enthusiastic faculty members, as well as MA and MPhil students, enabling them to enhance their research capabilities and prepare for their future careers. By providing financial support, the department encourages the pursuit of innovative research and contributes to the growth of sociological knowledge.

Faculty Training and Development

CDS places great emphasis on the professional development of its faculty members. The department supports faculty members in participating in various training programs relevant to their academic growth. These training initiatives help them stay updated with the latest developments in their fields, improve their teaching methodologies, and enhance their overall academic competence. By investing in faculty training, CDS ensures that its faculty members provide the highest quality education to students.

Promoting Student Engagement in Sports

CDS believes in fostering a holistic learning environment that goes beyond academics. The department recognizes the importance of physical fitness and encourages students to participate in various sports programs. Students are given opportunities to engage in sports such as football, cricket, volleyball, and more. These activities promote teamwork, physical well-being, and a balanced lifestyle among the students. CDS understands that sports activities contribute to the overall development of students and supports their participation in such programs.

The Central Department of Sociology at Tribhuvan University goes beyond traditional academic pursuits by supporting research endeavors, providing grants to faculty and students, facilitating faculty training, and promoting student engagement in sports. These extra activities contribute to a well-rounded educational experience, nurturing the intellectual, physical, and professional growth of the department's members.

Courses Offered:

The Central Department of Sociology, also known as the Department of Sociology, Tribhuvan University, is a renowned institution in Nepal that offers various programs in sociology. Here are short descriptions of the courses offered at the department:

1. MA in Sociology: The MA in Sociology program is a postgraduate degree that provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of sociology. The program covers a wide range of topics, including sociological theories, research methodologies, social institutions, social change, and various sociological perspectives. Students are encouraged to critically analyze social issues and conduct independent research in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of society.

2. MPhil in Sociology: The MPhil in Sociology program is a research-oriented degree that prepares students for advanced research and academic pursuits in the field of sociology. This program builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in the MA program and emphasizes the development of research skills, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis, and theoretical frameworks. Students are expected to undertake an original research project under the guidance of faculty members and produce a thesis that contributes to the existing body of sociological knowledge.

These courses offered at the Central Department of Sociology aim to equip students with a deep understanding of sociological concepts, theories, and methodologies. They provide students with the necessary skills to critically analyze social phenomena, conduct empirical research, and contribute to the advancement of sociological knowledge. Graduates of these programs can pursue careers in academia, research organizations, social services, policy-making institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and various other fields where sociological perspectives are valued.