History
The Department of Sociology was established in 1968-69 with three faculty members. The eminent Sociologist late Dr. M.G. Kulkarni, gave pioneering leadership to the department upto 1983 from its inception. Well known sociologist and eminent social worker Dr. (Mrs) Sudha Kaldate gave further leadership to the department (1984-91). Both of them lead the sound academic foundation of the department and contributed to its academic achievement. Since then the department has been headed by Dr. R.B. Bilawar, Dr. V.B. Deshpande, Dr. B.L. Joshi, Dr. R.N. Salve, Dr. (Mrs) S.S. Gavhane, Dr. S.L. Gaikwad, Mr. B.H. Kalyankar, Dr. (Mrs) S.S. Awachar. At present Dr. S.B. Salunke is head of the department. The Department has its credit in establishing a state level professional body, “Marathi Samaj Sastra Parishad” in the year 1983.
In this regard publication of directory of Sociology teachers of Maharashtra and first volume of research journal entitled “Maharashtra Sansodhan Patrika” in 1987 are the important contributions. The UGC had granted ULP (University Leadership Programme) scheme initially for the period from June 1990 to June 1993 and then extended for one year upto July 1994. Under this scheme this department held workshop for college teachers at Aurangabad and Latur.
Plans – Targets achieved, unachieved, provisions made to achieve them: At present there are ten faculty members and three non-teaching staff in the department. The department was identified by the UGC for implementing the University Leadership Programme (1990-94). The department has introduced the semester system during the academic year 2005-06. The M.A. part I and part II syllabus was revised and introduced w.e.f. June 2008. The syllabus revision took place in accordance with the model curriculum development report of the UGC. All the faculty members were actively involved in the syllabus revision programme. Academic flexibility has been given by the university to the departments from June 2007. Under the Academic Flexibility Programme, semester system was introduced since 2007 based on 60:40 patterns. Again in June 2008 semester system based on 60:40 patterns along with continuous internal evaluation is introduced.
All the faculty members are provided computer with internet facility. Department office is also well equipped with the computer and internet facility. The department has a computer laboratory with 6 computers with internet facility for the students. There is one Xerox machine and one printer in the department. Beside the department have modern teaching aids such as LCD projector and TV. The department is in process to start its own departmental library. Referred journals of national and international reputation will be made available in the departmental library.