Overview of Department

The Department of Social Studies forms part of the Faculty of Social Studies and Humanities. It comprises 18 full-time academic members under several units which all operate in a multidisciplinary perspective within the social sciences arena.

Members are actively engaged in various spheres of academic life, ranging from teaching and administrative duties to research and consultancy.

They are also involved in the life of civil society at large through participation in national committees, public debates, media relations, organization of conferences and workshops, etc.

Our Vision

To become an internationally reputed social sciences department with excellent standards in teaching, training, research and community service.

Mission Statement

To prepare professionals and generalists in pure and applied social sciences with appropriate knowledge, perspectives and capabilities to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

Objectives

• Strengthen and expand learning opportunities and facilities in social sciences at graduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.
• Foster a research-oriented culture in social sciences with special emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.
• Take lead in promoting debate on emerging social issues and needs.
  Develop partnership with larger community to integrate professional education and community service.

Thematic research

The following is a list of inderdisciplinary themes which are of special interest to academics within the Department of Social Studies.

- ICT, New Media and Lifestyle
- Social and Political Discourses and Reception
- Gender issues and feminism
- Gerontology and Ageing Society
- Psychosocial perspectives on Health
- Sustainable development and environment
- Identity and Culture (Ethnicity, Nationalism,.)
- Work Dynamics and Context
- Child and Youth issues
- Poverty, Social Exclusion and Social Development
- Social deviance and crime
- The Family in a changing society

The Units

There are 4 distinct Units, namely:

• The Sociology Unit
• The Psychology Unit
• The Communication Studies Unit
• The Social Work Unit

Department strength

There are 18 full-time lecturers in the Department of Social Studies:

• Assoc. Prof. Satinder Ragobur
• Assoc. Prof. Sheila Bunwaree
• Dr Uma Bhowon
• Dr Roukaya Kasenally
• Mr. Komal Singh Rambaree
• Mrs Jennifer Ah-Kion
• Mr Ibrahim Koodoruth
• Ms Mayila Paroomal
• Mrs Christina Chan-Meetoo
• Ms Ramollah Ramtohul
• Mrs Caroline Ng Tseung-Wong
• Ms Bekarma
• Mr Chenganna
• Ms Bhantoa
• Ms Saupin
• Ms Gokulsing
• Ms Bundhoo
• Mr Suntoo

Undergraduate studies

The department currently offers the following programmes at undergraduate level:

• BSc (Hons) Social Science with specialisation in Sociology
• BSc (Hons) Social Science with specialisation in Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Social Science with specialisation in Political Science
• Diploma/BSc (Hons) Communication Studies with specialisation in Business Communication
• Diploma/BSc (Hons) Communication Studies with specialisation in Journalism
• Diploma/BSc (Hons) Social Work
• Diploma in Information and Library Studies

• Understanding Society
• Child Welfare Services
• Communication Skills
• Methodology of Social Research
• Sociology of the Family

Postgraduate Studies:

The department currently offers the following programmes at postgraduate level:

• MSc Social development
• MPhil/Phd by research