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BA in Political Science at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College Kolkata?
This Political Science (Honours) program at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and processes. It equips students with critical analytical skills relevant to India''''s dynamic socio-political landscape and its role in global affairs, preparing them for roles in public service, research, and non-profit sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates passionate about governance, international relations, and social justice. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in civil services, journalism, policy analysis, and activism in India. Working professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of public administration or contribute to political discourse will also find value in its in-depth curriculum.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as political analysts, public administrators, research associates, and journalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in government, NGOs, think tanks, and media houses. The program fosters strong critical thinking and communication skills essential for leadership and policy development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge in Political Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core political theories, concepts, and India''''s constitutional framework. Utilize library resources, engage in group discussions, and regularly review course material to build a strong base.
Tools & Resources
College library, Online open courseware (e.g., NPTEL lectures on Political Science), Discussion forums
Career Connection
Strong theoretical grounding is essential for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and analytical roles in research or policy.
Enhance Communication and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in AECC courses like English Communication and focus on improving essay writing, presentation, and basic research skills. Practice summarizing complex political ideas concisely and clearly.
Tools & Resources
Writing workshops, Academic writing guides, Online grammar tools (e.g., Grammarly), Peer review
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for all career paths, from civil services to journalism and public relations.
Engage with Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read reputable Indian newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and magazines, and follow political debates to connect classroom learning with real-world events. Maintain a journal of key political developments.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers and magazines, Current affairs apps, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV debates
Career Connection
Crucial for UPSC/PSC exams, journalism, policy analysis, and staying informed for engaged citizenship.
Intermediate Stage
Dive into Comparative Politics and Public Administration- (Semester 3-5)
Explore different political systems and administrative practices. Look for internships with local NGOs, municipal corporations, or political campaigns to gain practical exposure to governance and public policy in India.
Tools & Resources
NGO directories, Local government websites, University career services for internship leads
Career Connection
Develops understanding for roles in public administration, policy implementation, and the development sector.
Develop Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Choose SEC courses like ''''Research Methodology'''' and actively participate in projects. Learn data collection techniques, survey design, and basic statistical analysis relevant to social sciences.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for beginners, Survey platforms (e.g., Google Forms), Academic databases (JSTOR through university library)
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, research roles, and data-driven policy analysis.
Participate in Academic Debates and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Join college debate clubs, participate in mock parliament sessions, and inter-collegiate political science quizzes. This hones critical thinking, public speaking, and quick analytical abilities.
Tools & Resources
College cultural/academic societies, Inter-university competition listings
Career Connection
Builds confidence, persuasive communication, and sharpens analytical skills highly valued in advocacy, law, and politics.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Dissertations- (Semester 6)
Strategically choose DSE papers that align with specific career interests (e.g., Human Rights, Foreign Policy). Consider undertaking a research project or dissertation in your final year to gain specialized expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Academic journals, Research guides
Career Connection
Provides in-depth knowledge and a portfolio piece for specific career paths, enhancing postgraduate study and job prospects.
Focus on Civil Services/Placement Preparation- (Semester 6)
Begin intensive preparation for competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs, or explore entry-level positions in think tanks and NGOs. Attend career guidance workshops and mock interviews.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series, Previous year question papers, College placement cell
Career Connection
Direct path to government jobs, policy roles, and development sector careers.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 6)
Attend alumni events, college seminars, and public lectures by political scientists and policymakers. Build a professional network that can offer mentorship, internship leads, and career insights specific to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni association, Professional conferences (virtual or local)
Career Connection
Opens doors to unadvertised opportunities, provides invaluable career guidance, and builds professional relationships.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core Course | 6 | What is Political Theory?, Approaches to Political Theory, Concept of Liberty, Concept of Equality, Concept of Justice, Rights and Citizenship |
| CC 2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core Course | 6 | Philosophy of the Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, Union Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Court, Federalism, Constitutional Amendments |
| GE 1 | Generic Elective - I (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| AECC 1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Environmental Studies, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 3 | Political Theory - Concepts and Debates | Core Course | 6 | State: Meaning, Elements, Theories, Sovereignty, Power, Authority and Legitimacy, Concept of Democracy, Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Feminism |
| CC 4 | Political Process in India | Core Course | 6 | Parties and Party System, Elections, Electoral Reforms, Regionalism, Caste, Religion, Language, Class, Media and Politics, Social Movements |
| GE 2 | Generic Elective - II (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| AECC 2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar, Formal Communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core Course | 6 | Understanding Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Concept of State, Forms of Government: Unitary, Federal, Parliamentary, Presidential, Electoral Systems, Party Systems |
| CC 6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core Course | 6 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Evolution of Public Administration, Approaches: Scientific Management, Human Relations, Rational Choice, Principles of Organization, Bureaucracy, Public Policy |
| CC 7 | Perspectives on International Relations | Core Course | 6 | Understanding International Relations, Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Feminism, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Globalization |
| GE 3 | Generic Elective - III (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| SEC 1.1 | Conflict and Peace Building (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Conflict, Causes and Types of Conflict, Conflict Resolution Strategies, Peacebuilding Approaches, Case Studies in Conflict and Peace |
| SEC 1.2 | Research Methodology (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Meaning and Objectives of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| SEC 1.3 | Legislative Practices and Procedures (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Parliament and State Legislature, Legislative Process: Bill to Act, Parliamentary Committees, Budget Process, Debates and Discussions |
| SEC 1.4 | Public Opinion and Survey Research (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Public Opinion, Methods of Measuring Public Opinion, Survey Research Design, Sampling and Questionnaire Design, Data Analysis in Survey Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 8 | Political Process and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core Course | 6 | Constitutional Development, Legislatures, Executives, Judiciaries, Party Systems, Federalism and Decentralization, Comparative Case Studies (e.g., UK, USA, China, Brazil, South Africa) |
| CC 9 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core Course | 6 | Concept of Public Policy, Policy Cycle, Public Administration in India: Colonial Legacy, Bureaucracy, Planning and Development Administration, Local Self-Government, Public Service Delivery |
| CC 10 | Global Politics | Core Course | 6 | Globalization and its Impact, Global Actors: UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank, Human Rights, International Terrorism, Environment and Global Commons |
| GE 4 | Generic Elective - IV (from other discipline) | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| SEC 2.1 | Conflict and Peace Building (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Conflict, Causes and Types of Conflict, Conflict Resolution Strategies, Peacebuilding Approaches, Case Studies in Conflict and Peace |
| SEC 2.2 | Research Methodology (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Meaning and Objectives of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| SEC 2.3 | Legislative Practices and Procedures (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Parliament and State Legislature, Legislative Process: Bill to Act, Parliamentary Committees, Budget Process, Debates and Discussions |
| SEC 2.4 | Public Opinion and Survey Research (Skill Enhancement Course Option) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Public Opinion, Methods of Measuring Public Opinion, Survey Research Design, Sampling and Questionnaire Design, Data Analysis in Survey Research |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 11 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core Course | 6 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: Citizenship, Constitution, Revolution, Machiavelli: Human Nature, Statecraft, Hobbes: State of Nature, Social Contract, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Social Contract |
| CC 12 | Indian Political Thought-I | Core Course | 6 | Brahmanic Tradition: Dharmashastra, Arthashastra, Kautilya: State, Rajamandala, Agganna Sutta, Barani, Abul Fazal, Kabir, Rammohan Roy, Pandita Ramabai |
| DSE A.1 | Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective (Discipline Specific Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theories of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Comparative Case Studies of Human Rights |
| DSE A.2 | India''''s Foreign Policy (Discipline Specific Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Determinants and Evolution of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement, India and P5 Countries, Look East/Act East Policy, India and SAARC, India''''s Nuclear Policy |
| DSE A.3 | Public Policy in India (Discipline Specific Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Public Policy Theories, Policy Making Process in India, Policy Implementation, Policy Evaluation, Case Studies of Indian Policies (Education, Health, Environment) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC 13 | Modern Indian Political Thought-II | Core Course | 6 | Gandhi: Swaraj, Satyagraha, Ambedkar: Caste, Annihilation of Caste, Savarkar: Hindutva, Nehru: Secularism, Democracy, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Jayaprakash Narayan: Total Revolution |
| CC 14 | Modern Political Philosophy | Core Course | 6 | Hegel: State, Dialectics, Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Mary Wollstonecraft: Rights of Women, John Rawls: Theory of Justice |
| DSE B.1 | Citizenship in a Globalizing World (Discipline Specific Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept of Citizenship, Types of Citizenship, Citizenship in India, Globalization and its Impact on Citizenship, Challenges to Citizenship in the 21st Century |
| DSE B.2 | Development Process and Social Movements in Contemporary India (Discipline Specific Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept and Models of Development, Development Experience in India, Social Movements: Peasant, Environmental, Women''''s Movements, Dalit Movements, Globalization and Development |
| DSE B.3 | Feminism Theory and Practice (Discipline Specific Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Understanding Patriarchy, Waves of Feminism, Liberal, Radical, Socialist Feminism, Ecofeminism, Feminism in India |
