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MA in Political Science at Banshi Chand Degree College
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Banshi Chand Degree College Gorakhpur?
This MA Political Science program at Banshi Chand Degree College, affiliated with DDUGU, offers a comprehensive exploration of political theories, systems, and governance with a strong emphasis on Indian context. It delves into global political dynamics, public administration, and socio-political issues, preparing students for analytical and policy-oriented roles. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with critical thinking and research skills relevant to diverse professional fields in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in social sciences or humanities, particularly Political Science, who aspire for careers in civil services (UPSC/state PSCs), journalism, public policy, research, or teaching. It also benefits working professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of governance and public affairs, and career changers looking to transition into roles requiring strong analytical and ethical foundations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as civil servants, policy analysts in government and think tanks, journalists, diplomats, or educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 10-15+ LPA for experienced professionals in policy research or senior administrative roles. The strong theoretical foundation also aids in preparing for NET/JRF and PhD programs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Theories and Indian Polity- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to deeply understand foundational Western and Indian political thoughts. Create concept maps, engage in group discussions with peers, and regularly test your comprehension. This stage is crucial for building a strong base for advanced topics and competitive exams like UPSC.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, M.P. Singh, D.D. Basu), Online lecture series (e.g., NPTEL, Swayam), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical grounding is indispensable for analytical roles in civil services, policy analysis, and academic research.
Develop Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing analytical essays, critical reviews, and short research papers. Pay attention to academic integrity, citation styles (e.g., APA/MLA), and structuring arguments. Participate in college-level essay competitions to refine your skills and receive feedback.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Zotero (for referencing), University library resources, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Strong writing skills are vital for report generation, policy briefs, and successful PhD applications or academic careers.
Engage Actively in Current Affairs and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and reputable political magazines. Participate in debates and discussions on contemporary political issues within and outside the classroom. This builds awareness and sharpens your critical perspective on real-world political dynamics.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu/Indian Express e-papers, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV debates, Discussion forums
Career Connection
Essential for civil services (General Studies, Essay), journalism, policy advocacy, and staying informed for any professional role.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Research Projects and Case Studies- (Semester 3)
Apply research methodology concepts by conducting small-scale research projects or detailed case studies on local political phenomena or public administration issues. Focus on data collection, analysis, and presenting findings. This can be done individually or in small groups.
Tools & Resources
Local government reports, NSS data, Interview guides, Basic statistical software (e.g., Excel, SPSS for beginners)
Career Connection
Develops practical research skills highly valued by NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions for policy-oriented roles.
Pursue Internships with NGOs or Government Bodies- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks))
Seek out internships with local NGOs, political organizations, research institutions, or government departments. Even short-term internships provide invaluable exposure to the practical application of political science and help in building professional networks.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, College placement cell guidance, Networking with faculty
Career Connection
Gains practical experience, builds a professional network, and strengthens resumes for future job applications and placements.
Develop Elective-Specific Skills and Knowledge- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives strategically based on your career interests. If aiming for civil services, focus on those relevant to optional papers. For policy, delve into public administration or development studies. Deepen knowledge through advanced readings and specialized online courses.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC syllabi, Online certification courses (Coursera, edX) in specific areas, Specialized journals
Career Connection
Tailors your academic profile to specific career paths, making you a more competitive candidate in specialized domains.
Advanced Stage
Prepare Rigorously for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
If civil services are a goal, begin focused preparation for UPSC or State PSC exams. This includes extensive mock tests, answer writing practice, and revision of all relevant subjects. Join relevant coaching modules or study circles if feasible.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC previous year papers, Standard reference books for General Studies and optional subjects, Online test series
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for highly sought-after government and administrative roles in India.
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 4)
Treat your final research project or dissertation as a capstone experience. Choose a topic aligned with your career aspirations. Strive for original research, robust methodology, and clear articulation of findings. Present your work confidently in college seminars.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Statistical tools (if applicable), Presentation software (PowerPoint/Canva)
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research and analytical capabilities, highly valued by research organizations, think tanks, and for higher education pursuits.
Build a Professional Network and Personal Brand- (Semester 4)
Attend university seminars, workshops, and guest lectures. Connect with faculty, alumni, and professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn. Develop a professional resume and prepare for interviews, practicing communication skills and subject knowledge application.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, Resume building workshops, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Enhances visibility, opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and facilitates career growth and placement success.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any stream (preferably B.A. with Political Science) from a recognized university.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.Sc. 101 | Modern Western Political Thought | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Liberalism: From Locke to Mill, Socialism: Utopian, Scientific, Guild, Idealism: Rousseau and Hegel, Marxism: Marx, Lenin, Gramsci, Post-Modernism and Critical Theory |
| P.Sc. 102 | Indian Political Thought | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought: Manu, Kautilya, Medieval Indian Thought: Barani, Abul Fazal, Modern Indian Thought: Ram Mohan Roy, Vivekananda, Gandhi: Swaraj, Satyagraha, Sarvodaya, Ambedkar: Social Justice, Annihilation of Caste, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism |
| P.Sc. 103 | Theories and Concepts of International Relations | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Realism and Neorealism, Liberalism and Neoliberalism, Marxist and Critical Theories, Constructivism and Post-Structuralism, Concepts: Power, Security, Sovereignty, Globalisation |
| P.Sc. 104 | Public Administration: Theory and Practice | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Evolution of Public Administration, Classical Theories: Taylor, Weber, Gulick, Urwick, Human Relations & Behavioural Approaches, Public Policy: Formulation and Implementation, Financial Administration: Budget, Auditing, Good Governance, E-Governance |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.Sc. 105 | Contemporary Political Theory | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Liberalism: Rawls, Nozick, Communitarianism: MacIntyre, Walzer, Multiculturalism: Kymlicka, Parekh, Feminism: Liberal, Radical, Socialist, Post-Colonialism, Environmentalism |
| P.Sc. 106 | Comparative Political Analysis | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Systems: Authoritarian, Democratic, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems and Party Systems, Political Parties and Interest Groups |
| P.Sc. 107 | India''''s Foreign Policy | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and its relevance, India and Major Powers: USA, Russia, China, India and Neighbouring Countries (SAARC), India''''s Nuclear Policy, Economic Diplomacy |
| P.Sc. 108 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India: Constitutional Framework, Social Justice: Theories and Practices, Rights of Vulnerable Groups: Women, Children, Minorities, Role of National Human Rights Institutions and NGOs |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.Sc. 201 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Scientific Method in Social Sciences, Research Design and Types of Research, Data Collection: Primary and Secondary Sources, Quantitative Methods: Sampling, Survey, Qualitative Methods: Case Study, Interview, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Ethics |
| P.Sc. 202 | State Politics in India | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Federalism in India: Theory and Practice, Regionalism and Separatist Movements, Political Economy of Indian States, Electoral Politics and Party System at State Level, Role of Chief Ministers and Governors, Coalition Politics and Regional Parties |
| P.Sc. 203A | Discipline Specific Elective: Political Sociology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | State and Society, Power and Authority, Political Culture and Political Socialization, Elites and Masses, Political Participation, Political Economy: State, Market, Society, Class, Caste, Gender in Politics, Social Movements |
| P.Sc. 203B | Discipline Specific Elective: Local Self Government in India | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Evolution of Local Self Government in India, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Rural Local Self Government (Panchayati Raj), Urban Local Self Government (Municipalities), Finance and Administration of Local Bodies, Challenges and Reforms |
| P.Sc. 203C | Discipline Specific Elective: Major Political Systems (UK & USA) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | UK Constitution: Monarchy, Parliament, Cabinet, UK Political Parties and Electoral System, USA Constitution: Federalism, Separation of Powers, USA Presidency, Congress, Judiciary, USA Political Parties and Interest Groups, Comparison of UK and USA Systems |
| P.Sc. 204A | Discipline Specific Elective: Development Administration | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Concept and Theories of Development, Approaches to Development Administration, Bureaucracy and Development, Planning and Development Agencies, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Rural and Urban Development Programs |
| P.Sc. 204B | Discipline Specific Elective: International Law | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, States and Recognition, Jurisdiction, Territory, Law of the Sea, International Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law, International Courts and Tribunals |
| P.Sc. 204C | Discipline Specific Elective: Security Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Concepts of Security: Traditional and Non-Traditional, National Security Doctrine, Disarmament, Arms Control, Non-Proliferation, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, Energy Security, Environmental Security, Human Security |
| P.Sc. 205-1 | Skill Enhancement Course: Human Rights and Duties | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Constitution, Child Rights, Women''''s Rights, Minority Rights, Duties of a Citizen, Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection |
| P.Sc. 205-2 | Skill Enhancement Course: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Principles of Effective Public Speaking, Structuring a Speech, Audience Analysis, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Presentation Tools and Techniques, Overcoming Stage Fright, Debate and Group Discussion Skills |
| P.Sc. 205-3 | Skill Enhancement Course: Data Analysis for Political Science | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Introduction to Data and Statistics, Types of Data and Measurement Scales, Descriptive Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Introduction to Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS/R basics), Hypothesis Testing: T-test, Chi-square, Basic Regression Analysis |
| P.Sc. 206-1 | Vocational Course: Conflict Resolution and Peace Building | Vocational Course (VC) | 2 | Nature and Causes of Conflict, Conflict Analysis and Mapping, Negotiation and Mediation Techniques, Peacekeeping and Peacemaking, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Role of International Organizations |
| P.Sc. 206-2 | Vocational Course: Electoral Process in India | Vocational Course (VC) | 2 | Evolution of Electoral System in India, Role of Election Commission of India, Voter Registration and Awareness, Election Campaigns and Media, Electoral Reforms, Money and Muscle Power in Elections |
| P.Sc. 206-3 | Vocational Course: Journalism and Media in Politics | Vocational Course (VC) | 2 | Role of Media in Democracy, Types of Media: Print, Electronic, Digital, Media Ethics and Regulations, Media Influence on Public Opinion, Political Reporting and Analysis, Social Media and Political Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P.Sc. 207 | Globalisation and Governance | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Concept and Dimensions of Globalization, Theories of Global Governance, Role of International Organizations (UN, WTO, IMF), Transnational Actors and Civil Society, Global Challenges: Climate Change, Pandemics, Multilateralism and Regionalism |
| P.Sc. 208 | Theories of Political Economy | Core Course (CC) | 4 | Classical Political Economy: Smith, Ricardo, Marxist Political Economy, Keynesianism and Welfare State, Neoliberalism and Structural Adjustment, Dependency Theory, World Systems Theory, Global Capitalism and its Challenges |
| P.Sc. 209A | Discipline Specific Elective: Gender and Politics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Patriarchy and Gendered Power Structures, Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Socialist, Post-Modern, Gender and Political Participation, Women in Indian Politics and Decision Making, Gender Justice and Policy Interventions, Gender Budgeting and Affirmative Action |
| P.Sc. 209B | Discipline Specific Elective: Environment and Politics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Environmental Political Theory, Environmental Movements in India, Environmental Governance: Policies and Institutions, Climate Change Politics and Global Negotiations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental Justice |
| P.Sc. 209C | Discipline Specific Elective: Urban Politics and Governance | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Theories of Urbanization and Urban Politics, Urban Governance Structures in India, Smart Cities Mission and Urban Development Schemes, Urban Planning and Challenges, Role of Civil Society in Urban Governance, Urban Poverty and Inequality |
| P.Sc. 210A | Discipline Specific Elective: Indian Administration | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Constitutional Framework of Indian Administration, Central Administration: Ministries, Departments, State Administration: Chief Secretary, Secretariat, District Administration: Role of Collector, Public Sector Undertakings and Regulatory Bodies, Civil Services in India: Recruitment, Training, Reforms |
| P.Sc. 210B | Discipline Specific Elective: Democracy and Development in India | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Relationship between Democracy and Development, Development Models in India: Planning and Liberalization, Challenges to Democracy: Poverty, Inequality, Corruption, Role of State, Market, and Civil Society, Inclusive Growth and Social Exclusion, Decentralization and Participatory Development |
| P.Sc. 210C | Discipline Specific Elective: Diaspora and International Relations | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Concept and Typologies of Diaspora, Indian Diaspora: Historical and Contemporary Trends, Diaspora''''s Role in Homeland Development, Diaspora and Foreign Policy, Transnationalism and Identity, Challenges and Opportunities for Diasporic Communities |
| P.Sc. 211 | Research Project / Field Project | Project | 6 | Formulation of Research Question and Objectives, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology: Data Collection and Analysis Plan, Ethical Considerations in Research, Report Writing and Presentation Skills, Application of Political Science Concepts |
