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B-A in Political Science at Bellari Rudrappa Education Trust's Arts , Commerce and Science College
Haveri, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Bellari Rudrappa Education Trust's Arts , Commerce and Science College Haveri?
This Political Science program at Ballary Rudrappa Education Trusts Arts, Commerce and Science College, Motebennur, focuses on understanding governance, public policy, and global affairs. In the Indian context, it provides a crucial foundation for civil services, public administration, and advocacy roles. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of political systems, both domestic and international, preparing students for dynamic career paths.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into civil services, journalism, or policy analysis. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill for roles in NGOs, public relations, or political consulting. Career changers transitioning into public service or advocacy will find the curriculum beneficial, requiring strong analytical and communication skills, often with a humanities background.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including administrative services, journalism, policy research, and international relations. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to 8-15 LPA in government or leading NGOs. Growth trajectories include becoming policy analysts, civil servants, diplomats, or political strategists, often aligning with certifications in public administration or legal studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Engage with Current Affairs Daily- (Ongoing from Semester 1)
Develop a habit of reading national newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and reputable online news portals. Focus on understanding political events, government policies, and international relations.
Tools & Resources
Newspaper subscriptions, PRS Legislative Research, All India Radio news
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams like UPSC, KPSC, and for informed participation in policy discussions and journalism.
Master Core Political Concepts- (Focus throughout Semesters 1 and 2)
Build a strong theoretical foundation by thoroughly understanding concepts like democracy, justice, liberty, and the state. Participate in classroom discussions, read supplementary texts, and create concept maps.
Tools & Resources
Standard Political Science textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, R.C. Agarwal), online lectures (e.g., NPTEL), peer study groups
Career Connection
Crucial for analytical roles in policy research, academic pursuits, and articulating arguments in public service.
Develop Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Integrate into all assignments from Semester 1)
Practice structured essay writing, critical analysis, and proper citation methods. Take initiative in writing research papers for internal assessments.
Tools & Resources
Grammatical tools (Grammarly), citation managers (Mendeley, Zotero), college library resources, academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Fundamental for all professional roles requiring report writing, policy briefs, and effective communication, including civil services.
Intermediate Stage
Internship/Volunteer in Local Governance/NGOs- (Summer breaks after Semesters 2 and 3)
Seek out internships with local Panchayat Raj institutions, municipal bodies, political campaigns, or NGOs working on social justice issues. Gain firsthand experience in policy implementation and community engagement.
Tools & Resources
College career services, local government websites, NGO portals (e.g., NASSCOM Foundation)
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, builds network, and enhances resume for roles in public administration, social work, and advocacy.
Participate in Debates and Model United Nations (MUNs)- (Throughout Semesters 3 and 4)
Actively join college debate societies, extempore competitions, and MUNs. This hones public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills, especially beneficial for understanding international relations.
Tools & Resources
College cultural/literary clubs, MUN conferences, online resources for debate formats
Career Connection
Develops leadership, communication, and diplomatic skills vital for civil services, diplomacy, and corporate communication.
Specialize in a Policy Area- (Begin identifying in Semester 3, deepen in Semester 4)
Identify a specific policy domain (e.g., education policy, environmental governance, rural development) that interests you. Read extensively, attend webinars, and write short analytical pieces on current policy issues.
Tools & Resources
Think tank reports (e.g., NITI Aayog, ORF), policy analysis journals, government ministry websites
Career Connection
Creates a niche expertise, valuable for policy research, advocacy, and specialized roles in government or consulting.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Civil Services Exam Preparation- (Begin structured prep from Semester 5)
Enroll in coaching classes or form dedicated study groups for UPSC/KPSC exams. Focus on GS papers, optional subject (Political Science), and essay writing practice.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes, online platforms (Unacademy, Vajiram & Ravi), previous year''''s question papers, standard reference books
Career Connection
Directly targets high-demand administrative and public service roles in India.
Undertake a Research Project/Dissertation- (Throughout Semesters 5 and 6)
Work on a substantial research project or dissertation under faculty guidance. This involves defining a research question, data collection (surveys, interviews), analysis, and report writing.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisors, statistical software (SPSS, R - if applicable), library databases, field visit resources
Career Connection
Essential for academic careers, think tanks, policy research organizations, and demonstrating analytical capabilities to employers.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Continuous, but intensifies in Semesters 5 and 6)
Actively connect with college alumni working in relevant fields through alumni meets, LinkedIn, or mentorship programs. Attend career fairs and guest lectures to gain insights and explore opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, college alumni network, professional conferences, career counseling cell
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job referrals, and mentorship, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (Pre-University Course or equivalent) from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 132 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-DSC-1 | Political Science - I: Introduction to Political Science | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, Major Approaches to Political Science, The State and Sovereignty, Concepts: Law, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, Democracy and Forms of Government, Constitutions and Constitutionalism |
| AECC-1 | Indian Constitution | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Governments, Judiciary and Electoral System |
| AECC-2 | English Language | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Vocabulary, Basic Writing Skills, Introduction to Communication, Literary Appreciation |
| AECC-3 | Modern Indian Language (Kannada/Hindi) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language proficiency, Grammar and Syntax, Composition and Translation, Cultural and Literary Texts, Communication Skills |
| VAC-1 | Digital Fluency | Vocational Course | 2 | Fundamentals of Computers, Operating Systems and Software, Internet and Web Technologies, Cybersecurity Basics, Digital Tools for Productivity |
| OE-1 | Open Elective - 1 | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary subject selected by student |
| DSC-M-1 | Discipline Specific Core - Minor 1 (Placeholder for other major/minor discipline) | Discipline Specific Core (Minor) | 4 | Subject from another discipline (e.g., History, Sociology, Economics) as per KUD NEP structure |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-DSC-2 | Political Science - II: Political Theory | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Nature and Significance of Political Theory, Key Ideologies: Liberalism, Socialism, Marxism, Modern Ideologies: Feminism, Environmentalism, Concepts of Rights and Justice, Gandhism and Sarvodaya, Human Rights and Global Justice |
| AECC-4 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Control, Climate Change and Global Warming, Conservation of Natural Resources, Environmental Ethics and Policies |
| AECC-5 | English Language | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Advanced Reading Comprehension, Paragraph and Essay Writing, Formal Communication, Literary Analysis, Vocabulary Building |
| AECC-6 | Modern Indian Language (Kannada/Hindi) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Advanced grammar and usage, Literary forms and genres, Creative writing, Translation techniques, Public speaking |
| VAC-2 | Media and Communication Skills | Vocational Course | 2 | Introduction to Mass Media, Types of Communication, News Reporting and Editing, Public Speaking Techniques, Digital Media Ethics |
| SEC-1 | Public Opinion and Survey Research | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Meaning and Importance of Public Opinion, Methods of Measuring Public Opinion, Survey Design and Sampling, Data Collection Techniques, Analysis and Interpretation of Survey Data |
| DSC-M-2 | Discipline Specific Core - Minor 2 (Placeholder for other major/minor discipline) | Discipline Specific Core (Minor) | 4 | Subject from another discipline (e.g., History, Sociology, Economics) as per KUD NEP structure |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-DSC-3 | Political Science - III: Indian Government and Politics | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Constitutional Development of India, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Indian Parliament and Judiciary, Federalism, State Government, Panchayati Raj |
| AECC-7 | Scientific Temperament and Research | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Developing Scientific Temper, Basics of Research Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| AECC-8 | English Language (Advanced) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Critical Reading and Analysis, Academic Essay Writing, Presentation Skills, Debate and Discussion Techniques, Professional Communication |
| AECC-9 | Modern Indian Language (Kannada/Hindi) (Advanced) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Literary criticism, Advanced composition, Creative writing for various genres, Interpreting classical texts, Language and culture |
| VAC-3 | Entrepreneurship Skills | Vocational Course | 2 | Concept of Entrepreneurship, Business Idea Generation, Market Analysis and Feasibility, Business Plan Development, Funding and Marketing Basics |
| SEC-2 | Legislative Practices and Procedures | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Structure of Indian Parliament and State Legislatures, Law-Making Process, Role of Committees, Parliamentary Devices and Debates, Budgetary Process |
| OE-2 | Open Elective - 2 | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary subject selected by student |
| DSC-M-3 | Discipline Specific Core - Minor 3 (Placeholder for other major/minor discipline) | Discipline Specific Core (Minor) | 4 | Subject from another discipline (e.g., History, Sociology, Economics) as per KUD NEP structure |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-DSC-4 | Political Science - IV: International Relations | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Theories and Approaches to International Relations, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Disarmament and Arms Control, International Organizations (UN, WTO, SAARC, ASEAN), Global Issues: Terrorism, Environment, Human Rights, India''''s Foreign Policy |
| AECC-10 | Health and Wellness | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Concepts of Health and Disease, Nutrition and Balanced Diet, Physical Fitness and Yoga, Mental Health and Stress Management, Preventive Healthcare and Hygiene |
| AECC-11 | English Language (Professional Communication) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interview Skills, Group Discussion Techniques, Email and Report Writing, Business Etiquette |
| AECC-12 | Modern Indian Language (Kannada/Hindi) (Professional Communication) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Official correspondence, Translation for professional use, Technical writing in MIL, Intercultural communication, Media and journalism in MIL |
| VAC-4 | Personality Development and Soft Skills | Vocational Course | 2 | Self-awareness and Self-management, Interpersonal Skills, Teamwork and Collaboration, Time Management and Goal Setting, Leadership Qualities |
| SEC-3 | Conflict Resolution and Peace Building | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Nature of Conflict, Types of Conflicts, Conflict Resolution Strategies, Negotiation and Mediation, Role of NGOs in Peace Building |
| OE-3 | Open Elective - 3 | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary subject selected by student |
| DSC-M-4 | Discipline Specific Core - Minor 4 (Placeholder for other major/minor discipline) | Discipline Specific Core (Minor) | 4 | Subject from another discipline (e.g., History, Sociology, Economics) as per KUD NEP structure |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-DSC-5 | Political Science - V: Public Administration | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Meaning, Scope, and Significance of Public Administration, Public vs Private Administration, Theories of Organization, Bureaucracy, Leadership, Decision Making, Communication, Personnel and Financial Administration, Accountability and Control |
| PS-DSE-1 | Western Political Thought | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Plato''''s Ideal State and Justice, Aristotle''''s Classification of States, Machiavelli''''s Prince, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau''''s Social Contract, J.S. Mill on Liberty, Hegel and Marx on State and Revolution |
| PS-DSE-2 | Modern Political Analysis | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Behavioralism and Post-Behavioralism, Systems Approach, Structural-Functionalism, Political Culture and Socialization, Political Participation and Elites, Political Development and Modernization |
| SEC-4 | Introduction to Human Rights | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Role of NHRC and State HR Commissions |
| PROJ-1 | Project Work - I (Minor Research Project) | Project | 4 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection (Primary/Secondary), Preliminary Report Writing |
| OE-4 | Open Elective - 4 | Open Elective | 4 | Interdisciplinary subject selected by student |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-DSC-6 | Political Science - VI: Comparative Politics | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutionalism and Federalism, Electoral Systems, Political Parties, Pressure Groups, Comparative Study of Constitutions (e.g., UK, USA, China), Challenges to Nation-States |
| PS-DSE-3 | Human Rights and International Law | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept of International Law, Sources of International Law, Human Rights in International Law, International Criminal Court, Humanitarian Intervention, Role of UN in Human Rights Protection |
| PS-DSE-4 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Foundations of Social Science Research, Formulating Research Questions and Hypotheses, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection Techniques (Quantitative/Qualitative), Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| SEC-5 | Electoral Process in India | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Election Commission of India, Electoral System and Reforms, Role of Political Parties and Candidates, Media and Elections, Election Finance and Campaigning |
| PROJ-2 | Project Work - II (Major Research Project/Dissertation) | Project | 4 | Advanced Research Design, Extensive Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing and Referencing, Critical Evaluation of Findings, Thesis/Dissertation Submission |
| OE-5 | Open Elective - 5 | Open Elective | 4 | Interdisciplinary subject selected by student |
