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B-A-HONOURS in Political Science at Calcutta Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Calcutta Girls' College Kolkata?
This B.A. (Honours) Political Science program at Calcutta Girls'''' College focuses on foundational theories, governmental structures, public administration, international relations, and Indian political dynamics. It delves into the historical evolution of political thought and contemporary global challenges, equipping students with critical analytical skills relevant to governance, policy-making, and social change in India. The curriculum''''s breadth prepares graduates for diverse roles in India''''s complex socio-political landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in understanding the mechanisms of power, governance, and social justice. It particularly suits those aspiring to careers in civil services, journalism, law, teaching, or social work in India. Students with a strong aptitude for critical thinking, research, and debate, who wish to contribute to public discourse and policy development, will find this specialization highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various India-specific career paths, including civil services (UPSC/SSC), political journalism, policy analysis, advocacy, and teaching. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth for experienced professionals, especially in government and policy roles. The program fosters analytical rigor, enabling progression into advanced studies like M.A., LLB, or journalism, aligning with professional growth in Indian institutions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Foundational Political Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time weekly to thoroughly understand core political theories, concepts like liberty, equality, and justice, and the basics of India''''s constitutional framework. Use flashcards, concept mapping, and group discussions to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
Key textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, Andrew Heywood), Online lectures (e.g., NPTEL, Swayam courses), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for advanced analytical roles in policy research.
Developing Critical Reading & Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with assigned readings, identifying main arguments and evidence. Practice analytical essay writing regularly, focusing on clear argumentation, evidence-based reasoning, and concise expression. Seek feedback from professors.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic writing guides, Faculty office hours, Online platforms like Grammarly
Career Connection
Essential for academic success, research papers, civil service exams, journalism, and policy brief writing.
Engaging in Current Affairs Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read leading Indian newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and reputable news magazines. Connect current events to theoretical concepts learned in class, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world political dynamics in India.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers and news portals, PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha TV/Rajya Sabha TV
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil services, political commentary, journalism, and informed citizenship.
Intermediate Stage
Building Research & Data Interpretation Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in departmental seminars and workshops on research methodologies. Learn to collect, analyze, and interpret socio-political data using basic statistical tools or qualitative analysis techniques.
Tools & Resources
NSSO reports, PRS India data, Basic Excel, Google Scholar, University databases, Guidance from research faculty
Career Connection
Crucial for policy analysis, academic research, and roles in think tanks or NGOs.
Exploring Electives Strategically- (Semester 3-4)
Choose Generic Electives (GE) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) that complement your Political Science Honours, broadening your perspective (e.g., Economics, History, Sociology) or developing practical skills (e.g., Public Opinion & Survey Research, Legislative Procedures).
Tools & Resources
Academic counselors, Senior students, University course catalogs, Career guidance workshops
Career Connection
Enhances interdisciplinary knowledge, making you a more versatile candidate for various roles in Indian public and private sectors.
Participating in Academic Debates & Presentations- (Semester 3-5)
Join college debate clubs, participate in mock parliaments, and actively contribute to classroom discussions and presentations. This hones public speaking, persuasive argumentation, and confidence.
Tools & Resources
College debate societies, Model UN clubs, Inter-collegiate competitions
Career Connection
Develops communication and leadership skills vital for civil services interviews, media roles, and advocacy.
Advanced Stage
Internship with a Policy/Advocacy Group- (Semester 6 (or during semester breaks))
Seek internships with Indian NGOs, think tanks, political consulting firms, or local government bodies. This provides invaluable hands-on experience in policy formulation, grassroots advocacy, or political campaign management.
Tools & Resources
University career cell, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), Direct applications to organizations like PRS India, Centre for Policy Research
Career Connection
Directly translates into practical experience, expands professional networks, and significantly boosts placement prospects in India''''s public policy and social sector.
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
If aiming for UPSC CSE or State PSCs, begin focused preparation by solving previous year papers, joining study circles, and covering the vast syllabus comprehensively. For other career paths, build a strong portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series, Relevant study materials, UPSC/SSC websites, Mentorship from alumni who cleared exams
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for highly sought-after government positions in India, offering stable and impactful careers.
Crafting a Professional Portfolio & Networking- (Semester 6)
Compile all academic projects, research papers, internship reports, and certificates into a professional portfolio. Attend seminars, conferences, and alumni meets to network with professionals in your target fields (e.g., public administration, journalism, law).
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Professional resume builders, University alumni association, Industry events
Career Connection
Essential for showcasing capabilities to potential employers and building a supportive professional network for job referrals and career guidance within India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 50% marks in aggregate with 45% marks in Political Science or any related subject (Sociology/History/Economics) at the H.S. or equivalent examination; OR 55% marks in Political Science in the H.S. or equivalent examination. (Source: Calcutta Girls'''' College Admission)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLA CC 1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 6 | What is Politics & Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Concepts: Rights, Democracy, Major Political Ideologies |
| POLA CC 2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 6 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Philosophy of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Union Legislature & Executive, Union Judiciary & Federalism |
| GE 1 | Generic Elective 1 (Choice from University options) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline |
| AECC 1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of EVS, Natural Resources & Ecosystems, Biodiversity & Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Human Population & Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLA CC 3 | Political Theory - Concepts and Debates | Core | 6 | State: Classical and Modern Views, Power: Meaning and Approaches, Citizenship: Meaning and Debates, Civil Society: Concept and Role, Sovereignty and Modernity |
| POLA CC 4 | Political Process in India | Core | 6 | Parties & Party System in India, Elections & Electoral Reforms, Regionalism & Caste in Politics, Religion & Politics, Social Movements |
| GE 2 | Generic Elective 2 (Choice from University options) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline |
| AECC 2 | English/Modern Indian Language Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening & Speaking Skills, Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLA CC 5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 6 | Introduction to Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, The State in Comparative Perspective, Regimes: Democratic and Authoritarian, Electoral Systems: FPTP, PR |
| POLA CC 6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 6 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Classical Approach (Weber, Taylor, Fayol), Human Relations Approach (Mayo), Rational Choice Approach, Public Policy: Meaning, Relevance, Stages |
| POLA CC 7 | Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Core | 6 | Understanding International Relations, Theories of International Relations, Cold War & Post-Cold War Era, Globalization, Major events in World History since 1945 |
| SEC A1/A2 (Example) | Legislative Practices and Procedures | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Parliament & State Legislatures, Legislative Process, Committee System, Budget Process, Role of Presiding Officers |
| GE 3 | Generic Elective 3 (Choice from University options) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLA CC 8 | Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core | 6 | Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Legislatures: Functions and Types, Executives: Presidential and Parliamentary, Judiciaries: Judicial Review, Activism, Party Systems & Federalism |
| POLA CC 9 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 6 | Public Policy: Nature, Types, Models, Public Administration in India, Local Governance: Panchayati Raj, ULBs, E-Governance, Good Governance |
| POLA CC 10 | Global Politics | Core | 6 | Global Actors: States, MNCs, NGOs, Global Conflicts and Peace, Global Economy: Bretton Woods, WTO, Global Environment: Climate Change, Human Rights |
| SEC B1/B2 (Example) | Understanding Gandhi | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Gandhi''''s Life and Ideas, Swaraj and Satyagraha, Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Sarvodaya, Trusteeship |
| GE 4 | Generic Elective 4 (Choice from University options) | Generic Elective | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen discipline |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLA CC 11 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: Polity, Citizenship, Machiavelli: Prince, Statecraft, Hobbes: Social Contract Theory, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty |
| POLA CC 12 | Indian Political Thought-I | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Dharma, Danda), Kautilya: Arthashastra, Barani: Fatawa-i-Jahandari, Abul Fazal: Ain-i-Akbari, Kabir, Rammohan Roy |
| DSE A1/A2 (Example) | Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Human Rights Regimes, Human Rights in India, Challenges to Human Rights |
| DSE B1/B2 (Example) | Understanding South Asia | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Geo-Political Importance of South Asia, Colonial Legacy in South Asia, Nation Building in South Asian Countries, Conflicts and Cooperation in South Asia, SAARC: Origin, Structure, Challenges |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLA CC 13 | Modern Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Hegel: State, Freedom, Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Gramsci: Hegemony, Hannah Arendt: Totalitarianism, John Rawls: Justice as Fairness |
| POLA CC 14 | Indian Political Thought-II | Core | 6 | Vidyasagar, Jyotiba Phule, Gandhi: Hind Swaraj, Ambedkar: Caste, Annihilation of Caste, Savarkar: Hindutva, Nehru: Secularism, Socialism |
| DSE C1/C2 (Example) | India’s Foreign Policy | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, India''''s Relations with Major Powers (US, Russia, China), India and its Neighbors, India and International Institutions (UN, BRICS), Contemporary Foreign Policy Challenges |
| DSE D1/D2 (Example) | State Politics in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature of State Politics, Regional Parties in India, Inter-State Relations, Local Self-Government, Centre-State Relations, Political Economy of States |
