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M-A in Political Science at DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA MAHAVIDYALAYA, JURIA (JALIHAPUR)
Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA MAHAVIDYALAYA, JURIA (JALIHAPUR) Kanpur Dehat?
This M.A. Political Science program at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with CSJM University, offers a comprehensive study of political systems, theories, and practices. It delves into Indian political dynamics, international relations, public administration, and human rights, addressing contemporary challenges relevant to India''''s democratic landscape. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills for understanding governance and policy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s degree holders, particularly those with a background in Political Science, seeking a deeper understanding of political thought, governance, and public affairs. It also suits aspiring civil servants, policy analysts, researchers, and educators who wish to contribute to the Indian public sector and academic institutions, enhancing their analytical and conceptual foundations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in government services (UPSC, state PSCs), think tanks, NGOs, media, and academia within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters advanced research skills, critical thinking, and a nuanced perspective on socio-political issues, crucial for leadership roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Theories and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on foundational texts in Western and Indian Political Thought. Understand key concepts like state, power, justice, and governance through critical reading and class discussions. Participate in study groups to dissect complex theories.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, Andrew Heywood), Online philosophy encyclopedias, Peer study groups, University library resources
Career Connection
Strong theoretical foundations are crucial for competitive exams (UPSC/State PSCs), academic research, and policy analysis roles, providing a robust framework for understanding current affairs.
Develop Analytical Reading and Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice dissecting academic articles and policy documents. Regularly write argumentative essays on political topics, focusing on clear structure, evidence-based reasoning, and critical evaluation. Seek feedback from professors on assignments.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Research paper databases, University writing center (if available), Feedback from faculty
Career Connection
Essential for any role requiring research, reporting, or communication, including journalism, policy advocacy, civil services, and academic writing.
Engage in Current Affairs and Minor Research- (Semester 1-2)
Stay updated on national and international political developments by regularly reading newspapers and reputable news analysis platforms. Apply nascent research skills to practical minor projects, such as short field studies or seminar papers, focusing on data collection and basic reporting.
Tools & Resources
Major Indian newspapers, Reputable news websites, Academic databases, Basic survey tools (Google Forms), Faculty guidance on minor projects
Career Connection
This builds contextual knowledge and initial research acumen, vital for civil services interviews, policy analysis, and preparing for more extensive research later.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization and Research Methodology- (Semester 3)
Engage intensively with discipline-specific electives chosen in Semester 3. Simultaneously, apply the principles of research methodology to prepare for the major research project, focusing on developing a strong research question, literature review, and study design.
Tools & Resources
Specialized books and journals for chosen electives, Advanced research methodology texts, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., for SPSS, R if applicable), University library resources
Career Connection
This stage enhances expertise in a chosen sub-field of Political Science, highly beneficial for specific research roles, policy areas, or further academic pursuits.
Seek Early Industry and Policy Exposure- (Semester 3)
Actively look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities with local NGOs, government bodies (e.g., district administration), or political campaigns during semester breaks. This provides practical insights into governance and policy implementation.
Tools & Resources
Online internship platforms (Internshala), Networking with faculty and alumni for referrals, Attending public policy workshops
Career Connection
Early exposure builds practical understanding, helps in career exploration, and provides valuable networking opportunities with professionals in the Indian public sphere.
Participate in Academic Debates and Paper Presentations- (Semester 3)
Beyond classroom discussions, participate in inter-college debates, model parliament sessions, or present research papers at university-level seminars. This sharpens public speaking, critical argumentation, and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental event announcements, Inter-university competition notices, Public speaking training resources, Feedback from faculty on presentations
Career Connection
Strong communication and presentation skills are paramount for roles in advocacy, media, public relations, and academic professions in India.
Advanced Stage
Execute and Refine Major Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to completing the Major Research Project, including extensive data analysis, critical interpretation of findings, and writing a well-structured dissertation. Focus on originality, rigor, and scholarly contribution.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Plagiarism check software, Advanced data analysis tools, Continuous mentorship from the research supervisor, Peer review
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for academic careers (Ph.D.), think tanks, policy analysis, and prestigious government research roles.
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Examinations and Placements- (Semester 4)
Begin targeted and intensive preparation for major competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services, State Public Service Commissions, or UGC-NET. Simultaneously, attend campus placement drives, workshops on resume building, interview skills, and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
Specialized coaching materials, Previous year question papers, Mock interview panels, Career counseling services, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
This focused preparation is directly linked to securing placements in government, public sector undertakings, or qualifying for higher education and academic positions in India.
Build Professional Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Actively connect with alumni, industry leaders, and senior academics through networking events, conferences, and online platforms. Seek mentorship to gain insights into specific career paths and industry trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations, Alumni association events, Career fairs, Informational interviews
Career Connection
A strong professional network can open doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and long-term career guidance, which is highly beneficial for navigating the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates for admission to MA Political Science shall be required to have passed B.A. in Political Science or any other equivalent examination with at least 45% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade of any University/Institution recognized by the CSJM University, Kanpur.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for theory papers), External: 75% (for theory papers), 100% (for practicals/projects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS 101 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli and Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, J.S. Mill and Hegel, Marx and Gramsci |
| PS 102 | Comparative Political Analysis | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Political Analysis, The State and Regime Types, Federalism and Power Sharing, Political Parties and Pressure Groups |
| PS 103 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Politics, Making of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights & DPSP, Indian Federalism and Parliament, Political Parties & Electoral Reforms, Caste and Religion in Politics |
| PS 104 | Public Administration: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization & Bureaucracy, Financial Administration & Public Policy, Disaster Management, e-Governance |
| PS 105 | Practical Work / Seminar | Practical | 2 | Field Study and Report Writing, Study of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Visits to Local Bodies, Data Collection and Analysis |
| PS 106 | Minor Research / Project Work | Project | 2 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS 201 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Kautilya and Buddhist Political Thought, Ram Mohan Roy and Dayanand, Gandhi and Ambedkar, Savarkar and M.N. Roy, Nehru and J.P. Narayan |
| PS 202 | International Relations Theory | Core | 4 | Realist and Liberal Theories, Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism, Marxism and Feminist Approaches, Concepts of Power and Security, International Political Economy, Global Environmental Issues |
| PS 203 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Core | 4 | Concept and Theories of Human Rights, UDHR and International Covenants, Human Rights in India, Social Justice and Vulnerable Groups, Environmental Justice |
| PS 204 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Political Culture and Socialization, Theories of Elites and Mass Media, Political Development, Social Movements in India |
| PS 205 | Practical Work / Seminar | Practical | 2 | Field Study on Political Campaigns, Voter Behaviour Analysis, Survey Design and Implementation, Data Interpretation and Reporting |
| PS 206 | Minor Research / Project Work | Project | 2 | Advanced Research Design, Data Analysis Techniques, Presentation of Findings, Academic Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS 301 | Research Methodology in Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Nature and Types of Research, Research Design and Hypotheses, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
| PS 302 | India and the World | Core | 4 | India''''s Foreign Policy Objectives, India and its Neighbors, India and Major Global Powers, India''''s Role in UN, Nuclear Policy and Security Challenges |
| PS 303A | State Politics in India | Elective | 4 | Approaches to State Politics, Regionalism and Separatism, Role of Governor and CM, State Legislature and Bureaucracy, Local Self-Government |
| PS 303B | Dynamics of Indian Administration | Elective | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Union-State Administrative Relations, Financial and Personnel Administration, Planning and PSUs, Citizen''''s Charter and Grievance Redressal |
| PS 303C | Human Resource Management | Elective | 4 | Concept and Scope of HRM, Human Resource Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Industrial Relations |
| PS 303D | Urban Governance in India | Elective | 4 | Concept of Urban Governance, Urbanization Trends in India, Municipal Governance Structures, Urban Planning and Development, Challenges of Urban Governance, Smart Cities Mission |
| PS 305 | Major Research / Project Work (Part I) | Project | 4 | Comprehensive Literature Review, Advanced Research Methodology, Data Analysis Software Application, Thesis Writing Proposal, Viva Voce Preparation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS 401 | Political Economy | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Economy, Classical and Marxian Perspectives, Neo-Liberalism and Globalization, Role of World Bank, IMF, WTO, Global South |
| PS 402 | Theories of Governance and Public Policy | Core | 4 | Concept of Governance and Good Governance, Global Governance Architectures, Public Policy Cycle (Formulation, Implementation), Policy Evaluation and Instruments, Role of NGOs and Civil Society |
| PS 403A | Contemporary Issues in Indian Politics | Elective | 4 | Challenges to Indian Democracy, Identity Politics & Communalism, Environmental Movements, Women in Politics, Corruption & Electoral Reforms, Good Governance Initiatives |
| PS 403B | Foreign Policy of Major Powers | Elective | 4 | Determinants of Foreign Policy, USA Foreign Policy Post-Cold War, Russia''''s Geopolitical Strategy, China''''s Rise and Diplomacy, EU and Japan''''s Foreign Policy |
| PS 403C | Development Administration | Elective | 4 | Concept and Scope of Development Administration, Theories of Development, Bureaucracy and Development, Planning for Development, Role of NGOs in Development, Sustainable Development Goals |
| PS 403D | Global Governance | Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Global Governance, Role of United Nations, International Financial Institutions (IMF, WB), International Law and Human Rights, Transnational Actors and Global Civil Society, Challenges to Global Governance |
| PS 405 | Major Research / Project Work (Part II) | Project | 4 | Advanced Thesis Structuring, Refined Argumentation, Peer Review and Revisions, Final Viva Voce Presentation, Publication Strategies |
