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B-A in Political Science at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Visakhapatnam?
This Political Science program at GITAM, Visakhapatnam, focuses on equipping students with a profound understanding of political systems, theories, and processes. It explores governance, public policy, international relations, and the dynamics of power within an Indian and global context, preparing graduates for impactful roles in various sectors. The program emphasizes critical analysis, ethical considerations, and informed discourse to foster responsible global citizens.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in current affairs, public service, and social justice, seeking entry into civil services or policy analysis. It also suits those looking to pursue higher education in political science, law, or public administration, and individuals aiming for roles in journalism, non-governmental organizations, or think tanks in India. It requires strong analytical and communication skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including prestigious roles in the civil services (IAS, IPS), state administrative services, political consultancy, journalism, research, and non-profit organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in government or specialized private sector roles. The program fosters critical analytical skills crucial for public policy, advocacy, and social impact.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Strong Reading & Analytical Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed texts, newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), and academic journals from day one. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and current events, focusing on developing critical thinking and comprehension skills essential for political analysis. Prioritize understanding diverse viewpoints.
Tools & Resources
GITAM Library resources, EPW (Economic and Political Weekly), Frontline, JSTOR, Newspapers
Career Connection
Builds foundational knowledge for civil services exams, enhances comprehension for policy analysis, research roles, and informed decision-making.
Participate in Debates and Public Speaking- (Semester 1-2)
Join college debate clubs, mock parliamentary sessions, and college youth parliaments to articulate political viewpoints effectively. Regularly practice public speaking, as emphasized in the curriculum, to build confidence, persuasive communication, and leadership skills for future roles.
Tools & Resources
College Debate Society, Model United Nations (MUNs), TED Talks, Toastmasters International
Career Connection
Crucial for careers in diplomacy, law, journalism, public relations, political advocacy, and any leadership position requiring articulate expression.
Understand Indian Polity Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, delve deeply into the intricacies of the Indian Constitution, electoral processes, and federal structure through extra readings and consistent news analysis. Regularly follow parliamentary proceedings and major policy decisions in India to connect theory with practice.
Tools & Resources
Indian Constitution Text, PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha TV/Rajya Sabha TV, Official government websites, Reputable news channels
Career Connection
Essential for UPSC/state PSC exams, understanding the operational dynamics of Indian governance, public administration, and political commentary.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Research Projects & Internships- (Semester 3-4 (especially during summer breaks))
Actively seek out opportunities for short-term research projects with faculty or internships with local NGOs, political campaigns, think tanks, or governmental bodies (e.g., municipal corporations). Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world political and social issues in an Indian context.
Tools & Resources
GITAM research centers, Local NGOs, Elected representatives'''' offices, Internship portals like Internshala, Youth for Seva
Career Connection
Provides practical experience, enhances CV, helps identify specific career interests, builds professional networks, and demonstrates problem-solving skills.
Develop Data Analysis and Research Methodology Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Master the statistical and qualitative research methods taught in courses. Practice using software like SPSS or R for data analysis, focusing on understanding political data, public opinion surveys, and policy impact assessments, which are critical in contemporary politics.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R tutorials, NPTEL courses on research methodology, Data sets from Election Commission of India, CSDS-Lokniti data
Career Connection
Opens doors to roles in political consulting, survey research, think tanks, academic research, and policy evaluation.
Explore Specialised Areas through Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Open Electives (OEs) that align with emerging career interests (e.g., Human Rights, International Law, State Politics). This helps in building a niche expertise and demonstrating a focused academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Faculty mentorship, Online courses (Coursera, edX) related to chosen niche
Career Connection
Allows for early specialization, crucial for postgraduate studies or entry into specific sectors like human rights advocacy or international organizations.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Civil Services/Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 5-6)
For students targeting civil services, dedicate significant time to comprehensive preparation, including current affairs, general studies, and optional subjects (like Political Science). Join study circles, seek faculty guidance, or enroll in reputable coaching programs if suitable.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Standard study materials (e.g., M. Laxmikant for Polity), Daily newspaper analysis, Mock tests and previous year papers
Career Connection
Direct pathway to prestigious government careers in India such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and various state administrative services, offering high impact and stability.
Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 5-6)
Build a strong professional network by attending seminars, conferences, and engaging with alumni working in relevant fields. Seek mentorship from faculty or industry professionals for career guidance, exploring job opportunities, and understanding industry trends and requirements in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, GITAM alumni network events, Industry-specific conferences, Faculty office hours, Professional associations
Career Connection
Critical for job referrals, career advice, and understanding entry barriers, leading to better placement opportunities and career growth.
Refine Research & Thesis/Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
Undertake a substantial final year project or dissertation, applying advanced research skills to a complex political issue. Aim for high-quality, impactful work that could potentially be published or used to formulate policy recommendations, demonstrating independent academic rigor.
Tools & Resources
Academic advisors, Advanced research databases, Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, vital for higher academic pursuits (MA, PhD), research associate roles, and policy development positions in think tanks.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 92 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUMA101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
| LASC101 | Critical Thinking | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Critical Thinking, Arguments and Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning and Fallacies, Language and Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Creative Thinking |
| PSOP101 | Introduction to Political Theory | Core | 4 | What is Political Theory?, Approaches to Political Theory, Key Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Key Concepts: Rights, Power, State, Political Obligation and Civil Disobedience |
| PSOP102 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Executive and Legislature, Judiciary and Judicial Review, Federalism and Local Self-Government |
| OPEN ELECTIVE | Elective (e.g., Introduction to Psychology - PSYC101) | Open Elective | 3 | Choice from a range of subjects, Enrichment in diverse academic areas, Multidisciplinary perspective, General knowledge expansion, Basic concepts of chosen field |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LASC102 | Communication Skills | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Fundamentals of Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Listening Skills, Presentation Skills, Report Writing and Documentation, Group Discussion Techniques |
| LASC103 | Data Handling and Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Data and Types of Data, Data Collection Methods, Data Presentation and Visualization, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation and Regression Basics, Introduction to Statistical Software (SPSS/R) |
| PSOP103 | Political Processes in India | Core | 4 | Parties and Party Systems in India, Electoral Process and Reforms, Pressure Groups and Social Movements, Caste, Religion, and Ethnicity in Politics, Regionalism and Language Politics, Challenges to Indian Democracy |
| PSOP104 | Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Regimes: Democratic and Authoritarian, Electoral Systems and Political Parties, State in Comparative Perspective |
| OPEN ELECTIVE | Elective (e.g., Introduction to Sociology) | Open Elective | 3 | Choice from a range of subjects, Interdisciplinary learning, Development of varied perspectives, Complementary skill acquisition, Foundational concepts of chosen field |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LASC201 | Public Speaking | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basics of Public Speaking, Speech Preparation and Structuring, Delivery Techniques and Body Language, Overcoming Stage Fright, Informative and Persuasive Speaking, Audience Analysis and Engagement |
| LASC202 | Internship | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Practical Application of Knowledge, Professional Workplace Skills, Report Writing on Internship Experience, Problem-Solving in Real-World Context, Networking and Industry Exposure |
| PSOP201 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Approaches to International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Key Concepts: Power, Security, Sovereignty, Evolution of International System (Cold War, Post-Cold War), Global Actors: UN, WTO, IMF, International Conflict and Cooperation, Globalization and its Impact |
| PSOP202 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Classical Theories of Administration, Bureaucracy and Governance, Public Policy: Formulation and Implementation, Accountability and Control, E-governance and Administrative Reforms |
| DSE - 1 | Human Rights, Gender and Environment (Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Gender Justice and Women''''s Rights, Environmental Movements and Governance, Intersections of Rights, Gender, and Environment |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LASC203 | Research Methodology | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Research: Types and Approaches, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods: Survey, Interview, Observation, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis (Qualitative and Quantitative), Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| PSOP203 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato: Justice and Ideal State, Aristotle: Forms of Government, Citizenship, Machiavelli: Statecraft and Power, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau: Social Contract Theory, J.S. Mill: Liberty and Representative Government, Karl Marx: Class Struggle and Communism |
| PSOP204 | Modern Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Social Reform, Nationalism, M.K. Gandhi: Non-violence, Swaraj, B.R. Ambedkar: Social Justice, Dalit Emancipation, Jawaharlal Nehru: Socialism, Non-alignment, V.D. Savarkar: Hindutva, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Jayaprakash Narayan: Total Revolution |
| DSE - 2 | Democracy and Development in India (Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Development, Democracy in India: Challenges and Achievements, State and Market in Development, Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice, Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Development, Role of Civil Society in Development |
| OPEN ELECTIVE | Elective (e.g., Introduction to Economics) | Open Elective | 3 | Choice from a range of subjects, Broadening academic horizons, Acquisition of new skill sets, Understanding different fields of study, Basic principles of the chosen discipline |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LASC301 | Project Work | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Project Formulation and Design, Data Collection and Analysis for Research, Critical Evaluation of Information, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation of Research Findings |
| PSOP301 | Contemporary Political Ideologies | Core | 4 | Liberalism and its Variants, Conservatism and its Principles, Socialism, Communism, and Anarchism, Nationalism and Fascism, Feminism: Waves and Theories, Environmentalism, Multiculturalism, Post-Modernism |
| PSOP302 | Indian Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, Evolution and Principles of Indian Foreign Policy, India and its Neighbors (Pakistan, China, SAARC), India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, EU), India and International Organizations (UN, WTO), Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities |
| DSE - 3 | State Politics in India (Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Nature of State Politics in India, Regional Parties and Coalition Politics, Inter-State Relations and Disputes, Separatist Movements and Identity Politics, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, Role of Governor and Chief Minister |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSOP303 | International Law and Organizations | Core | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, State Recognition and State Responsibility, Jurisdiction and Immunities, United Nations: Structure and Functions, Regional Organizations (EU, ASEAN, SAARC, African Union), International Criminal Court and Human Rights Law |
| PSOP304 | Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Diplomacy, Types of Diplomacy: Bilateral, Multilateral, Public, Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution, Methods of Conflict Resolution: Negotiation, Mediation, Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Role of Non-State Actors in Diplomacy |
| DSE - 4 | Human Rights in International Relations (Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Evolution of International Human Rights Regimes, Universal Declaration and Covenants, Role of United Nations in Human Rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Responsibility to Protect, Role of NGOs and Civil Society, Challenges to Human Rights in a Globalized World |
| OPEN ELECTIVE | Elective (e.g., Understanding the Environment) | Open Elective | 3 | Choice from a range of subjects, Refinement of interdisciplinary knowledge, Preparation for diverse career paths, Advanced concepts in selected area, Holistic educational experience |
