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MA in Political Science at GODDA COLLEGE, GODDA
Godda, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at GODDA COLLEGE, GODDA Godda?
This Political Science program at Godda College, affiliated with Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU), offers an in-depth exploration of political systems, theories, and public administration. It emphasizes understanding governance within the Indian context, including intricate state politics and the nuances of India''''s foreign policy. The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with robust analytical and critical thinking skills essential for diverse roles in public service, research, and policy-making within India.
Who Should Apply?
This comprehensive program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in social sciences or humanities, particularly those aspiring for careers in public administration, civil services, or academia. It also caters to working professionals in governmental organizations or non-governmental sectors who aim to deepen their understanding of political processes and policy formulation for career advancement in the dynamic Indian public sphere.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in the Indian civil services (UPSC, JPSC), research institutions, media, NGOs, and various think tanks across the country. Entry-level salaries can typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in policy analysis, advocacy, or teaching. The curriculum is strategically aligned with the requisites for competitive examinations and further academic pursuits in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Base- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core political theories, historical contexts, and comparative politics. Actively read prescribed texts, participate in classroom discussions, and form study groups to analyze complex concepts. Utilize university library resources and open-source academic journals for supplementary reading.
Tools & Resources
SKMU Library, JSTOR (if available), E-GyanKosh, NCERT books (for foundational concepts)
Career Connection
Essential for understanding policy frameworks, cracking competitive exams (like UPSC/JPSC), and developing strong analytical skills for research and public service.
Develop Critical Thinking and Argumentation- (Semester 1-2)
Learn to analyze political issues from multiple perspectives and construct logical arguments. Engage in debates, essay writing, and present viewpoints on contemporary political events. Practice structuring arguments with evidence from readings and current affairs.
Tools & Resources
Current affairs newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha TV, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in policy analysis, journalism, advocacy, and effective communication in any professional setting, including civil services.
Understand Indian Political Landscape- (Semester 1-2)
Gain a foundational understanding of India''''s political history, thought, and constitutional framework. Attend guest lectures on Indian politics, follow national political news closely, and discuss with peers and faculty. Read classic Indian political texts and commentaries.
Tools & Resources
Constitution of India, Books by B.R. Ambedkar, M.K. Gandhi, J. Nehru, Official government reports and surveys
Career Connection
Indispensable for any career path in Indian public service, NGOs, or think tanks focusing on India-specific policy and governance.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Research and Fieldwork- (Semester 3)
Apply research methodology skills to real-world political phenomena. Actively participate in the Field Study/Project Work (SEC-1) by designing surveys, conducting interviews, and analyzing data from local communities or administrative bodies. Focus on local governance or social issues.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Basic statistical software (e.g., MS Excel), Local government offices for data access
Career Connection
Builds practical research experience valuable for roles in think tanks, policy research, social impact assessment, and academic research.
Specialise and Deepen Knowledge- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives (EC, GE) strategically to build expertise in areas like democracy, development, or environmental politics. Beyond coursework, read extensively on your chosen specialization, attend relevant webinars, and connect with professionals in those fields.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals, Research papers on chosen topics, Professional networks on LinkedIn, Government policy documents
Career Connection
Develops a niche expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in NGOs, environmental agencies, or development organizations in India.
Enhance Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Effectively convey complex political ideas through well-structured written reports and oral presentations. Practice giving presentations, writing clear and concise reports, and participating in seminars. Seek regular feedback from professors and peers for improvement.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides, Academic writing guides, Public speaking workshops (if available), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Essential for roles requiring public speaking, report writing, and effective articulation of policy recommendations (e.g., policy analyst, journalist, civil servant).
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Conduct independent, in-depth research on a significant political issue relevant to India. Select a compelling research topic, develop a robust proposal, conduct extensive literature review, collect and analyze data, and write a high-quality dissertation. Seek regular mentorship from faculty.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Statistical tools (e.g., R/SPSS for advanced users, MS Excel for basic analysis), Academic databases (UGC-CARE, Shodhganga)
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, crucial for academic careers, policy analysis roles, and serves as a significant portfolio piece for job applications in research-oriented organizations.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4 (ongoing through program))
Systematically prepare for civil services or other government job examinations in India (e.g., UPSC, JPSC). Integrate syllabus knowledge with general studies preparation. Practice mock tests, join study circles, and focus on current affairs and analytical reasoning specifically for these highly competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, Government publications (e.g., India Year Book, Economic Survey), Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Directly targets lucrative and impactful careers in the Indian civil service, offering diverse opportunities in public administration and policy implementation.
Network and Explore Career Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Actively connect with alumni, mentors, and professionals in your areas of interest within the Indian political and public service landscape. Attend career fairs, departmental alumni events, and conduct informational interviews. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to build professional connections and explore internship/job openings.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University career services portal, Alumni network platforms, Professional associations related to political science/public administration
Career Connection
Facilitates job placements, opens doors to mentorship, and provides invaluable insights into various career paths, aiding in strategic career planning post-MA.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 110 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-1 | Political Theory | Core | 6 | Nature of Political Theory, Liberalism, Socialism, Feminism, Nationalism, Post-Modernism |
| CC-2 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya, Manu), Medieval Indian Political Thought (Barani, Abul Fazl), Modern Indian Thought (Gokhale, Tilak), Gandhi, Ambedkar, Savarkar, Tagore, M.N. Roy, Nehru, Jaiprakash Narayan |
| CC-3 | Comparative Politics | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political System, Political Culture and Socialisation, Political Development, Constitutionalism |
| CC-4 | Public Administration | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Approaches to Public Administration, Bureaucracy, Financial Administration, Personnel Administration, Administrative Reforms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-5 | Western Political Thought | Core | 6 | Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, J.S. Mill, Karl Marx, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt |
| CC-6 | International Relations | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of International Relations, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism, Marxism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Alignment Movement, Globalisation, International Political Economy |
| CC-7 | Human Rights | Core | 6 | Meaning and Concept of Human Rights, Theories of Human Rights, UN and Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Child Rights, Women Rights, Human Rights Commissions |
| CC-8 | Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Meaning and Scope of Social Science Research, Research Design, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-9 | India''''s Foreign Policy | Core | 6 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, India and its Neighbors (Pakistan, China, Bangladesh), India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, EU), India and Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN), India''''s Nuclear Policy, Economic Diplomacy |
| CC-10 | State Politics in India | Core | 6 | Nature of State Politics in India, Regionalism and Separatist Movements, Party System in States, Coalition Politics, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Federalism and Centre-State Relations |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective (Choose from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| EC-1 | Democracy and Development in India | Elective | 6 | Theories of Development, State and Economy in India, Social Movements for Development, Environmental Politics, Rural Development, Urban Development, Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation |
| SEC-1 | Field Study / Project Work | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Field Survey Design, Data Collection Techniques (Interview, Observation), Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-11 | Public Policy in India | Core | 6 | Nature and Theories of Public Policy, Policy Formulation, Policy Implementation, Policy Evaluation, Social Welfare Policies (Health, Education), Economic Policies (Industrial, Agricultural) |
| CC-12 | Government and Politics in Jharkhand | Core | 6 | Formation of Jharkhand State, Political History and Movements in Jharkhand, Social Structure and Political Dynamics, Party Politics and Electoral Trends, Panchayati Raj System in Jharkhand, Governance Challenges and Development Initiatives |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective (Choose from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| EC-2 | Environmental Politics | Elective | 6 | Environmental Movements and Discourses, Global Environmental Issues (Climate Change, Biodiversity), Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental Governance and Policy, Green Politics and Ecological Justice, Role of State and NGOs in Environmental Protection |
| DIP | Dissertation / Project | Project | 10 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination |
