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BA-HONS in Political Science at Government Girls College, Gardanibagh
Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Government Girls College, Gardanibagh Patna?
This Political Science (Honours) program at Government Girls College, Patna, focuses on developing a critical understanding of political systems, theories, and processes. It delves into Indian governance, international relations, and public administration, equipping students with analytical skills crucial for various roles in the public sector, research, and non-governmental organizations across India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in current affairs, public policy, and societal dynamics. It also suits aspiring civil servants, journalists, legal professionals, and those aiming for careers in academic research or social advocacy. No specific prerequisite background beyond 10+2 Arts/Science/Commerce is required, though a strong reading habit is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including civil services (UPSC, BPSC), journalism, law (after further studies), political consultancy, and roles in NGOs. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA in specialized fields. It also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies and research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Terminology- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental political theories, concepts like state, power, liberty, and justice. Use textbooks, online dictionaries, and engage in classroom discussions to build a strong theoretical base. This ensures clarity for advanced topics.
Tools & Resources
Standard Political Science textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, Andrew Heywood), Online encyclopedias (e.g., Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), Class notes and lecture recordings
Career Connection
A solid conceptual foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC/BPSC and for grasping complex policy debates in future roles.
Develop Regular Reading Habits for Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Supplement academic studies by reading daily newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), weekly news magazines (India Today, Frontline), and credible online news portals. Focus on national and international political developments, constitutional issues, and social policies.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu/Indian Express (e-paper subscriptions), PRS Legislative Research (for policy updates), YouTube channels discussing current events
Career Connection
Essential for civil services, journalism, and public policy roles where staying updated on current events and analytical perspectives is paramount.
Participate in Debates and Essay Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Actively join college debate clubs, Model United Nations (MUN) simulations, and participate in essay competitions. These activities enhance critical thinking, articulation skills, and the ability to present well-reasoned arguments on political topics.
Tools & Resources
College debate societies, Inter-college competitions, Online resources for logical argumentation
Career Connection
Improves communication skills vital for interviews, group discussions, and persuasive writing required in professional and academic fields.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Academic Research and Paper Writing- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond assignments, try to write short research papers on topics of interest, utilizing the college library and online academic databases. Focus on developing a research question, collecting data, and structuring arguments logically.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, College library resources, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Develops analytical rigor, research skills, and academic writing prowess, crucial for postgraduate studies, research roles, and think tanks.
Seek Internships with NGOs or Local Governance Bodies- (Semester 3-5)
Look for short-term internships with local NGOs, political campaigns, or Gram Panchayats/Municipal Corporations. This provides practical exposure to political processes, policy implementation, and social work at the grassroots level.
Tools & Resources
Networking with faculty, Online internship platforms (Internshala), Direct outreach to local organizations
Career Connection
Offers real-world experience, helps build professional networks, and clarifies career interests, especially for social sector and governance roles.
Build a Foundational Understanding of Indian Legal Frameworks- (Semester 3-5)
Familiarize yourself with basic Indian legal provisions, constitutional amendments, and landmark Supreme Court judgments relevant to political science. This can be done through online legal portals or introductory law books.
Tools & Resources
Indian Constitution (text and commentaries), Manupatra (selected free access), Lectures on Indian Polity
Career Connection
Crucial for civil services, law entrance exams (CLAT for LL.B.), and roles involving policy analysis or human rights advocacy.
Advanced Stage
Intensify Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 6-8)
If aspiring for Civil Services, begin focused preparation for General Studies (GS) papers, especially Polity, History, and Current Affairs. Consider joining mock test series and study groups to simulate exam conditions.
Tools & Resources
Standard GS books (Laxmikanth for Polity), Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Directly enhances chances of success in highly competitive government job examinations, a major career path for Political Science graduates.
Develop Specialization in a Niche Area- (Semester 6-8)
Identify a specific area within Political Science (e.g., International Relations, Public Policy, Gender Studies) that truly interests you. Read advanced literature, attend webinars, and work on your final dissertation/project in this chosen niche.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals, MOOCs on platforms like Coursera/edX, Guidance from specialized faculty
Career Connection
Creates expertise that can lead to focused postgraduate studies, research positions, or entry into specialized think tanks and policy advisory roles.
Network Strategically and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 6-8)
Attend university seminars, departmental events, and connect with alumni working in relevant fields. Seek mentorship from professors or professionals for career guidance, CV building, and interview preparation.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni network events, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Opens doors to potential job opportunities, provides industry insights, and offers invaluable advice for navigating the job market and higher education.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination pass from a recognized board, typically with minimum aggregate marks as per Patliputra University admission norms.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 160 (for 4-year Honours with Research degree as per PPU FYUGP NEP-2020) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 1 | Understanding Political Theory | Major Core | 6 | Nature and Significance of Political Theory, Concepts: State, Power, Authority, Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Concepts: Rights, Democracy, Theories of the State |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Major Core | 6 | Constituent Assembly and making of Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament and Judiciary, Federalism, Local Self-Government (Panchayati Raj & Municipalities) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 3 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Major Core | 6 | Comparative Politics: Nature, Scope, Approaches, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems and Party Systems, Federalism and Unitary Systems, Case Studies: UK, USA, China |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 4 | Political Processes and Institutions in India | Major Core | 6 | Political Parties and Party System, Electoral Politics and Voting Behavior, Regionalism, Caste, Religion and Class in Indian Politics, Social Movements in India, Decentralization and Grassroots Democracy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 5 | Classical Political Philosophy | Major Core | 6 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Education, Aristotle: State, Citizenship, Classification of Constitutions, Machiavelli: Human Nature, Statecraft, Morality and Politics, Hobbes: Social Contract, Absolute Sovereignty, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty |
| MC 6 | Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Major Core | 6 | Approaches to International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), The Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Globalization and its Impact, International Organizations (UN, ASEAN, SAARC), India''''s Foreign Policy: Determinants and Principles |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 7 | Indian Political Thought | Major Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya), Medieval Indian Political Thought (Barani, Abul Fazal), Modern Indian Thinkers: Gandhi, Ambedkar, Modern Indian Thinkers: Nehru, Savarkar, Roy |
| MC 8 | Public Administration | Major Core | 6 | Public Administration: Nature, Scope, Significance, Theories of Organization, Bureaucracy, Public Policy, Decision Making, Financial Administration, Accountability, E-governance and Good Governance |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 9 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Major Core | 6 | Social Science Research: Nature and Scope, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection (Surveys, Interviews), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| MC 10 | Human Rights, Gender and Environment | Major Core | 6 | Human Rights: Universal Declaration, Generations of Rights, Environmental Politics: Theories, Movements, Policies, Feminist Theories and Gender Studies, Gender Justice and Women''''s Rights in India, Contemporary Issues in Human Rights |
| MC 11 | Modern Western Political Philosophy | Major Core | 6 | Bentham and Mill: Utilitarianism, Hegel: Dialectics, State and Freedom, Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Gramsci: Hegemony, Passive Revolution, Arendt: Totalitarianism, Public Sphere, Rawls: Justice as Fairness |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC 12 | Theory of International Relations | Major Core | 6 | Classical Realism and Neorealism, Liberalism and Neoliberalism, Marxist and Critical Theories of IR, Constructivism, Feminism, Post-structuralism, Peace and Conflict Studies |
| MC 13 | International Law and Organizations | Major Core | 6 | Nature and Sources of International Law, State Recognition, State Responsibility, Territory, United Nations: Structure, Functions, Challenges, Regional Organizations (EU, AU), International Courts (ICJ, ICC) |
| MC 14 | Dissertation/Project Work | Major Core (Research) | 6 | Independent research on a Political Science topic, Literature Review and Problem Identification, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Application of Research Methodologies |
