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MA in Political Science at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Ratlam
Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Ratlam Ratlam?
This MA Political Science program at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Ratlam, affiliated with Vikram University, offers a comprehensive study of political theory, systems, and governance. It aims to equip students with critical analytical skills to understand complex political phenomena, both nationally and internationally. The program delves into diverse areas like Indian politics, comparative politics, international relations, and public administration, reflecting the evolving political landscape and the increasing demand for informed policy analysts and public service professionals in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline, particularly those with a background in Political Science, who aspire to careers in civil services, journalism, teaching, or research. It also suits working professionals, such as those in NGOs or local governance, looking to deepen their understanding of political processes and enhance their analytical capabilities for career advancement. Individuals passionate about public service and societal change will find this program highly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as civil servants (IAS, IPS, state PCS), political analysts, researchers, journalists, content creators, and educators. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more, especially in government or policy research. The program also serves as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits like M.Phil. or Ph.D., opening doors to advanced research and teaching positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Concepts and Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding fundamental political concepts, theories, and thinkers from ancient to modern periods. Utilize textbooks, reference books, and online resources like e-PG Pathshala for detailed study. Engage in class discussions and form study groups to clarify doubts and broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Standard political science textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, Andrew Heywood), e-PG Pathshala, NCERT books (for basics), Academic journals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC/PSC and for developing analytical skills required in policy analysis and journalism.
Develop Strong Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the Research Methodology course. Practice formulating research questions, reviewing literature, and understanding basic data collection methods. Participate in college-level essay competitions and debates to hone critical thinking and argumentation.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, Academic search engines (JSTOR, Google Scholar), College library resources, Debate clubs
Career Connection
Essential for any role requiring policy analysis, journalism, academic research, or strategic planning in NGOs.
Engage with Current Affairs and Indian Politics- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read national newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and reputable political magazines. Follow parliamentary proceedings and policy debates. Connect classroom learning about the Indian political system with real-world events and contemporary issues.
Tools & Resources
Major national newspapers, PRS Legislative Research website, Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha TV, News analysis programs
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil services aspirants, journalists, and anyone working in public affairs, enabling informed decision-making and commentary.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize and Deepen Knowledge- (Semester 3)
Select Discipline Specific Electives (DSE) and Open Electives (OE) strategically to build expertise in areas of personal interest or career relevance, such as global politics or media studies. Engage in self-study on topics beyond the curriculum to gain specialized insights.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s specialized sections, Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL) related to chosen electives, Academic research papers
Career Connection
Develops a niche skill set, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in think tanks, NGOs, or particular government departments.
Initiate Research Project and Develop Academic Writing- (Semester 3)
Begin the research project by identifying a clear problem, conducting an extensive literature review, and outlining your methodology. Focus on developing strong academic writing skills, proper citation, and structuring a comprehensive research paper, which is a key component of the MA program.
Tools & Resources
Research advisors/mentors, Academic writing guides, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Plagiarism checkers (e.g., Turnitin through institution)
Career Connection
Essential for academic careers, policy research, and demonstrates critical analysis and report-writing skills valued in civil services and journalism.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3)
Attend webinars, seminars, and workshops organized by the department or affiliated universities. Connect with faculty members, alumni, and professionals in fields like public service, media, or research. Seek mentorship to gain insights into career paths and opportunities, building valuable professional relationships.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations, Alumni networks, University career counseling cell, Guest lecture series
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, valuable career advice, and potential job leads through personal connections and professional guidance.
Advanced Stage
Finalize Dissertation and Prepare for Viva-Voce- (Semester 4)
Dedicate ample time to completing the research project, ensuring data analysis is robust, conclusions are well-supported, and the dissertation is polished. Practice presenting your research findings and confidently answering questions during the viva-voce examination, demonstrating mastery of your chosen topic.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisors, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Google Slides), Mock viva sessions with peers or faculty
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases your ability to conduct independent research, a highly valued skill in academia, policy analysis, and strategic roles.
Intensify Civil Services/Career Exam Preparation- (Semester 4)
For civil services aspirants, dedicate focused time to preparing for UPSC or state PSC examinations, including general studies, aptitude, and optional subjects (Political Science). Solve previous year''''s papers and take mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series platforms, Previous year question papers, Dedicated study groups, Government publications
Career Connection
Directly aims at securing prestigious positions in government administration, foreign service, police, and various state government roles through competitive exams.
Build a Professional Profile and Seek Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Create a strong resume/CV highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and relevant skills. Actively search for job openings in government, NGOs, think tanks, media houses, or educational institutions. Prepare for interviews and group discussions to maximize your chances of securing employment.
Tools & Resources
Online job portals (Naukri.com, Indeed, government job sites), College placement cell (if available), Career counseling services, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Ensures readiness for the job market, facilitates effective job search, and helps in securing desirable employment immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (preferably with Political Science) from a recognized University with at least 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC category candidates).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS101C | Western Political Thought (Ancient and Medieval) | Core | 4 | Plato''''s Ideal State and Justice, Aristotle''''s Classification of States and Citizenship, Machiavelli''''s Prince and Morality in Politics, Hobbes''''s Social Contract and Sovereignty, Locke''''s Natural Rights and Limited Government, Rousseau''''s General Will and Popular Sovereignty |
| MAPS102C | Indian Political System | Core | 4 | Constitutional Development and Philosophy, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and DPSP, Federalism and Centre-State Relations, Role of President, Prime Minister, and Parliament, Supreme Court and Judicial Review, Election Commission and Party System |
| MAPS103C | Research Methodology and Political Analysis | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Political Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection (Survey, Interview), Sampling Techniques and Reliability, Introduction to Data Analysis, Report Writing and Referencing |
| MAPS104C | Human Rights in India | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights Provisions in Indian Constitution, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Rights of Women and Children, Challenges to Human Rights in India |
| MAPS105M | Public Administration | Elective (Minor) | 4 | Meaning, Scope, and Significance of Public Administration, Classical and Human Relations Theories of Organization, Personnel Administration and Bureaucracy, Financial Administration and Budgeting, Administrative Law and Accountability, Decentralization and Local Governance |
| MAPS106VC | Digital Marketing | Vocational | 2 | Introduction to Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Basics, Social Media Marketing Strategies, Content Marketing Essentials, Email Marketing Campaigns, Digital Analytics and Measurement |
| MAPS107SEC | Soft Skills Development | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Effective Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork, Time Management and Prioritization, Stress Management Techniques, Presentation Skills and Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS201C | Western Political Thought (Modern) | Core | 4 | J.S. Mill''''s Liberty and Representative Government, Hegel''''s Dialectics and State Philosophy, Marx''''s Historical Materialism and Class Struggle, Gramsci''''s Hegemony and Civil Society, Hannah Arendt''''s Totalitarianism and Action, Feminist Political Theory (liberal, radical, socialist) |
| MAPS202C | International Relations (Theory and Practice) | Core | 4 | Major Theories: Realism, Idealism, Liberalism, Evolution of International Relations: Cold War to Post-Cold War, Non-Alignment Movement and its Relevance, United Nations: Structure and Functions, Regional Organizations (ASEAN, SAARC, EU), Contemporary Global Issues: Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation |
| MAPS203C | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope, and Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Systems and Constitutions, Electoral Systems and Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Social Movements, Federalism and Decentralization, Nationalism and Political Development |
| MAPS204C | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Political Culture and Socialization, Political Elites and Power, Authority and Legitimacy, Role of Class, Caste, and Gender in Politics, Civil Society and State, Political Participation and Social Movements |
| MAPS205M | Indian Foreign Policy | Elective (Minor) | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Evolution: From Non-Alignment to Multilateralism, India''''s Relations with Major Powers (US, Russia, China), Relations with Neighboring Countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), Look East/Act East Policy, India''''s Role in Global Governance |
| MAPS206VC | Public Speaking and Presentation Skills | Vocational | 2 | Fundamentals of Effective Public Speaking, Overcoming Stage Fear and Building Confidence, Voice Modulation and Body Language, Structuring a Speech and Content Development, Visual Aids and Presentation Tools, Audience Engagement and Impromptu Speaking |
| MAPS207SEC | Environmental Politics | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Introduction to Environmental Movements, Global Environmental Issues and Governance, Politics of Sustainable Development, Climate Change Negotiations and Policies, Environmental Justice and Equity, Role of State and NGOs in Environmental Protection |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS301C | Political Theory (Contemporary) | Core | 4 | Post-Modernism and Deconstruction, Feminist Political Thought, Multiculturalism and Identity Politics, Environmental Political Theory, Critical Theory (Frankfurt School), Theories of Justice (Rawls, Nozick, Amartya Sen) |
| MAPS302C | Public Policy and Governance in India | Core | 4 | Public Policy Formulation, Implementation, and Evaluation, Concept and Principles of Good Governance, E-Governance Initiatives in India, Social Welfare Policies (Education, Health, Poverty Alleviation), Decentralization and Local Self-Governance, Citizen Charters and Right to Information |
| MAPS303C | Advanced Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Mahatma Gandhi''''s Swaraj and Non-Violence, B.R. Ambedkar''''s Social Justice and Dalit Emancipation, Jawaharlal Nehru''''s Socialism and Secularism, Ram Manohar Lohia''''s Democratic Socialism, V.D. Savarkar''''s Hindutva Philosophy, Integral Humanism of Deendayal Upadhyaya |
| MAPS304DSE | Global Politics | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Globalization and its Political Dimensions, Emergence of a New World Order, International Economic Institutions (WTO, World Bank, IMF), Role of Non-State Actors (NGOs, MNCs), Global Civil Society and Human Security, Debates on Global Justice |
| MAPS305OE | Media and Politics | Elective (Open) | 4 | Role of Media in Democratic Societies, Media Ethics and Accountability, Propaganda and Public Opinion Formation, Impact of Social Media on Politics, Media and Election Campaigns, Media Ownership and Influence |
| MAPS306RP | Research Project/Dissertation Part 1 | Project | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Extensive Literature Review, Formulation of Research Objectives and Hypothesis, Development of Research Design, Methodology and Data Collection Plan, Ethical Considerations in Research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS401C | State Politics in India | Core | 4 | Dynamics of Indian Federalism, Regionalism and Separatist Movements, Political Parties and Coalition Politics in States, Role of Governor and Chief Minister, Socio-Economic Determinants of State Politics, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies |
| MAPS402C | Theories of International Political Economy | Core | 4 | Mercantilism and Economic Nationalism, Liberalism and Free Trade, Marxist Theories of IPE and Dependency, Globalization and its Discontents, North-South Divide and Global Governance, International Financial Institutions and Trade Regimes |
| MAPS403C | Human Security | Core | 4 | Evolution of Security Concept: Traditional vs. Human Security, Dimensions of Human Security (Food, Health, Environmental), Gender Security and Protection of Vulnerable Groups, Threats to Human Security (Terrorism, Climate Change, Pandemics), Role of State and International Actors in Human Security, Sustainable Development Goals and Human Well-being |
| MAPS404DSE | Gender and Politics | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Feminist Theories and Patriarchy, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Inequality and Political Representation, Political Participation of Women, Gender Mainstreaming in Policy, Intersectionality of Gender, Caste, and Class |
| MAPS405OE | Peace and Conflict Studies | Elective (Open) | 4 | Concepts of Peace and Conflict, Causes and Dynamics of Conflict, Conflict Resolution Strategies (Negotiation, Mediation), Role of United Nations in Peacekeeping, Gandhian Approach to Peace and Non-Violence, Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Peacebuilding |
| MAPS406RP | Research Project/Dissertation Part 2 | Project | 4 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Drawing Conclusions and Recommendations, Final Dissertation Writing and Formatting, Preparation for Presentation and Viva-Voce, Ethical Review and Plagiarism Check, Submission and Defense of Dissertation |
