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M-A in Political Science at Govind Ballabh Pant Mahavidyalaya, Kachla, Budaun
Budaun, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Govind Ballabh Pant Mahavidyalaya, Kachla, Budaun Budaun?
This M.A. Political Science program at Govind Ballabh Pant Mahavidyalaya, Budaun, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theories, systems, and global affairs. It is designed to equip students with analytical skills necessary to interpret complex political phenomena within an Indian and international context. The program integrates classical and contemporary perspectives, fostering critical thinking about governance, public policy, and societal structures. The demand for political analysts, policy researchers, and public service professionals remains strong in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Political Science or related social sciences who aspire to careers in public administration, research, journalism, or non-profit organizations. It also suits working professionals in government or NGOs seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding and analytical capabilities for career progression. Aspiring civil servants and those interested in academia will find the rigorous curriculum beneficial for their intellectual growth and career objectives.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as political analysts, policy advisors, civil servants, journalists, educators, and social researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 8-15 lakhs or more in governmental or research sectors. The program provides a strong foundation for competitive examinations like UPSC CSE and state PSCs, and facilitates progression into Ph.D. programs, contributing to academic and policy development in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Theories and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding foundational political theories (Western, Indian) and core concepts of governance. Form study groups to discuss complex ideas, debate different interpretations, and solidify your conceptual base for academic excellence.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks and academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Online lecture series (e.g., NPTEL humanities courses), Mind maps and conceptual frameworks
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, state PSCs) and for analytical roles in policy research or journalism, where in-depth understanding is paramount.
Develop Critical Reading and Analytical Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice reading academic texts critically, identifying arguments, evidence, and underlying assumptions. Regularly summarize articles and write short analytical essays to hone your argumentative and expressive capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Academic books and research papers, University library resources for journal access
Career Connection
Essential for any research-oriented role, policy analysis, or even civil services, where synthesizing information and forming reasoned arguments is a daily requirement.
Engage with Contemporary Indian Politics and Governance- (Semester 1-2)
Stay updated with current political developments in India. Actively follow news debates, analyze government policies, and connect classroom theories with real-world political events. Participate in college debates or discussions on contemporary issues.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news channels and political analysis websites, Parliamentary proceedings and government reports, College debate clubs and departmental seminars
Career Connection
Provides vital context for understanding Indian governance and policy-making, directly benefiting careers in journalism, civil services, and political consultancy by offering practical insights.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and In-depth Study- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career interests (e.g., Human Rights for advocacy, State Politics for civil services). Dive deeper into your chosen areas through additional readings and seminar participation to build expertise.
Tools & Resources
Consult faculty for elective choices, Explore specialized academic databases (JSTOR, EBSCO), Attend guest lectures related to your chosen areas of interest
Career Connection
Specialization helps in building a niche, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in NGOs, think tanks, or government departments related to your expertise.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects and Field Studies- (Semester 3)
Actively engage in the practical/project work specified in the curriculum. Identify a topic of interest, conduct preliminary research, and try to gather some primary data through surveys or interviews, especially concerning local political issues.
Tools & Resources
Basic statistical software (Excel), Survey platforms (Google Forms, SurveyMonkey), Academic citation tools and research methodologies guidance
Career Connection
Develops foundational research skills vital for academic pursuits, policy analysis, market research, and positions requiring data interpretation and report writing within the Indian context.
Network with Faculty and Peers for Mentorship- (Semester 3)
Build rapport with professors, discussing your career aspirations and seeking guidance on academic and professional paths. Connect with senior students and alumni to understand career options and opportunities in India, fostering valuable connections.
Tools & Resources
Attend departmental events and utilize faculty office hours, Participate in alumni meets and college social gatherings, Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn
Career Connection
Mentorship can open doors to internships, research assistantships, and provide invaluable insights into navigating the Indian job market, especially for roles in government and academia.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Internship for Industry Readiness- (Semester 4)
Approach your Internship/Dissertation with a strong career focus. If doing an internship, seek opportunities in relevant government departments, think tanks, or NGOs. If writing a dissertation, choose a topic with practical policy implications for India.
Tools & Resources
University career services and placement cells, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn) for internship leads, Guidance from faculty advisors for project/internship selection
Career Connection
This is your direct entry point to gaining practical experience, building a professional network, and demonstrating your capabilities to potential employers in India, facilitating smooth transition to the workforce.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations/Further Studies- (Semester 4)
If aiming for civil services or academia, dedicate structured time for preparing for UPSC, state PSCs, and NET/JRF exams. Integrate your M.A. studies with your exam preparation, focusing on current affairs and optional subjects.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms and mock test series, Previous year''''s question papers and current affairs magazines, Form study groups with like-minded peers for collaborative learning
Career Connection
Direct preparation for high-impact careers in Indian public service or a robust pathway to advanced research and teaching roles in Indian universities and colleges.
Refine Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in seminars, present your research findings, and engage in constructive debates. Practice articulating complex political ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, tailored for diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Public speaking clubs (if available) or peer feedback sessions, Workshops on academic writing and presentation skills
Career Connection
Strong communication is paramount for roles in advocacy, public relations, diplomacy, policy articulation, and effective leadership in any sector in India, ensuring your ideas are heard and understood.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the B.A. with Political Science as a subject or B.A. with 45% marks from any recognised university shall be eligible for admission to M.A. Political Science.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSCC-101 | Political Thought-I (Western) | Core | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: State, Citizenship, Revolution, Machiavelli: Morality and Politics, Hobbes: Social Contract, Sovereignty, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty |
| PSCC-102 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Politics, Constitutional Development, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Executive and Legislature, State Government and Administration |
| PSCC-103 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Administration (Scientific Management, Human Relations), Bureaucracy (Weber, Riggs), Financial Administration (Budgeting, Audit), Public Policy: Formulation and Implementation, Good Governance and E-Governance |
| PSCC-104 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Alignment Movement and relevance, Foreign Policy of India: Determinants, United Nations: Structure and Role, Globalisation and its impact on states |
| PSCF-105 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Research, Types of Research (Descriptive, Exploratory), Research Design and Hypothesis, Methods of Data Collection (Interview, Survey), Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSCC-201 | Political Thought-II (Modern Western) | Core | 4 | J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Antonio Gramsci: Hegemony, State and Civil Society, Hannah Arendt: Totalitarianism, Action and Public Realm, Feminist Political Thought: Liberal, Radical, Socialist, Post-Modernism and its critique of grand narratives |
| PSCC-202 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics (Systems, Structural-Functional), Political System: Concepts and Typologies, Political Culture and Socialization, Political Development and Modernization, Globalisation and its impact on comparative politics |
| PSCC-203 | Modern Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ram Mohan Roy: Liberalism, Social Reform, Dayanand Saraswati: Arya Samaj, Cultural Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi: Satyagraha, Swaraj, B.R. Ambedkar: Social Justice, Annihilation of Caste, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Jaya Prakash Narayan: Total Revolution, Partyless Democracy |
| PSCC-204 | Contemporary Political Theory | Core | 4 | Liberalism: Classical and Contemporary, Marxism: Neo-Marxism, Critical Theory, Socialism: Democratic Socialism, Democracy: Deliberative, Participatory, Justice: Rawls, Nozick, Rights: Human Rights, Group Rights |
| PSCOE-205 | Environmental Politics | Elective (Open Elective) | 4 | Environmentalism: Theories and Approaches, Climate Change: Politics and Policy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental Movements in India, Global Environmental Governance, Environmental Justice |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSDSE-301 A | State Politics in India | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-1 Option 1) | 4 | Nature of Indian Federalism, Regionalism and Separatist Movements, Language Politics and Reorganization of States, Caste, Religion and Politics in States, Coalition Politics and its impact, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies |
| PSDSE-301 B | Human Rights | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-1 Option 2) | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Role of NGOs in Human Rights Protection, International Conventions and Treaties |
| PSDSE-302 A | Local Governance in India | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-2 Option 1) | 4 | Evolution of Local Self-Government, 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, Rural Local Governance: Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Governance: Municipalities, Challenges and Reforms in Local Governance |
| PSDSE-302 B | India''''s Foreign Policy | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-2 Option 2) | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement: Principles and Evolution, India and its Neighbors (Pakistan, China, Nepal), India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, EU), India and Global Organizations (UN, BRICS), Economic Diplomacy and Soft Power |
| PSVEC-303 | Practical/Project/Dissertation | Project/Practical (Vocational Education Course) | 4 | Selection of Research Topic, Literature Review and Research Question, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Structure, Oral Presentation of Findings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSDSE-401 A | Political Sociology | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-3 Option 1) | 4 | Political Socialization and Participation, Political Culture and its Types, Political Elites and Leadership, Pressure Groups and Interest Groups, Social Movements and Political Change, State and Society: Interconnections |
| PSDSE-401 B | Gender and Politics | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-3 Option 2) | 4 | Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Gender and Power in Society, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Women''''s Political Participation and Representation, Gender Justice and Policy Interventions |
| PSDSE-402 A | Security and Strategic Studies | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-4 Option 1) | 4 | Concept of National Security, Geopolitics and Geo-Strategy, Nuclear Deterrence and Disarmament, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, India''''s Security Challenges, International Security Organizations and Regimes |
| PSDSE-402 B | Governance and Public Policy | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE-4 Option 2) | 4 | Concept of Good Governance, E-Governance: Principles and Practices, Public Policy: Formulation and Analysis, Policy Implementation and Evaluation, Citizen Participation and Transparency, Accountability and Public Grievances Redressal |
| PSINT-403 | Internship/Dissertation | Internship/Project | 4 | Identification of Internship Opportunities, Fieldwork and Data Collection, Internship Report Preparation, Dissertation Writing: Structure and Content, Research Ethics and Plagiarism, Oral Defense and Presentation |
