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B-A in Defence And Strategic Studies at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Defence and Strategic Studies at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous) Chennai?
This Defence and Strategic Studies program at Guru Nanak College, Chennai, focuses on comprehensive analysis of national security, military strategy, international relations, and conflict resolution. It provides a deep understanding of India''''s strategic environment and geopolitical challenges, essential for navigating complex global and regional dynamics. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for expertise in security studies across India''''s public and private sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates aspiring to careers in defence, intelligence, civil services, or journalism with a focus on national security. It also suits individuals interested in pursuing higher education in strategic studies or those seeking to contribute to think tanks and policy research organizations focused on India''''s strategic interests.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in central and state government services, including armed forces (through competitive exams), intelligence agencies, and disaster management authorities. They are also well-prepared for roles in media houses, NGOs, and research institutions specializing in security and foreign policy, with potential entry-level salaries in the INR 3-6 lakhs range.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core concepts in military history, international relations, and national security through rigorous study of textbooks and recommended readings. Actively participate in class discussions and departmental seminars to clarify doubts and broaden perspectives on defence fundamentals. Join study groups to collectively understand complex theories and historical events.
Tools & Resources
Departmental library resources, Online academic journals (e.g., IDSA Journal), Mentorship from senior students or faculty
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC Civil Services, CAPF) and for understanding advanced strategic concepts in later semesters.
Develop Critical Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with current affairs daily, specifically focusing on geopolitical developments, defence news, and India''''s foreign policy. Practice writing analytical essays and presenting well-reasoned arguments on contemporary security challenges. Participate in debates and mock United Nations sessions to hone public speaking and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Leading Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Online news portals (Livemint, The Wire), Defence Ministry reports
Career Connection
These skills are invaluable for roles in intelligence analysis, policy research, strategic communication, and journalism.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Explore connections between defence studies and other fields like economics, sociology, and political science by taking relevant elective courses or attending guest lectures. Understand how diverse factors influence national security. Seek to understand different cultural contexts relevant to international relations.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental lectures and workshops, Online courses on related social sciences (e.g., NPTEL), Academic blogs focusing on interdisciplinary security
Career Connection
A holistic understanding enhances problem-solving capabilities and opens doors to broader career avenues in policy analysis and international development.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Internships and Field Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for internship opportunities with defence-related think tanks, NGOs working on peace and conflict, or government bodies during summer breaks. Even short-term projects or volunteering can provide practical insights into the application of theoretical knowledge. Network with professionals in the field.
Tools & Resources
College career services, LinkedIn for professional networking, Think tank websites (e.g., ORF, IDSA)
Career Connection
Practical experience is vital for building a professional resume, understanding industry demands, and securing placements after graduation.
Specialize through Electives and Research- (Semester 3-5)
Choose elective subjects strategically that align with your career interests, whether it''''s disaster management, human rights, or peace studies. Initiate small research projects or term papers on niche topics that deepen your understanding and allow you to develop expertise in a specific sub-field. Collaborate with faculty on research.
Tools & Resources
Access to college research facilities, Academic databases (JSTOR, EBSCO host), Guidance from departmental faculty
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles and for higher studies, enhancing your value in the job market.
Participate in National Security Events- (Semester 3-5)
Attend national-level conferences, workshops, and seminars organized by defence institutions, universities, or government bodies. Engage with speakers, ask insightful questions, and expand your professional network. These events provide exposure to real-world policy discussions and latest trends.
Tools & Resources
Event listings from prominent defence organizations, Professional association memberships, Webinars by security experts
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, potential job opportunities, and staying updated on evolving national security paradigms.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Placement and Further Studies- (Semester 6)
Refine your resume and cover letter, focusing on skills relevant to defence, strategic analysis, or civil services. Prepare for interviews by researching common questions and practicing mock interviews. For higher studies, research postgraduate programs and scholarships in India and abroad, preparing for entrance exams.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career counselors, Online platforms for interview preparation (e.g., Naukri, Glassdoor)
Career Connection
Dedicated preparation for placements or higher education pathways is critical for a smooth transition into your desired career post-graduation.
Undertake Capstone Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Utilize the final semester to undertake a comprehensive research project or dissertation on a contemporary defence or strategic issue. This allows for the application of all learned theories and methodologies, culminating in a significant academic output. Seek faculty guidance rigorously throughout this process.
Tools & Resources
Institutional research guidelines, Academic software (e.g., Mendeley for referencing), Library access for primary and secondary sources
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates research capabilities and analytical depth, highly valued by employers and for academic pursuits.
Engage in Professional Certifications- (Semester 6)
Consider pursuing certifications or short courses in specialized areas like cyber security, intelligence analysis, or international law, if available and relevant to your career path. This adds a tangible skill set beyond the degree and demonstrates proactive learning. Many online platforms offer such courses.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NPTEL for online courses, Certifications offered by professional bodies (if applicable for specific skills), Institute-specific short-term programs
Career Connection
Specialized certifications can significantly enhance employability, particularly in niche roles within the defence and security industry, making you more competitive.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or an equivalent examination with any group of subjects from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 136 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA20S1L01 | Part I - Tamil I / Other Language I | Language | 3 | Modern Poetry, Prose and Drama, Short Stories and Novels, Basic Grammar (Iyal Tamil), Writing Skills |
| BA20S1E01 | Part II - English I | English | 3 | Prose and Literary Criticism, Poetry Analysis, Functional English Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing |
| BA20S1C01 | Elements of Defence | Core | 4 | Concept and Dimensions of Defence, National Power and its Elements, Components of National Security, Role of Intelligence Agencies, Internal and External Security |
| BA20S1C02 | Military History - India | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Warfare, Medieval Indian Military Systems, Rise of Maratha Power, Colonial Warfare in India, Indian National Army |
| BA20S1A01 | Indian History - 1757-1947 A.D | Allied | 5 | Advent of Europeans in India, British Expansion and Administration, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Partition of India |
| BA20S1NVS | Environmental Studies | Compulsory Foundation Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and their Conservation, Ecosystems and Biodiversity Hotspots, Environmental Pollution and Control Measures, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Rights |
| BA20S1VE0 | Value Education | Compulsory Foundation Course | 2 | Understanding Values and Ethics, Goals and Objectives of Value Education, Human Values: Love, Compassion, Self-Sacrifice, Ethical Values: Truth, Righteous Conduct, Peace, Social Values: Patriotism, Discipline, Unity |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA20S2L02 | Part I - Tamil II / Other Language II | Language | 3 | Ancient Literature (Sangam, Bhakti), Epic Poetry, Folk Literature, Grammar (Ezhuthu, Sol), Translation Skills |
| BA20S2E02 | Part II - English II | English | 3 | Drama and Theatre Studies, Poetry from Different Eras, Applied Grammar and Usage, Effective Communication, Report Writing |
| BA20S2C03 | Science & Technology for Defence | Core | 4 | Emergence of Science and Technology in Warfare, Arms Race and Disarmament, Nuclear Weapons and their Proliferation, Space Technology in Defence, Information Technology and Cyber Warfare |
| BA20S2C04 | Military History of World | Core | 4 | Ancient Warfare - Roman, Greek, Medieval Warfare - Crusades, Mongol Invasions, Evolution of Modern Warfare, World War I and II, Cold War Conflicts |
| BA20S2A02 | International Relations - I | Allied | 5 | Theories and Approaches to International Relations, Concept of Power and Balance of Power, Cold War and its Impact, Role of United Nations, Current Global Issues |
| BA20S2NME | Non-Major Elective | Non-Major Elective | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA20S3L03 | Part I - Tamil III / Other Language III | Language | 3 | Medieval Literature (Bhakti, Sittar), Grammar (Porul, Yappu), Journalism and Media Writing, Cultural Studies, Literary Criticism |
| BA20S3E03 | Part II - English III | English | 3 | Modern Prose and Short Fiction, Contemporary Poetry, Business Communication, Presentation Skills, Vocabulary and Idioms |
| BA20S3C05 | National Security | Core | 4 | Concept and Elements of National Security, Threats to National Security, National Security Policy and Strategy, Role of Armed Forces in National Security, Challenges to India''''s Security |
| BA20S3C06 | International Organisations | Core | 4 | Evolution and Nature of International Organizations, United Nations - Structure and Functions, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU), World Trade Organization (WTO) |
| BA20S3A03 | International Relations - II | Allied | 5 | Globalization and its Impact, Regionalism and Regional Integration, International Law and Diplomacy, Human Rights in International Relations, Role of Non-State Actors |
| BA20S3SBE1 | Skill Based Elective I | Skill Based Elective | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA20S4L04 | Part I - Tamil IV / Other Language IV | Language | 3 | Folk Arts and Traditional Knowledge, Literary Movements and Trends, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Technical Writing |
| BA20S4E04 | Part II - English IV | English | 3 | Classical and Contemporary Fiction, Literary Theory and Criticism, Advanced Grammar and Syntax, Public Speaking and Debate, Digital Communication |
| BA20S4C07 | War and Warfare | Core | 4 | Causes and Theories of War, Types of Warfare - Conventional, Limited, Total, Guerrilla and Counter-Insurgency Warfare, Asymmetric Warfare and Terrorism, Nuclear Warfare and Deterrence |
| BA20S4C08 | Arms Control and Disarmament | Core | 4 | Concept and History of Arms Control, Nuclear Disarmament Treaties (NPT, CTBT), Conventional Arms Control, Chemical and Biological Weapons, India''''s Stand on Disarmament |
| BA20S4A04 | Modern Political System | Allied | 5 | Democracy and its Forms, Authoritarian and Totalitarian Systems, Federal and Unitary Systems, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems |
| BA20S4SBE2 | Skill Based Elective II | Skill Based Elective | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA20S5C09 | Defence Economics | Core | 4 | Concept of Defence Economics, Defence Expenditure and Budgeting, Defence Production and Industrial Base, Defence Research and Development (R&D), Arms Trade and Procurement |
| BA20S5C10 | Strategic Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Strategic Thinkers (Kautilya, Sun Tzu), Western Strategic Thinkers (Machiavelli, Clausewitz), Mahan''''s Sea Power Theory, Liddell Hart''''s Indirect Approach, Nuclear Strategy and Deterrence |
| BA20S5C11 | Geo-Politics of Indian Ocean Region | Core | 4 | Geopolitical Significance of Indian Ocean, Littoral and Island States, Conflicts and Cooperation in IOR, Maritime Security Challenges, India''''s Role in Indian Ocean Region |
| BA20S5C12 | Terrorism - National & International | Core | 4 | Definition and Typologies of Terrorism, Causes and Motivations of Terrorism, State-Sponsored Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism Strategies, Impact of Terrorism on National Security |
| BA20S5E01 | Elective I (Disaster Management) | Elective | 5 | Types and Causes of Disasters, Disaster Mitigation Strategies, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response and Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction |
| BA20S5E02 | Elective II (Human Rights) | Elective | 5 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Constitution, National Human Rights Commission, Challenges to Human Rights |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA20S6C13 | Military Geography | Core | 4 | Scope and Significance of Military Geography, Influence of Terrain on Military Operations, Impact of Climate and Weather on Warfare, Geopolitical Regions and Conflict Zones, Military Mapping and Intelligence |
| BA20S6C14 | Defence Management | Core | 4 | Principles of Defence Management, Defence Planning and Policy Making, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management in Armed Forces, Decision Making in Defence |
| BA20S6C15 | Indian Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Evolution of India''''s Foreign Policy, Determinants of Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment and its Relevance, India''''s Relations with Major Powers, Neighbourhood Policy |
| BA20S6C16 | Human Rights and Humanitarian Law | Core | 4 | Concept and Principles of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, War Crimes and Genocide |
| BA20S6E03 | Elective III (Environmental Security) | Elective | 5 | Concept of Environmental Security, Resource Scarcity and Conflicts, Climate Change and Security Implications, Environmental Degradation and Migration, International Cooperation on Environmental Issues |
| BA20S6EXT | Extension Activity | Project/Activity | 1 |
