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B-A in Political Science at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous) Chennai?
This B.A. Political Science program at Guru Nanak College, Chennai focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theories, systems, and governance with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. It delves into global political dynamics, public administration, and human rights, preparing students for critical analysis of socio-political issues in India. The program equips students with analytical and research skills vital for engaging with complex policy environments and civic responsibilities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, public policy analysis, or social advocacy in India. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding governance, international relations, and constitutional law. Students with an interest in contemporary Indian politics, global affairs, and a desire to contribute to societal change will find this program deeply rewarding and relevant.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in government (UPSC/TNPSC exams), NGOs, media houses, think tanks, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth for those pursuing higher studies or gaining experience in public service. The program fosters critical thinking and research abilities, essential for leadership roles in various sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Knowledge in Political Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core concepts in political theory and thought. Regularly review definitions of key terms like ''''State'''', ''''Sovereignty'''', ''''Justice'''', and ''''Democracy''''. Engage with the works of foundational thinkers (Plato, Aristotle, Locke) to grasp different ideological perspectives.
Tools & Resources
University library resources for classic texts, NCERT Political Science textbooks (Class 11 & 12), NPTEL/SWAYAM online courses
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC/TNPSC) and analytical roles in policy research or journalism, enabling nuanced understanding of political phenomena.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice reading diverse political texts, news articles, and policy documents with a critical eye. Identify arguments, underlying assumptions, and different viewpoints. Start writing short analytical essays or summaries of current political events.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Political magazines (Frontline, Economic and Political Weekly), PRS Legislative Research for policy analysis, College debate clubs
Career Connection
Essential for roles in journalism, public policy, research, and civil services where interpreting complex information and formulating informed opinions are paramount.
Engage in Current Affairs and Civic Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Stay updated with national and international political developments, particularly those concerning India. Participate actively in classroom discussions and student forums, respectfully debating contemporary issues.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news channels and current affairs programs (DD News, Rajya Sabha TV), College political science clubs or discussion groups
Career Connection
Builds awareness for competitive exams, cultivates informed citizenship, and prepares for public-facing roles in government or advocacy where current knowledge is vital.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Internships with NGOs or Local Governance Bodies- (Summer breaks after Semesters 3 and 4)
Seek out internships with non-governmental organizations, local political campaigns, think tanks, or panchayati raj institutions. This provides practical exposure to policy implementation, community engagement, and grassroots politics in India.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online platforms (Internshala, Let''''sIntern), Faculty recommendations, Local NGOs in Chennai or Tamil Nadu
Career Connection
Builds practical experience, enhances networking, and provides a clear understanding of the operational aspects of public policy and social work, aiding in placements and further studies.
Specialise and Deepen Knowledge in Key Areas- (Semester 4-5)
Identify areas of interest within Political Science (e.g., Indian Politics, International Relations, Public Administration, Human Rights) and take relevant elective courses. Read advanced books and research papers in these chosen areas.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors for specialized reading lists, Open-access journals and academic databases, Webinars or workshops on specific political science sub-disciplines
Career Connection
Developing expertise in a niche area makes you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in research institutions, think tanks, or specific government departments.
Participate in Research Projects and Academic Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Collaborate with professors on minor research projects or undertake independent studies on relevant political topics. Participate in essay competitions, quiz contests, or model parliament simulations related to political science.
Tools & Resources
University research grants (if available), Departmental research opportunities, MyGov for policy contribution opportunities, Inter-collegiate academic events
Career Connection
Enhances research aptitude, strengthens analytical writing, boosts confidence, and adds significant value to academic profiles for postgraduate studies or research-oriented careers.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Civil Services or Postgraduate Entrances- (Semester 6)
For those aspiring for civil services (UPSC, TNPSC) or master''''s degrees, begin focused preparation. This involves rigorous study of general knowledge, current affairs, optional subjects, and practice with previous year''''s question papers.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if feasible), Online test series and mock tests, Study groups, Standard UPSC/TNPSC preparation books
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for high-stakes competitive exams, opening doors to prestigious government careers or advanced academic pursuits in India and abroad.
Develop a Strong Professional Portfolio and Networking- (Semester 6)
Compile a portfolio of research papers, projects, internship certificates, and awards. Attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to network with academics, policymakers, and professionals in the field.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, College alumni network, Departmental career counseling, Professional associations in political science or public administration
Career Connection
A robust portfolio and strong network are critical for showcasing capabilities, finding mentors, identifying job opportunities, and gaining referrals in the Indian job market.
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Apply all learned research methodologies to conduct a significant research project or dissertation on a contemporary political issue relevant to India or global affairs. This demonstrates advanced analytical and writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervision and mentorship, University library databases, Academic writing guides, Statistical software (if applicable)
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation is a valuable asset for academic careers, think tanks, or for showcasing independent research capabilities to potential employers in public policy or research roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2 pattern) conducted by the Government of Tamil Nadu or an examination accepted as equivalent.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: As per University of Madras CBCS regulations for B.A. programs, generally 140 credits. The specific Political Science syllabus components detailed sum to 97 credits. Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAPC11 | CORE I: Principles of Political Science | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, State and Sovereignty, Law, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights and Democracy, Power, Authority, Legitimacy |
| UAPA11 | ALLIED I: Modern Governments | Allied | 3 | Constitutions of UK, USA, Switzerland, Federalism and Unitary Systems, Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems, Role of Judiciary, Electoral Systems |
| UAPN11 | NME I: Human Rights | Non-Major Elective | 2 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Generations of Rights, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), International Human Rights Law |
| UAEV11 | AECC I: Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Natural Resources and their Management, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Control, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAPC21 | CORE II: Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle''''s Political Ideas, Machiavelli''''s Realism, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau''''s Social Contract, J.S. Mill''''s Liberalism, Marx''''s Historical Materialism |
| UAPA21 | ALLIED II: Public Administration | Allied | 3 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organisation, Bureaucracy and its Role, Personnel Administration, Financial Administration, Concept of Good Governance |
| UAPN21 | NME II: Political Parties and Pressure Groups | Non-Major Elective | 2 | Types and Functions of Political Parties, Party Systems in India, Nature and Techniques of Pressure Groups, Role in Democratic Process, Electoral Reforms |
| UASS21 | AECC II: Professional English | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Enhancing Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Effective Writing Skills, Presentation Skills, Interview and Group Discussion Techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAPC31 | CORE III: Indian Political System | Core | 4 | Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Union Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, Federalism in India, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Electoral Process and Reforms |
| UAPA31 | ALLIED III: Principles of Economics | Allied | 3 | Microeconomics: Demand and Supply, Macroeconomics: National Income, Inflation, Market Structures, Public Finance: Taxation and Expenditure, Economic Systems, Basic Economic Concepts |
| UAPS31 | SKILL BASED ELECTIVE I: Political Journalism | Skill Based Elective | 3 | News Reporting and Editorial Writing, Interview Techniques for Political News, Media Ethics and Regulations, Role of Media in Politics, Impact of Social Media on Journalism |
| UAPG31 | GENERIC ELECTIVE I: Indian Constitution and Human Rights | Generic Elective | 3 | Key Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, National Human Rights Commission, Women''''s and Child Rights in India |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAPC41 | CORE IV: International Relations | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Non-Alignment Movement, United Nations and its Organs, Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU), Globalization and Terrorism, Foreign Policy Analysis |
| UAPA41 | ALLIED IV: Indian History | Allied | 3 | Ancient Indian Political History, Medieval Indian Political Systems, Modern India and Colonial Rule, Indian National Movement, Post-Independence Challenges, Historical Perspectives on Indian Politics |
| UAPS41 | SKILL BASED ELECTIVE II: Diplomacy and International Law | Skill Based Elective | 3 | Nature and Types of Diplomacy, Sources and Subjects of International Law, State Recognition and Treaties, International Courts and Tribunals, Humanitarian Law and Intervention |
| UAPG41 | GENERIC ELECTIVE II: Contemporary Political Issues | Generic Elective | 3 | Environmental Politics and Climate Change, Gender and Politics, Caste, Religion, and Regionalism in Politics, Role of Non-Governmental Organizations, Good Governance and Human Security |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAPC51 | CORE V: Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Political Culture and Socialization, Political Participation and Behavior, Elites and Masses, Social Movements and Revolution, Caste, Class, Gender in Politics |
| UAPC52 | CORE VI: Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Greek Political Thought (Plato, Aristotle), Medieval Political Thought, Modern Political Thought (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau), Utilitarianism (Bentham, J.S. Mill), Hegel, Marx, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt |
| UAPC53 | CORE VII: Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya), Medieval Indian Thinkers, Modern Indian Political Thought (Ram Mohan Roy, Gokhale, Tilak), Gandhi, Ambedkar, Savarkar, Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan, Periyar, Lohia |
| UAPD51 | DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE I: Human Rights & Duties | Discipline Specific Elective | 3 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration and International Covenants, Human Rights Protection in India, National and State Human Rights Commissions, Concept of Duties and Responsibilities |
| UAPD52 | DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE II: Indian Foreign Policy | Discipline Specific Elective | 3 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and its Evolution, India''''s Relations with Neighbors, India and Major Global Powers, India''''s Role in UN and Economic Diplomacy |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAPC61 | CORE VIII: Political Economy | Core | 4 | Capitalism, Socialism, Marxism, Globalization and its Political Impact, Role of WTO, IMF, World Bank, Neo-liberalism and Economic Reforms in India, State and Economy Relationship |
| UAPC62 | CORE IX: Human Rights | Core | 4 | Theoretical Perspectives on Human Rights, International Human Rights Regimes, Enforcement Mechanisms and Challenges, Human Rights Challenges in India, Role of Judiciary and Civil Society |
| UAPD61 | DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE III: Public Policy in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 3 | Public Policy Process (Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation), Health Policy in India, Education Policy in India, Environmental Policy and Governance, Social Welfare Policies |
| UAPD62 | DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE IV: Development Administration | Discipline Specific Elective | 3 | Concept and Theories of Development, Bureaucracy and Development, Planning and Development, Role of NGOs in Development, Participatory and Sustainable Development |
| UEXX61 | Extension Activities | Compulsory | 1 | NCC/NSS/Sports/YRC, Community Service Initiatives, Awareness Programs, Leadership Development, Civic Engagement |
