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M-A in Political Science at Gyan Mahavidyalaya
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Gyan Mahavidyalaya Aligarh?
This M.A. Political Science program at Gyan Mahavidyalaya, Aligarh focuses on an in-depth understanding of political theories, systems, and contemporary issues. It is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills to navigate complex political landscapes. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, highly relevant in India''''s dynamic socio-political environment. The curriculum integrates traditional and modern approaches to political science and governance.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in Political Science, History, or Social Sciences seeking entry into academia, civil services, or policy analysis roles. It also suits working professionals, including educators and government employees, aiming to deepen their understanding or upskill for career advancement. Individuals passionate about public service, governance, and international affairs will find this program highly rewarding and enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state civil services, policy research institutions, journalism, and non-governmental organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience, potentially reaching INR 8-15 LPA for experienced professionals. The program also prepares students for higher education, competitive exams, and contributes to intellectual leadership in political thought.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge and Critical Thinking- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with core political theories, Indian, and Western political thought. Actively participate in classroom discussions, read prescribed texts thoroughly, and critically analyze different perspectives. Develop strong essay writing skills by practicing regularly to articulate complex ideas.
Tools & Resources
University library, academic journals, online lecture series on political philosophy, peer study groups, reference books on political theory
Career Connection
Strong theoretical foundations are crucial for success in civil services examinations (UPSC, PCS) and for analytical roles in research organizations. This stage builds the intellectual rigor required for informed decision-making.
Master Comparative Political Analysis- (Semester 1)
Focus on understanding diverse political systems and structures globally and within India. Analyze different approaches to comparative politics, identifying similarities and differences in governance models, and their historical and socio-economic context. Learn to evaluate various constitutional frameworks.
Tools & Resources
Comparative politics textbooks, case studies of various political systems, global policy reports, online archives of constitutional documents, news analysis of international politics
Career Connection
Develops a global perspective essential for roles in international organizations, foreign policy analysis, diplomatic services, and comparative governance studies. Enhances understanding of diverse political landscapes.
Engage with Current Affairs and Public Discourse- (Semester 1)
Regularly follow national and international political developments through reputable news sources, debates, and analyses. Connect current events with the theoretical concepts learned in class. Actively participate in college debates, seminars, or political science clubs to refine communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Reputable newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), news magazines, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV discussions, political blogs and podcasts, PRS Legislative Research
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil services interviews, journalism, public relations, and understanding the practical application of political science in real-world governance and public policy debates.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Public Administration and Governance Insights- (Semester 2)
Dive into the principles of public administration, focusing on its theories, applications, and challenges in the Indian context. Analyze case studies of public policy implementation, administrative reforms, and local self-governance. Understand the role of bureaucracy and e-governance initiatives.
Tools & Resources
Books on Indian Public Administration, administrative reform commission reports, government policy documents, online courses on governance, current government schemes
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for administrative roles in government, NGOs, and public sector organizations, enhancing understanding of bureaucratic processes, ethical governance, and public service delivery.
Hone Research Methodology for Political Science- (Semester 2)
Apply theoretical knowledge of research methodology to practical scenarios. Design mock research proposals, conduct small surveys or interviews, and learn data analysis techniques relevant to social sciences. Focus on academic writing, proper citation, and ethical research practices.
Tools & Resources
SPSS or R for basic data analysis, academic databases (JSTOR, Shodhganga), research guides from university, mentorship from faculty on mini-projects, plagiarism check tools
Career Connection
Crucial for careers in academic research, policy analysis, survey design, journalism, and any role requiring robust data interpretation, evidence-based reporting, and critical evaluation of information.
Understand International Law and Global Politics- (Semester 2)
Explore the foundational principles of international law and its implications for global governance, state behavior, and human rights. Analyze specific international disputes, treaties, and the functioning of international organizations, understanding India''''s position and role in the global arena.
Tools & Resources
UN official documents, international law journals, current events focusing on diplomatic relations, online resources on international organizations (e.g., WTO, IMF), global think tank reports
Career Connection
Opens doors to careers in international organizations, diplomatic services, global advocacy, and roles focused on international relations, foreign policy analysis, and cross-cultural understanding.
Advanced Stage
Specialization and Policy Application- (Semester 3-4)
Deepen understanding in chosen elective areas like Indian Administration, Human Security, or Modern Indian Political Thought. Critically evaluate Indian public policies, local self-governance, and human rights frameworks through in-depth case studies, policy briefs, and potentially field visits or interactions.
Tools & Resources
Policy briefs from NITI Aayog, government reports, NGO publications and impact assessments, expert interviews with civil servants or policy makers, participation in workshops on public policy
Career Connection
Direct relevance for roles in policy think tanks, government departments, social sector organizations, and advocacy groups focusing on specific policy domains like education, health, or environmental governance.
Comprehensive Project Work and Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Undertake a significant research project or dissertation in the final semester, applying all learned theoretical and research skills. Focus on a topic of interest, conduct thorough primary/secondary research, analyze findings effectively, and present/defend your work to faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Research mentors/faculty advisors, advanced academic databases, statistical software (if applicable), presentation tools (PowerPoint, Prezi), anti-plagiarism software (Turnitin)
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for academic positions, advanced research roles, competitive examinations, and demonstrates subject matter expertise to potential employers or institutions for further studies.
Civil Services & Professional Readiness- (Semester 3-4)
Begin structured preparation for civil services examinations (UPSC, PCS) or other target professional roles. Focus on general studies, essay writing, and optionally, Political Science as an optional subject. Attend career guidance workshops, mock interviews, and leverage alumni networks for mentorship.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PCS previous year question papers, reputable coaching institute materials (if opting), online preparation platforms (Unacademy, Byju''''s), career counseling services, alumni network for guidance and insights
Career Connection
Direct preparation for highly competitive government jobs, entry into prestigious think tanks, or leadership roles in social and political organizations, enabling a significant impact on public life and governance.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in any stream (as per Gyan Mahavidyalaya website)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POMA-C-101 | Political Theory (राजनीति विज्ञान के सिद्धान्त) | Core | 4 | Nature of Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, State and Sovereignty, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights and Democracy, Citizenship |
| POMA-C-102 | Comparative Politics (तुलनात्मक राजनीति) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political System and Culture, Political Socialization, Political Development, Constitutionalism and Bureaucracy |
| POMA-C-103 | Indian Political Thought (भारतीय राजनीतिक चिन्तन) | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Dharma, Danda), Kautilya and Manusmriti, Medieval Thought (Barani, Abul Fazl), Modern Indian Thinkers (Gandhi, Ambedkar), Ram Mohan Roy, Dayanand Saraswati, Savarkar, Gokhale and Tilak |
| POMA-C-104 | International Relations (अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय सम्बन्ध) | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations and Disarmament, International Terrorism and Environmental Politics, India''''s Foreign Policy |
| POMA-C-105 | Indian Government and Politics (भारतीय शासन एवं राजनीति) | Core | 4 | Constitutional Development and Preamble, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles, President, Prime Minister, Parliament, Supreme Court and Federalism, Election Commission, Political Parties, Pressure Groups |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POMA-C-201 | Western Political Thought (पाश्चात्य राजनीतिक चिन्तन) | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham and J.S. Mill, Marx and Hegel, Gramsci |
| POMA-C-202 | Public Administration (लोक प्रशासन) | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Approaches to Public Administration, Bureaucracy, Personnel Administration, Financial Administration, Good Governance and E-Governance |
| POMA-C-203 | Research Methodology in Political Science (राजनीति विज्ञान में शोध प्रविधि) | Core | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods and Sampling, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing |
| POMA-C-204 | Principles of Public International Law (सार्वजनिक अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय विधि के सिद्धान्त) | Core | 4 | Nature and Basis of International Law, Sources of International Law, Recognition and State Succession, Treaties and International Human Rights Law, International Criminal Court |
| POMA-C-205 | Political Sociology (राजनीतिक समाजशास्त्र) | Core | 4 | Political Culture and Political Socialization, Elites and Masses, Political Parties and Interest Groups, Political Participation and Legitimacy, Revolution and Political Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POMA-C-301 | State Politics in India (भारत में राज्य राजनीति) | Core | 4 | Nature of Indian Federalism, Role of Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature and Judiciary, Regional Parties, Inter-State Relations, Separatist Movements |
| POMA-C-302 | Local Self Government in India (भारत में स्थानीय स्वशासन) | Core | 4 | Evolution of Local Self Government, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Panchayati Raj Institutions (Structure, Functions), Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporations), Challenges to Local Self Government |
| POMA-C-303 | Human Rights (मानवाधिकार) | Core | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Covenants on Rights (Civil, Political, Economic, Social), Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission |
| POMA-C-304 | Public Policy in India (भारत में लोक नीति) | Core | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Public Policy, Public Policy Formulation, Implementation, Models of Public Policy, Role of Bureaucracy, Interest Groups, Major Public Policies in India (Education, Health) |
| POMA-E-305(A) | Modern Indian Social and Political Thought (आधुनिक भारतीय सामाजिक एवं राजनीतिक चिन्तन) | Elective | 4 | Ram Mohan Roy, Dayanand Saraswati, Vivekanand, Sri Aurobindo, Tilak, Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, Lohia, J.P. Narayan |
| POMA-E-305(B) | Indian Administration (भारतीय प्रशासन) | Elective | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Constitutional Framework, Central Administration (Cabinet Secretariat, PMO), State Administration, District Administration, Public Sector Undertakings |
| POMA-E-305(C) | Human Security (मानव सुरक्षा) | Elective | 4 | Concept of Human Security, Traditional vs. Non-traditional Security Threats, Food, Health, Environmental Security, Personal, Political, Community Security |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POMA-C-401 | Major Political System (प्रमुख राजनैतिक व्यवस्थाएँ) | Core | 4 | Constitutional Features of UK, USA, Political Systems of China, Switzerland, Russia, Electoral Systems and Party Systems, Executive, Legislature, Judiciary |
| POMA-C-402 | India''''s Foreign Policy (भारत की विदेश नीति) | Core | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement, India and its Neighbors, India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, China), India and UN, SAARC, BRICS, Act East Policy |
| POMA-C-403 | Environmental Politics (पर्यावरण राजनीति) | Core | 4 | Environmentalism, Green Political Theory, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, International Environmental Regimes, Environmental Movements in India, Environmental Policies in India |
| POMA-C-404 | Political Economy (राजनीतिक अर्थशास्त्र) | Core | 4 | Classical Political Economy, Marxism, Development Theories, Globalization, International Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank, WTO), India''''s Economic Reforms |
| POMA-P-405 | Project/Dissertation/Term Paper/Field Study based Project Work (परियोजना/ शोध प्रबन्ध/ सत्राख्यान/क्षेत्र अध्ययन आधारित परियोजना कार्य) | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Field Study and Case Analysis |
