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M-A in Political Science at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Pauri Garhwal?
This M.A. Political Science program at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theories, comparative politics, public administration, and international relations. It delves into Indian government and politics with a strong emphasis on constitutional frameworks and governance challenges. The curriculum also integrates essential research methodologies, preparing students for analytical roles in policy and academia, meeting the growing demand for skilled political analysts in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree interested in public service, civil services (UPSC, State PSCs), academic research, and journalism. It also suits professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of governance, public policy, or international affairs. Individuals passionate about social advocacy, think tank research, or teaching in higher education will find this specialization particularly rewarding for career advancement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as civil servants, policy analysts, research associates, journalists, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals in policy or government roles earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, crucial for competitive exams and growth trajectories in government and non-governmental organizations across the Indian landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational political theories from Western and Indian thought, focusing on key thinkers and their concepts. Engage in group discussions to articulate different perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, Andrew Heywood), JSTOR for academic articles, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for analytical thinking, essential for UPSC and other competitive exams, and for research roles in policy analysis.
Cultivate Current Affairs Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and watch news debates to stay updated on national and international political developments. Link current events to the theoretical concepts learned in class.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS Legislative Research, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV debates, Online news portals
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil services examinations, journalism, and effective participation in policy discussions and interviews.
Develop Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing concise essays and research papers, adhering to academic integrity and citation standards. Seek feedback from professors to improve clarity, argumentation, and structure.
Tools & Resources
University writing center (if available), Grammarly, Purdue OWL guide, Feedback from faculty
Career Connection
Essential for dissertation writing, applying for higher studies, contributing to policy briefs, and excelling in descriptive competitive exams.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Research Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to work on small research projects with faculty or pursue internships with NGOs, government departments, or think tanks during breaks. This provides practical exposure to policy implementation.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn for internship postings, Research grants/fellowships (if available)
Career Connection
Practical experience significantly enhances resumes for placements, especially in policy advocacy, research, and development sectors in India.
Participate in Debates and Public Speaking- (Semester 3-4)
Join university debate clubs or participate in inter-collegiate competitions to hone public speaking, argumentation, and critical response skills. Focus on contemporary political issues.
Tools & Resources
Debating societies, Toastmasters (if available), Mock parliamentary sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for interviews, group discussions in placements, and roles requiring communication and advocacy skills such as public relations or political consulting.
Prepare Systematically for Competitive Exams- (Semester 3-4)
Start focused preparation for civil services or other government job exams, integrating syllabus topics with exam patterns. Consider joining study circles for peer support and shared resources.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Dedicated study groups, Government exam portals
Career Connection
Directly impacts chances of success in highly sought-after government positions, a primary career goal for many Political Science graduates in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Select a relevant research topic, conduct thorough primary and secondary research, and produce a high-quality dissertation or project under faculty guidance. Focus on original analysis.
Tools & Resources
University library access, SPSS/R for data analysis (if quantitative), Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Regular faculty consultations
Career Connection
Showcases in-depth knowledge and research capabilities, essential for academic careers, advanced research positions, and credibility in policy analysis roles.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences. Connect with faculty, guest lecturers, alumni, and professionals in fields of interest to explore career opportunities and gain insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network events, Professional associations (e.g., IPSA India Chapter)
Career Connection
Builds valuable professional relationships that can lead to mentorship, job referrals, and collaborative opportunities, enhancing career trajectory.
Refine Interview and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice mock interviews, group discussions, and presentations. Work on articulating thoughts clearly, concisely, and confidently, tailored to specific job roles and civil service interviews.
Tools & Resources
Career services workshops, Mock interview panels with faculty/alumni, Online resources for HR interview prep
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing placements, particularly for government, research, and corporate roles requiring strong communication and analytical capabilities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-C-401 | Political Thought - I (Western) | Core | 4 | Plato''''s Ideal State and Justice, Aristotle''''s Classification of Governments, Machiavelli''''s Realism and Statecraft, Hobbes''''s Social Contract Theory, Locke''''s Natural Rights and Limited Government, Rousseau''''s General Will and Popular Sovereignty |
| POLSC-C-402 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Culture and Political Socialization, Political Development and Modernization, State Building and Nation Building, Typologies of Political Systems |
| POLSC-C-403 | Indian Government & Politics - I | Core | 4 | Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union Executive: President and Prime Minister, Union Parliament: Structure and Functions, Supreme Court and Judicial Review, Constitutionalism and Democracy in India |
| POLSC-C-404 | Public Administration - I | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Evolution and Approaches to Public Administration, Principles of Organization: Hierarchy, Span of Control, Personnel Administration: Recruitment, Training, Financial Administration: Budgeting, Audit, Administrative Law and Accountability |
| POLSC-OE-405 | Open Elective - I | Elective | 4 | Varies based on student choice and availability |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-C-406 | Political Thought - II (Western) | Core | 4 | J.S. Mill''''s Liberty and Representative Government, Hegel''''s Philosophy of State, Marx''''s Historical Materialism and Class Struggle, Gramsci''''s Hegemony and Civil Society, Hannah Arendt''''s Totalitarianism, John Rawls'''' Theory of Justice |
| POLSC-C-407 | International Relations - I | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of International Relations, Major Theories: Realism, Liberalism, Cold War and Post-Cold War Developments, Globalization and Interdependence, United Nations: Structure and Role, Non-State Actors and Global Governance |
| POLSC-C-408 | Indian Government & Politics - II | Core | 4 | Indian Federalism: Dynamics and Challenges, State Executive: Governor and Chief Minister, State Legislature: Structure and Functioning, Local Self-Government: Rural and Urban, Election Commission and Electoral Reforms, Political Parties and Pressure Groups in India |
| POLSC-C-409 | Public Administration - II | Core | 4 | Development Administration: Concepts and Models, Comparative Public Administration, New Public Management and Governance, E-Governance: Concepts and Applications, Citizen''''s Charter and Right to Information, Disaster Management in India |
| POLSC-OE-410 | Open Elective - II | Elective | 4 | Varies based on student choice and availability |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-C-501 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Research, Types of Research: Qualitative, Quantitative, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection: Survey, Interview, Sampling Techniques and Measurement, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| POLSC-C-502 | Human Rights | Core | 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 |
| POLSC-C-503 | International Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of International Law, Sources of International Law: Treaties, Customs, Recognition of States and Governments, State Jurisdiction and Immunities, Law of the Sea and Air Space, International Criminal Court and Justice |
| POLSC-DSE-504A | Discipline Specific Elective - I (e.g., Indian Foreign Policy) | Elective | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and its Relevance, India''''s Relations with Major Powers (USA, Russia, China), India and SAARC, India''''s Nuclear Policy, Economic Diplomacy and WTO |
| POLSC-OE-505 | Open Elective - III | Elective | 4 | Varies based on student choice and availability |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-C-506 | Theory of International Politics | Core | 4 | Classical and Neo-Realism, Liberalism and Neo-Liberal Institutionalism, Marxist Approaches to IR, Constructivism and Critical Theory, Feminist Theories in IR, Globalization and International Political Economy |
| POLSC-C-507 | Local Self-Government in India | Core | 4 | Evolution of Local Self-Government in India, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Panchayati Raj Institutions: Structure and Functions, Urban Local Bodies: Municipalities, Corporations, Finances of Local Bodies and State Control, Challenges and Reforms in Local Governance |
| POLSC-C-508 | Contemporary Political Thought | Core | 4 | Postmodernism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist Political Thought, Multiculturalism and Identity Politics, Environmentalism and Green Politics, Critical Race Theory, Theories of Justice and Rights in Contemporary Context |
| POLSC-DSE-509A | Discipline Specific Elective - II (e.g., Public Policy) | Elective | 4 | Nature, Scope and Importance of Public Policy, Models of Policy Making: Rational, Incremental, Policy Implementation: Actors and Challenges, Policy Evaluation: Tools and Techniques, Governance and Public Policy Interface, Case Studies of Public Policies in India |
| POLSC-PRJ-510 | Project / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Independent Research Topic Selection, Literature Review and Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Original Contribution to Political Science, Academic Research Ethics |
| POLSC-OE-511 | Open Elective - IV | Elective | 4 | Varies based on student choice and availability |
