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MA in Political Science at H.K. Veeranna Gowda First Grade College
Mandya, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at H.K. Veeranna Gowda First Grade College Mandya?
This Political Science MA program at H.K. Veeranna Gowda First Grade College, Mandya, focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and international relations. It delves into the nuances of Indian politics, public administration, and contemporary global challenges. The program aims to foster critical thinking and analytical skills essential for navigating the complex political landscape in India and abroad.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in social sciences or humanities seeking entry into public service, policy analysis, or academic research. It also suits working professionals, particularly those in government, NGOs, or media, looking to deepen their expertise or transition into roles requiring advanced political understanding. Aspirants for competitive civil service examinations will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state government services (UPSC/KPSC), policy think tanks, non-governmental organizations, media houses, and academic institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also serves as a strong foundation for further research (M.Phil/Ph.D.) and provides skills aligned with roles in political consulting and social advocacy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate initial semesters to mastering core political science theories, concepts, and historical contexts. Utilize university library resources, engage in group discussions, and regularly review course material to ensure a robust understanding of fundamental principles. This deep conceptual clarity will be crucial for advanced topics and competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
University Library, Online Journals (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Peer Study Groups, NCERT Political Science books (re-read for foundation)
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is essential for excelling in civil service exams, academic research, and policy analysis roles, allowing you to articulate complex ideas effectively.
Develop Effective Research and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in assignments that require research, data analysis, and structured essay writing. Focus on understanding academic citation styles and how to construct a logical argument. Seek feedback on your writing from professors to refine your ability to communicate complex political ideas clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Research Methodology textbooks, Academic Writing Guides, Feedback from Faculty, Referencing Tools (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero)
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and writing is highly valued in government, policy think tanks, journalism, and academic positions, directly impacting your ability to produce high-quality reports and analyses.
Engage with Current Affairs and Indian Polity- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, make it a daily habit to read national newspapers, watch credible news debates, and follow key policy discussions in India. Connect theoretical knowledge from your courses to real-world political developments. This contextual understanding is vital for competitive exams and future professional roles.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha TV, The Wire, Scroll.in
Career Connection
A strong grasp of current affairs and Indian polity is indispensable for civil service exams, journalism, political commentary, and any role requiring informed decision-making within the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Electives for Specialization and Skill Development- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose elective papers in Semesters 3 and 4 that align with your career interests. Whether it''''s Public Administration, International Law, or Development, use electives to gain specialized knowledge and potentially differentiate yourself in the job market or for further studies. Engage deeply with the specific themes of your chosen electives.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Career counselling, Industry reports for skill demand, Specialized journals related to elective fields
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge gained through electives can open doors to niche roles in policy, advocacy, international organizations, or specific government departments.
Undertake Internships and Field Work- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out internships with government bodies, NGOs, think tanks, or research organizations during semester breaks or as part of project work. Practical exposure to governance, policy implementation, or social advocacy provides invaluable real-world experience and helps build a professional network. Participate in field visits where possible.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, NGO databases, Local government offices
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience, making industry contacts, understanding organizational dynamics, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong referrals.
Participate in Academic Debates and Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Engage actively in college-level or inter-collegiate debates, essay competitions, and seminars on contemporary political issues. This improves public speaking, critical argumentation, and networking skills. Presenting papers at seminars can also enhance your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
College literary and debate clubs, Departmental seminars, Inter-collegiate events, Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Strong communication and analytical skills developed through these activities are highly sought after in roles like public relations, advocacy, diplomacy, and media, enhancing your overall professional presence.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 4)
Treat your Semester 4 Dissertation/Field Work as a capstone project. Choose a research topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with your career aspirations. Conduct thorough research, seek regular mentorship from your supervisor, and aim for a high-quality output. This work can be a significant portfolio piece.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Advanced research databases, Statistical software (if applicable), Academic writing tools
Career Connection
An outstanding dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities and critical thinking, which is a strong asset for academic careers, policy analysis, and competitive postgraduate admissions.
Civil Service/Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 3-4 (Parallel to coursework))
If aiming for civil services or other competitive exams, integrate your syllabus knowledge with dedicated preparation. Use your MA subjects as a foundation for General Studies papers and optionally choose Political Science as your optional subject. Regularly practice mock tests and stay updated on exam patterns.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC study materials, Coaching institutes, Online test series, Previous year question papers, Daily current affairs digests
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for a career in public administration and various government services, which are highly respected and offer significant impact opportunities in India.
Network and Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and professionals in fields of interest. Attend career workshops and job fairs. Refine your CV and cover letter, focusing on how your MA Political Science skills are transferable to specific roles. Start exploring job opportunities or higher education options well before graduation.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network events, LinkedIn, Career counselling services, Job portals (Naukri, Indeed), Professional associations
Career Connection
Effective networking and proactive career planning are essential for identifying opportunities, securing placements, and building a sustainable professional trajectory post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any graduate who has secured 45% (40% for SC/ST/CAT-1) of marks in the aggregate of all the examinations of the degree is eligible for admission to M.A. in Political Science.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 92 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS 1.1 | Modern Political Analysis | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, Power, Authority, Legitimacy, Systems, Structural-Functional, Decision Making Approaches, Behaviouralism and Post-Behaviouralism, Political Socialization, Culture, Communication |
| PGPS 1.2 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Core | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Research, Scientific Method and Social Research, Objectivity, Subjectivity, Values in Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling, Scaling Techniques |
| PGPS 1.3 | Political Thought – I (Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Political Thought) | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya), Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Education, Aristotle: State, Citizenship, Revolution, Medieval Political Thought (St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas), Renaissance Political Thought (Machiavelli) |
| PGPS 1.4 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Public and Private Administration, Approaches to Public Administration (Classical, Human Relations), Bureaucracy, Leadership, Decision Making, New Public Administration and New Public Management |
| PGPS 1.5 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of International Relations, Approaches and Theories (Realism, Liberalism), Power, National Interest, Security, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, International Law, Cold War and Post-Cold War Developments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS 2.1 | Western Political Thought – II (Modern Political Thought) | Core | 4 | Thomas Hobbes: Leviathan and Social Contract, John Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Jean-Jacques Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty, J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Karl Marx, Lenin, Mao, Gramsci, John Rawls |
| PGPS 2.2 | Indian Political System | Core | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Federalism in India, Union Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, State Government, Local Self-Government, Electoral System |
| PGPS 2.3 | Contemporary Political Theory | Core | 4 | Liberalism and its Variants, Socialism, Marxism, Conservatism, Anarchism, Feminism and its Schools, Environmentalism, Postmodernism, Multiculturalism and Human Rights |
| PGPS 2.4 | International Organization and Law | Core | 4 | Evolution and Nature of International Organizations, United Nations: Organs and Functions, Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU), International Law: Sources and Principles, Recognition, Intervention, Peaceful Settlement of Disputes |
| PGPS 2.5 | Human Rights | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Generations of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, International Instruments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS 3.1 | Modern Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dayananda Saraswati, Gokhale, Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, M.N. Roy, Jawaharlal Nehru, Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia |
| PGPS 3.2 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power, Elite, Class in Politics, Political Culture, Socialization, Communication, Political Parties, Pressure Groups, Social Movements, Political Participation and Electoral Behaviour |
| PGPS 3.3 | Indian Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and India''''s Role, India''''s Relations with Neighbors, India and Major Global Powers, Nuclear Policy, Economic Diplomacy, UNO, WTO |
| PGPS 3.4 (Elective) | Rural Development and Local Self Government (Option A) | Elective | 4 | Concept of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions: Evolution and Structure, 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, Rural-Urban Divide, Rural Poverty, Government Schemes for Rural Development |
| PGPS 3.4 (Elective) | State Politics in India (Option B) | Elective | 4 | Regionalism and State Politics, Role of Language and Caste in State Politics, Economic Development and State Politics, Centre-State Relations, Political Parties and Coalition Politics in States |
| PGPS 3.5 (Elective) | Public Personnel Administration (Option A) | Elective | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Personnel Administration, Recruitment, Training, Promotion, Performance Appraisal, Motivation, Morale, Disciplinary Action, Employee Welfare, Civil Services in India |
| PGPS 3.5 (Elective) | Environmental Politics (Option B) | Elective | 4 | Concept of Environmental Politics, Sustainable Development and its Challenges, Climate Change and Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Movements in India, International Environmental Regimes and Policies |
| PGPS 3.6 | Open Elective Paper | Open Elective | 2 | |
| PGPS 3.7 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS 4.1 | Public Policy Analysis | Core | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Public Policy, Policy Cycle: Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation, Models of Public Policy Analysis, Role of State, Market, Civil Society in Policy, Public Policy Making in India |
| PGPS 4.2 | Political Economy | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Political Economy, Relationship between State and Economy, Capitalism, Socialism, Mixed Economy, Globalization, Liberalization, Privatization, WTO, Multinational Corporations, Development Models |
| PGPS 4.3 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Systems, States, Regimes, Political Culture, Socialization, Electoral Systems, Political Parties, Pressure Groups, Constitutions |
| PGPS 4.4 (Elective) | Urban Development and Local Self Government (Option A) | Elective | 4 | Concept of Urban Development and Urbanization, Problems of Urbanization in India, Urban Local Bodies and their Functions, 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, Urban Governance and Smart Cities Initiative |
| PGPS 4.4 (Elective) | Political Parties and Pressure Groups (Option B) | Elective | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Functions of Political Parties, Party Systems (One-party, Two-party, Multi-party), Ideologies of Political Parties, Pressure Groups: Types and Functions, Lobbying, Interest Articulation, Electoral Reforms |
| PGPS 4.5 (Elective) | Development Administration (Option A) | Elective | 4 | Meaning and Concepts of Development Administration, Features and Challenges of Development Administration, Role of Bureaucracy in Development, Planning and Public Sector Undertakings, E-Governance and Development |
| PGPS 4.5 (Elective) | South Asian Politics (Option B) | Elective | 4 | Introduction to South Asian Geopolitics, Regional Cooperation in South Asia (SAARC), Bilateral Relations among South Asian Nations, Conflict and Cooperation in the Region, Political Systems and Challenges in South Asian Countries |
| PGPS 4.6 | Open Elective Paper | Open Elective | 2 | |
| PGPS 4.7 | Dissertation / Field Work | Project | 4 | Advanced Research Methodology, Extensive Literature Review, Field Study and Data Collection, In-depth Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Viva-Voce Preparation |
