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B-A in Political Science at Jadavpur University
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Jadavpur University Kolkata?
This B.A. Political Science program at Jadavpur University focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and global dynamics. It delves into Indian political thought and processes, comparative politics, and international relations. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills relevant to governance, public policy, and civil society, fostering informed citizens and future leaders in a rapidly evolving Indian and global landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in current affairs, governance, and social issues. It attracts students aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, international organizations, or advanced academic research in political science. Individuals passionate about understanding power structures, policy-making, and socio-political change in India and globally will find this specialization enriching and highly relevant.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in think tanks, NGOs, media houses, and government organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth trajectories into policy analysis, strategic communication, and public administration. The strong theoretical foundation also prepares students for competitive exams like UPSC and pursuing Master''''s degrees in Political Science, International Relations, or Public Policy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core political theories and concepts from thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Locke. Engage in critical reading of foundational texts and participate actively in tutorials to clarify doubts. This solid base is crucial for advanced studies and analytical reasoning.
Tools & Resources
Departmental library resources, Online philosophy encyclopedias, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong theoretical understanding is essential for civil service exams, policy analysis roles, and academic research.
Cultivate Effective Research & Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice academic writing by drafting essays, critiques, and research papers on contemporary political issues. Learn to synthesize information from various sources, cite correctly, and articulate arguments clearly. Attend workshops on research methodology and academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
Jadavpur University Central Library, Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Zotero/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in journalism, policy writing, think tanks, and preparing compelling arguments for competitive exams.
Engage with Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow national and international news, political debates, and policy discussions. Read quality newspapers, magazines, and listen to reputable news analyses. This helps connect theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and builds informed opinions.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, The Wire, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV debates, Reputable news analysis podcasts
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil services, media, and any role requiring an understanding of socio-political dynamics.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Internships and Field Exposure- (Semester 3-4 (summers), Semester 5)
Actively look for internships with NGOs, government bodies (e.g., local municipality, legislative offices), political consultancies, or think tanks. Gaining practical experience in policy advocacy, research, or grassroots work is invaluable.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, NGO/Think Tank websites (PRS Legislative Research, Observer Research Foundation)
Career Connection
Provides practical skills, networking opportunities, and a clear understanding of potential career paths, enhancing employability.
Develop Language and Communication Proficiency- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond academic writing, focus on improving public speaking and debate skills. Participate in university debates, Model UN, or public speaking clubs. Being articulate and persuasive is critical in many Political Science related fields.
Tools & Resources
University debate societies, Toastmasters International (if available nearby), Online courses on public speaking
Career Connection
Essential for roles in media, diplomacy, public relations, and leadership positions.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Connect Political Science with other disciplines like Economics, Sociology, History, or Law. Elective courses from other departments can broaden perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach enhances analytical depth and problem-solving capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Elective course catalogs of other departments, Interdisciplinary seminars and workshops, Books on political economy, political sociology
Career Connection
Highly beneficial for roles in policy research, development sector, and academic fields that require holistic understanding of societal challenges.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Undertake a robust research project or dissertation on a topic of deep interest under faculty guidance. This showcases independent research capability, analytical rigor, and subject matter expertise, preparing for higher studies or specialized roles.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Departmental research labs/centers, Advanced statistical software (if applicable, e.g., R, SPSS)
Career Connection
A strong research portfolio is vital for Ph.D. admissions, research associate positions, and high-level policy analysis.
Networking and Career Planning- (Semester 5-6)
Attend career fairs, alumni meetups, and conferences. Network with professionals in your areas of interest. Start preparing for competitive exams (UPSC, state PSCs) or exploring graduate school options early, building necessary skills and knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network platforms, Professional conferences (online/offline), Career counseling services at Jadavpur University
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success, access to mentorship, and clarity on long-term career goals.
Develop Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Gain basic skills in quantitative and qualitative data analysis relevant to political science research and policy evaluation. Courses or workshops in statistics, survey design, or content analysis can be highly beneficial for evidence-based policymaking.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) in Social Science research methods, Basic statistical software tutorials, Guest lectures on public policy evaluation
Career Connection
Highly sought after for roles in policy research, public administration, and international development organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized Board/Council, with marks as per University admission guidelines for B.A. Honours programs.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL-A-CC-5-11-TH | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: Forms of Government, Citizenship, Machiavelli: Virtu, Fortuna, Statecraft, Hobbes: Social Contract, Absolute Sovereignty, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government |
| POL-A-CC-5-12-TH | Indian Political Thought-I | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought: Dharma, Danda, Kautilya: Arthashastra, Statecraft, Islamic Traditions in India, Modern Indian Thought: Rammohan Roy, Gandhi, Tagore: Nationalism, Education |
| POL-A-DSE-5-1-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (e.g., Human Rights, Gender and Environment) | Elective | 6 | Human Rights: Concepts and Evolution, Gender and Politics, Environmentalism and Political Ecology, Women''''s Movements in India, Indigenous Rights |
| POL-A-DSE-5-2-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (e.g., India’s Foreign Policy in a Changing World) | Elective | 6 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, India''''s Relations with Major Powers (US, Russia, China), India and its Neighbours (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), India''''s Role in Multilateral Organizations, Economic Diplomacy and Soft Power |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL-A-CC-6-13-TH | Modern Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Rousseau: General Will, Social Contract, Kant: Perpetual Peace, Moral Autonomy, Hegel: State, Spirit, Freedom, J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle |
| POL-A-CC-6-14-TH | Indian Political Thought-II | Core | 6 | Ambedkar: Social Justice, Caste System, Nehru: Socialism, Secularism, Non-alignment, Savitribai Phule: Gender and Education, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Jayaprakash Narayan: Total Revolution |
| POL-A-DSE-6-3-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 (e.g., Public International Law) | Elective | 6 | Sources of International Law, States as Subjects of International Law, Jurisdiction and Immunities, Law of the Sea, Air, and Space, International Criminal Law |
| POL-A-DSE-6-4-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 (e.g., Electoral Politics) | Elective | 6 | Electoral Systems: Types and Impact, Voter Behaviour and Opinion, Campaigns and Political Communication, Electoral Finance and Reforms, Role of Election Commission of India |
