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BA-HONS in Political Science at Kalindi College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Kalindi College Delhi?
This BA Hons Political Science program at Kalindi College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and processes. It delves into Indian politics, international relations, public administration, and political philosophy, preparing students for informed civic engagement and diverse professional paths. The program aligns with India''''s democratic ethos, addressing contemporary governance challenges and policy-making within the national and global context, fostering critical analytical skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds with an interest in public affairs, governance, social justice, and international relations. It particularly suits those aspiring for careers in civil services, policy analysis, journalism, or non-governmental organizations. Students with a strong inclination for critical thinking, research, and a desire to understand societal power structures will thrive. Individuals seeking to contribute to policy discussions and social change in India are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors within India. Common career paths include civil services (UPSC, State PSCs), political consulting, journalism, policy research, advocacy, and social work. Entry-level salaries often range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in policy-making or advocacy roles. The analytical and research skills developed are highly valued in both public and private sectors, aligning with India''''s growing demand for informed public discourse and governance experts.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Knowledge and Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core political theories, the Indian constitution, and governmental structures. Develop a habit of reading academic texts, reputable newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express, and relevant journals regularly to grasp contemporary issues and improve comprehension.
Tools & Resources
DU Political Science readings, NCERT Political Science textbooks, The Hindu/Indian Express e-papers, Academic journals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation and current affairs knowledge are crucial for competitive exams (UPSC/SSC) and for insightful policy analysis roles in India.
Develop Critical Thinking and Debate Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, college debates, and departmental seminars. Learn to articulate arguments clearly, analyze different perspectives, and engage in constructive intellectual discourse on political issues, enhancing your ability to form reasoned opinions.
Tools & Resources
College debate societies, Model United Nations (MUNs), Informal study groups, YouTube channels like Sansad TV for policy discussions
Career Connection
These skills are essential for civil services interviews, journalism, legal professions, and advocacy, where persuasive communication and analytical rigor are key in the Indian context.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize Generic Elective (GE), AEC, VAC, and SEC courses to explore subjects like Economics, History, Psychology, or Environmental Science. Understand how these disciplines intersect with Political Science to gain a holistic view of societal challenges and their political dimensions.
Tools & Resources
GE/AEC/VAC/SEC course materials, Inter-departmental lectures, Public lectures on interdisciplinary topics relevant to India''''s development
Career Connection
Broadens perspectives for policy roles, research, and civil services, where an interdisciplinary understanding of India''''s complex problems is highly valued.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Research and Academic Writing- (Semester 3-5)
Learn to conduct basic research, formulate pertinent research questions, collect data (qualitative/quantitative), and write academic papers. Focus on developing logical arguments, proper citation techniques, and ethical research practices as per academic standards.
Tools & Resources
DU library resources, J-STOR, Google Scholar, Zotero/Mendeley for citations, Workshops on academic writing and research methodology
Career Connection
Provides a strong foundation for higher studies (MA, M.Phil, PhD), roles in think tanks, and evidence-based policy research, which is growing in India.
Seek Internships and Field Exposure- (Summer breaks after Semesters 2 and 4)
Actively look for internships with NGOs, political campaigns, research organizations, media houses, or government offices (e.g., local municipal bodies, MP offices). Gain first-hand experience of policy implementation and governance challenges in India''''s diverse socio-political landscape.
Tools & Resources
College career cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, NGO portals, Networking with professors and alumni for contacts
Career Connection
Practical exposure aids in career clarity, networking, and strengthens resumes for placements and competitive exams, offering real-world insights.
Participate in Policy-Oriented Workshops and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops and seminars on specific policy areas (e.g., education policy, health policy, urban governance) conducted by universities, think tanks (e.g., ORF, CPR), or government bodies in Delhi. Stay updated on current policy debates and policy analysis frameworks.
Tools & Resources
Notifications from DU departments, Websites of major think tanks in Delhi, Public policy forums and conferences
Career Connection
Deepens understanding of policy issues, builds expertise, and provides networking opportunities with policy practitioners and researchers in India.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Civil Services and Higher Education- (Semester 6 and post-graduation)
Dedicate time to structured preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services or entrance exams for MA Political Science. Focus on current affairs, essay writing, and general studies, integrating knowledge gained throughout the degree to develop comprehensive answers.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Online platforms for UPSC/MA preparation, Past year papers, Current affairs magazines and government reports
Career Connection
Direct preparation for highly sought-after careers in Indian bureaucracy, public administration, and academia, crucial for national development.
Develop a Strong Professional Network- (Throughout the program, intensify in Semester 6)
Connect with alumni, professors, guest lecturers, and professionals encountered during internships or seminars. Attend networking events, workshops, and conferences to build relationships that can offer mentorship, job leads, and collaborative opportunities in India''''s political and policy landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni networks, Professional conferences (e.g., those organized by political science associations), Informal coffee meetings
Career Connection
Facilitates job searching, mentorship, and opportunities for collaborations in the political and policy landscape, opening doors to diverse career paths.
Specialize in DSE Areas and Capstone Project- (Semester 5-6)
Deep dive into the chosen Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) to develop specialized knowledge in areas like international relations, public policy, or political economy. Undertake a capstone research project or dissertation that reflects independent research and analytical skills in a specific area of Political Science.
Tools & Resources
DSE course materials, Faculty mentorship, Advanced research databases, DU library resources, specialized journals
Career Connection
Demonstrates expertise for specific roles in think tanks, research, or further academic specialization, making graduates highly competitive in the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- An aggregate of 45% marks in the 10+2 qualifying examination from a recognized board. Candidate must have studied Political Science at the Core or Elective level for BA Hons Political Science (as per Kalindi College admission criteria).
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 120 (Minimum 148 credits for a 3-year Hons degree including optional Dissertation/Research Project as per DU UGCF) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 4 | What is Politics and Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, Key Concepts: Liberty, Key Concepts: Equality, Key Concepts: Justice, Rights, Democracy |
| DSC-2 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Approaches to Study Indian Politics, Constituent Assembly and the Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Federalism and Local Governance |
| DSC-3 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 4 | Philosophy of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Structure and Functions of Union Government, Electoral System and Political Parties |
| GE-1 | Principles of Microeconomics (Example Generic Elective) | Generic Elective | 4 | Introduction to Economics and Markets, Consumer Behavior and Demand, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures and Competition, Welfare Economics and Market Failure |
| AEC-EVS | Environmental Science (Example Ability Enhancement Course) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Environmental Pollution and Control, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics and Policies |
| VAC-CVD | Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties (Example Value Addition Course) | Value Addition Course | 2 | Understanding the Indian Constitution, Preamble and its Significance, Fundamental Rights and their Scope, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties of Citizens |
| SEC-DEM | Digital Empowerment (Example Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to the Digital World, Digital Literacy and Skills, Cyber Security and Online Safety, Digital Services and Government Initiatives, Data Privacy and Digital Ethics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-4 | Political Theory - Concepts and Debates | Core | 4 | State and Sovereignty, Power, Authority, Legitimacy, Freedom, Rights, Property, Equality, Justice, Multiculturalism, Citizenship and Civil Society |
| DSC-5 | Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Forms of Government (Unitary, Federal), Electoral Systems, Political Regimes (Democracy, Authoritarianism) |
| DSC-6 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning, Scope, and Significance of Public Administration, Theories of Public Administration, Bureaucracy and Governance, Accountability and Control, Public Policy: Formulation and Implementation |
| GE-2 | Statistical Methods in Economics (Example Generic Elective) | Generic Elective | 4 | Data Collection and Presentation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Probability and Probability Distributions |
| AEC-MLC | MIL Communication (Example Ability Enhancement Course) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Communication, Types of Communication, Media and Communication, Formal and Informal Communication, Communication Ethics |
| VAC-ETA | Ethics and Culture (Example Value Addition Course) | Value Addition Course | 2 | Introduction to Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Indian Ethical Traditions, Cultural Diversity and Values, Ethics in Public Life |
| SEC-FND | Financial Literacy (Example Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basics of Personal Finance, Banking and Digital Payments, Investment Planning, Insurance and Risk Management, Consumer Protection and Grievance Redressal |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-7 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Understanding International Relations, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, International Institutions and Organizations, Contemporary Global Issues |
| DSC-8 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 4 | Conceptual Framework of Public Policy, Policy Making in India: Actors and Process, Decentralization and Local Governance, Social Welfare Policies in India, Reforms in Public Administration |
| DSC-9 | Introduction to International Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, States as Subjects of International Law, Jurisdiction and Immunities, International Human Rights Law, Use of Force and International Humanitarian Law |
| GE-3 | Indian History: Ancient to Medieval (Example Generic Elective) | Generic Elective | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization and Vedic Period, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Empires (Mauryan, Gupta), Early Medieval Period: Regional Kingdoms, Sultanate and Mughal Dynasties |
| AEC-CLC | Creative Writing (Example Ability Enhancement Course) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Creative Writing, Elements of Fiction and Poetry, Developing Characters and Plot, Writing Techniques and Styles, Editing and Publishing Process |
| VAC-DSG | Digital Citizenship (Example Value Addition Course) | Value Addition Course | 2 | Understanding Digital Rights and Responsibilities, Online Safety and Cyber Hygiene, Responsible Use of Social Media, Digital Literacy for Democratic Participation, Combating Misinformation and Hate Speech |
| SEC-CMT | Communicative English (Example Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Grammar and Vocabulary Enhancement, Reading Comprehension Skills, Effective Writing Techniques, Oral Communication and Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-10 | Research Methods in Political Science | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Interview), Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| DSC-11 | Global Politics | Core | 4 | Globalization: Debates and Dimensions, Global Governance and International Organizations, Emerging Powers and Multipolarity, Global Justice and Inequality, Global Environmental Challenges |
| DSC-12 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: Forms of Government, Citizenship, Machiavelli: Virtu, Fortuna, Statecraft, Hobbes: Social Contract, Sovereignty, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government |
| GE-4 | Sociology of India (Example Generic Elective) | Generic Elective | 4 | Social Structure and Institutions in India, Caste System and its Transformations, Family, Kinship, Marriage in India, Religion and Society, Social Change and Development |
| AEC-ETL | English Language (Example Ability Enhancement Course) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Grammar and Usage, Reading and Comprehension Strategies, Academic and Professional Writing, Listening and Speaking Skills, Presentation Techniques |
| VAC-ATS | Art of Being Happy (Example Value Addition Course) | Value Addition Course | 2 | Understanding Happiness and Well-being, Positive Psychology Concepts, Mindfulness and Stress Management, Building Resilience and Emotional Intelligence, Cultivating Gratitude and Compassion |
| SEC-RMW | Research Methodology Workshop (Example Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Research, Formulating Research Questions, Literature Review Techniques, Data Collection Tools, Basic Data Analysis and Interpretation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-13 | Modern Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Nineteenth-Century Indian Renaissance, Anti-colonial Thought: Gandhi, Nehru, Social Justice and Dalit Thought: Ambedkar, Integral Humanism: Deendayal Upadhyaya, Contemporary Indian Political Thinkers |
| DSC-14 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Rousseau: General Will, Social Contract, Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Gramsci: Hegemony, Passive Revolution, Hannah Arendt: Action, Public Sphere |
| DSE-1 | Democracy and Development in India (Example Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Debates on Democracy and Development Linkages, Nature of Indian Democracy, Economic Reforms and Social Justice, Role of State and Civil Society in Development, Challenges to Democracy and Development |
| DSE-2 | Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective (Example Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights Movements Globally, Human Rights in India: Institutions and Challenges, Comparative Study of Human Rights Regimes |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-15 | Political Process and Institutions in India | Core | 4 | Party System in India, Elections and Electoral Reforms, Caste, Religion, and Politics, Regionalism and Federalism in India, Challenges to India''''s Democratic Process |
| DSC-16 | Administration and Public Policy | Core | 4 | Understanding Public Policy and Administration, Policy Implementation and Evaluation, Role of Bureaucracy in Policy Process, E-Governance and Digital Public Services, Citizen Participation and Accountability |
| DSE-3 | India''''s Foreign Policy (Example Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and its Evolution, India''''s Relations with Major Powers, India and its Neighbors, Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities |
| DSE-4 | Feminism and Politics (Example Discipline Specific Elective) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Waves of Feminism, Patriarchy and Gender, Feminist Theories: Liberal, Radical, Socialist, Gender and Public Policy in India, Women''''s Movements and Political Participation |
