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B-A-HONOURS in Political Science at Khudiram Bose Central College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Khudiram Bose Central College Kolkata?
This Political Science program at Khudiram Bose Central College focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of governance, political systems, and international relations. It delves into Indian political processes, public administration, and global political dynamics, crucial for understanding India''''s evolving role in the world. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for analytical thinking and research in political phenomena.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, public policy, and teaching. It also suits those interested in social work, grassroots activism, or pursuing higher education in political science or international relations, both within India and abroad. Strong analytical and communication skills are key prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in government administration (UPSC/PSC), NGOs, media houses, and policy research institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 10-15 LPA for experienced professionals. It also prepares students for competitive exams and academic pursuits.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp fundamental political theories, constitutional principles, and key political processes. Utilize textbooks, reference books from the college library, and reputable online academic resources to build a strong theoretical base. Engage in active classroom participation and conceptual discussions with peers.
Tools & Resources
College library, Standard textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, M. Laxmikanth for Indian Polity), Online academic journals (JSTOR access if available)
Career Connection
A robust conceptual understanding is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC/PSC and for advanced studies. It forms the bedrock for analytical thinking required in policy analysis and research roles.
Develop Effective Study Habits and Time Management- (Semester 1-2)
Create a consistent study schedule, prioritize subjects, and allocate dedicated time for reading, note-taking, and revision. Practice essay writing and analytical answers regularly. Join peer study groups to clarify doubts and exchange perspectives on complex political ideas.
Tools & Resources
Study planners, Note-taking apps (Evernote, OneNote), Peer study groups, College faculty office hours
Career Connection
Strong academic performance and disciplined study habits translate into better scores, which are vital for securing admissions to postgraduate programs and for the demanding preparation for civil services examinations.
Engage with Current Affairs and Political Discourse- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow national and international news, read editorials, and participate in college debates or political science clubs. This helps connect theoretical knowledge with real-world events and develops informed opinions on contemporary political issues relevant to India.
Tools & Resources
Leading Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Reputable news magazines (Frontline, The Week), Online news portals, College debate societies
Career Connection
Staying updated on current affairs is indispensable for civil service exams, journalism, policy analysis, and any career requiring informed civic engagement. It sharpens critical thinking and communication skills.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Research Projects and Paper Presentations- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to undertake small research projects under faculty guidance or participate in departmental seminars. Focus on developing research methodology, data collection, and academic writing skills. Present findings to hone public speaking abilities.
Tools & Resources
College faculty mentors, Research methodology guides, Presentation software (PowerPoint), Departmental research workshops
Career Connection
These experiences are crucial for postgraduate applications and research-oriented careers in think tanks or academia. They demonstrate initiative and build a strong academic portfolio.
Explore Internships with NGOs or Local Government- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out internships with local NGOs, political campaigns, think tanks, or government departments. This provides practical exposure to policy implementation, grassroots issues, or political processes. Even short-term voluntary roles offer invaluable experience.
Tools & Resources
Online internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), College placement/career cell, Networking with alumni
Career Connection
Internships offer practical insights into potential career fields, build professional networks, and are highly valued on resumes for job applications in public service, development sector, and political consulting.
Participate in Inter-College Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in quiz competitions, essay contests, Model United Nations (MUNs), or workshops on specific policy areas. These activities foster critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership, while broadening academic horizons beyond the standard curriculum.
Tools & Resources
College clubs and societies, Notices for inter-college events, Online platforms for MUNs
Career Connection
Participation in such events enhances soft skills, builds confidence, and adds value to resumes. It provides opportunities to network with peers and experts from different institutions, aiding future career prospects.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Civil Services or Higher Studies- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant time to preparing for competitive exams like UPSC CSE, State PSCs, or entrance exams for MA/MPhil/PhD programs. Join coaching institutes if feasible, or form dedicated study groups focusing on relevant syllabi and current affairs for these exams.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC official syllabi and previous year papers, Reputable coaching institutes, Online learning platforms (Unacademy, EduTap)
Career Connection
Directly targets top career paths in government administration in India, offering high-impact roles and prestige. Essential for academic careers and specialized research roles.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)
Leverage the college''''s alumni network and participate in career guidance sessions. Connect with professionals working in political science-related fields to gain insights into career trajectories, job markets, and mentorship opportunities in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, College career counselling cells
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities, informational interviews, and mentorship, crucial for navigating the job market and making informed career decisions in diverse fields like public affairs and advocacy.
Refine Communication and Analytical Skills- (Semester 6)
Focus on improving both written and oral communication skills through regular practice. Engage in critical analysis of complex policy issues and political events. Seek feedback on essays, presentations, and discussions to continuously improve articulation and reasoning.
Tools & Resources
Writing centers (if available), Public speaking clubs, Critical thinking exercises and debates
Career Connection
Excellent communication and analytical skills are universally valued in all professional settings, particularly in policy research, journalism, law, and diplomacy, making graduates highly employable.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognized Board. Specific percentage requirements for Honours are determined by Calcutta University regulations and college admission policies.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
| PLSA-CC-1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 6 | What is Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, Concepts of Liberty and Equality, Justice, Rights, and Power, Citizenship and its Dimensions |
| PLSA-CC-2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 6 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Philosophy of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Structure and Organs of Government, Federalism and Decentralization |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | To be chosen from a pool of subjects offered by other departments, not specific to Political Science. |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Communication / Modern Indian Language | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language and Communication, Reading and Writing Skills, Grammar and Usage, Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Listening and Speaking Practice |
| PLSA-CC-3 | Political Theory: Concepts and Debates | Core | 6 | Theories of the State, Concepts of Sovereignty and Law, Political Obligation and Punishment, Justice: Theories and Applications, Human Rights and Global Perspectives |
| PLSA-CC-4 | Political Process in India | Core | 6 | Parties and Party Systems in India, Electoral Process and Reforms, Caste, Class, and Politics, Religion and Regionalism in Indian Politics, Social Movements and Political Mobilization |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | To be chosen from a pool of subjects offered by other departments, not specific to Political Science. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLSA-CC-5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 6 | Nature and Methods of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Changing Nature of the State, Regimes: Democratic and Authoritarian, Legislatures, Executives, and Judiciaries |
| PLSA-CC-6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 6 | Meaning and Evolution of Public Administration, Classical and Neo-Classical Theories, Bureaucracy and its Critiques, Accountability and Control, Public Policy: Process and Models |
| PLSA-CC-7 | Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Core | 6 | Meaning and Theories of International Relations, Evolution of International System, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Aligned Movement, Major Debates in International Relations |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - I | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | To be chosen from a pool of skill-based subjects. Examples: Legislative Practices and Procedures, Public Opinion and Survey Research. |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | To be chosen from a pool of subjects offered by other departments, not specific to Political Science. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLSA-CC-8 | Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core | 6 | Comparative Study of Constitutions, Legislatures and their Functions, Executives and Bureaucracy, Party Systems and Electoral Politics, Federalism and Decentralization across nations |
| PLSA-CC-9 | Public Policy in India | Core | 6 | Nature and Types of Public Policy, Public Policy Making Process, Policy Implementation and Evaluation, Social Welfare Policies in India (Health, Education), Environmental Policy and Governance |
| PLSA-CC-10 | Global Politics | Core | 6 | Globalization and its Dimensions, Global Actors: UN, WTO, EU, ASEAN, Global Justice and Human Rights, International Terrorism and Conflict, Environmental Politics and Climate Change |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - II | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | To be chosen from a pool of skill-based subjects. Examples: Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, Gender and Environment. |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | To be chosen from a pool of subjects offered by other departments, not specific to Political Science. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLSA-CC-11 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Philosopher King, Aristotle: Citizenship, Constitution, Forms of Government, Machiavelli: Realism, Virtu, Fortuna, Hobbes: Social Contract, Sovereign Power, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty |
| PLSA-CC-12 | Indian Political Thought – I | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Manu, Kautilya), Buddhist Traditions of Governance, Medieval Indian Political Thought (Barani, Abul Fazal), Colonial Discourse on India, Reform Movements in 19th Century India |
| PLSA-DSE-A-1 | Discipline Specific Elective - A1 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Choose one from options like: Indian Foreign Policy, Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective, Understanding South Asia, Democracy and Development in India |
| PLSA-DSE-B-1 | Discipline Specific Elective - B1 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Choose one from options like: Themes in Indian Political Thought-II, Public Policy and Administration in India, State Politics in India, Colonialism and Nationalism in India |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLSA-CC-13 | Modern Western Political Thought | Core | 6 | Liberalism: Bentham and J.S. Mill, Marxism: Karl Marx and Gramsci, Socialism and its Variants, Conservatism and its Principles, Feminist Political Thought |
| PLSA-CC-14 | Indian Political Thought – II | Core | 6 | Modern Indian Political Thinkers: Rammohun Roy, Gandhi, Ambedkar: Social Justice and Democracy, Savarkar: Hindutva and Nationalism, Nehru: Socialism and Secularism, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Lohia: Democratic Socialism |
| PLSA-DSE-A-2 | Discipline Specific Elective - A2 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Choose one from options like: Indian Foreign Policy, Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective, Understanding South Asia, Democracy and Development in India (if not chosen in Sem 5) |
| PLSA-DSE-B-2 | Discipline Specific Elective - B2 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Choose one from options like: Themes in Indian Political Thought-II, Public Policy and Administration in India, State Politics in India, Colonialism and Nationalism in India (if not chosen in Sem 5) |
