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B-A-PROGRAMME in Political Science And Philosophy at Kirori Mal College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science and Philosophy at Kirori Mal College Delhi?
This Political Science and Philosophy program at Kirori Mal College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, offers a comprehensive exploration of governance, political thought, ethics, and epistemology. It uniquely blends two fundamental disciplines, providing students with a robust analytical framework to understand societal structures, human values, and the principles underlying political systems. In the Indian context, this interdisciplinary approach is highly relevant for roles in public service, policy analysis, and social research, where a deep understanding of both human nature and societal organization is crucial.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for intellectually curious individuals who possess strong critical thinking skills and an interest in societal challenges. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring for careers in public administration, journalism, law, and academia. Furthermore, it suits those keen on understanding the complex interplay between power, ethics, and human reasoning. Aspiring civil servants, social activists, and researchers will find this specialization particularly enriching, as it equips them with a nuanced perspective on Indian and global issues.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including civil services (UPSC, State PSCs), policy think tanks, NGOs, media houses, and educational institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential reaching INR 10-20 lakhs or more for experienced professionals in policy, research, or administrative roles. The analytical and ethical grounding provided by the program also makes graduates well-suited for further studies in law, public policy, and social sciences, aligning with national demand for critical thinkers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Concepts through Interdisciplinary Reading- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core political theories, philosophical concepts, and their historical context in India. Beyond textbooks, explore classic works of thinkers like Kautilya, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Plato, and Aristotle.
Tools & Resources
Online philosophy encyclopedias, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Project Gutenberg for classic texts, Reputable Indian academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly)
Career Connection
Builds a strong analytical base essential for all higher-level studies and future roles requiring critical thinking and historical understanding.
Develop Strong Argumentation and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice essay writing, debate, and critical analysis of texts. Join college debate societies or writing clubs to hone communication and persuasive skills crucial for academic success and future professional life.
Tools & Resources
University writing centers, Peer review groups, Online grammar and style guides, Regular participation in intra-college literary and debate events
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams, policy briefs, research papers, and effective communication in any professional setting.
Engage with Current Affairs and Indian Polity- (Semester 1-2)
Stay updated on contemporary political developments, governmental policies, and socio-economic issues in India. Read national newspapers daily, follow reputable news analyses, and discuss with peers and faculty to connect theoretical learning with practical realities.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, The Indian Express, Frontline magazine, PRS Legislative Research, Sansad TV
Career Connection
Directly prepares for civil services examinations, journalism, policy analysis, and informed civic participation.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Research Projects and Internships in Policy/Social Sector- (Semester 3-5 summer breaks and during academic year)
Actively seek out opportunities for research projects under faculty mentorship or internships with NGOs, think tanks, or government departments (e.g., local governance bodies, legislative assembly secretariats) during breaks.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Faculty networks, Internshala, Specific NGO websites, State/central government internship portals
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, builds professional networks, strengthens CV for higher education or job applications, and clarifies career interests.
Participate in Inter-College Competitions and Academic Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in philosophy symposia, political science paper presentations, mock parliaments, and essay competitions across Delhi University colleges. This enhances presentation skills, academic rigor, and expands intellectual horizons.
Tools & Resources
College notices, DU events calendar, Departmental announcements, Specific academic societies
Career Connection
Develops public speaking, critical analysis, and networking skills, useful for academic careers, public policy, and leadership roles.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Readings- (Semester 4-5)
Delve deeper into specific areas of interest within Political Science (e.g., International Relations, Public Policy) or Philosophy (e.g., Logic, Ethics, Metaphysics) through elective courses and supplementary readings.
Tools & Resources
Departmental reading lists, Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Specialized journals, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Builds specialized knowledge and expertise, crucial for pursuing postgraduate studies or focused career paths in research or policy.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Civil Services/Postgraduate Exam Preparation- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant time to preparation for competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services or entrance exams for Master''''s programs in Political Science, Philosophy, Law, or Public Policy. Form study groups and utilize specialized coaching materials if necessary.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks for UPSC (e.g., Laxmikant for Polity, Spectrum for History), Past year papers, Online coaching platforms, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Directly aligns with aspiration for public service, academia, or advanced professional roles in India.
Undertake a Capstone Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Work on a significant independent research project or a dissertation under faculty supervision. This allows for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic, showcasing advanced research, analytical, and writing capabilities.
Tools & Resources
University library, Academic databases, Research methodology workshops, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Provides a substantial portfolio piece for graduate school applications, research positions, or demonstrating problem-solving skills to employers.
Network with Alumni and Mentors for Career Guidance- (Semester 6)
Actively connect with college alumni working in relevant fields through alumni meets, LinkedIn, or personal introductions. Seek mentorship to gain insights into career paths, industry trends, and job search strategies in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
College alumni association, LinkedIn, Career fairs, Departmental networking events
Career Connection
Facilitates internships, job referrals, and informed career decision-making, crucial for successful entry into the job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or equivalent with a minimum aggregate percentage as per University of Delhi admission guidelines.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 104 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1A | Understanding Political Theory | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 5 | What is Political Theory?, Approaches to Political Theory, Key Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights: Natural, Moral, Legal, Democracy and its challenges |
| DSC-2A | Introduction to Philosophy | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 5 | Nature, Scope, and Branches of Philosophy, Epistemology: Knowledge, Belief, Justification, Metaphysics: Reality, Mind-Body Problem, Ethics: Moral Theories, Values, Philosophical Methods: Analysis, Argumentation |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources and Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Control, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Management and Legislation |
| VAC-1 | Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties in India | Value Addition Course | 2 | Concept of Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, Constitutional Amendments, Spirit of Indian Constitution |
| GE-1 | History of India (Early Times to C. 300 CE) | Generic Elective (Example) | 5 | Sources and Approaches to Early Indian History, Prehistory: Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Post-Vedic Periods, Rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1B | Indian Government and Politics | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 5 | Approaches to Study Indian Politics, Constituent Assembly and the Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Federalism, Local Self Government, Executive, Legislature, Judiciary in India |
| DSC-2B | Ethics | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 5 | Nature and Scope of Ethics, Normative Ethics: Consequentialism (Utilitarianism), Deontology (Kantian Ethics), Virtue Ethics (Aristotle), Meta-ethics: Moral Realism, Anti-realism |
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Theory of Communication, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills: Paragraph, Essay, Report |
| VAC-2 | Emotional Intelligence | Value Addition Course (Example) | 2 | Understanding Emotions, Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation, Motivation and Empathy, Social Skills, Managing Relationships |
| GE-2 | Principles of Microeconomics | Generic Elective (Example) | 5 | Introduction to Economics, Scarcity and Choice, Demand and Supply Analysis, Consumer Behavior and Utility, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures: Perfect Competition, Monopoly |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1C | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 5 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Studying Comparative Politics, Typologies of Political Systems, Regimes: Democratic, Authoritarian, Electoral Systems and Political Parties |
| DSC-2C | Logic | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 5 | Nature of Logic and Arguments, Categorical Propositions and Syllogisms, Symbolic Logic: Truth-Functions, Methods of Deduction: Formal Proofs, Informal Fallacies |
| SEC-1 | Digital Literacy | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Basics of Computer and Internet, Operating Systems and Software, Online Communication and Collaboration, Cyber Security and Digital Citizenship, Digital Tools for Productivity |
| VAC-3 | Art of Being Happy | Value Addition Course (Example) | 2 | Understanding Happiness, Positive Psychology Concepts, Mindfulness and Gratitude, Resilience and Well-being, Cultivating Positive Habits |
| GE-3 | Introduction to Psychology | Generic Elective (Example) | 5 | What is Psychology?, Research Methods in Psychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, Learning and Memory |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1D | Perspectives on Public Administration | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 5 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Classical Approaches: Weber, Taylor, Fayol, Human Relations Approach, Decision Making and Communication, Ethics in Public Administration |
| DSC-2D | Indian Philosophy | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 5 | Salient Features of Indian Philosophy, Orthodox Systems: Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Heterodox Systems: Carvaka, Jainism, Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Epistemology in Indian Thought |
| SEC-2 | Communication in Everyday Life | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Conflict Resolution, Writing for Different Audiences |
| VAC-4 | Swachh Bharat | Value Addition Course (Example) | 2 | Concept of Swachhata, Public Health and Sanitation, Waste Management, Behavioral Change for Cleanliness, Government Initiatives for Swachh Bharat |
| GE-4 | Introduction to Sociology | Generic Elective (Example) | 5 | Sociological Imagination, Culture and Socialization, Social Stratification, Family, Marriage, Kinship, Deviance and Social Control |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-1 | Global Politics | Discipline Specific Elective (Political Science, Example) | 5 | Understanding Globalization, Theories of International Relations, Global Actors: States, MNCs, NGOs, Global Issues: Environment, Poverty, Human Rights, Peace and Conflict in the Globalized World |
| DSE-2 | Philosophy of Religion | Discipline Specific Elective (Philosophy, Example) | 5 | Nature and Scope of Philosophy of Religion, Arguments for the Existence of God, Problem of Evil, Religious Experience and Faith, Religion and Science |
| SEC-3 | Financial Literacy | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Basics of Personal Finance, Budgeting and Saving, Banking and Investments, Insurance and Retirement Planning, Digital Transactions and Frauds |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-3 | Politics of Globalization | Discipline Specific Elective (Political Science, Example) | 5 | Conceptualizing Globalization, Political Economy of Globalization, Impact on State Sovereignty, Global Governance and Institutions, Resistance and Alternatives to Globalization |
| DSE-4 | Applied Ethics | Discipline Specific Elective (Philosophy, Example) | 5 | Nature and Scope of Applied Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Bioethics: Euthanasia, Abortion, Business Ethics, Media Ethics |
| SEC-4 | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course (Example) | 2 | Elements of Academic Writing, Research and Citation Methods, Essay and Report Structure, Avoiding Plagiarism, Critique and Review Writing |
