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B-A in Political Science at L.K. Khot Arts College
Belagavi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at L.K. Khot Arts College Belagavi?
This Political Science program at L.K. Khot Arts Degree College, affiliated with Rani Channamma University, focuses on the intricate dynamics of power, governance, and public policy, offering a critical understanding of national and international political systems. In the Indian context, it delves into democratic processes, constitutional frameworks, and socio-political movements, preparing students for informed engagement in a rapidly evolving political landscape, and addressing key governance challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates aspiring to careers in civil services, journalism, social work, or policy analysis. It also suits individuals passionate about civic engagement, public discourse, and understanding societal structures. Candidates with an interest in current affairs, critical thinking, and a desire to contribute to public life, typically with a 10+2 background in any stream, will find this program enriching and relevant for their intellectual growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in government administration (UPSC/KPSC exams), political consulting, NGOs, research organizations, and media houses. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in these sectors. Students develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, vital for roles in public policy formulation, electoral strategy, and socio-economic development initiatives across the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Strong Reading Habits for Political Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a consistent habit of reading academic texts, reputable newspapers like ''''The Hindu'''' or ''''Indian Express'''', and opinion pieces to grasp foundational political concepts. Regularly engage with classic political theory texts and contemporary analyses to build a robust conceptual framework.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS Legislative Research, NCERT Political Science textbooks, College library resources
Career Connection
Essential for clearing competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, excelling in journalism, and pursuing analytical roles requiring deep understanding of political thought.
Actively Participate in College Debates and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Join college debate clubs and actively participate in classroom discussions on current political events and theories. This enhances critical thinking, articulation, and persuasive communication skills, which are crucial for any public-facing or analytical role.
Tools & Resources
College Debate Club, Departmental seminars and workshops, Online forums for political discourse
Career Connection
Improves public speaking and logical reasoning, highly beneficial for legal careers, political campaigning, public relations, and academic presentations.
Understand the Indian Constitution and Governance Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding the Indian Constitution, its amendments, fundamental rights, and the structure of governance. Utilize flowcharts and simplified guides to memorize key articles, parliamentary procedures, and the roles of various government bodies.
Tools & Resources
''''Indian Polity'''' by M. Laxmikanth, Official Constitution of India online resources, Government of India websites
Career Connection
Absolutely fundamental knowledge for civil services (UPSC/KPSC), legal professions, and roles in any government department or policy-making body.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Indian Political News and Policy Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond daily news, start analyzing Indian political developments, government policies, and judicial pronouncements. Write short analytical pieces or maintain a journal to critically assess policy implications, political strategies, and their societal impact.
Tools & Resources
The Wire, Scroll.in, Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha TV debates, NITI Aayog reports
Career Connection
Prepares students for policy analysis roles, political journalism, and research positions in think tanks, requiring sharp analytical and critical assessment skills.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects or Surveys- (Semester 3-5)
Work individually or in groups on small-scale research projects, such as conducting surveys on local public opinion, analyzing election data, or studying specific local governance issues. This builds practical research and data analysis skills essential for informed decision-making.
Tools & Resources
Google Forms for surveys, Basic spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets), Institutional research guidelines and faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Develops critical skills for academic research, market research, electoral strategy, and data-driven policy recommendations in public and private sectors.
Seek Internships with NGOs or Local Political Bodies- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for internship opportunities with local NGOs, social work organizations, or even during local election campaigns. This provides firsthand experience of grassroots politics, public administration, advocacy, and community engagement in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Local NGO directories, College career cell, Networking with faculty and alumni, Online internship portals
Career Connection
Gaining practical exposure and building a professional network, vital for roles in social development, political consulting, advocacy, and public service.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Civil Services Exam Preparation (if applicable)- (Semester 5-6)
If aspiring for civil services, dedicate significant time to UPSC/KPSC exam preparation, focusing on General Studies, current affairs, and optional subjects like Political Science. Join study groups and rigorously solve previous year''''s question papers and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC syllabus and previous year papers, Standard UPSC preparation books, Online test series and study groups
Career Connection
Provides a direct pathway to prestigious administrative and leadership roles in the Indian government, including IAS, IPS, KAS, etc.
Develop Specialized Research Skills and Thesis Writing- (Semester 5-6)
Focus intently on your final year research project or dissertation, applying advanced research methodologies, conducting thorough fieldwork, and presenting findings effectively. This showcases independent academic capability and specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Research software (e.g., Mendeley for referencing), Mentorship from departmental faculty, University library resources
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing higher education (MA, PhD), academic research, and roles in policy think tanks or non-profits requiring detailed analytical reports and evidence-based recommendations.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Actively connect with college alumni working in political science-related fields. Attend seminars, workshops, and career fairs to network with professionals from government, NGOs, media, and academia. Leverage these connections for mentorship and career insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn professional networking platform, College alumni network events, Departmental career counseling sessions, Professional conferences and workshops
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and invaluable insights into diverse career paths within the political and social sciences landscape in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in P.U.C. (10+2) or equivalent examination from a recognized Board/University.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 120 (for the entire B.A. program as per NEP 2020) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC1.1 | Introduction to Political Theory | Discipline Specific Core (Major) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, Concept of State and Sovereignty, Rights and Justice, Liberty and Equality, Power, Authority, Legitimacy |
| SEC1.1 | Political Science Practical-I | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Indian Political Map, Basic Features of Indian Constitution, Key Political Concepts, Current Political Events Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC2.1 | Western Political Thought | Discipline Specific Core (Major) | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: State, Citizenship, Revolution, Machiavelli: Statecraft, Morality, Locke: Natural Rights, Social Contract, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty, J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle |
| SEC2.1 | Political Science Practical-II | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Major Political Parties in India, Electoral System in India, Indian States and Union Territories, Introduction to International Organizations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC3.1 | Indian Constitution | Discipline Specific Core (Major) | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble and Basic Structure, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Governments (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary) |
| SEC3.1 | Political Science Practical-III | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Methods of Data Collection in Political Science, Conducting Public Opinion Surveys, Role-Play: Mock Parliament/Assembly, Basic Policy Analysis Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC4.1 | International Relations | Discipline Specific Core (Major) | 4 | Nature and Scope of International Relations, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations: Structure and Functions, Global Terrorism and Disarmament |
| SEC4.1 | Political Science Practical-IV | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Diplomatic Practices, Simulations: UN Committees, International Negotiations, Concepts of Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Analysis of Global Refugee Crisis |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSCMDSC5.1 | Indian Political Thought | Major Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya, Manu), Medieval Indian Political Thought, Modern Indian Thinkers (Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar), Swaraj and Satyagraha, Caste and Social Justice in India |
| POLSCMDSC5.2 | Public Administration | Major Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Public Administration, Bureaucracy and its Role, Financial Administration, Concept of Good Governance |
| POLSCDSE5.1 | Human Rights | Discipline Specific Elective | 3 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, Challenges to Human Rights |
| RESEARCH5.1 | Research Project - I | Skill Enhancement Course / Research Component | 3 | Elements of Research Design, Formulating Research Questions, Data Collection Methods, Referencing and Report Writing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSCMDSC6.1 | Contemporary Political Issues | Major Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Impact of Globalisation on India, Environmentalism and Climate Change Politics, Regionalism and Federalism in India, Caste, Religion and Politics in India, Gender and Politics |
| POLSCMDSC6.2 | Comparative Politics | Major Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Comparative Constitutions, Electoral Systems, Political Parties and Party Systems |
| POLSCDSE6.1 | Local Self Government in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 3 | Evolution of Local Self Government, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Structure and Functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Challenges and Reforms in Local Governance |
| RESEARCH6.1 | Research Project - II / Internship | Skill Enhancement Course / Research Component | 3 | Advanced Research Methodology, Fieldwork and Data Analysis, Thesis/Dissertation Writing, Internship Report Preparation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
