.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA in Political Science at Maharaja Agrasen College of Commerce
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Maharaja Agrasen College of Commerce Deoria?
This Political Science program at Maharaja Agrasen College of Commerce focuses on the study of political systems, theories, governance, and international relations within an Indian and global context. It offers a comprehensive understanding of political institutions, public policy, and political thought. The curriculum, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), prepares students for informed citizenship and analytical thinking. There is a growing demand for skilled political analysts and public service professionals in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds who possess a keen interest in current affairs, governance, and societal dynamics. It also caters to individuals aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, social work, and policy analysis. Students with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, eager to explore the complexities of political systems, will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India, including civil services (UPSC, State PSCs), political analysis, public relations, journalism, and advocacy. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in government, NGOs, and think tanks. The program''''s foundation also supports advanced studies in law, international relations, and public administration.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental political concepts such as state, sovereignty, liberty, equality, and justice. Use textbooks, online encyclopedias like Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for deeper insights, and create flashcards for quick revision. This strong conceptual base is crucial for all advanced Political Science papers.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, DDUGU e-resources, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Political Science dictionaries
Career Connection
A firm grasp of fundamentals is essential for cracking civil service exams and for strong foundational arguments in policy analysis roles.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with prescribed readings, journal articles, and newspaper editorials. Practice identifying arguments, evaluating evidence, and formulating your own opinions. Join a college debate club or a discussion group to refine your ability to articulate complex political ideas effectively.
Tools & Resources
Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), reputed academic journals, debate clubs, college literary societies
Career Connection
Sharp analytical skills are highly valued in research, journalism, law, and policy formulation, enabling effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, seek clarification from professors, and form study groups with peers. This collaborative environment fosters diverse perspectives, improves understanding of complex topics, and builds a supportive academic community. Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, professor office hours, departmental seminars, college notice boards for events
Career Connection
Networking with peers and faculty can open doors to mentorship, collaborative projects, and insights into various career paths, aiding future academic and professional growth.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Indian Political Realities- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond textbooks, regularly follow Indian political news, policy debates, and social movements. Watch parliamentary sessions, read analyses from Indian think tanks, and visit local government offices (if permitted) to observe functioning. This contextual understanding enhances theoretical knowledge with practical relevance.
Tools & Resources
Lok Sabha TV, Rajya Sabha TV, PRS Legislative Research, Centre for Policy Research, Observer Research Foundation
Career Connection
Deep understanding of Indian politics is indispensable for civil services, political journalism, electoral strategy, and roles in public policy organizations.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Recognize that Political Science intersects with Economics, History, Sociology, and Philosophy. Explore optional courses or engage with content from these related fields to broaden your perspective. This holistic approach enriches your understanding of political phenomena and enhances analytical depth.
Tools & Resources
Cross-listed courses, online MOOCs in related fields (NPTEL, Coursera), library resources
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary outlook makes you a versatile professional, highly sought after in roles requiring comprehensive problem analysis and strategic thinking across sectors.
Participate in Academic Competitions and Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to participate in essay competitions, quiz contests, and research projects related to Political Science. These experiences hone research skills, improve academic writing, and provide practical application of theoretical knowledge, enhancing your academic portfolio.
Tools & Resources
College research cell, departmental notifications, university-level competitions, student research clubs
Career Connection
Such participations boost your resume, demonstrate initiative, and provide concrete examples of your abilities for higher studies applications and job interviews.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research and Dissertation (if applicable)- (Semester 6)
For those opting for Honours with Research, select a compelling research topic, develop a robust methodology, and conduct in-depth primary/secondary research. Regular consultation with your supervisor is crucial. For others, engage in extended essays or review papers on specialized topics.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), library archives, research methodology guides, faculty advisors
Career Connection
A well-executed research project showcases independent thinking, analytical rigor, and specialized knowledge, highly valued for academic careers, think tanks, and advanced research roles.
Focus on Civil Services or Career-Specific Preparation- (Semester 6)
Align your final year studies and extracurriculars with your chosen career path. If aiming for civil services, begin focused preparation (current affairs, optional subject coaching). For other careers, seek internships relevant to public policy, journalism, or advocacy to gain practical experience and network.
Tools & Resources
Civil service coaching institutes, online current affairs platforms, internship portals (Internshala), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Targeted preparation significantly improves your chances of securing placements or cracking competitive exams, leading directly to desired career outcomes.
Develop Advanced Communication and Advocacy Skills- (Semester 6)
Refine your ability to communicate complex political issues to diverse audiences through presentations, policy briefs, and public speaking. Engage in mock interviews and group discussions. Practice articulating nuanced arguments concisely and persuasively, essential for leadership and advocacy roles.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters clubs, college placement cell workshops, public policy debate forums, communication skill development books
Career Connection
Exceptional communication and advocacy skills are critical for roles in diplomacy, political consulting, public relations, and leadership positions in government and NGOs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Minimum 64 credits for Political Science Major and general mandatory courses. The complete 3-year BA degree (Major + Minor) typically requires 120-132 credits as per NEP 2020 guidelines, depending on chosen minor subjects and whether Honours with Research is pursued. Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (typically for theory papers), External: 75% (typically for theory papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-101 (DSC-1) | Principles of Political Science | Core (Major) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, Concepts of State and Sovereignty, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, and Duties, Forms of Government: Democracy and Totalitarianism, Political Culture and Political Socialization |
| BA-CC-101 | Food Nutrition and Hygiene | Compulsory (Ability Enhancement) | 2 | Fundamentals of Nutrition and Food Groups, Macronutrients and Micronutrients, Balanced Diet and Malnutrition, Food Safety and Quality, Personal and Community Hygiene |
| BA-VOC-101 | Vocational Course (Example: Communication Skills) | Vocational | 2 | Elements and Types of Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Listening and Feedback Skills, Public Speaking and Presentation, Interpersonal and Group Communication |
| BA-CO-101 | Co-curricular Course (Example: Physical Education and Yoga) | Co-curricular | 2 | Foundations of Physical Education, Basic Concepts of Yoga, Common Asanas and Pranayama, Meditation Techniques, Sports, Health, and Wellness |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-102 (DSC-2) | Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development | Core (Major) | 4 | Rise and Growth of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy |
| BA-CC-102 | Analytical Ability and Digital Awareness | Compulsory (Ability Enhancement) | 2 | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, Basic Computer Concepts and Operating Systems, Internet, Web Browsers, and Search Engines, Cyber Security and Digital Ethics, Introduction to MS Office applications |
| BA-VOC-102 | Vocational Course (Example: Entrepreneurship Development) | Vocational | 2 | Concept of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Characteristics of an Entrepreneur, Business Idea Generation and Opportunity Analysis, Business Plan Preparation, Funding Sources and Government Schemes |
| BA-CO-102 | Co-curricular Course (Example: National Cadet Corps / National Service Scheme) | Co-curricular | 2 | Aims and Objectives of NCC/NSS, Disaster Management and First Aid, Environmental Protection Activities, Leadership and Personality Development, Community Service and Social Harmony |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-201 (DSC-3) | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core (Major) | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutions of UK, USA, and China, Electoral Systems and Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Federalism |
| PS-202 (DSC-4) | Indian Political Thought | Core (Major) | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya, Manusmriti), Medieval Indian Political Thought, Modern Indian Thinkers (Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar), Liberal and Radical Traditions in India, Savarkar, Roy, and Lohia''''s Political Ideas |
| BA-CO-201 | Co-curricular Course (Example: Human Values and Environmental Studies) | Co-curricular | 2 | Ethics and Moral Values, Family and Societal Values, Environment and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Pollution, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-203 (DSC-5) | Western Political Thought | Core (Major) | 4 | Classical Greek Thinkers (Plato, Aristotle), Early Modern Thinkers (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau), Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill), Hegel''''s Philosophy of State, Marxist Political Theory (Marx, Gramsci) |
| PS-204 (DSC-6) | Public Administration | Core (Major) | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization (Scientific Management, Human Relations), Bureaucracy and its Role, Public Policy: Formulation and Implementation, Financial Administration and Accountability |
| BA-CO-202 | Co-curricular Course (Example: General Awareness and Current Affairs) | Co-curricular | 2 | Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy and Social Issues, History and Geography of India, Science, Technology, and Environment, National and International Current Events |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-301 (DSE-1) | International Relations | Core (Major) / Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations and Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN), Globalization and its Impact, Disarmament, Global Terrorism, Human Rights |
| PS-302 (DSE-2) | Indian Foreign Policy | Core (Major) / Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Evolution of Indian Foreign Policy, Principles of Non-Alignment, India''''s Relations with Major Powers (P5), India and its Neighbors, Look East/Act East Policy and India''''s Role in Global South |
| BA-SEC-301 | Skill Enhancement Course (Example: Personality Development) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem, Goal Setting and Time Management, Stress Management and Emotional Intelligence, Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Leadership Qualities and Interview Preparation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-303 (DSE-3) | Human Rights and Environmental Studies | Core (Major) / Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India and NHRC, Environmentalism and Climate Change, Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development Goals |
| PS-304 (DSE-4) | Research Methodology | Core (Major) / Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Social Science Research, Types of Research and Research Design, Methods of Data Collection (Survey, Interview), Sampling Techniques and Data Analysis, Research Ethics and Report Writing |
| BA-SEC-302 | Skill Enhancement Course (Example: Introduction to Data Analysis) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Basic Concepts of Data and Data Types, Methods of Data Collection and Organization, Descriptive Statistics and Measures of Central Tendency, Introduction to Data Visualization (Graphs, Charts), Interpreting Data and Basic Spreadsheets (Excel) |
| PS-RP-301 | Research Project / Dissertation (Optional for Honours) | Project | 6 | Formulation of Research Problem, Literature Review and Hypothesis, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Presentation and Viva Voce |
