.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA in Political Science at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This Political Science program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of political theories, systems, and governance within an Indian and global context. It delves into the historical evolution of political thought, contemporary political dynamics, and the intricacies of public administration. The program is designed to equip students with analytical skills crucial for understanding policy-making and socio-political issues, aligning with the growing demand for informed public service and policy analysis in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream seeking entry into civil services, journalism, law, or research. It also suits individuals passionate about civic engagement, public policy, and international relations. Aspiring political analysts, social workers, and those aiming for higher education in political studies will find the curriculum rigorous and relevant. No specific prerequisite background beyond 10+2 is typically required, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state administrative services (UPSC, OPSC), political consultancy, non-governmental organizations, media houses, and academic research. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in policy analysis, advocacy, and public relations. The program also prepares students for further studies like MA in Political Science, Law, or Journalism, enhancing their professional trajectory.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core political theories and concepts from DSC-1A and DSC-1B. Engage in active reading of foundational texts, participate in classroom debates, and form study groups to discuss complex ideas. Utilize online resources like NPTEL lectures on political science for additional perspectives.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, NCERT Political Science books (Class XI/XII for basics), Official library resources, Study groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is essential for competitive exams (UPSC/OPSC) and advanced studies, providing the conceptual framework for analyzing current events.
Develop Academic Writing & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to AECC courses like English Communication and Environmental Studies, which demand structured writing and critical thinking. Practice essay writing, summarizing complex articles, and delivering presentations. Seek feedback from professors to refine communication clarity and academic rigor.
Tools & Resources
Online grammar tools, University writing center, Peer review sessions, Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Strong communication is vital for policy briefs, research papers, journalism, and public administration, enhancing employability across sectors.
Engage with Current Affairs and Indian Polity- (Semester 1-2)
Actively follow national and international news, especially those related to Indian Government and Politics (DSC-1B). Read reputable newspapers and magazines (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express, Frontline) and watch debates on channels like Rajya Sabha TV (Sansad TV). Connect theoretical concepts to real-world political events.
Tools & Resources
Major Indian newspapers, Sansad TV, Reliable news apps, Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Essential for cracking civil service exams, journalism, and becoming an informed citizen, directly impacting success in public-facing roles.
Intermediate Stage
Cultivate Comparative Analysis Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on DSC-1C (Comparative Government & Politics) and DSC-1D (International Relations). Systematically compare political systems, ideologies, and international phenomena. Participate in mock UN simulations or college debate societies to apply theoretical knowledge to global issues.
Tools & Resources
Model UN clubs, Debate societies, International relations journals, Comparative politics textbooks
Career Connection
Develops critical analytical thinking, crucial for roles in international organizations, foreign services, and cross-cultural policy analysis.
Gain Practical Insight into Public Administration- (Semester 4-5)
Thoroughly study DSC-1E (Public Administration). Seek opportunities for short internships or shadowing experiences with local government offices, NGOs focusing on governance, or district administration to understand practical challenges and bureaucratic processes. This complements theoretical learning with real-world exposure.
Tools & Resources
Local government offices, NGOs, Administrative departments, Career services for internship leads
Career Connection
Provides invaluable exposure for civil service aspirants and those aiming for careers in public management, enhancing practical understanding of governance.
Enhance Skills through Elective Choices & Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Make informed choices for SEC papers like ''''Conflict and Peace Building'''' or ''''Legislative Support'''' and DSEs based on career interests. Actively engage in projects, case studies, or minor research related to these subjects. Explore certifications or workshops in areas like data analysis for social sciences to complement your skill set.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) in specific skills, Workshops offered by college, Academic journals
Career Connection
Specialization through electives makes you more competitive for specific roles, while project work builds a portfolio.
Advanced Stage
Master Research Methodology and Application- (Semester 6)
Focus intensively on DSC-1J (Research Methodology). Design and execute a mini-research project or a detailed academic paper, applying learned methodologies for data collection, analysis, and report writing. Utilize statistical tools if applicable for basic quantitative analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (basic level), Survey platforms (Google Forms), Academic databases, Library resources
Career Connection
Essential for post-graduate studies, think tanks, policy research, and any role requiring data-driven decision making and analytical rigor.
Strategic Civil Service Exam Preparation- (Semester 6)
Integrate preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services or OPSC into your final year. Political Science is a popular optional subject. Focus on revision of all core subjects, practice previous year question papers, and participate in mock tests. Form dedicated study groups with like-minded peers.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/OPSC previous year papers, Standard reference books for optional subjects, Online coaching platforms, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for high-impact careers in public administration and governance in India.
Build a Professional Network & Portfolio- (Semester 6)
Attend seminars, webinars, and workshops related to political science, public policy, or international relations. Connect with alumni, faculty, and guest speakers. Document all academic projects, internships, and extracurricular achievements into a coherent portfolio or LinkedIn profile for future job applications and higher education.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network, Professional conferences, Career fairs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to job opportunities and mentorship, while a strong portfolio showcases capabilities to potential employers and academic institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1A | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 6 | Political Theory: Meaning, Approaches, Theories of State, Key Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, Power, Democracy: Theory & Practice |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystems, Natural Resources, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Human Population and Environment |
| MIL-1 | MIL (Odia/Alternative English) | Modern Indian Language / Alternative English | 4 | Language specific curriculum, Communication skills, Literary analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1B | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 6 | Approaches to Study Indian Politics, Constitutional Development & Making of the Constitution, Philosophy of the Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Federalism in India, Union Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliament: Structure, Role, Functions |
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Theories of Communication, Communication in English, Listening, Reading, Writing Skills, Public Speaking, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1C | Introduction to Comparative Government & Politics | Core | 6 | Comparative Politics: Nature and Approaches, Historical Context of Modern Governments: Colonialism, Anti-Colonial Struggles, Development and Underdevelopment, Regimes: Authoritarian and Democratic, Electoral Systems, Parties and Party Systems |
| DSC-1D | Perspectives on International Relations | Core | 6 | International Relations: Meaning, Scope, History, Theories of IR: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism, Cold War & Post-Cold War Eras, United Nations: Organs, Role, Foreign Policy: Determinants |
| SEC-1 | Conflict and Peace Building | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding Conflict, Sources and Dynamics of Conflict, Conflict Management Strategies, Peace Building and Conflict Transformation, Role of Mediation and Negotiation |
| GE-1 | To be chosen from other disciplines | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1E | Public Administration | Core | 6 | Public Administration: Meaning, Nature, Scope, Public & Private Administration, Theories of Administration: Scientific Management, Bureaucracy, Human Relations Approach, Decision-Making, Leadership, Communication, Budgeting and Financial Administration |
| DSC-1F | Indian Political Thought - I | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought: Brahmanic, Sramana traditions, Kautilya: Arthashastra, Colonialism and Indian Nationalism, Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Reforms and Modernity, M.K. Gandhi: Satyagraha, Swaraj |
| SEC-2 | Legislative Support | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Understanding the Legislative Process, Role and Functions of Parliament/Legislature, Parliamentary Committees, Drafting Legislation and Policy Formulation, Role of Public Opinion |
| GE-2 | To be chosen from other disciplines | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1G | Indian Political Thought - II | Core | 6 | V.D. Savarkar: Hindutva, M.A. Jinnah: Two-Nation Theory, B.R. Ambedkar: Social Justice, Constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru: Democratic Socialism, Non-Alignment, Ram Manohar Lohia: Socialist Thought, Jayaprakash Narayan: Total Revolution, Deendayal Upadhyaya: Integral Humanism |
| DSC-1H | Western Political Thought - I | Core | 6 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Philosopher King, Aristotle: Citizenship, Constitution, Forms of Government, Machiavelli: Human Nature, Statecraft, Virtu and Fortuna, Hobbes: Social Contract, Sovereignty, Leviathan, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Property, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty, Social Contract |
| DSE-1 (Option A) | Democracy and Development in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | State in Post-Colonial India, Planning and Development Models, Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization (LPG), Social Movements and Democracy, Decentralization and Panchayati Raj |
| SEC-3 | Human Rights Education | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Human Rights: Universalism vs. Relativism, Generational Rights: Civil, Political, Social, Economic, Cultural, Implementation of Human Rights: National & International Mechanisms, Role of NGOs and Civil Society, Human Rights in India: Issues and Challenges |
| GE-3 | To be chosen from other disciplines | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1I | Western Political Thought - II | Core | 6 | J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Alienation, Antonio Gramsci: Hegemony, State, Intellectuals, Hannah Arendt: Totalitarianism, Action, The Human Condition, Political Philosophy in the 20th Century |
| DSC-1J | Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Social Science Research: Meaning, Nature, Scope, Research Design: Types and Components, Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection: Observation, Interview, Survey, Data Analysis: Qualitative and Quantitative Techniques, Report Writing: Structure and Ethics |
| DSE-2 (Option A) | Understanding Global Politics | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Globalization: Dimensions and Debates, Global Economy and Institutions (WTO, IMF, World Bank), Geopolitics and Geo-economics, Regionalism: EU, ASEAN, SAARC, Emerging Powers: India, China, Brazil, South Africa |
| SEC-4 | Public Opinion and Survey Research | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Public Opinion: Meaning, Formation, Measurement, Survey Research: Techniques and Application, Sampling Methods, Questionnaire Design, Basic Data Analysis for Surveys, Ethical Issues in Survey Research |
| GE-4 | To be chosen from other disciplines | Generic Elective | 6 |
