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BA-POLITICAL-SCIENCE in Political Science at Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder
North and Middle Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder North and Middle Andaman?
This Political Science program at Mahatma Gandhi Government College, affiliated with Pondicherry University, offers a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and processes. It provides a foundation in both Indian and global political contexts, preparing students for diverse roles in public service, research, and policy analysis within the dynamic Indian political landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with an interest in governance, public affairs, and social issues. It attracts students aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, policy think tanks, or academia. Individuals keen on understanding India''''s democratic framework and global political dynamics will find this specialization particularly engaging.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect career paths in government administration, political analysis, international organizations, and non-governmental bodies across India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program provides a strong base for competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs, enabling upward mobility in public service.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in lectures, make detailed notes on core political theories and Indian constitutional concepts, and regularly review course material. Form study groups to discuss complex ideas and different perspectives.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science textbooks, Online academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), College library resources, Peer discussion forums
Career Connection
A robust understanding of fundamental concepts is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) and for analytical roles in public policy or research.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with assigned readings beyond superficial understanding. Practice summarizing arguments, identifying biases, and forming independent opinions. Regularly write short essays or response papers to refine analytical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Newspaper editorials (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), Reputable online news sources, Practice essay prompts
Career Connection
Essential for roles requiring policy analysis, journalism, research, and any position demanding informed decision-making and clear communication.
Participate in Extracurricular Debates and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Join college debate clubs, participate in model parliaments, or engage in departmental seminars on current political issues. This enhances public speaking, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex political arguments effectively.
Tools & Resources
College debate society, Local youth forums, Online platforms for political discourse, TED Talks on political themes
Career Connection
Improves communication and persuasive skills, vital for public relations, advocacy, civil services interviews, and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Field-Based Mini-Projects or Internships- (Semester 3-5 (during summer breaks or part-time))
Seek opportunities for short-term internships with local NGOs, administrative offices, or political organizations in the Andaman region. Alternatively, conduct small-scale primary research on local political issues, such as electoral trends or public service delivery.
Tools & Resources
College career cell, Local government offices, NGOs focusing on social work or governance, Questionnaire design tools
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure to governance, policy implementation, and social dynamics, enhancing employability for grassroots work and policy roles.
Specialize in Areas of Interest through Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Generic Electives (GEs) that align with long-term career goals, such as Indian Political Thought for civil services or International Relations for foreign service aspirations. Deepen knowledge in chosen areas through additional readings.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus document, Faculty advisors, Online course platforms (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera for specialized topics)
Career Connection
Tailors your academic profile towards specific career paths, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in research, diplomacy, or advocacy.
Engage with Policy Analysis and Case Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly read government reports, policy briefs, and academic analyses of Indian public policies (e.g., education, health, economic reforms). Participate in case study competitions or workshops focused on policy formulation and evaluation.
Tools & Resources
NITI Aayog reports, Ministry websites, Think tank publications (e.g., ORF, PRS Legislative Research), Public policy journals
Career Connection
Develops skills in policy evaluation and understanding, crucial for roles in government, policy research, and consultancy, both in India and internationally.
Advanced Stage
Master Research Methodology and Dissertation Writing- (Semester 6)
Apply the concepts learned in Research Methodology to conduct a substantial research project or dissertation. Focus on rigorous data collection, analysis, and academic writing standards. Seek extensive feedback from faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for political science data), Academic databases (e.g., Shodhganga), Citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), University research guidelines
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capabilities, highly valued in academic careers, think tanks, and advanced roles in policy analysis or market research.
Intensive Preparation for Civil Services or Postgraduate Entrance Exams- (Semester 6)
Begin focused preparation for UPSC Civil Services Exam, State Public Service Commissions, or entrance exams for Master''''s programs in Political Science, Public Administration, or International Relations. This includes revising the entire syllabus, practicing previous year papers, and joining relevant coaching classes if feasible.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes for competitive exams, Online test series and previous year question papers, Dedicated study groups, Specialized reference books for competitive exams
Career Connection
Directly targets high-demand careers in Indian public administration, foreign service, or advanced academic pursuits, leading to leadership and influential positions.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Connect with college alumni working in political science-related fields through LinkedIn, alumni events, or mentorship programs. Attend webinars and conferences to meet academics, policymakers, and practitioners to gain insights and identify potential opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network platforms, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Political Science Association), Career fairs and workshops
Career Connection
Builds a professional network crucial for job referrals, mentorship, and staying updated on career trends and opportunities in the Indian political and administrative sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate shall be eligible for the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) if he/she has completed the Senior Secondary School Course (10+2) or equivalent thereto, recognized by the Pondicherry University.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAAS101 | Language (MIL/English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Language proficiency, Grammar and usage, Comprehension skills, Written communication, Everyday vocabulary |
| BAPS101 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 4 | Approaches to political theory, Key concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights and citizenship, Democracy and its theories, Critiques of political theory |
| BAPS102 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Organs of Government: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Federalism and decentralization |
| BAGE101 | Human Rights, Gender and Environment | Generic Elective (GE) | 4 | Theories of Human Rights, Gender equality and women''''s rights, Environmental movements and justice, Sustainable development, State and human rights |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAAS201 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Ecosystems and biodiversity, Natural resources and management, Environmental pollution and control, Climate change and global issues, Environmental ethics and policies |
| BAPS201 | Political Theory: Concepts and Debates | Core | 4 | Liberty: Negative and Positive, Equality: Dimensions and debates, Justice: Procedural and distributive, Rights: Natural, moral, legal, Power, authority, sovereignty |
| BAPS202 | Political Processes in India | Core | 4 | Parties and party system, Elections and electoral reforms, Caste, religion, and politics, Regionalism and linguistic identity, Social movements and civil society |
| BAGE201 | Understanding Gandhi | Generic Elective (GE) | 4 | Gandhian thought and philosophy, Satyagraha and non-violence, Swaraj and Hind Swaraj, Critique of modernity, Relevance of Gandhi today |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAPS301 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 6 | Comparative approach: methods and challenges, States and regimes: typologies, Political culture and socialization, Federalism and unitary systems, Electoral systems and representation |
| BAPS302 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 6 | Evolution of public administration, Classical and human relations approaches, Bureaucracy and its characteristics, Public policy: formulation and implementation, Good governance and accountability |
| BAPS303 | Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Core | 6 | Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Cold War and post-Cold War era, United Nations and global governance, Globalization and its impact, Regional organizations and integration |
| BAPS304 | Understanding Political Science through Films/Literature | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Political narratives in cinema, Literary interpretations of power, Representation of social issues, Analysis of political themes, Media and political communication |
| BAGE301 | Ethics and Public Policy | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Ethical theories in public life, Moral dilemmas in policy making, Corruption and accountability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics in public service |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAPS401 | Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core | 6 | Comparative study of constitutions, Legislatures: functions and types, Executive: presidential and parliamentary, Judiciary: roles and independence, Party systems and electoral behavior |
| BAPS402 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 6 | Policy process in India, Welfare policies: health, education, Economic reforms and social justice, Decentralization and local governance, Bureaucracy and development |
| BAPS403 | Global Politics | Core | 6 | Actors in global politics, International security and conflict, International Political Economy, Global commons and environmental issues, Humanitarian intervention |
| BAPS404 | Public Opinion and Survey Research | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Measuring public opinion, Survey design and methodology, Sampling techniques, Data analysis and interpretation, Ethical issues in research |
| BAGE401 | Electoral Politics in India | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Indian electoral system, Election Commission of India, Voting behavior and determinants, Role of political parties, Election campaigns and media |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAPS501 | Indian Political Thought-I | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Ancient Indian political traditions, Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Dharma and Rajdharma, Sabha and Samiti, Islamic political thought in India |
| BAPS502 | Classical Political Philosophy | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Plato: Justice and Ideal State, Aristotle: Politics and Citizenship, Machiavelli: The Prince, Hobbes: Leviathan and Social Contract, Locke: Natural Rights and Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will and Social Contract |
| BAPS503 | Introduction to International Law | Core | 6 | Sources of International Law, State recognition and jurisdiction, Treaties and international agreements, International human rights law, International criminal law |
| BAPS504 | Theories of Public Administration | Core | 6 | Classical theories of administration, Human relations approach, Rational choice theory in public administration, Public policy theories, New Public Management and Governance |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAPS601 | Indian Political Thought-II | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Modern Indian political thinkers, Gandhi: Swaraj and Satyagraha, Ambedkar: Social Justice and Democracy, Nehru: Socialism and Secularism, Savarkar: Hindutva, Aurobindo: Integral Humanism |
| BAPS602 | Modern Political Philosophy | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Hegel: State and Freedom, Marx: Class Struggle and Revolution, Mill: Liberty and Utilitarianism, Bentham: Utilitarianism, John Rawls: Justice as Fairness, Contemporary political philosophy debates |
| BAPS603 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Core | 6 | Nature of political inquiry, Research design and methods, Quantitative and qualitative research, Data collection techniques, Research ethics and report writing |
| BAPS604 | Major Political Thinkers | Core | 6 | Analysis of seminal works of thinkers, Impact of thinkers on political thought, Comparative study of ideologies, Relevance of historical political thought, Critiques and contributions of key figures |
