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BA in Political Science at Pachhunga University College
Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Pachhunga University College Aizawl?
This Political Science program at Pachhunga University College focuses on understanding political systems, theories, and processes, with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. It delves into constitutional frameworks, governance, public administration, international relations, and political thought, preparing students for analytical roles in government, civil services, and research. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate complex political landscapes in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in public affairs, governance, and social dynamics who aspire to contribute to policy-making or public service. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding historical and contemporary political issues. Candidates aspiring for competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services, State Public Service Commissions, or those aiming for postgraduate studies in political science, law, or journalism will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state government services, policy analysis, journalism, think tanks, and NGOs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in public administration and policy research roles. The program also lays a strong foundation for pursuing higher education, leading to academic or research-oriented careers, and aligning with prerequisites for legal and media professions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Reading and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed political theories and constitutional texts. Practice critical reading by questioning assumptions, identifying arguments, and evaluating evidence. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions to hone analytical abilities.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic journals, Structured debate clubs, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams requiring in-depth understanding and critical thinking; crucial for roles in policy analysis and research.
Understand India''''s Political System Deeply- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, follow current political events in India through reputable news sources, documentaries, and academic commentaries. Connect theoretical concepts learned in class to real-world Indian political processes and contemporary debates.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha TV/Rajya Sabha TV
Career Connection
Provides context for government roles, policy implementation, and political journalism in India; helps in essay writing for competitive exams.
Cultivate Academic Writing and Research Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and well-structured academic essays. Learn proper citation methods and avoid plagiarism from the outset. Seek feedback from professors on assignments to improve writing quality and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Anti-plagiarism tools
Career Connection
Fundamental skill for any research, policy brief, or report writing role; crucial for higher studies and ethical professional conduct.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Local Governance and NGOs- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for short-term internships or volunteer work with local municipal bodies, district administration, or NGOs working on social and political issues in Mizoram. This provides practical exposure to policy implementation and community engagement.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices, Local government offices, Aizawl Municipal Council, NGOs focusing on development
Career Connection
Develops practical understanding of public administration, social work, and policy at the grassroots level, highly relevant for state civil services and development sector jobs.
Participate in Inter-college Debates and Model UN- (Semester 3-5)
Join college debate societies or Model United Nations clubs. These activities significantly enhance public speaking, negotiation, and diplomatic skills, while also deepening understanding of international relations and global politics.
Tools & Resources
College debate club, MUN conferences (often hosted by universities in NE India), Online resources for debate preparation
Career Connection
Improves communication and negotiation skills vital for civil services, diplomacy, advocacy, and leadership roles.
Explore Research Methodology and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Pay close attention to courses on Research Methodology. Start practicing basic data collection techniques (surveys, interviews) and learn rudimentary data analysis tools. Consider a small-scale research project under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (basic level), Survey platforms (Google Forms), Academic resources on qualitative/quantitative methods, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Prepares for roles in policy research, think tanks, market research, and journalism where evidence-based analysis is critical.
Advanced Stage
Strategic Preparation for Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Begin intensive preparation for target competitive exams (UPSC CSE, MPSC, banking exams, etc.). Focus on General Studies, Political Science optional paper, and current affairs. Join coaching classes or self-study groups for structured learning and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (online/offline), Dedicated study materials, Mock test series, Previous year question papers, Online platforms for current affairs
Career Connection
Direct pathway to coveted positions in Indian civil services, public sector undertakings, and government departments.
Build a Professional Network and Mentorship- (Semester 6)
Connect with alumni working in relevant fields, attend guest lectures, and actively seek mentorship from professors or professionals. Networking can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable career advice.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network events, Departmental guest lectures, Career fairs, Faculty advisory
Career Connection
Facilitates job placements, professional growth, and access to industry insights and hidden job markets.
Develop Specialised Communication Skills- (Semester 6)
Focus on refining communication skills for specific professional contexts, such as drafting policy briefs, writing press releases, or delivering presentations on complex political issues. Practice summarizing intricate information for diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Workshops on professional communication, Public policy forums, Report writing guides, Presentation software
Career Connection
Essential for roles in public relations, media, policy advocacy, and public service where effective communication is paramount.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-CC-1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core Course | 6 | What is Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, Concept of Liberty, Concept of Equality, Justice, Rights and Power |
| POLSC-CC-2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core Course | 6 | The Constituent Assembly and the Constitution, Philosophy of the Constitution, Federalism, The Executive and the Legislature, The Judiciary |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies / MIL (Mizo/Hindi/English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Environmental Concepts, Ecosystems, Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-CC-3 | Political Theory: Concepts and Debates | Core Course | 6 | Liberalism, Socialism, Marxism, Feminism, Multiculturalism and Postmodernism |
| POLSC-CC-4 | Political Processes in India | Core Course | 6 | Parties and Party Systems, Elections and Electoral Reforms, Interest Groups and Pressure Groups, Social Movements, Religion and Politics, Caste and Politics |
| AECC-2 | English Communication / MIL (Mizo/Hindi) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Theories of Communication, Developing Communication Skills, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking Skills, Effective Communication Strategies |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-CC-5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core Course | 6 | What is Comparative Politics, Approaches to Studying Comparative Politics, State and Regime, Electoral Systems, Federalism |
| POLSC-CC-6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core Course | 6 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Classical and Human Relations Approach, Rational-Choice Approach, New Public Administration, Public Policy |
| POLSC-CC-7 | Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Core Course | 6 | Understanding International Relations, Realism and Liberalism, Marxist and Feminist Perspectives, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, End of Colonialism |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course (Options: Conflict Resolution / Legislative Support / Public Opinion and Survey Research) | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Understanding Conflict, Conflict Analysis, Negotiation and Mediation, Peacemaking, Role of Public Opinion |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 (From other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-CC-8 | Comparative Political Perspectives | Core Course | 6 | Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Nationalism, Political Culture, Political Economy, Globalization |
| POLSC-CC-9 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core Course | 6 | Public Policy: Meaning and Approaches, Policy Making Process, Implementation and Evaluation, Planning Commission / NITI Aayog, Decentralization |
| POLSC-CC-10 | Global Politics | Core Course | 6 | Globalisation, Global Actors, International Security, Global Economic Issues, Environment and Climate Change, Human Rights |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course (Options: Human Rights: Theory and Practice / Research Methodology / Gender and Politics) | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Meaning and Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Understanding Human Rights |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 (From other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-DSE-A1 | Indian Political Thought – I | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Brahamanical Tradition, Buddhist Tradition, Kautilya, Barani, Abul Fazal |
| POLSC-DSE-A2 | Western Political Thought – I | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke |
| POLSC-DSE-B1 | India’s Foreign Policy | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Evolution of India’s Foreign Policy, Determinants of Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment, India and its Neighbors, India and Major Powers |
| POLSC-DSE-B2 | Public International Law | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Nature and Sources of International Law, Recognition of States, State Jurisdiction, International Treaties, United Nations and International Law |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 (From other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POLSC-DSE-A3 | Indian Political Thought – II | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru, Savarkar, Roy |
| POLSC-DSE-A4 | Western Political Thought – II | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Rousseau, Mill, Hegel, Marx, Gramsci |
| POLSC-DSE-B3 | Administration and Governance | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Governance: Meaning and Models, Good Governance, E-Governance, Right to Information, Citizen''''s Charter |
| POLSC-DSE-B4 | Globalisation and Development | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theories of Development, Sustainable Development, Globalisation: Economic, Political, Social Dimensions, International Financial Institutions |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 (From other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 |
