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BA-HONS-POLITICAL-SCIENCE in General at Ram Lal Anand College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is General at Ram Lal Anand College Delhi?
This BA Hons Political Science program at Ram Lal Anand College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, offers a comprehensive exploration of political thought, Indian governance, comparative politics, and international relations. It equips students with critical analytical skills to understand political phenomena and public policy, fostering a deep understanding of democratic processes and global dynamics. The curriculum''''s robust structure prepares students for informed engagement in a rapidly evolving Indian and international landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in current affairs, public policy, and societal structures, aiming for careers in civil services, journalism, advocacy, or research. It also suits aspiring policymakers and academics who possess strong analytical abilities, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to civic engagement. No specific prerequisites beyond standard university admission criteria are typically required.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India, including administrative services (UPSC, state PSCs), political analysis, media and communication, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential in government, policy research, and corporate social responsibility roles. The program also provides a strong foundation for higher education in law, public administration, or international relations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp foundational political theories, constitutional principles, and governmental structures by actively participating in lectures, tutorials, and departmental discussions. Utilize college library resources and online academic platforms (through DU library access) to build a strong theoretical base. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex ideas and diverse perspectives, ensuring a robust understanding of fundamental concepts.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR/EPW (via DU e-resources), Study groups, Official DU Syllabus
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and forms the bedrock for advanced studies and analytical roles in policy research and academia.
Develop Academic Writing & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise academic writing by submitting assignments promptly, seeking faculty feedback, and actively utilizing any available writing support. Practice referencing styles and basic research techniques introduced in core courses. Regularly read current affairs from credible Indian newspapers to connect theoretical knowledge with practical political developments.
Tools & Resources
College writing support, Grammarly, The Hindu/Indian Express analysis
Career Connection
Excellent writing and research are indispensable for policy reports, academic papers, civil service exams, and communication roles in government, media, and NGOs.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage Generic Elective and Value Addition courses to explore related fields like Economics, History, Sociology, or Philosophy. This broadens perspective and enhances critical thinking. Actively participate in college societies (e.g., debate, quizzing) to develop soft skills and connect with peers from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering holistic intellectual growth.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental lectures, College cultural/academic societies, Online MOOCs in related fields
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach is highly valued in public policy and think tanks, enabling holistic problem-solving and diverse career options in India''''s complex socio-political landscape.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Internships and Field Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Seek internships with NGOs, think tanks, political consulting firms, or local government bodies (e.g., municipal corporations, MLAs'''' offices) during semester breaks. Actively participate in departmental field visits or surveys, if organized. This provides invaluable practical exposure to policy implementation, governance challenges, and political processes specific to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Departmental internship cells, Networking with faculty/alumni
Career Connection
Internships are critical for gaining practical experience, building professional networks, and securing future placements in policy advocacy, research, or political campaigns within India.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Readings- (Semester 3-5)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) based on your emerging career interests (e.g., International Relations, Public Administration, Indian Political Thought). Complement classroom learning with advanced readings and participation in seminars or workshops on your chosen specialization area. Engage with faculty for guidance on specific research topics.
Tools & Resources
Advanced academic journals, Specialized books, Departmental seminars/workshops
Career Connection
Specialization helps in targeting specific career roles in research, policy analysis, or academia, making your profile more competitive for sector-specific opportunities.
Participate in Debates and Model UN- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in college and inter-college debate competitions, Model United Nations (MUN), and parliamentary debate simulations. This sharpens public speaking, negotiation, and diplomatic skills crucial for careers in foreign service, advocacy, and journalism. Continuously follow current events and global political developments to inform your arguments.
Tools & Resources
College debate society, MUN clubs, Reputable news analyses (e.g., The Wire, Livemint)
Career Connection
These activities enhance communication, critical analysis, and leadership, highly sought-after skills in international organizations, diplomacy, and media roles in India and globally.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Research Project and Dissertation- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate significant effort to your Research Project/Dissertation in Semesters 7 and 8. Choose a topic that aligns with your career goals and allows for in-depth analysis of a contemporary Indian policy or political issue. Seek regular mentorship from your supervisor and rigorously refine your analytical, data collection, and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
DU Library e-resources, Statistical software (if applicable), Faculty mentor, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
A well-executed and original research project is a strong asset for higher studies (MA, PhD) and roles in think tanks, research institutions, and policy analysis, showcasing independent research capability.
Prepare for Higher Studies and Civil Services- (Semester 6-8)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, state PSCs, or entrance exams for Master''''s programs (e.g., JNU, DU, Ashoka, TISS). Attend career guidance workshops, solve previous year''''s papers, and consider joining coaching institutes if needed. Network actively with alumni who have successfully cleared these exams for insights.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/MA entrance exam guides, Online coaching platforms, Alumni network events, Government exam portals
Career Connection
Targeted preparation enhances your chances of securing prestigious positions in civil services or gaining admission to top-tier postgraduate programs, significantly boosting long-term career prospects in India.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 6-8)
Compile a comprehensive portfolio of your research papers, project reports, internship certificates, and any publications or impactful assignments. Actively attend seminars, conferences, and public lectures in Delhi to network with academics, policymakers, and industry experts. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to build a strong professional online presence and seek mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences/webinars, Departmental career cells, E-portfolio platforms
Career Connection
A strong professional network and a well-curated portfolio are invaluable for job hunting, mentorship, and long-term career growth in policy, media, international relations, or academia in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Class 12th pass (or equivalent) from a recognized Indian board with required minimum marks, and admission through Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 4 | What is Politics, Political Theory and its Approaches, Key Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, Power and the State, Theories of the State |
| DSC-2 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Politics, Making of the Indian Constitution: Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Structure of Government: President, Prime Minister, Parliament, Federalism and its Dynamics, Local Self-Government |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective Course I (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a diverse pool offered by other departments., Examples include: Principles of Microeconomics, History of India: From Earliest Times to c. 300 CE, Introduction to Sociology, English Literature, Elementary Calculus. |
| AECC-1 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course I (Choice-based) | Compulsory | 4 | Students typically choose between Environmental Science or MIL (Modern Indian Language) Communication., Environmental Science topics: Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Sustainable Development. |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course I (Choice-based) | Skill-based | 2 | Students choose one course from a pool of skill-focused subjects., Examples include: Data Analysis, Research Methodology, Conflict Resolution, Academic Writing, Leadership. |
| VAC-1 | Value Addition Course I (Choice-based) | Value Addition | 2 | Students choose one course focusing on ethical and social values., Examples include: Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties, Yoga: Philosophy and Practice, Digital Fluency, Ethics and Culture. |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-3 | Political Theory: Concepts and Debates | Core | 4 | Democracy: Theories and Debates, Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities, Civil Society: State and Voluntary Sector, Gender and Politics, Environment and Sustainable Development, Multiculturalism |
| DSC-4 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 4 | Philosophical Foundations of the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, Organs of Government: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Federalism: Centre-State Relations, Constitutional Amendments and Review |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective Course II (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a diverse pool offered by other departments., Examples include: Introductory Macroeconomics, Delhi: History and Society, Introduction to Psychology, Academic English, Differential Equations. |
| AECC-2 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course II (Choice-based) | Compulsory | 4 | Students typically choose between Environmental Science or MIL Communication (if not taken in Sem 1)., MIL Communication topics: Basics of communication, Media literacy, Public speaking, Writing skills in a specific Indian language. |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course II (Choice-based) | Skill-based | 2 | Students choose one course from a pool of skill-focused subjects., Examples include: Public Opinion and Survey Research, Digital Governance, Legal Literacy, Financial Literacy. |
| VAC-2 | Value Addition Course II (Choice-based) | Value Addition | 2 | Students choose one course focusing on ethical and social values., Examples include: Emotional Intelligence, Swachh Bharat, Science and Society, Communication in Everyday Life. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 4 | What is Comparative Politics, Methods and Approaches to Comparative Politics, Forms of Government: Unitary, Federal, Parliamentary, Presidential, Electoral Systems, Party Systems, Regimes and State Transformation |
| DSC-6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 4 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Classical and Human Relations Approaches, Rational-Legal Approach, New Public Administration, Public Policy: Nature and Importance, Budgeting and Financial Administration |
| DSC-7 | Perspectives on International Relations | Core | 4 | Understanding International Relations, Theories of IR: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Feminism, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Globalization and its Impact, International Institutions: UN, WTO, EU |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective Course III (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a diverse pool offered by other departments., Examples include: Statistical Methods for Economics, Indian Art and Architecture, Social Movements in India, Creative Writing, Probability and Statistics. |
| SEC-3 | Skill Enhancement Course III (Choice-based) | Skill-based | 2 | Students choose one course from a pool of skill-focused subjects., Examples include: Understanding Legal Documents, Conflict and Peacebuilding, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development Goals. |
| VAC-3 | Value Addition Course III (Choice-based) | Value Addition | 2 | Students choose one course focusing on ethical and social values., Examples include: Art of Being Happy, Indian Knowledge Systems, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Sports and Fitness. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-8 | Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core | 4 | Political Parties and Party Systems, Electoral Systems: PR, FPTP, Interest Groups and Social Movements, Regimes: Democratic and Authoritarian, Development and Underdevelopment |
| DSC-9 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 4 | Public Policy: Nature, Types, Models, Policy Making in India: Actors and Process, Decentralization and Local Governance, Good Governance and e-Governance, Social Welfare Policies in India |
| DSC-10 | Global Politics | Core | 4 | Changing Nature of Global Politics, State and Non-State Actors in Global Politics, Global Commons and Environmental Politics, Global Economy and Trade, Global Justice and Human Security |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective Course IV (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a diverse pool offered by other departments., Examples include: Introduction to Econometrics, Gender in Indian History, Indian Social Thought, Business Communication, Linear Algebra. |
| SEC-4 | Skill Enhancement Course IV (Choice-based) | Skill-based | 2 | Students choose one course from a pool of skill-focused subjects., Examples include: Parliamentary Procedures, Citizenship in a Globalized World, Digital Marketing, Disaster Management. |
| VAC-4 | Value Addition Course IV (Choice-based) | Value Addition | 2 | Students choose one course focusing on ethical and social values., Examples include: Ethics and Values, Financial Literacy for Everyone, The Art of Happiness, History of Science in India. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-11 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Philosopher King, Aristotle: Citizenship, Constitution, Forms of Government, Machiavelli: Virtu, Fortuna, Statecraft, The Prince, Hobbes: Social Contract, Sovereignty, Leviathan, Locke: Natural Rights, Property, Limited Government |
| DSC-12 | Modern Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Rousseau: General Will, Social Contract, Popular Sovereignty, J.S. Mill: Liberty, Representative Government, Utilitarianism, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Alienation, Hannah Arendt: The Human Condition, Totalitarianism, John Rawls: Theory of Justice, Veil of Ignorance |
| DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of Political Science electives., Examples include: Human Rights, Global Environmental Politics, Understanding South Asia, Feminism and Indian Politics. |
| DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective II (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of Political Science electives., Examples include: India''''s Foreign Policy, Public Opinion and Survey Research, Development Process and Social Movements in Contemporary India, Ethics and Politics. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-13 | Indian Political Thought-I | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought: Dharma, Danda, Artha, Kautilya, Medieval Indian Political Thought: Barani, Abul Fazal, Modern Indian Thought: Ram Mohan Roy, Pandita Ramabai, Vivekananda, Savarkar |
| DSC-14 | Indian Political Thought-II | Core | 4 | M.K. Gandhi: Swaraj, Non-Violence, Satyagraha, B.R. Ambedkar: Social Justice, Annihilation of Caste, Jawaharlal Nehru: Democracy, Secularism, Non-Alignment, M.N. Roy, Jayaprakash Narayan, Deendayal Upadhyaya |
| DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective III (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of Political Science electives., Examples include: Democracy and Development in India, State Politics in India, Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies, Peace and Conflict Studies. |
| DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective IV (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of Political Science electives., Examples include: Political Sociology, Understanding Electoral Process, Governance and Public Policy, Post-Colonial Theory. |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-5 | Discipline Specific Elective V (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of advanced Political Science electives., Examples include: Contemporary Political Economy, Environmental Politics and Policy, Refugee and Migration Studies, Political Demography. |
| DSE-6 | Discipline Specific Elective VI (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of advanced Political Science electives., Examples include: Geopolitics, Urban Governance, Political Psychology, Women, Power and Politics. |
| RP-1 | Research Project / Dissertation - I | Project | 6 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Literature Review and Research Question Formulation, Data Collection Methods and Ethical Considerations, Proposal Writing and Presentation, Initial Stages of Research Execution |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-7 | Discipline Specific Elective VII (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of advanced Political Science electives., Examples include: Comparative Political Theory, Governance and Policy in India, Law and Politics, Foreign Policy Analysis. |
| DSE-8 | Discipline Specific Elective VIII (Choice-based) | Elective | 4 | Students choose one course from a pool of advanced Political Science electives., Examples include: Politics of Nationalism, International Law, Human Security in South Asia, Public Finance and Policy. |
| RP-2 | Research Project / Dissertation - II | Project | 6 | Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation, Structure and Drafting of Dissertation, Academic Writing and Referencing, Final Thesis Submission and Presentation, Defense of Research Findings |
