.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-A in Political Science at Ramkrishna Paramhans Mahavidyalaya
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Ramkrishna Paramhans Mahavidyalaya Unnao?
This M.A. Political Science program at Ramkrishna Paramhans Mahavidyalaya, Unnao, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, governance, and international relations within an Indian and global context. The curriculum, aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizes analytical skills and critical thinking, preparing students for diverse roles in public service, research, and academia. The program delves into India''''s rich political heritage, constitutional framework, and evolving foreign policy, making it highly relevant to the Indian socio-political landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates, particularly those with a background in Political Science, History, or Public Administration, seeking to deepen their expertise in political studies. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, policy analysis, and teaching. Additionally, it can benefit working professionals in public administration or non-profit sectors looking to enhance their theoretical foundation and analytical capabilities for career progression or specialized roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India. Opportunities include roles as civil servants (UPSC, State PSCs), political analysts for think tanks, journalists, content creators focusing on governance, research associates, and educators. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience, especially in government and policy domains. The program fosters strong analytical, communication, and research skills, crucial for navigating competitive professional environments.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Core Theories & Indian Context- (Semester 1-2)
Master foundational political theories (Western & Indian) and engage with comparative politics, international relations. Critically analyze India''''s constitutional framework and political thought. Utilize academic journals and library resources for in-depth understanding. Form study groups for debates.
Tools & Resources
University library, JSTOR, Project MUSE, Indian Journal of Political Science, National dailies (The Hindu, Indian Express), Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha debates
Career Connection
Builds a robust knowledge base crucial for civil services exams, policy analysis, teaching, and informed citizenship.
Cultivate Strong Research & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the ''''Research Methodology'''' course and undertake the ''''Minor Project/Dissertation'''' with diligence. Learn to formulate strong research questions, conduct effective literature reviews, gather qualitative/quantitative data, and present findings clearly. Seek constant feedback.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero, Google Scholar, University research guides, Statistical software (basic level if applicable), MS Word/LaTeX
Career Connection
Essential for any research-oriented role, think tanks, policy formulation, and high-scoring essay components in competitive exams.
Regular Current Affairs & Public Speaking Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read and analyze current events through reputable Indian newspapers and magazines. Participate actively in college debates, seminars, and mock parliamentary sessions to enhance public speaking and critical argumentation skills.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, Frontline magazine, PRS Legislative Research, YouTube channels for news analysis, College debate club
Career Connection
Vital for civil services interviews, journalism, public relations, and effective advocacy in various professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Elective Focus & Application- (Semester 3)
Choose an elective (Democracy, Foreign Policy, Political Sociology, Gender) based on career interests. Deepen knowledge in this area, linking theoretical concepts to real-world Indian policy challenges and societal issues. Seek out related case studies.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Government policy documents (NITI Aayog, various ministries), Research papers on chosen topics
Career Connection
Develops domain expertise, crucial for niche roles in policy research, NGO work, journalism, or further academic specialization.
Network with Faculty & Experts- (Semester 3)
Engage with professors beyond the classroom, discussing research interests and career advice. Attend online webinars or local workshops featuring political scientists, policymakers, or civil servants to gain industry insights and potential mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University events calendar, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Political Science Association), Virtual seminar platforms
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internship opportunities, and understanding professional trajectories directly from experienced individuals.
Participate in Academic Competitions/Paper Presentations- (Semester 3)
Write research papers based on your coursework or minor project, and aim to present them at college-level seminars or inter-collegiate competitions. This enhances presentation skills and refines research output.
Tools & Resources
College research cells, Departmental notice boards for event announcements, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Builds academic portfolio, improves public speaking, and adds valuable experience for higher education applications or research-focused jobs.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation & Viva Voce Preparation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the major ''''Dissertation''''. Choose a relevant and impactful topic, conduct rigorous research, and prepare for the viva-voce examination. Treat it as a demonstration of your entire program''''s learning.
Tools & Resources
Research software (if applicable), Advanced statistical analysis tools (if quantitative), Presentation software, Mock viva sessions with peers/mentors
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a strong portfolio piece for academic roles, think tanks, and demonstrates advanced research capabilities for any professional field.
Targeted Career Preparation (Civil Services/Academia/NGOs)- (Semester 4)
Based on career aspirations (e.g., civil services, teaching, policy analysis), start focused preparation. This might involve enrolling in coaching for competitive exams, preparing teaching demonstrations, or interning with NGOs/think tanks.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes for UPSC/State PSCs, Online courses for specific skills, Career counseling services, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, NGO specific websites)
Career Connection
Directly translates into securing placements or clearing competitive exams, providing a clear path post-graduation.
Build a Professional Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of research papers, projects, and significant academic achievements. Create a professional LinkedIn profile, highlighting skills, projects, and interests. Engage with relevant academic and professional communities online.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional resume/CV builders, Personal academic website (optional), Online collaboration platforms
Career Connection
Enhances visibility to potential employers, recruiters, and academic institutions, facilitating networking and job applications.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Political Science as a subject or any equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 68 (calculated from individual paper credits, university document introduction states 80 credits) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS101 | Political Theory | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, Approaches to Political Study, State and Sovereignty, Rights, Liberty, Justice, Equality, Power and Authority, Democracy, Ideologies: Liberalism, Socialism, Marxism |
| MAPS102 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought: Manu, Kautilya, Medieval Indian Political Thought: Barani, Abul Fazl, Modern Indian Thinkers: Ram Mohan Roy, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Tilak, Nehru, Savarkar, M.N. Roy, Vivekanand, Dayanand Saraswati |
| MAPS103 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham, J.S. Mill, Hegel, Marx, Gramsci, Hannah Arendt |
| MAPS104 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| MAPS104A | Minor Project/Dissertation | Project | 2 | Project Formulation and Design, Literature Review, Basic Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS201 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Study, Political System, Political Culture, Political Socialization, Political Recruitment and Communication, Interest Groups, Political Parties, Electoral Systems, Bureaucracy and its Role |
| MAPS202 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism, Marxism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Alignment Movement, United Nations and its Role, Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU), Foreign Policy Decision Making |
| MAPS203 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization, Leadership, Motivation, Decision Making and Communication, Financial Administration, Personnel Administration, Good Governance and E-governance |
| MAPS204 | Major Project/Dissertation (I) | Project | 4 | Advanced Research Design, Data Collection Techniques, Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis, Drafting Research Chapters, Research Ethics and Plagiarism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS301 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Constitutional Development and the Constituent Assembly, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, DPSP, Union Executive (President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers), Parliament, Judiciary, Indian Federalism, State Government and Local Self Government, Electoral Politics in India |
| MAPS302 | State Politics in India | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of State Politics, Role of Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, State Legislature and Judiciary, Coalition Politics and Regionalism, Language Politics, Caste and Class in State Politics |
| MAPS303 | Human Rights | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenants on Human Rights, Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, Role of NGOs, Women''''s Rights, Child Rights |
| MAPS304A | Elective I: Democracy in India: Issues and Challenges | Elective | 4 | Democratic Theory and Indian Democracy''''s Functioning, Challenges: Caste, Religion, Regionalism, Corruption, Role of Media and Civil Society, Electoral Reforms and Democratic Decentralization |
| MAPS304B | Elective I: India''''s Foreign Policy | Elective | 4 | Determinants and Evolution of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement, Relations with Major Powers (USA, Russia, China), India''''s Neighbourhood Policy (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), Economic Diplomacy and Multilateralism |
| MAPS304C | Elective I: Political Sociology | Elective | 4 | Political Culture, Political Socialization, Political Participation, Political Elites and Mass Movements, Caste, Class, and Religion in Politics, Globalization and its Impact on Society |
| MAPS304D | Elective I: Gender and Politics | Elective | 4 | Feminist Perspectives and Theories, Gender and Power, Patriarchy, Women''''s Movements in India, Political Participation of Women, Gender Justice and Policy Initiatives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS401 | Contemporary Political Issues | Core | 4 | Globalization and its Impact, Environmentalism and Climate Change, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Strategies, Identity Politics and Social Movements, Good Governance, Decentralization, Civil Society, Human Security, Digital Democracy |
| MAPS402 | India and the World | Core | 4 | India''''s Role in the United Nations, India and Global Governance, Relations with Major Powers (USA, Russia, China, EU), BRICS, SCO, Quad, India and International Economic Institutions (WTO, IMF), India''''s Maritime Strategy and Geopolitics |
| MAPS403A | Elective II: Public Policy | Elective | 4 | Public Policy Process (Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation), Policy Models and Approaches, Role of State and Non-State Actors in Policy Making, Social Welfare Policies, Environmental Policy, Challenges in Policy Implementation |
| MAPS403B | Elective II: International Law | Elective | 4 | Nature, Sources, and Subjects of International Law, Recognition, State Jurisdiction, State Responsibility, Law of the Sea, Human Rights Law, Use of Force, International Criminal Court |
| MAPS403C | Elective II: Diaspora and Indian Politics | Elective | 4 | Concept of Diaspora, Indian Diaspora (Historical, Contemporary), Impact of Diaspora on Indian Economy and Politics, Cultural Linkages and Remittances, Government''''s Diaspora Policy and Engagement |
| MAPS403D | Elective II: Peace and Conflict Studies | Elective | 4 | Nature, Causes, and Typologies of Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Diplomacy, Disarmament, and Arms Control, Role of International Organizations in Peacekeeping |
| MAPS404 | Dissertation | Project | 6 | Comprehensive Research and Thesis Writing, Original Contribution and Critical Analysis, Data Interpretation and Conclusion, Viva-Voce Examination Preparation, Academic Presentation and Defence |
