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B-A in Political Science at Reshma Devi Mahavidyalaya
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Reshma Devi Mahavidyalaya Deoria?
This Political Science program at Reshma Devi Mahavidyalaya, Deoria, offers a deep dive into the dynamics of governance, public policy, and international relations. Rooted in the Indian context, it examines political thought, constitutional frameworks, and administrative principles. The curriculum is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills, fostering an understanding of contemporary political challenges and opportunities in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in civics, public affairs, and societal development. It attracts aspirants preparing for civil services, those aiming for roles in NGOs, media, or research, and individuals looking to pursue higher education in political studies. No specific prerequisite background is required beyond a foundational understanding of social sciences.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in government, civil services (UPSC/PCS), policy analysis, journalism, and social work within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program provides a strong foundation for advanced studies, advocacy, and leadership roles in both public and private sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with lectures and primary texts to understand core political concepts like democracy, justice, and governance. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and perspectives, ensuring a robust grasp of the basics from Indian and Western political thought.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science textbooks (Class 11/12), Standard Indian Political Thought textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba), Online lectures by DDUGU faculty/NPTEL
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for advanced academic research, enabling deeper analytical thinking in later stages.
Cultivate Effective Reading & Note-Taking Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Develop habits of systematic reading of prescribed texts and current affairs. Practice concise note-taking using mind maps or bullet points. Regularly summarize readings to improve retention and prepare for examinations.
Tools & Resources
Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Magazines (Frontline, Yojana), Evernote/OneNote for digital notes
Career Connection
These skills are vital for academic success, research projects, and careers in policy analysis, journalism, and public administration where information processing is key.
Participate in Debates and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, college debates, and departmental seminars. Articulate your views clearly and engage respectfully with differing opinions, enhancing critical thinking and communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
College debate club, Public speaking workshops, Watching parliamentary debates online
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, argumentation, and interpersonal skills, invaluable for leadership roles, civil services interviews, and advocacy.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Local Fieldwork and Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities for short internships or field studies with local NGOs, political campaigns, or government offices in Deoria or nearby cities. Observe real-world administrative and political processes firsthand.
Tools & Resources
Local government offices (Nagar Palika, District Collectorate), NGOs working on social issues, Departmental faculty for guidance
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, builds professional networks, and helps apply theoretical knowledge, enhancing employability in public and social sectors.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on excelling in practical papers involving surveys, field studies, and project work. Learn basic data collection, analysis, and report writing, which are fundamental to political science research.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, Swayam/NPTEL courses on research methodology, Microsoft Excel for basic data handling
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, research roles, policy analysis, and any career requiring evidence-based decision making.
Join Academic and Social Clubs- (Semester 3-4)
Become an active member of the Political Science association, literary club, or social outreach groups. Organize events, workshops, and awareness campaigns on relevant political and social issues.
Tools & Resources
College student council, Departmental clubs, Local community organizations
Career Connection
Fosters leadership qualities, teamwork, event management skills, and civic engagement, preparing for roles in public service and community development.
Advanced Stage
Prepare Rigorously for Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Start dedicated preparation for civil services (UPSC/PCS) or other government job exams, integrating syllabus knowledge with general studies and current affairs. Regularly attempt mock tests and join study circles.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms for UPSC/PCS, Previous year question papers, Lucent''''s General Knowledge
Career Connection
Directly aligns with aspirations for prestigious government jobs, offering a clear career path post-graduation.
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a challenging research topic for your final year dissertation/term paper. Work closely with faculty mentors to conduct in-depth research, critical analysis, and present a well-structured academic paper.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Shodhganga for academic articles, Statistical software (if applicable), EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for postgraduate admissions, think tank positions, and policy formulation roles.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 5-6)
Attend seminars, conferences, and public lectures to network with academics, policymakers, and alumni in the political science domain. Seek mentorship from faculty and experienced professionals for career guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Departmental alumni network, Professional associations
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable career advice, providing a strategic advantage in a competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 examination passed from a recognized board or equivalent
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-POL-101 | Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development | Core Major | 4 | Approaches to Indian Nationalism, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Constitutional Development (1773-1935), Constituent Assembly and Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Federalism and Union-State Relations |
| BA-POL-102P | Political Science Practical: Political Map & Charts | Practical Major | 2 | Study of Political Map of India, Identification of Major Political Features, Electoral Geography Analysis, Data Representation through Charts, Analysis of Current Political Events |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-POL-201 | Indian Political Thought | Core Major | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thinkers (Kautilya, Manusmriti), Modern Indian Political Thought (Rammohan Roy, Gandhi), Ambedkar''''s Social Justice Philosophy, Nehru''''s Vision of India, Savarkar and Hindu Nationalism, Lohia and JP Narayan''''s Socialism |
| BA-POL-202P | Political Science Practical: Survey Report | Practical Major | 2 | Introduction to Survey Research, Questionnaire Design Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Basic Data Analysis, Report Writing on Political Issues |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-POL-301 | Principles of Public Administration | Core Major | 4 | Meaning, Nature, Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Administration (Scientific, Human Relations), Bureaucracy and its Critiques, Principles of Organization, Personnel and Financial Administration |
| BA-POL-302P | Political Science Practical: Field Study & Report | Practical Major | 2 | Identification of Political Problems for Study, Field Observation Techniques, Interview and Case Study Methods, Data Analysis for Field Studies, Preparation of Field Study Report |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-POL-401 | Western Political Thought | Core Major | 4 | Ancient Thinkers (Plato, Aristotle), Early Modern Thinkers (Machiavelli, Hobbes), Social Contract Theorists (Locke, Rousseau), Utilitarianism (Bentham, J.S. Mill), Marxist Political Theory |
| BA-POL-402P | Political Science Practical: Project Work | Practical Major | 2 | Project Design and Formulation, Literature Review and Research Questions, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Ethical Considerations in Research, Project Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-POL-501 | International Relations | Core Major | 4 | Meaning and Scope of International Relations, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Role of United Nations, Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN), India''''s Foreign Policy |
| BA-POL-502 | Comparative Government and Politics | Core Major | 4 | Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutions of UK and USA, Political System of China, Government Structure of Switzerland, Comparison of Executive, Legislature, Judiciary |
| BA-POL-503E | Human Rights (Discipline Specific Elective) | Elective Major | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights, Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, Issues and Challenges in Human Rights |
| BA-POL-504P | Political Science Practical: Dissertation/Term Paper | Practical Major | 2 | Advanced Research Design, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Citation, Presentation of Research Findings |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-POL-601 | Public International Law | Core Major | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, Subjects of International Law (States, Individuals), Recognition and State Jurisdiction, Law of Treaties, Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, International Criminal Justice |
| BA-POL-602 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Core Major | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Political Research, Research Design Types, Data Collection Methods (Observation, Interview), Content Analysis and Case Studies, Data Analysis Techniques, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| BA-POL-603E | Environmental Politics (Discipline Specific Elective) | Elective Major | 4 | Introduction to Environmental Politics, Theories of Environmentalism, Climate Change and Global Governance, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental Policy and Law |
| BA-POL-604P | Political Science Practical: Viva Voce & Seminar Presentation | Practical Major | 2 | Preparation for Viva Voce Examination, Seminar Presentation Skills, Defense of Research Work, Academic Communication, Critical Thinking and Argumentation |
