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M-A in Political Science at Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya Varanasi?
This M.A. Political Science program at Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing an in-depth understanding of political theories, systems, and contemporary issues. It delves into both Indian and international politics, comparative approaches, and public administration. The program is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills highly relevant for careers in policy analysis, civil services, and research within the Indian socio-political landscape, addressing the evolving demands for informed governance and public discourse.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in humanities or social sciences seeking entry into academic, research, or administrative roles. It also suits working professionals, particularly those in government or NGOs, looking to upskill and deepen their understanding of political processes. Individuals passionate about public service, journalism, or civil society activism will find this course beneficial, especially those aiming for competitive examinations like the UPSC and state PSCs.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state civil services, policy think tanks, journalism, advocacy, and teaching. Entry-level salaries for researchers or content analysts can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 8-15 LPA in policy advisory or academic positions. The program helps align with prerequisites for PhD studies, and potentially opens doors for specialized certifications in public policy or international relations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational political theories and concepts from thinkers like Plato, Locke, and Marx. Use concept mapping and regular self-quizzing to solidify your knowledge. Focus on linking theories to current Indian political realities to enhance relevance.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., O.P. Gauba, Andrew Heywood), Online lecture series (e.g., NPTEL, Swayam), Newspaper editorial analysis (The Hindu, Indian Express)
Career Connection
Strong theoretical foundations are crucial for success in civil services exams and for effective policy analysis in later career stages.
Develop Academic Writing & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in essay writing assignments and small research projects. Learn to structure arguments, cite sources correctly, and synthesize information. Start building a habit of reading academic journals related to Political Science.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly (for proofreading), Zotero/Mendeley (for citation management), JSTOR/Shodhganga (for academic articles)
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies (PhD), policy report writing, research roles, and for crafting compelling answers in competitive examinations.
Engage in Current Affairs Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss daily national and international political developments, linking them to course material. Participate in college debates and seminars. This enhances critical thinking and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news channels (DD News, Rajya Sabha TV), Current affairs magazines (Frontline, Yojana), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Crucial for General Studies papers in civil services, journalism, and effective engagement in public discourse.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects/Internships- (Semester 3-4 (During summer breaks or concurrent with studies))
Seek opportunities for short-term research projects under faculty guidance or internships with local NGOs, think tanks, or political campaigns. This provides practical exposure to political processes and data collection.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research opportunities, NGOs in Varanasi (e.g., those working on social justice, human rights), Online platforms for internships
Career Connection
Builds practical experience, strengthens your resume for future employment, and helps identify areas of specialization.
Specialize in Elective Areas- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into your chosen elective (e.g., Indian Foreign Policy, Human Rights) by reading extensively beyond the syllabus. Attend workshops or webinars focused on these areas to build specialized knowledge and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals (e.g., India Quarterly), Think tanks like ORF, IDSA websites, Online courses on platforms like Coursera/edX related to your elective
Career Connection
Develops expertise for specific roles in foreign service, international organizations, or specialized research institutions.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 3-4)
Begin structured preparation for civil services or other relevant competitive exams. Focus on essay writing, objective questions, and interview preparation. Join mock test series to assess progress and identify weak areas.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC previous year papers, Online coaching platforms, Books on General Studies and Political Science optional
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for highly sought-after government positions, offering a clear career trajectory in public service.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 4)
Invest significant effort in your final semester project or dissertation. Choose a topic that aligns with your career interests. Conduct rigorous research, data analysis, and present your findings professionally. This showcases your independent research capability.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for basic analysis if applicable), Academic databases (EBSCOhost, ProQuest via library access), Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key asset for academic positions, research roles, and demonstrating analytical rigor to potential employers.
Network and Attend Public Lectures- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and visiting scholars. Attend public lectures, conferences, and seminars on political science to gain insights into emerging trends and build professional contacts within the academic and policy communities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University/Department events calendar, Think tank public events (online/offline)
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative projects, crucial for career advancement.
Refine Interview and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice mock interviews for academic, research, or administrative positions. Focus on articulating your knowledge clearly, presenting your research effectively, and showcasing your problem-solving abilities. Seek feedback from career services or mentors.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells (if available), Online interview preparation guides, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Essential for securing placements, competitive exam interviews, and academic viva-voce, ensuring you can effectively communicate your value.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with 45% marks in respective subjects (as per Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya website)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS-101 | Political Theory | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Theory, Behaviouralism and Post-Behaviouralism, Theories of State (Liberal, Marxist), Justice, Liberty, Equality, Rights, Power, Authority, Legitimacy |
| PGPS-102 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics (System, Structural-Functional), Political Culture and Political Socialization, Political Development and Modernization, Elite Theory, Interest Groups, Political Parties |
| PGPS-103 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Approaches to Indian Politics, Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Duties, and Directive Principles, Union Executive (President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers), Parliament, Judiciary, Election Commission |
| PGPS-104 | International Politics | Core | 4 | Meaning and Approaches to International Politics, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Alignment Movement, International Organizations (UN, SAARC, ASEAN) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS-201 | Modern Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Sources of Modern Indian Political Thought, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, M.N. Roy, Integral Humanism (Deendayal Upadhyaya), Jayaprakash Narayan |
| PGPS-202 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Public Administration, Public vs Private Administration, Principles of Organization (Hierarchy, Span of Control), Bureaucracy, Public Policy, Financial Administration, Accountability, Good Governance |
| PGPS-203 | Theory of International Relations | Core | 4 | Classical and Neo-Realism, Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism, Dependency Theory, World Systems Theory, Feminist IR, Critical Theory, Post-Modernism in International Relations |
| PGPS-204 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Interview, Observation), Sampling Techniques, Hypothesis Formulation, Data Analysis, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS-301 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, J.S. Mill, Jeremy Bentham, Hegel, Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, Hannah Arendt |
| PGPS-302 | Contemporary Political Issues | Core | 4 | Environmental Politics and Climate Change, Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention, Gender and Politics, Feminist Movements, Good Governance, E-governance, Globalization, Terrorism, Identity Politics |
| PGPS-303 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Political Socialization and Political Culture, Political Participation, Electoral Behaviour, Pressure Groups, Interest Groups, Social Movements, Elites, Class, Caste and Politics, Leadership, Political Communication |
| PGPS-E-304 | Indian Foreign Policy | Elective | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Policy, India and its Neighbors (Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh), India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, EU), India and International Organizations (UN, BRICS, SCO), Economic Diplomacy, Energy Security |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPS-401 | State Politics in India | Core | 4 | Nature of State Politics in India, Regionalism and Separatist Movements, Caste, Language and Politics, Role of Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature, Inter-State Relations, Coalition Politics |
| PGPS-402 | International Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Basis of International Law, Sources of International Law (Treaties, Custom), State Recognition, State Succession, Law of the Sea, Air and Outer Space Law, International Criminal Court, Human Rights Law |
| PGPS-403 | Political Economy | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Political Economy, Theories of Development (Liberal, Marxist, Dependency), Globalization and its Impact, Role of WTO, IMF, World Bank, Sustainable Development Goals, Poverty and Inequality |
| PGPS-404 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Research Question Formulation, Methodology Design and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Presentation, Viva-Voce |
