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B-A-PROG-HISTORY-POLITICAL-SCIENCE in History Political Science at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is History & Political Science at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College Delhi?
This B.A. (Prog) History & Political Science program at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human societies, governance structures, and international relations. It delves into historical processes that shaped India and the world, alongside contemporary political theories and practices. The interdisciplinary approach enhances critical thinking and analytical skills, crucial for navigating complex social and political landscapes in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 graduates with an interest in humanities, social sciences, and public affairs. It suits aspiring civil servants, journalists, policy analysts, researchers, or educators who seek a strong foundational understanding of history and political systems. Students aiming for postgraduate studies in related fields or those passionate about societal dynamics will find this curriculum engaging and rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in government (UPSC, State PSCs), media, NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions in India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in policy analysis or research roles. The program fosters intellectual versatility, preparing students for roles demanding historical perspective and astute political understanding.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Research and Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time each week to read beyond prescribed textbooks, focusing on historical analyses and current political commentaries. Develop effective note-taking strategies and critically analyze primary and secondary sources.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, JSTOR, EPW (Economic & Political Weekly), The Hindu/Indian Express editorials
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams (UPSC), policy analysis, and research roles that demand extensive reading and information synthesis.
Engage in Debates and Group Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, college debates, and academic societies. Form study groups to discuss complex historical events and political theories, refining your argumentative and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
College debate society, Political Science/History departmental clubs, Mock parliamentary sessions
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative skills vital for civil services interviews, media roles, and advocacy.
Understand India''''s Constitutional Framework- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond syllabus requirements, thoroughly study the Indian Constitution, its amendments, and landmark judgments. Attend workshops or webinars on constitutional law and governance to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
Constitution of India (Bare Act), P.M. Bakshi''''s commentaries, PRS Legislative Research website
Career Connection
Foundational for any career in public service, law, journalism, and policy-making within the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Short-Term Internships/Volunteering- (Semester 3-5 (during summer breaks or part-time))
Seek internships with NGOs, political research firms, local government bodies, or historical societies. Even volunteering for political campaigns or social causes provides practical exposure and networking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LetsIntern, College placement cell for NGO contacts, Faculty networks
Career Connection
Bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, provides resume points, and clarifies career interests in the Indian socio-political landscape.
Specialize through Electives and Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Choose Generic Electives, Skill Enhancement Courses, and Value Addition Courses strategically to align with your career aspirations (e.g., Data Analysis for policy, Academic Writing for research). Consider online certifications in areas like public policy or data journalism.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NPTEL for specialized courses, Career counseling
Career Connection
Develops marketable skills that differentiate you in a competitive job market, especially for roles in analytics, communication, or specific policy areas.
Participate in Academic Conferences & Paper Presentations- (Semester 4-5)
Attend seminars, workshops, and student conferences organized by the college or other institutions. Try to present a research paper (even a short one) based on your coursework, enhancing your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices, DU seminar schedules, Call for papers from student journals
Career Connection
Boosts research skills, provides networking with academics, and strengthens your profile for higher studies or research-oriented careers.
Advanced Stage
Master Competitive Examination Strategies- (Semester 6 (and beyond graduation))
Begin intensive preparation for civil services (UPSC) or other competitive exams relevant to humanities graduates. Focus on current affairs, essay writing, and answer structuring for mains examinations.
Tools & Resources
Vision IAS, Vajiram & Ravi (coaching institutes), Online test series, The Hindu/Indian Express, Yojana/Kurukshetra magazines
Career Connection
Direct preparation for high-impact government roles that align with a History and Political Science background.
Develop a Capstone Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6 (or 7-8 for 4-year degree))
Undertake a significant research project or a dissertation on a chosen topic in history or political science, showcasing your analytical and writing abilities. This could be a part of the 4-year degree or an independent initiative.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, Extensive library research, Statistical software (if applicable)
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capability, crucial for academic careers, think tanks, and policy research organizations.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Connect with college alumni in relevant fields (civil services, journalism, academia, public policy). Attend career fairs and professional networking events to explore job opportunities and gain insights into various sectors.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni association, Career services office
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internships, and potential job placements through referrals, leveraging the strong professional networks in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 40% aggregate in 10+2 examinations or equivalent from a recognized board (as per DU Admission Bulletin)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Minimum 132 credits Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1A | History of India - I | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Early Indian Civilizations, Vedic Age, Rise of Magadha, Early State Formations, Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Developments |
| DSC-2A | Introduction to Political Theory | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 4 | What is Political Theory, Key Concepts (Liberty, Equality, Justice), Rights, Democracy, Citizenship, Political Ideologies (Liberalism, Socialism) |
| AEC-1 | Environmental Science / Modern Indian Language (MIL) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Sustainable Development |
| VAC-1 | Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties / Ethics and Culture / Panchayati Raj | Value Addition Course | 2 | Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties, Secularism and Justice, Democracy and Fraternity |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1B | History of India - II | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Gupta Age, Post-Gupta Era, Rise of Regional Kingdoms, Early Medieval India, Society and Economy, Religious Developments |
| DSC-2B | Indian Government and Politics | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 4 | Constitutional Development, Framing of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Organs of Government (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), Federalism, Political Parties |
| AEC-2 | MIL / English | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Vocabulary, Writing Skills, Communication Strategies |
| VAC-2 | Digital Empowerment / Science and Society / Swachh Bharat | Value Addition Course | 2 | Digital Literacy, Online Communication and Ethics, Cyber Security Basics, E-governance and its applications |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1C | History of India - III (c. 750-1200) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Early Medieval Polities, Rise of Rajputs and Cholas, South Indian Kingdoms, Society, Economy and Culture, Debates on Indian Feudalism |
| DSC-2C | Comparative Government and Politics | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 4 | Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitution and Constitutionalism, Regimes (Democratic, Authoritarian), Electoral Systems and Political Parties |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I (from any discipline other than History and Political Science) | Generic Elective | 4 | Principles of Microeconomics (example), General Psychology (example), Introduction to Sociology (example), Fundamentals of Management (example) |
| SEC-1 | Academic Writing and Composition / Communication in Everyday Life / Financial Literacy | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Essay Writing and Research Skills, Referencing and Citation, Argumentation and Critical Thinking, Effective Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1D | History of India - IV (c. 1200-1500) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Delhi Sultanate (Foundation, Expansion, Decline), Administrative Reforms, Society and Economy, Sufism and Bhakti Movement, Vijayanagara Empire |
| DSC-2D | Public Administration | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Administration, Bureaucracy and Development Administration, Personnel and Financial Administration, Accountability and Governance |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II (from any discipline other than History and Political Science) | Generic Elective | 4 | Mathematical Methods for Economics (example), Human Resource Management (example), Introduction to Philosophy (example), Computer Applications in Business (example) |
| SEC-2 | Data Analysis / Business Communication / Entrepreneurship | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Data Collection and Interpretation, Basic Statistical Methods, Data Visualization, Tools like Microsoft Excel |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1E | History of India - V (c. 1500-1750) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Mughal Empire (Foundation, Expansion, Administration), Akbar and Aurangzeb, Mughal Society and Economy, Decline of Mughals, Rise of Regional Powers |
| DSC-2E | International Relations | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 4 | Theories of IR (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Global Governance, International Organizations (UN), Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN) |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III (from any discipline other than History and Political Science) | Generic Elective | 4 | Indian Economy (example), Ethics in Public Domain (example), Marketing Management (example), Basic Statistics (example) |
| SEC-3 | Research Methodology / Legal Literacy / Internship | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Research Design and Data Collection, Sampling and Data Analysis, Report Writing, Fundamentals of Law and Justice |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1F | History of India - VI (c. 1750-1857) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Advent of Europeans, British Expansion and Colonial Administration, Economic Impact of Colonialism, Social and Cultural Changes, Revolt of 1857 |
| DSC-2F | Indian Foreign Policy | Discipline Specific Core (Political Science) | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement, India and Major Powers (US, Russia, China), India and its Neighbors, Economic Diplomacy and Global Institutions |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV (from any discipline other than History and Political Science) | Generic Elective | 4 | Environmental Economics (example), Gender and Society (example), Public Finance (example), Introduction to World Literature (example) |
| SEC-4 | Conflict Resolution / Oral History / Human Rights | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Role of NGOs and Challenges |
