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MA in Political Science at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Post Graduate College, Pipariya
Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Post Graduate College, Pipariya Narmadapuram?
This Political Science MA program at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Post Graduate College, Narmadapuram, affiliated with Barkatullah University, Bhopal, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theory, Indian governance, international relations, and public administration. It emphasizes developing critical analytical skills to navigate complex political landscapes. The program is highly relevant to understanding India''''s democratic framework, policy-making, and public service, catering to the significant demand for informed political analysts and capable public servants in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree, particularly in Political Science or other social sciences, who aspire to excel in competitive civil services exams like UPSC and MPSC. It also targets working professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of political processes for roles in policy analysis, advocacy, journalism, or teaching. Career changers looking to transition into government, non-profit, or research sectors, requiring a strong foundation in political studies, will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including esteemed positions in civil services, legislative research, political consulting, journalism, policy advocacy, and academia. Entry-level salaries for such roles typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential based on experience and specialization, especially within government and think tanks. The program''''s focus on critical thinking and analytical skills aligns well with the requirements for many professional certifications and advanced studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Core Theories and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational texts and theories of Political Science, including Western Political Thought, Indian Government, and International Relations. Focus on understanding complex concepts through regular reading, note-taking, and active participation in class discussions.
Tools & Resources
NCERTs (Class XI, XII for basic clarity), Standard textbooks (O.P. Gauba, M.P. Singh, D.D. Basu), Online academic journals and e-PG Pathshala modules, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops a robust conceptual foundation crucial for competitive civil services exams (UPSC, MPSC) and provides the basis for advanced research and analytical roles.
Developing Strong Analytical and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate critical thinking by regularly analyzing political events and policies through essay writing and active participation in debates. Practice structuring arguments logically and articulating them clearly.
Tools & Resources
Daily reading of national newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Current affairs magazines (Yojana, Kurukshetra), University library resources, Mock parliamentary debates and extempore competitions
Career Connection
Essential for excelling in competitive exam mains papers, drafting policy documents, investigative journalism, and academic publications.
Exploring Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Acquire a basic understanding of social science research methodology, including research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and academic report writing. Attend workshops to familiarize with research tools.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, Basic statistical software tutorials (e.g., MS Excel for data organization), Google Scholar, JSTOR for literature review, Departmental workshops on research basics
Career Connection
Prepares students for dissertation projects, future research roles in think tanks, and evidence-based policy analysis, enhancing credibility and analytical depth.
Intermediate Stage
In-depth Specialization and Policy Analysis- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into selected optional papers like Human Rights, Development Administration, or Public Policy. Analyze contemporary real-world policy issues through case studies and critical evaluation of government programs.
Tools & Resources
Government reports (NITI Aayog, Ministry documents), Think tank publications (ORF, PRS Legislative Research), Academic case studies on Indian policies, Guest lectures by policy experts
Career Connection
Builds specialized knowledge essential for roles in policy analysis, advocacy, NGOs, and targeted government departments requiring specific expertise.
Engaging with Current Affairs and Public Discourse- (Semester 3)
Maintain a consistent engagement with national and international political developments. Participate actively in college seminars, discussions, and mock parliamentary sessions to articulate informed opinions.
Tools & Resources
Sansad TV (Rajya Sabha TV, Lok Sabha TV), Reputable news portals and analysis websites, Departmental discussion forums and debate clubs, Current affairs podcasts
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, critical thinking, and interview skills, crucial for civil services, media careers, and roles in public relations or diplomatic services.
Data-driven Political Analysis- (Semester 3)
Apply learned research methodology skills to analyze political data, trends, and electoral patterns. Understand how quantitative and qualitative data inform political outcomes and policy decisions.
Tools & Resources
Basic data visualization tools (Excel charts), Election Commission of India data, Reports from CSDS-Lokniti and other survey organizations, Online tutorials for basic data interpretation
Career Connection
Develops highly valued skills for political consulting, survey research, journalism, and evidence-based governance, making graduates attractive to data-savvy organizations.
Advanced Stage
Competitive Exam Preparation and Mock Tests- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to intensive preparation for competitive examinations such as UPSC Civil Services, MPSC, or UGC NET. This includes rigorous practice with mock tests and analysis of previous year''''s question papers.
Tools & Resources
Specialized coaching materials and online test series, Previous year question papers with detailed solutions, Study groups focusing on exam strategies, Time management techniques for exam simulations
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for high-stakes government and academic positions, significantly increasing their chances of securing desirable placements in public service or research.
Dissertation/Advanced Research Project- (Semester 4)
Undertake a comprehensive research project or dissertation under faculty mentorship, applying all accumulated research skills. This involves identifying a research problem, collecting and analyzing data, and writing a scholarly report.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE, Shodhganga), Citation management software (Mendeley, Zotero), University guidelines for thesis writing, Regular consultations with faculty advisors
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, crucial for pursuing higher academic degrees (PhD), securing research positions in think tanks, or specialized roles in policy analysis.
Networking and Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, attend career fairs, and participate in workshops focused on interview skills, CV building, and personal branding. Identify potential employers in government, NGOs, media, and academia.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, College placement cell (if available), Alumni connect programs, Career counseling sessions and mock interviews
Career Connection
Facilitates job search, opens up opportunities for mentorship, and helps align academic achievements with professional aspirations for a successful transition into the workforce.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA PS S1 P1 | Principles of Political Science | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, State, Sovereignty, Power, Authority, Rights and Duties, Liberty and Equality, Justice |
| MA PS S1 P2 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Constitutional Development of India, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Parliament (Composition, Powers, Functions), Indian Judiciary |
| MA PS S1 P3 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization (Scientific Management, Human Relations), Bureaucracy (Weber''''s concept, features), Personnel Administration, Financial Administration (Budgeting, Audit), Accountability in Administration |
| MA PS S1 P4 | Research Methodology in Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Research, Research Design (Types, Components), Methods of Data Collection (Survey, Interview, Observation), Sampling (Types, Techniques), Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA PS S2 P1 | Political Thought (Western) | Core | 4 | Plato (Justice, Ideal State), Aristotle (State, Citizenship, Revolution), Machiavelli (Human Nature, Statecraft), Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau (Social Contract Theory), Marx (Historical Materialism, Class Struggle), Liberalism and Socialism |
| MA PS S2 P2 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Culture and Political Socialization, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems |
| MA PS S2 P3 | International Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of International Politics, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Idealism), Power, National Interest, Security, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations (Organs, Functions), Disarmament and Arms Control |
| MA PS S2 P4 | Theory of International Relations | Core | 4 | Idealism and Realism, Neo-realism and Neo-liberalism, Marxist Theories of IR, Feminist and Constructivist Approaches, International Law and Diplomacy, Globalization and Interdependence |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA PS S3 P1 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Kautilya (Arthashastra, Statecraft), Manu (Dharma, Varna System), Mahatma Gandhi (Satyagraha, Swaraj), B.R. Ambedkar (Caste, Social Justice), V.D. Savarkar (Hindutva, Nationalism), Jawaharlal Nehru (Socialism, Non-Alignment) |
| MA PS S3 P2 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Political System and Political Development, Political Culture and Political Participation, Elite Theories and Power, Social Movements and Political Change, State and Society |
| MA PS S3 P3 | Public Policy | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Policy, Policy Formulation and Implementation, Policy Evaluation and Analysis, Models of Public Policy, Role of State and Non-State Actors in Policy, Types of Public Policies |
| MA PS S3 OP1 (Group A) | Human Rights | Optional | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in the Indian Constitution, International Human Rights Law, National Human Rights Commission (India), Challenges to Human Rights |
| MA PS S3 OP2 (Group B) | Development Administration | Optional | 4 | Concept of Development and Underdevelopment, Theories of Development, Development Administration in India, Rural and Urban Development Programs, Role of Planning Commission (NITI Aayog), Bureaucracy and Development |
| MA PS S3 OP3 (Group C) | Rural and Urban Local Government | Optional | 4 | Evolution of Local Government in India, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Panchayati Raj System, Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities, Corporations), Functions and Finances of Local Bodies, Challenges to Local Self-Government |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA PS S4 P1 | Government and Politics in Madhya Pradesh | Core | 4 | Historical Background and Formation of MP, State Legislature and Executive in MP, Judiciary and Administration in MP, Political Parties and Electoral Politics in MP, Caste and Community in MP Politics, Local Self-Government in MP |
| MA PS S4 P2 | Indian Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement, India and its Neighbors (Pakistan, China, Nepal), India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, EU), India and International Organizations (UN, WTO, BRICS), Economic Diplomacy and Diasporas |
| MA PS S4 P3 | State Politics in India | Core | 4 | Nature of State Politics in India, Regional Parties and Coalition Politics, Centre-State Relations, Linguistic Reorganization of States, Caste, Religion, and Ethnicity in State Politics, Political Economy of States |
| MA PS S4 OP1 (Group A) | Issues in Indian Politics | Optional | 4 | Caste, Religion, and Class in Politics, Gender and Politics in India, Environmental Politics and Movements, Corruption and Good Governance, Electoral Reforms and Challenges, Identity Politics |
| MA PS S4 OP2 (Group B) | Political Economy of India | Optional | 4 | Concept of Political Economy, Mixed Economy Model in India, Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization (LPG Reforms), Economic Reforms and Social Justice, Planning and Development in India, Agriculture and Industry in India''''s Political Economy |
| MA PS S4 OP3 (Group C) | Electoral Politics in India | Optional | 4 | Electoral System in India, Election Commission of India (Powers, Functions), Role of Money and Media in Elections, Electoral Reforms, Voting Behavior and Trends, Coalition Governments and Stability |
