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M-A in Political Science at Shahid Hira Singh Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Dhanapur, Chandauli
Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Shahid Hira Singh Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Dhanapur, Chandauli Chandauli?
This Political Science program at Shahid Hira Singh Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya focuses on equipping students with a profound understanding of political systems, theories, governance, and international relations. It delves into the dynamics of Indian politics, global political economy, and public administration, providing a comprehensive intellectual foundation. The program emphasizes critical analysis of socio-political issues relevant to India and the world, preparing graduates for informed civic engagement and professional roles in a rapidly evolving national landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree, particularly those who have studied Political Science or related social sciences, seeking to deepen their theoretical and empirical knowledge. It also suits individuals aiming for civil services, academic careers, journalism, or roles in policy analysis and advocacy. Aspiring researchers, educators, and those looking to understand governance challenges and political processes in the Indian context will find this program particularly beneficial for their career growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state civil services (UPSC, State PSCs), think tanks, non-governmental organizations, media houses, and academic institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in policy, research, or governance. The program fosters analytical skills crucial for navigating complex public affairs and contributing to societal development, aligning with the increasing demand for skilled policy experts.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Theories and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong conceptual foundation in Western and Modern Political Thought, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. Regularly review class notes, utilize library resources for foundational texts, and form study groups to discuss complex theories and their relevance to current affairs.
Tools & Resources
University Library (classic texts by Plato, Hobbes, Marx), Online academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust theoretical understanding is essential for analytical roles in research, policy analysis, and for excelling in competitive civil services examinations, where conceptual clarity is highly valued and tested.
Develop Critical Thinking and Analytical Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in class discussions, engage in debates on contemporary political issues, and practice writing analytical essays on syllabus topics. Seek regular feedback from professors on written assignments to refine argumentation, logical structuring, and presentation skills for academic and professional contexts.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Online news portals (The Hindu, Indian Express), Faculty office hours for feedback
Career Connection
Strong analytical and writing skills are crucial for any professional path, particularly in public relations, journalism, policy drafting, and effectively communicating complex ideas in government or NGO roles in India.
Understand the Indian Political Landscape- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, follow current affairs daily, especially news related to Indian governance, parliamentary proceedings, and state politics. Read relevant government reports, policy briefs, and scholarly articles to connect theoretical knowledge with practical realities of India''''s political system.
Tools & Resources
PRS Legislative Research, Lok Sabha TV/Rajya Sabha TV, Major Indian newspapers and magazines, Official government reports
Career Connection
An in-depth understanding of Indian politics is indispensable for careers in civil services, political consultancy, public administration, and advocacy, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning within the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Current Global and Domestic Issues- (Semester 3-4)
Actively follow national and international news, participate in mock parliamentary debates, and write opinion pieces or blogs on topics like human rights, foreign policy, or public policy. Attend seminars and workshops on contemporary political challenges to broaden perspectives and apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Foreign Policy magazine, The Diplomat, Carnegie India reports, University-organized seminars and webinars, Online courses
Career Connection
Staying updated and forming informed opinions on current events is vital for roles in international organizations, diplomacy, strategic analysis, and political journalism, where global awareness and critical analysis are key for Indian professionals.
Cultivate Research Skills for Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Begin identifying potential research interests early, explore different methodologies, and read exemplary dissertations or research papers. Proactively seek guidance from faculty for topic finalization, literature review, and ethical considerations for your Semester 4 dissertation or project.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s e-resources (JSTOR, EBSCO), Research methodology textbooks, Mentorship from professors, Research workshops
Career Connection
Strong research skills are invaluable for careers in academia, think tanks, policy research, and data analysis, providing the ability to conduct independent inquiry and contribute to knowledge generation and evidence-based policy making.
Network and Explore Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3-4)
Attend career fairs, connect with alumni working in relevant fields, and actively search for internships with NGOs, think tanks, government departments, or political consulting firms. Leverage these opportunities to gain practical exposure, build professional networks, and understand real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network, Internship portals (Internshala), Career counseling services, NGOs like Pratham, Goonj
Career Connection
Internships provide practical experience, enhance employability, and open doors to full-time positions in the development sector, policy advocacy, political campaigns, or public sector roles, often leading to better placements in the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline from a recognized university, preferably with Political Science as a subject.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS101 | Western Political Thought (From Plato to Karl Marx) | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle: Ideal State and Classification of Governments, Machiavelli: Statecraft and Modern Political Thought, Social Contract Theorists: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Utilitarianism: Bentham and J.S. Mill, Hegel: Dialectical Idealism and State, Karl Marx: Historical Materialism and Class Struggle |
| MAPS102 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope and Approaches of Comparative Politics, Political Systems: Typologies and Analysis, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems and Representation, Political Parties and Party Systems, Pressure Groups and Social Movements |
| MAPS103 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution and its Salient Features, Fundamental Rights, Duties and Directive Principles, Union Executive: President, Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Indian Parliament: Structure and Functions, Judiciary: Supreme Court and High Courts, Judicial Review, Indian Federalism and Centre-State Relations |
| MAPS104 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Administration: Classical and Human Relations, Bureaucracy: Max Weber and its Contemporary Relevance, Personnel Administration: Recruitment, Training, Promotion, Financial Administration: Budgeting and Audit, Public Policy: Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS201 | Modern Political Thought (From John S. Mill to Present) | Core | 4 | J.S. Mill: Liberty and Representative Government, Idealist Political Thought: Green and Bosanquet, Socialism: Utopian, Scientific, Fabian, Anarchism and Feminism, Multiculturalism and its Critiques, Post-modernism and its Political Implications |
| MAPS202 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Cold War and the Emergence of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), United Nations: Structure, Functions, and Reforms, Regional Organizations: SAARC, ASEAN, European Union, Globalization and its Impact on International Politics, International Terrorism and Global Security Challenges |
| MAPS203 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Political Culture and Political Socialization, Political Participation and Citizen Engagement, Power, Authority and Legitimacy, Political Elites and Leadership, Role of Mass Media and Social Movements |
| MAPS204 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Types of Social Research, Research Design: Exploratory, Descriptive, Experimental, Methods of Data Collection: Survey, Interview, Observation, Sampling Techniques: Probability and Non-Probability, Data Analysis: Interpretation and Report Writing, Ethics in Social Science Research |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS301 | Principles of International Law | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope and Sources of International Law, Theories of Recognition and State Succession, Law of the Sea and Airspace, Law of Treaties and International Agreements, International Human Rights Law and Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law and Justice |
| MAPS302 | Contemporary Political Theory | Core | 4 | Liberalism vs. Communitarianism, Theories of Justice: Rawls, Nozick, Amartya Sen, Deliberative Democracy and its Models, Post-structuralism and Post-modernism in Politics, Critical Theory and its Contributions, Identity Politics and its Challenges |
| MAPS303 | Indian Foreign Policy | Elective | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and its Evolving Relevance, India''''s Relations with Neighboring Countries (Pakistan, China, Nepal), India and Major Global Powers (USA, Russia, EU), India''''s Role in the United Nations, Economic Diplomacy and Nuclear Policy |
| MAPS304 | Human Rights | Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and International Covenants, Human Rights Protection Mechanisms in India, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Human Rights, Challenges to Human Rights: Terrorism, Poverty, Discrimination |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPS401 | Public Policy in India | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Models of Public Policy, Policy Formulation and Decision-Making Process, Policy Implementation and Evaluation, Social Welfare Policies: Education, Health, Poverty Alleviation, Economic Policies and Development Strategies, Environmental Policies and Sustainable Development |
| MAPS402 | Political Theory of International Relations | Core | 4 | Classical and Neo-Realism in IR Theory, Liberalism and Neo-Liberal Institutionalism, Constructivism and Identity in World Politics, Feminist IR Theory and Gender Perspectives, Critical Theory and Post-structuralism in IR, Global Justice and Cosmopolitanism |
| MAPS403 | Rural and Urban Local Government in India | Elective | 4 | Evolution of Local Self-Government in India, 73rd Constitutional Amendment and Panchayat Raj System, Structure, Functions and Finances of Panchayats, 74th Constitutional Amendment and Urban Local Bodies, Municipal Corporations, Councils and Nagar Panchayats, Challenges and Reforms in Local Governance |
| MAPS404 | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification and Formulation, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Research Design and Methodology Selection, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Dissertation Writing: Structure and Presentation, Viva Voce and Research Ethics |
