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BA in Political Science at Shahid Mangal Pandey Rajkiya Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Ballia
Ballia, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Shahid Mangal Pandey Rajkiya Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Ballia Ballia?
This Political Science program at Shahid Mangal Pandey Rajkiya Mahila Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, focuses on understanding governance, political systems, international relations, and public administration. Tailored to an Indian context, it delves into constitutional frameworks, political thought, and societal dynamics crucial for navigating public policy and democratic processes. The program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills highly demanded in India''''s diverse public and private sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, public policy analysis, or social work. It also suits individuals passionate about understanding socio-political issues, governance, and international affairs. Students with a background in humanities and a strong interest in critical thinking, research, and public service will find this specialization particularly engaging, preparing them for roles in a dynamic Indian job market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state government services (UPSC, UPPSC), NGOs, think tanks, media houses, and academia. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in policy research or public administration. The program also serves as a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in political science, public administration, international relations, or law in leading Indian institutions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Reading and Comprehension Habits- (Throughout Semesters 1 and 2)
Actively read prescribed texts, academic journals, newspapers (like The Hindu/Indian Express), and government publications (e.g., Yojana, Kurukshetra) daily to build a foundational understanding of political concepts and contemporary issues in India. Summarize key arguments and take concise notes for better retention.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science textbooks, The Hindu/Indian Express, Yojana Magazine, College Library Resources
Career Connection
Essential for competitive examinations (UPSC/UPPSC), journalism, public policy analysis, and any role requiring strong analytical and communication skills in the Indian context.
Engage in Critical Discussion and Debate- (Continuously from Semester 1)
Participate actively in classroom discussions, departmental seminars, and college debate clubs focused on Indian political theory, governance, and current affairs. Form study groups to analyze diverse political perspectives and hone your argumentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Debate societies, Student forums, Political Science departmental events, Online discussion platforms for current affairs
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, logical reasoning, and critical thinking abilities, which are invaluable for civil services interviews, legal careers, and policy advocacy roles in India.
Understand Indian Constitutional Framework- (Primarily Semester 1 and 2, but ongoing)
Deeply study the Indian Constitution, its historical evolution, amendments, landmark judgments by the Supreme Court, and the functioning of various constitutional bodies. Attend workshops or guest lectures on constitutional law and governance in India.
Tools & Resources
D.D. Basu''''s Introduction to the Constitution of India, M. Lakshmikanth''''s Indian Polity, PRS Legislative Research (online resources)
Career Connection
Provides foundational knowledge for civil services (especially Polity section), legal professions, public administration, and political commentary, all crucial in the Indian job market.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Field Visits and Local Governance Studies- (Semester 3 or 4)
Organize or participate in field visits to local self-government bodies (Panchayat, Municipality), district administration offices, or state legislative assemblies to observe their functioning firsthand. Conduct small-scale surveys or interviews to understand grassroots politics in Uttar Pradesh and India.
Tools & Resources
College faculty support, Local government offices, NGOs working in governance and community development
Career Connection
Provides practical insights into public administration, rural development, and grassroots political processes, beneficial for social work, local government roles, and development sector jobs.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semesters 3-5, particularly during methodology courses)
Focus on improving research methodology, data collection, and analytical writing skills through academic projects, term papers, and participation in college-level research competitions. Learn to critically evaluate political data and construct well-reasoned arguments.
Tools & Resources
Access to academic journals (JSTOR, EPW), Library databases, Online research tools (Google Scholar), Guidance from faculty advisors
Career Connection
Crucial for careers in policy research, think tanks, academia, and advanced studies, preparing students for evidence-based decision-making roles in India.
Follow Current National and International Affairs- (Continuously from Semester 3 onwards)
Regularly follow national and international news, government policies, and global political developments through reputable news sources, documentaries, and academic journals. Participate in mock UN simulations or debates on pressing international issues.
Tools & Resources
UN official website, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Chatham House, Reputable news channels and newspapers
Career Connection
Essential for careers in international relations, journalism, diplomacy, and civil services, equipping students with a global perspective relevant to India''''s position in the world.
Advanced Stage
Engage in Internships and Real-World Projects- (Semester 5-6, especially summer breaks)
Secure internships with NGOs, government departments, political consulting firms, or research organizations during semester breaks or as part of the curriculum. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world policy challenges and governance issues in India.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn), Faculty networks, Local NGOs and government bodies
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, builds professional networks, and significantly enhances employability for entry-level roles in the public and development sectors.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 5 and 6)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs (e.g., UPPSC), or postgraduate entrance exams. Join coaching institutes if necessary, solve previous year''''s question papers, and take regular mock tests to assess progress.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated coaching centers (online/offline), Online test series platforms, Previous year question papers, Government publications on exam patterns
Career Connection
Direct pathway to prestigious government jobs in India (IAS, IPS, PCS) and further academic pursuits, offering stability and impact.
Develop Specialization through Electives and Dissertation- (Semester 5 and 6)
Choose elective papers that align with specific career interests (e.g., Human Rights, International Law, Local Self Government) and undertake a comprehensive research project/dissertation on a chosen area of specialization. This deep dive showcases expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Academic databases, Specialized books and reports, Research software (if applicable)
Career Connection
Deepens expertise, making graduates highly valuable for specialized roles in research, policy analysis, advocacy, and academia, allowing for focused career development in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board
Duration: 3 Years (6 Semesters)
Credits: Variable, approximately 120-140 credits for the 3-year degree as per NEP guidelines Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL101 | Introduction to Political Science | Major Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Science, Traditional and Modern Approaches to Political Study, State, Sovereignty, Power, Authority, Rights, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Democracy, Citizenship |
| CO-CUR101 | Food, Nutrition and Hygiene | Co-curricular | 2 | Principles of Nutrition, Balanced Diet, Food Groups, Malnutrition, Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Public Health, Common Diseases |
| VOC101 | Digital Marketing | Vocational (Representative) | 2 | Basics of Digital Marketing, SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Web Analytics, Online Advertising |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL102 | Indian Government and Politics | Major Core | 4 | Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Parliament, Judiciary, Federal System, State Government, Local Self-Government |
| CO-CUR102 | Human Values and Environmental Studies | Co-curricular | 2 | Ethics, Morality, Universal Human Values, Environmental Ethics, Pollution (Air, Water, Noise), Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Environmental Protection Acts |
| VOC102 | Entrepreneurship Development | Vocational (Representative) | 2 | Concept of Entrepreneurship, Characteristics of an Entrepreneur, Business Idea Generation, Business Plan Formulation, Marketing Strategy, Financial Planning, Sources of Funding, Government Schemes for Startups |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL201 | Comparative Government and Politics | Major Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Systems of UK, USA, China (Constitution, Executive, Legislature, Judiciary), Electoral Systems, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Federalism and Unitary Systems |
| POL202 | Public Administration | Major Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Public and Private Administration, Approaches to Public Administration, Theories of Organization (Classical, Human Relations), Bureaucracy, Leadership, Decision Making, Financial Administration, Personnel Administration |
| CO-CUR201 | Analytical Ability & Digital Awareness | Co-curricular | 2 | Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Problem Solving, Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software, Operating Systems, Internet and World Wide Web, Cyber Security, Digital Literacy, Office Productivity Tools |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL203 | International Relations | Major Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature and Scope of International Relations, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism, Marxism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations and its Organs, Major International Organizations, Disarmament, Global Terrorism |
| POL204 | Western Political Thought | Major Core | 4 | Plato (Justice, Ideal State, Education), Aristotle (State, Citizenship, Classification of Constitutions), Machiavelli (Realism, Statecraft), Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau (Social Contract Theories), J.S. Mill (Liberty, Representative Government), Karl Marx (Historical Materialism, Class Struggle) |
| CO-CUR202 | Physical Education and Yoga | Co-curricular | 2 | Importance of Physical Education, Health and Fitness, Yoga Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation, Major Sports and Games, Rules and Regulations, First Aid and Safety Measures, Healthy Lifestyle Practices |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL301 | Indian Political Thought | Major Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya, Manu), Medieval Indian Political Thought (Barani, Abul Fazl), Modern Indian Political Thinkers (Ram Mohan Roy, Dayanand Saraswati), M.K. Gandhi (Satyagraha, Swaraj), B.R. Ambedkar (Social Justice, Constitutionalism), Jawaharlal Nehru (Socialism, Non-Alignment), V.D. Savarkar (Hindutva) |
| POL302 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Major Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Formulation of Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Interview, Observation), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis (Qualitative and Quantitative), Report Writing, Ethics in Research |
| DSE-POL1 | Human Rights and Duties | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Generations of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, International Human Rights Law |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POL303 | International Law and Diplomacy | Major Core | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, State Recognition, Jurisdiction, Law of the Sea, International Criminal Court, International Humanitarian Law, Diplomacy (Functions, Types of Diplomacy, Role of Diplomats), International Treaties and Conventions |
| POL304 | Local Self-Government in India | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 4 | Evolution of Local Self-Government, 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Panchayati Raj Institutions (Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad), Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities, Corporations), Functions, Finances, Challenges and Reforms in Local Self-Government |
| PROJECT-POL | Project Work / Dissertation | Project/Core | 6 | Selection of Research Topic, Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Formulation of Hypothesis/Research Questions, Methodology (Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation), Report Writing, Presentation of Findings, Ethical Considerations in Research |
