

BA in Political Science at SHRI GALAVA EDUCATION SANSTHE SHRI GALAVA MAHARSHI ARTS AND COMMERCE COLLEGE


Bagalkote, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at SHRI GALAVA EDUCATION SANSTHE SHRI GALAVA MAHARSHI ARTS AND COMMERCE COLLEGE Bagalkote?
This Political Science program at Shri Galava Education Sansthe Shri Galava Maharshi Arts and Commerce College focuses on foundational theories, Indian governance, international relations, and contemporary issues. It prepares students for analytical roles by emphasizing critical thinking about state politics, public policy, and global affairs. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of political systems within the diverse Indian context and its global interactions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in public service, social policy, or journalism. It also suits individuals aspiring for civil services exams, legal careers, or roles in advocacy and non-governmental organizations. Students passionate about understanding socio-political dynamics, governance structures, and international diplomacy, often with a background in arts or humanities, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in the government sector, think tanks, media, and academic research in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in policy analysis, public administration, or international organizations. The program provides a strong base for pursuing higher education in political science, law, or public administration, aligning with UPSC and KPSC civil service examination preparation.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Analytical Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively read classic political texts, contemporary news analysis, and government reports. Utilize library resources and online archives (e.g., PRS Legislative Research) to understand different perspectives and arguments. This builds a robust intellectual foundation crucial for higher-level political discourse and analysis.
Tools & Resources
College Library, PRS Legislative Research website, Reputable Indian news dailies like The Hindu, Indian Express
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking and research skills vital for civil services, journalism, and policy analysis roles.
Engage in Current Affairs Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in college debates, departmental seminars, and informal group discussions on national and international political developments. Regularly follow reputed Indian news outlets and public broadcasting channels to connect theoretical concepts with real-world events, enhancing contextual understanding for competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
College Debate Club, Rajya Sabha TV, Discussion forums with peers
Career Connection
Improves communication skills, knowledge of current events, and ability to articulate political arguments, valuable for civil services and media careers.
Master Basic Research and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on structuring essays, arguments, and reports clearly and concisely. Practice summarizing complex political theories and Indian policy issues. Utilize resources for academic writing, ensuring proper citation and analytical rigor, which is vital for academic assignments and future research roles.
Tools & Resources
College writing center, Online guides for academic writing, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Develops foundational skills for academic research, report writing, and policy brief creation, essential for government and think tank roles.
Intermediate Stage
Internship with Local NGOs or Political Bodies- (Semester 3-5)
Seek internships with local non-governmental organizations, political campaigns, or local government offices (e.g., Gram Panchayat, Municipal Corporation). This provides practical exposure to policy implementation, community engagement, and administrative processes, offering invaluable insights for a career in public service or social work.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, NGO directories, Local government offices
Career Connection
Gains practical experience, builds professional network, and clarifies career aspirations in public administration or advocacy.
Participate in Model UN/Parliamentary Debates- (Semester 3-5)
Actively join Model United Nations conferences or parliamentary debate competitions. These platforms hone diplomatic skills, negotiation tactics, public speaking abilities, and an understanding of global governance, highly beneficial for careers in international relations or policy advocacy.
Tools & Resources
College cultural/extracurricular clubs, Regional MUN conferences
Career Connection
Develops leadership, negotiation, and public speaking skills, crucial for diplomatic services, international organizations, and advocacy.
Attend Specialized Skill Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops on data analysis for social sciences (e.g., basic Excel for surveys, intro to R/Python for political data) or policy brief writing. Such skills are increasingly in demand in think tanks, research organizations, and government agencies for evidence-based policy making.
Tools & Resources
College workshops, Online courses (Coursera, edX on data analysis), Guest lectures by policy experts
Career Connection
Acquires quantitative and communication skills that enhance employability in policy research, public sector, and consulting.
Advanced Stage
Civil Services Exam Preparation Focus- (Semester 6)
Dedicate time to structured preparation for civil services exams (UPSC, KPSC). Integrate general studies, current affairs, and optional subject preparation into daily routines. Join study groups, solve previous year papers, and take mock tests to build confidence and refine exam strategies.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC study materials, Coaching institutes (if feasible), Online test series
Career Connection
Directly prepares for coveted government administrative positions, offering a clear career path with significant societal impact.
Undertake a Policy Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Undertake a research project or dissertation on a contemporary Indian political issue under faculty guidance. This showcases advanced analytical skills, independent research capabilities, and subject mastery, which are critical for academic pursuits, policy analysis roles, or postgraduate studies.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Research methodology guides
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research and analytical abilities, crucial for higher education, policy research, and think tank roles.
Professional Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 6)
Connect with alumni, professors, and professionals in government, diplomacy, and academia. Attend public lectures, policy conferences, and career fairs to build a professional network. Seek mentorship to gain insights into specific career paths and industry trends, facilitating smoother transitions into the professional world.
Tools & Resources
College Alumni Association, LinkedIn, Professional conferences and seminars
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable career guidance, accelerating professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 1.1 | Understanding Political Theory | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Nature and Significance of Political Theory, State and its elements, Power and Authority, Sovereignty and its types, Rights and Justice, Liberty and Equality |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 2.1 | Indian Government and Politics | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Preamble and Salient Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Union Executive and Legislature, State Executive and Legislature, Judiciary and Judicial Review, Electoral System and Reforms |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 3.1 | Western Political Thought | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Education, Aristotle: State, Citizenship, Constitution, Machiavelli: Human Nature, Statecraft, Hobbes: Social Contract, Sovereignty, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 4.1 | Public Administration | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Nature, Scope, and Significance of Public Administration, Theories of Organization: Scientific Management, Human Relations, Bureaucracy: Max Weber''''s Ideal Type, Personnel Administration: Recruitment, Training, Financial Administration: Budgeting, Auditing, Good Governance and E-governance |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 5.1 | International Relations | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Approaches to International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Power, Security, and Conflict, United Nations: Organs, Functions, Reforms, Regional Organizations: SAARC, ASEAN, European Union, Globalization: Dimensions and Impact, India''''s Foreign Policy |
| DSC 5.2 | State Politics in India | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Federalism in India: Union-State Relations, State Autonomy and Regionalism, Political Parties and Electoral Politics in States, Role of Chief Minister and State Legislature, Language Politics and Identity, Development and Underdevelopment in States |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC 6.1 | Indian Political Thought | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought: Kautilya, Medieval Thinkers: Barani, Abul Fazl, Modern Indian Political Thought: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Gandhi, Ambedkar: Social Justice, Dalit Emancipation, Savarkar: Hindutva, Nationalism, Nehru: Socialism, Secularism |
| DSC 6.2 | Contemporary Political Issues | Discipline Specific Core (Core) | 4 | Environmental Politics and Climate Change, Human Rights: Concepts, Challenges, Institutions, Gender and Politics: Women''''s Empowerment, Development Issues: Poverty, Inequality, Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Challenges to Democracy: Corruption, Communalism |




