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BA in Political Science at Shri Gurudev Vidya Sanghas Matoshri Gauramma First Grade Arts College for Women
Vijayapura, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Shri Gurudev Vidya Sanghas Matoshri Gauramma First Grade Arts College for Women Vijayapura?
This BA Political Science program at Shri Gurudev Vidya Sanghas Matoshri Gauramma First Grade Arts College for Women focuses on foundational political theories, Indian and international politics, and public administration. It equips students with a critical understanding of governmental systems, policy-making, and socio-political dynamics relevant to India''''s democratic framework and global standing. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical thinking and research skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, policy analysis, or social work, offering a robust academic foundation. It also suits individuals passionate about civic engagement and understanding governance. Students aspiring for higher education in political science or international relations will find the comprehensive curriculum beneficial, alongside those pursuing careers in public service.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in central and state civil services, political consultancy, public relations, and NGOs. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing with experience. Opportunities also exist in academic research and teaching. The analytical and critical thinking skills gained are highly valued across various sectors, enabling strong growth trajectories within Indian organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational political theories, concepts of state, sovereignty, and justice. Focus on active reading of prescribed texts and academic journals, forming study groups with peers to discuss and clarify complex ideas. This builds a strong base for advanced political analysis.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science textbooks (Class 11, 12), Standard Indian Political Thought books, Peer study groups, College library resources
Career Connection
Strong conceptual clarity is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for excelling in advanced political studies.
Enhance Academic Writing and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in debates, presentations, and essay writing. Practice structuring arguments logically and supporting them with evidence. Seek feedback from professors to refine your academic writing style and public speaking skills. This will be invaluable in all future endeavors.
Tools & Resources
English language newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Debate clubs or college literary societies, Grammarly for writing assistance, Presentation software
Career Connection
Effective communication and persuasive writing are essential for civil services, journalism, and advocacy roles.
Engage with Current Affairs and Indian Politics- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow Indian news, political developments, and policy debates through reputable news channels, newspapers, and online portals. Discuss contemporary issues with professors and classmates to develop a nuanced understanding of India''''s political landscape. This builds contextual knowledge.
Tools & Resources
All India Radio (AIR) news, Sansad TV, The Hindu/Indian Express e-papers, PRS Legislative Research (PRSIndia.org)
Career Connection
Staying updated on current affairs is fundamental for competitive exams, policy analysis, and journalism careers.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semesters 3-5)
Apply theoretical knowledge to practical Indian contexts by undertaking small research projects or case studies on local governance, electoral politics, or social movements. Focus on data collection, basic analysis, and report writing, possibly collaborating with peers.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, JSTOR (if college provides access), SurveyMonkey for data collection, MS Excel for basic data analysis
Career Connection
Develops research aptitude, critical thinking, and analytical skills highly sought after in policy research, academia, and civil services.
Seek Internships with NGOs or Government Bodies- (Semesters 3-5)
Actively look for short-term internships with local NGOs, political parties, or municipal bodies. Gain first-hand experience in public service, policy implementation, or grassroots political work. This practical exposure builds a realistic understanding of the field.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Youth for Seva, Networking with college alumni, Local government websites for opportunities
Career Connection
Provides practical experience, industry contacts, and a clear understanding of career paths, making you job-ready for Indian organizations.
Participate in Political Debates and Mock Parliaments- (Semesters 3-5)
Engage in college-level or inter-college mock parliaments, political debates, and model UN simulations. This hones negotiation skills, understanding of parliamentary procedures, and ability to articulate political stances effectively, crucial for public roles.
Tools & Resources
College debate clubs, Youth parliament initiatives, Online resources for parliamentary procedures
Career Connection
Boosts public speaking, leadership, and argumentative skills, valuable for legal careers, political advocacy, and diplomatic services.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Readings- (Semesters 6-8)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with your career aspirations (e.g., Geo-Politics for foreign service, Human Rights for advocacy). Supplement these with advanced readings from academic journals and specialized books on chosen areas.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List of Journals, NPTEL online courses for specific topics, Oxford Research Encyclopedias
Career Connection
Deepens expertise in a particular sub-field, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles or for pursuing higher education.
Prepare Systematically for Competitive Exams- (Semesters 6-8)
If aiming for civil services or other government jobs, begin systematic preparation, including essay writing, general studies, and optional subject preparation. Join coaching or study groups, focusing on mock tests and previous year question papers. This structured approach is vital.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC official websites for syllabus, Previous year question papers, Reputable coaching institutes (online/offline), Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for highly competitive government jobs, a major career avenue for Political Science graduates in India.
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semesters 7-8)
For Honours students, meticulously plan and execute your dissertation or major project. Choose a contemporary, India-centric political issue, conduct rigorous research, and present your findings effectively. This showcases advanced research and analytical capabilities.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Academic supervisors/mentors, Plagiarism checker software, SPSS/R for advanced data analysis (if applicable)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece for academic pursuits, policy think tanks, and demonstrates advanced research skills to potential employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed PUC-II year/12th standard of any equivalent examination (from college website)
Duration: Up to 8 semesters (4 years for Honours/Honours with Research, 6 semesters for a regular BA degree)
Credits: 141 (for 4-year BA Honours/Research, includes compulsory and elective courses) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-IL | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - Indian Language (Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi) | AECC | 2 | Language Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Basic Composition, Cultural Texts |
| AECC-ENG | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - English | AECC | 2 | Communication Skills, English Grammar, Prose and Poetry, Writing Practice |
| PSMT1.1 | Introduction to Political Science | Major Core | 4 | Political Theory Fundamentals, State and its elements, Sovereignty and its concepts, Rights and Liberty, Power, Authority, and Legitimacy, Political Ideologies (Liberalism, Socialism) |
| OEC | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a pool of general electives |
| VAC | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Courses focused on ethics, societal values, life skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-IL | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - Indian Language (Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi) | AECC | 2 | Advanced Grammar, Literary Appreciation, Essay Writing, Cultural Contexts |
| AECC-ENG | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - English | AECC | 2 | Advanced Communication, Critical Reading, Literary Analysis, Report Writing |
| PSMT2.1 | Concepts of Political Science | Major Core | 4 | Justice (Distributive, Social), Equality (Formal, Substantive), Law (Rule of Law, Types), Citizenship (Rights, Duties), Political System and Functions, Political Culture and Socialization |
| SEC | Skill Enhancement Course | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Courses to enhance practical skills relevant to various fields |
| OEC | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a pool of general electives |
| VAC | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Courses focused on ethics, societal values, life skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-EVS | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - Environmental Studies | AECC | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Development, Environmental Laws |
| PSMT3.1 | Western Political Thought | Major Core | 4 | Plato''''s Ideal State and Justice, Aristotle''''s Classification of Constitutions, Machiavelli''''s Statecraft and Power, Hobbes'''' Social Contract Theory, Locke''''s Natural Rights and Limited Government, Rousseau''''s General Will and Popular Sovereignty |
| PSMT3.2 | State and Politics in Karnataka | Major Core | 4 | Formation and Reorganization of Karnataka, Major Political Parties and Electoral Politics, Regionalism and Language Politics, Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Governance, Social Movements in Karnataka |
| PSST3.1 | Public Policy | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Meaning and Nature of Public Policy, Models of Policy Formulation, Policy Implementation Strategies, Policy Evaluation and Analysis, Types of Public Policies |
| OEC | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a pool of general electives |
| VAC | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Courses focused on ethics, societal values, life skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-CV | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - Constitutional Values and Human Rights | AECC | 2 | Indian Constitution Features, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles, Human Rights Principles |
| PSMT4.1 | Indian Political Thought | Major Core | 4 | Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Gandhi''''s Satyagraha and Swaraj, Ambedkar''''s Social Justice Philosophy, Nehru''''s Vision of India, Savarkar''''s Hindutva, Lohia''''s Socialism |
| PSMT4.2 | Public Administration | Major Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization, Bureaucracy and its Role, Financial Administration, Good Governance and E-governance |
| PSST4.1 | Political Journalism | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Role of Media in Democracy, Reporting Politics and Elections, Ethics in Journalism, Social Media and Political Communication, Investigative Journalism |
| OEC | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a pool of general electives |
| VAC | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Courses focused on ethics, societal values, life skills |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSMT5.1 | International Relations | Major Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and its Aftermath, United Nations and International Organizations, Disarmament and Arms Control, Human Rights in Global Politics, Globalization and its Impact |
| PSMT5.2 | Comparative Politics | Major Core | 4 | Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems and Processes, Political Parties and Party Systems, State and Society in Developing Countries |
| PSMT5.3 | Modern Indian Government and Politics | Major Core | 4 | Constitutional Development in India, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, Parliamentary System and Federalism, Judiciary and Judicial Review, Electoral System and Reforms, Role of President and Prime Minister |
| PSET5.4A | Geo-Politics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Geopolitical Theories and Concepts, Major World Powers and their Strategies, India''''s Geopolitical Position, Regional Conflicts and Geopolitics, Energy Security and Resource Geopolitics |
| PSET5.4B | Human Rights | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Theories and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India (NHRC, SHRC), Child Rights and Women''''s Rights, Human Rights Organizations and Advocacy |
| OEC | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a pool of general electives |
| VAC | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Courses focused on ethics, societal values, life skills |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSMT6.1 | Political Sociology | Major Core | 4 | Political Culture and Socialization, Political Elite and Leadership, Interest Groups and Pressure Politics, Social Movements and Political Change, Civil Society and its Role, State and Society Relationship |
| PSMT6.2 | Contemporary Political Issues | Major Core | 4 | Terrorism and National Security, Environmentalism and Climate Change Politics, Regionalism and Sub-nationalism, Globalization and its Political Impact, Gender Politics and Representation, Role of Media in Contemporary Politics |
| PSMT6.3 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Major Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Interview), Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Research Ethics |
| PSET6.4A | Indian Foreign Policy | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement and its Relevance, India''''s Relations with Major Powers (US, Russia, China), SAARC and Regional Cooperation, India at WTO and Climate Change Negotiations, Recent Trends in Indian Diplomacy |
| PSET6.4B | Local Self-Government in India | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Evolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, Rural Development Programs, Urban Planning and Challenges, Role of NGOs in Local Governance |
| OEC | Open Elective Course | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a pool of general electives |
| VAC | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Courses focused on ethics, societal values, life skills |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSHT7.1 | Global Politics | Major Core (Honours) | 4 | Global Governance and its Challenges, Shifting Power Structures in International System, Multilateralism and International Institutions, International Law and Human Security, New World Order Debates |
| PSHT7.2 | Political Economy | Major Core (Honours) | 4 | Relationship between State and Economy, Capitalism, Socialism, and Mixed Economies, Economic Liberalization and Privatization, Globalization and its Political Impact, Development Models and Challenges |
| PSHET7.3A | Diplomacy and Foreign Policy | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | History and Evolution of Diplomacy, Tools and Techniques of Diplomacy, India''''s Diplomatic Engagements, Multilateral Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy and Soft Power |
| PSHET7.3B | Gender and Politics | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Feminist Theories in Political Science, Women''''s Political Participation, Gender Issues in India, Affirmative Action and Reservations for Women, Gender and Public Policy |
| PSHET7.3C | Environmental Politics | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Environmental Movements and Activism, Climate Change Politics and Policy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental Governance, Resource Scarcity and Conflict |
| PSHET7.3D | Rights and Justice in India | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Constitutional Rights Framework, Social Justice Movements, Reservation Policy Debates, Legal Aid and Access to Justice, Role of Human Rights Commissions |
| RMHT7.1 | Advanced Research Methods | Research Methodology | 3 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Research Approaches, Mixed Methods Research, Ethics in Social Science Research, Statistical Software Applications |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSHT8.1 | Theories of Justice | Major Core (Honours) | 4 | Distributive Justice and its Theories, Procedural Justice Concepts, Global Justice Debates, Theories of Rawls and Nozick, Amartya Sen''''s Capability Approach |
| PSHT8.2 | Governance and Development | Major Core (Honours) | 4 | Concept of Good Governance, E-governance and Digital India Initiatives, Development Models and Strategies, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Role of State and Market in Development |
| PSHET8.3A | Nationalism in India | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Theories of Nationalism, Indian Nationalist Movement, Post-Independence Nationalist Debates, Sub-nationalism and Regionalism, Cultural and Political Nationalism |
| PSHET8.3B | Think Tanks and Public Policy | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Role of Think Tanks in Policy Making, Policy Advocacy and Influence on Government, Structure and Funding of Think Tanks, Indian and Global Think Tanks, Policy Research and Dissemination |
| PSHET8.3C | Human Security | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Concept and Evolution of Human Security, Threats to Human Security (Poverty, Disease, Conflict), UN Approach to Human Security, India''''s Perspective on Human Security, Policy Implications for Human Security |
| PSHET8.3D | Conflict Resolution | Honours Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Theories of Conflict and its Causes, Mediation and Negotiation Techniques, Peacebuilding Strategies, Role of International Actors in Conflict Resolution, Case Studies of Conflict Resolution |
| PSPJ8.1 / PSHD8.1 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project / Dissertation | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology Design and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Dissertation Writing and Presentation |
