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MASTER-OF-ARTS-POLITICAL-SCIENCE in Political Science at Sir M.V. Govt. Science College, Bhadravathi
Shivamogga, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Sir M.V. Govt. Science College, Bhadravathi Shivamogga?
This Political Science program at Sir M.V. Government Science College, Shivamogga, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theories, systems, and processes. It delves into Indian and Western political thought, public administration, international relations, and public policy, offering a rigorous academic foundation relevant to India''''s evolving socio-political landscape and increasing global engagement. The program equips students with analytical skills for diverse career paths.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in arts or humanities seeking a deep understanding of governance and policy-making. It also suits working professionals in government, NGOs, or media looking to enhance their analytical capabilities and career progression. Individuals passionate about public service, research, or academic careers in political studies will find this program highly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in civil services (UPSC, KPSC), policy analysis, research, journalism, diplomacy, and development sectors. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 8-15 lakhs or more. Growth trajectories often lead to leadership positions in government organizations, think tanks, or international bodies operating in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational texts and thinkers in political theory (Indian and Western) to build a strong conceptual base. Participate actively in classroom discussions and form study groups to debate complex ideas.
Tools & Resources
Key political theory textbooks, Online academic journals (JSTOR, ResearchGate via college library), Debate clubs or college political science forums
Career Connection
A solid theoretical understanding is crucial for civil services exams and roles in policy analysis or journalism, enabling critical assessment of political issues.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on research methodology, data collection, and basic statistical analysis from early semesters. Practice writing structured research papers and critiques of current political events.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus-prescribed research methods books, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets for basic data organization, Access to college library''''s research databases
Career Connection
Essential for any role requiring evidence-based decision-making, policy drafting, or academic research, enhancing employability in think tanks and policy institutes.
Engage with Current Affairs and Public Discourse- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond academics, cultivate a habit of reading national newspapers daily, following credible news analyses, and participating in discussions on contemporary political issues in India.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, Indian Express, Frontline magazine, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV debates
Career Connection
This practice is invaluable for civil services aspirants, journalists, and policy communicators, ensuring relevance and informed perspectives in professional roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Practical Policy Analysis- (Semester 3)
Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world policy case studies, focusing on Indian public policies (e.g., education, health, rural development). Attempt to analyze policy formulation, implementation, and impact.
Tools & Resources
NITI Aayog reports, Ministry websites for policy documents, Case study collections on Indian governance
Career Connection
Directly relevant for roles in policy research, public administration, and development agencies where understanding practical policy dynamics is key.
Explore International Relations through Simulations- (Semester 3)
Participate in Model United Nations (MUN) events or similar simulations to understand global politics, diplomacy, and the functioning of international organizations. This builds negotiation and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
MUN clubs (if available), Online resources on UN procedures and international diplomacy
Career Connection
Excellent preparation for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, foreign services, and global affairs journalism.
Network with Professionals and Academics- (Semester 3)
Attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by political scientists, civil servants, and policymakers. Seek opportunities for informal mentorship and discussions to gain industry insights.
Tools & Resources
College career services/alumni network, LinkedIn for professional connections, Local political science associations
Career Connection
Helps in discovering internship opportunities, understanding various career paths, and building a professional network vital for future job searches and collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Quality Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a relevant and impactful research topic for your final dissertation. Conduct thorough primary/secondary research, analyze findings meticulously, and present a well-structured academic paper.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (R, SPSS, if applicable), Reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), Guidance from faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, crucial for academic pursuits, policy research roles, and adds significant weight to job applications in research-intensive fields.
Intensive Civil Services/Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 4)
Alongside regular studies, dedicate significant time to preparing for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services or KPSC. Focus on optional subjects, general studies, and current affairs.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/KPSC previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms (Unacademy, Byju''''s for IAS), Reputable current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Directly aligns with the goal of entering prestigious government services in India, providing a structured pathway to achieve this career aspiration.
Develop Public Speaking and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research, participate in debates, and lead discussions. Practice articulating complex political ideas clearly and persuasively.
Tools & Resources
College debate societies, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Feedback from peers and faculty
Career Connection
Vital for roles in media, public relations, diplomacy, teaching, and advocacy, where effective communication is paramount for influencing public opinion and policy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A./B.Sc./B.Com./B.B.A./B.C.A./B.S.W. degree with Political Science as an optional subject/Major/Minor/equivalent papers for at least two years with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC 1.1 | Political Theory | Core | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Political Theory, Concept of State and Sovereignty, Justice, Equality, Liberty, Rights, Democracy and Citizenship, Power, Authority, Legitimacy |
| PSC 1.2 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Manu, Kautilya), Medieval Indian Political Thought (Barani, Abul Fazal), Modern Indian Political Thought (Ram Mohan Roy, Dayananda Saraswati), Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar, M.N. Roy, Jaya Prakash Narayan, Savarkar |
| PSC 1.3 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Introduction to Public Administration, Classical and Human Relations Theories, Bureaucracy, Leadership, Motivation, Decision Making and Communication, Personnel Administration and Financial Administration |
| PSC 1.4 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Core | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Social Science Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Observation), Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| PSC 1.5 | Human Rights and Constitutionalism | Optional | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Judicial Activism and Human Rights |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC 2.1 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx and Antonio Gramsci |
| PSC 2.2 | Indian Political System | Core | 4 | Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Union Legislature (Parliament), State Government (Governor, CM, State Legislature), Judiciary and Electoral System |
| PSC 2.3 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Meaning and Approaches to International Relations, Key Concepts (Power, Sovereignty, State System), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Alignment Movement and India''''s Foreign Policy, International Organizations (UN, WTO, SAARC) |
| PSC 2.4 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Political Sociology, Political Culture and Political Socialization, Political Development and Modernization, Elite Theory and Political Participation, Social Movements and Political Change |
| PSC 2.5 | Gender and Politics | Optional | 4 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Feminist Theories and Approaches, Gender and Political Participation, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Justice and Policy Interventions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC 3.1 | Modern Political Analysis | Core | 4 | Approaches to Modern Political Analysis (Systems, Structural-Functional), Political Communication and Political Culture, Political Socialization and Political Participation, Electoral Behavior and Public Opinion, Role of Pressure Groups and Political Parties |
| PSC 3.2 | State Politics in India | Core | 4 | Federalism and Center-State Relations, Political Economy of States in India, Regional Parties and Coalition Politics, Caste, Religion and Language in State Politics, Dynamics of State Politics in Karnataka |
| PSC 3.3 | Public Policy Analysis | Core | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Public Policy, Models of Public Policy Formulation, Policy Implementation and Evaluation, Role of Bureaucracy and Stakeholders in Policy, Case Studies of Indian Public Policies |
| PSC 3.4 | International Law | Optional | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, Subjects of International Law (States, IOs), Recognition and Jurisdiction, Law of the Sea and Airspace, International Criminal Law and Human Rights Law |
| PSC 3.5 | Regionalism in India | Elective | 4 | Concept and Dimensions of Regionalism, Factors Contributing to Regionalism in India, Regional Political Parties and Movements, Demand for Separate States, Impact of Regionalism on National Politics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC 4.1 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Systems (Authoritarian, Democratic), Comparative Political Institutions (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary), Political Economy of Development |
| PSC 4.2 | Local Governance in India | Core | 4 | Panchayati Raj Institutions (73rd and 74th Amendments), Rural Local Governance Structure and Functions, Urban Local Governance Structure and Functions, Challenges and Reforms in Local Governance, Role of NGOs and Civil Society in Local Development |
| PSC 4.3 | Political Ideologies | Core | 4 | Meaning and Significance of Ideology, Liberalism and Conservatism, Socialism and Marxism, Fascism and Nationalism, Ecologism and Feminism |
| PSC 4.4 | Environmental Politics | Optional | 4 | Concept of Environmental Politics, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Climate Change and International Cooperation, Environmental Policies and Governance in India |
| PSC 4.5 | International Organizations | Elective | 4 | Evolution and Classification of International Organizations, United Nations: Structure, Functions, and Organs, Specialized Agencies of the UN (WHO, UNESCO), Regional Organizations (EU, ASEAN, SAARC, African Union), Role of IOs in Peace, Security, and Development |
| PSC 4.6 | Project Work and Viva-Voce | Project | 4 | Research Topic Selection and Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Dissertation Writing and Presentation, Oral Examination and Defense of Project |
