.png&w=1920&q=75)
MA in Political Science at Smt. Prema B. Karajagi Women's Degree College
Vijayapura, Karnataka
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Smt. Prema B. Karajagi Women's Degree College Vijayapura?
This MA Political Science program at Smt. Prema B. Karajagi Women''''s Degree College, Vijayapura, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theories, systems, and governance within an Indian and global context. It delves into public administration, international relations, and India''''s foreign policy, equipping students with analytical skills crucial for various roles in public service and research. The program emphasizes both foundational knowledge and contemporary political dynamics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in political science or related social sciences seeking entry into public policy, civil services, or academia. It also benefits working professionals looking to enhance their analytical capabilities in governance, non-profit organizations, or media, as well as career changers aiming to transition into roles requiring a deep understanding of political processes.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in civil services (UPSC, KPSC), political analysis, journalism, policy research, and international organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience in government and specialized research roles. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, aligning with requirements for various competitive examinations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Political Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to deeply understand core political theories (liberalism, Marxism, feminism) and thinkers (Plato, Aristotle, Kautilya, Gandhi). Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and engage in debates to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science books, university library resources, JSTOR for academic articles, online forums for conceptual discussions
Career Connection
Strong theoretical foundation is essential for analytical roles in research, policy analysis, and for cracking civil service examinations where conceptual clarity is paramount.
Develop Robust Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in ''''Research Methodology'''' classes. Practice identifying research problems, designing studies, and basic data collection techniques. Read political science journals to understand how research is structured and presented.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley or Zotero for citation management, Google Scholar, university library databases, introductory guides to research methods in social sciences
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in think tanks, academic research, public policy analysis, and any position requiring evidence-based decision making and report writing.
Engage with Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read leading Indian newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), magazines, and reputable online news sources to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world political developments. Participate in college debates and discussions on contemporary issues.
Tools & Resources
Subscriptions to major Indian newspapers, PRS Legislative Research, Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV, reputable news analysis websites
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil services, journalism, political commentary, and any role requiring a nuanced understanding of India''''s political landscape and global events.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Policy Case Studies- (Semester 3)
Apply theoretical frameworks from ''''Public Policy Analysis'''' and ''''Indian Administration'''' to analyze real-world government policies in India. Focus on specific policies related to socio-economic development, environment, or human rights, presenting findings in seminars.
Tools & Resources
Government policy documents, NITI Aayog reports, academic journals focusing on public administration, case study methodology guides
Career Connection
Prepares students for roles in policy advocacy, think tanks, government consulting, and program management by developing practical analytical and presentation skills.
Network with Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 3)
Attend webinars, seminars, and conferences related to political science, public administration, and international relations. Connect with faculty, guest lecturers, and alumni on platforms like LinkedIn to explore career insights and mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional association events, university alumni network events
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities through informal referrals and industry insights, building crucial professional relationships.
Enhance Academic Writing for Publications- (Semester 3)
Focus on refining academic writing skills, going beyond assignments to aim for publishing short articles or research papers in college magazines or regional journals. Seek feedback from professors to improve clarity and structure.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, peer review with classmates, feedback from professors, open-access journals in political science
Career Connection
A strong publication record enhances academic profiles for PhD applications and demonstrates research capability for roles in policy analysis and academia.
Advanced Stage
Complete a High-Quality Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Focus intently on the ''''Project Work / Dissertation'''' in the final semester. Choose a relevant, impactful topic, conduct thorough research (primary/secondary), analyze findings critically, and present a well-structured, original piece of work.
Tools & Resources
Thesis supervisors, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for quantitative; Nvivo for qualitative), university library advanced databases, plagiarism checkers
Career Connection
The dissertation is a capstone project demonstrating advanced research and analytical skills, highly valued for academic careers, research positions, and competitive examinations.
Engage in Civil Services/Competitive Exam Prep- (Semester 4)
Alongside academic studies, dedicate time to prepare for competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services, State Public Service Commissions (KPSC), or NET/SET for academia. Integrate syllabus topics with exam preparation strategies.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), online test series, previous year question papers, dedicated study groups, government publications
Career Connection
Directly prepares for prestigious government jobs and academic positions in India, which are highly sought after by Political Science graduates.
Develop Interview & Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in mock interviews and group discussions organized by the college''''s placement cell. Practice presenting research findings effectively and articulating career goals clearly.
Tools & Resources
College career services, alumni mentors, online resources for interview preparation, public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Essential for successful placements in any sector, enabling graduates to confidently articulate their skills, knowledge, and potential to prospective employers or selection committees.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any Bachelor Degree examination of this university or any other university recognized as equivalent thereto with Political Science as a major/optional subject securing not less than 45% (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates) marks in aggregate.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 1.1 | Modern Political Theory | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Theory, Liberalism, Marxism and Socialism, Feminism, Conservatism and Anarchism, Post-Modernism |
| MP 1.2 | Principles of Public Administration | Core | 4 | Introduction to Public Administration, Theories of Administration, Bureaucracy and Organisation, Personnel Administration, Financial Administration, Good Governance |
| MP 1.3 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Dharma, Danda), Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Medieval Indian Political Thought, Ram Mohan Roy and Gandhi, Ambedkar and Nehru |
| MP 1.4 | India''''s Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Evolution and Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment Movement, India and its Neighbors, India and Major Powers (USA, Russia, China), Contemporary Challenges |
| MP 1.5 | Human Rights | Core | 4 | Concept and Theories of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, National Human Rights Commission, International Human Rights Organizations |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 2.1 | Indian Government and Politics | Core | 4 | Philosophical Foundations of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Duties and Directive Principles, Union Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, Federalism and Centre-State Relations, State Government Structures |
| MP 2.2 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli and Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, J.S. Mill and Hegel, Marx and Gramsci |
| MP 2.3 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations and International Organizations, Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU), Global Issues and Challenges |
| MP 2.4 | Social Movements in India | Core | 4 | Theories of Social Movements, Peasant and Tribal Movements, Workers and Women''''s Movements, Environmental Movements, Dalit and Human Rights Movements |
| MP 2.5 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Types of Research, Research Design and Hypothesis, Methods of Data Collection, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 3.1 | Public Policy Analysis | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Policy, Models of Public Policy, Policy Formulation and Implementation, Policy Evaluation and Analysis, Role of State and Non-State Actors |
| MP 3.2 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Culture and Socialization, Electoral Systems and Party Systems, Comparative Legislatures, Executives, Judiciaries |
| MP 3.3 | Indian Administration | Core | 4 | Evolution of Indian Administration, Union and State Administration, Public Sector Undertakings, Local Government and District Administration, Administrative Reforms and Corruption |
| MP 3.4A | Women and Politics | Open Elective | 4 | Feminist Theories and Perspectives, Women''''s Movement in India, Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, Gender and Development, Gender and Global Politics |
| MP 3.4B | Elections and Political Process in India | Open Elective | 4 | Electoral System in India, Election Commission of India, Role of Money and Media in Elections, Electoral Reforms, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Coalition Politics |
| MP 3.5A | Human Rights and Environmental Politics | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept and Scope of Human Rights, Environmental Ethics and Justice, Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change Politics and Governance, India''''s Environmental Policy |
| MP 3.5B | Conflict and Peace Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Conflict, Types and Causes of Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Transformation, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, Human Security and Disarmament, Role of UN in Peacekeeping |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 4.1 | State Politics in India | Core | 4 | Nature of State Politics in India, Regionalism and Language Politics, Caste and Religion in State Politics, Coalition Governments, Centre-State Relations, Economic Development and Disparities |
| MP 4.2 | Global Political Economy | Core | 4 | Theories of Global Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Global Institutions (WTO, IMF, World Bank), Globalization and its Impact, Debt Crisis and Developing Countries |
| MP 4.3 | Contemporary Political Issues | Core | 4 | Terrorism and Global Security, Climate Change and Environmental Governance, Migration and Refugee Crisis, Digital Politics and Social Media, Identity Politics and Nationalism, Good Governance and Decentralization |
| MP 4.4A | Theory and Practice of Diplomacy | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Evolution and Functions of Diplomacy, Types of Diplomacy (e.g., Bilateral, Multilateral), Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities, International Law and Treaties, Negotiation and Crisis Management |
| MP 4.4B | Peace and Non-Violence in Indian Tradition | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concepts of Peace and Ahimsa in Ancient India, Buddhist and Jain Philosophy of Non-Violence, Gandhi''''s Philosophy of Non-Violence, Satyagraha and Sarvodaya, Relevance in Contemporary World |
| MP 4.5 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Topic Selection and Formulation, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Research Methodology and Design, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
