.png&w=1920&q=75)
BACHELOR-OF-ARTS in Political Science at Sree Kerala Varma College
Thrissur, Kerala
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Sree Kerala Varma College Thrissur?
This BA Political Science program at Sree Kerala Varma College focuses on understanding governance, political theories, public policy, and international relations within a comprehensive framework. The curriculum is designed to impart critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of political processes, relevant to India''''s dynamic socio-political landscape and evolving global order. Graduates gain expertise in constitutional law, public administration, and socio-political dynamics, equipping them for various roles in the public and non-profit sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, policy analysis, and social work. It also caters to individuals with a keen interest in political phenomena, aspiring researchers, and those who wish to pursue higher education in political science, international relations, or public administration. Students with a strong foundation in humanities and social sciences from their plus-two education will find this program particularly engaging and beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including civil services (UPSC, state PSCs), political journalism, research roles in think tanks, public relations, and positions in NGOs focusing on advocacy and development. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals in policy-making, administration, and international organizations. The program aligns well with competitive exams and advanced academic pursuits.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational political science concepts like state, sovereignty, liberty, and justice. Utilize library resources for classic texts and academic journals. Participate in class discussions to clarify doubts and build a strong conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
College Library, NCERT Political Science textbooks, Online academic articles
Career Connection
A robust conceptual understanding is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC/PSC) and for advanced studies, forming the bedrock of political analysis.
Develop Strong Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving both written and oral communication through regular essay writing, participation in debates, and delivering presentations. Leverage common English and additional language courses to refine language proficiency and articulation.
Tools & Resources
College debate club, Toastmasters (if available), Grammarly, Newspaper editorial reading
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for roles in journalism, public relations, civil services, and advocacy, enabling clear expression of ideas and policies.
Build Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Recognize the interconnectedness of Political Science with History and Economics (complementary subjects). Attend guest lectures on current affairs and integrate knowledge from different disciplines to gain a holistic perspective on socio-political issues.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminars, News analysis platforms (The Hindu, Indian Express), Economic Survey documents
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary thinking is highly valued in policy analysis, research, and international relations, offering a broader understanding of complex problems.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Indian Political Dynamics- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into the Indian Constitution, electoral processes, and federal structure. Follow contemporary Indian political events, analyze government policies, and understand the role of political parties and civil society organizations in India.
Tools & Resources
PRS Legislative Research, Election Commission of India website, Constituent Assembly Debates
Career Connection
Essential for aspiring civil servants, political analysts, and anyone looking to work within the Indian public administration or political landscape.
Cultivate Research Aptitude- (Semester 3-5)
Begin developing basic research skills by undertaking mini-projects or extended essays. Learn to identify research questions, collect data (even secondary), and structure arguments. Attend workshops on research methodology and academic writing.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, College research guidance cell, Mendeley for referencing
Career Connection
Prepares students for academic research, think tanks, policy analysis, and robust project work in various organizations.
Participate in Model UN/Youth Parliaments- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in Model United Nations (MUN) or Youth Parliament sessions. These platforms foster diplomatic skills, public speaking, negotiation, and understanding of international and national legislative processes.
Tools & Resources
College MUN club, United Nations websites, Parliament of India website
Career Connection
Enhances skills crucial for international relations, foreign service, diplomacy, and a deeper understanding of legislative functions.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Practical Internships- (Semester 5-6 (during breaks))
Seek internships with NGOs, political campaigns, research institutions, government departments, or media houses. Gain hands-on experience in policy implementation, advocacy, data analysis, or journalistic reporting.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, NGO websites, Local administration offices, Think tank career pages
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world exposure, builds professional networks, and significantly boosts employability and placement prospects.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 5-6)
Start dedicated preparation for civil services (UPSC CSE, State PSCs), UGC NET, or other relevant entrance exams. Join study groups, solve previous year''''s papers, and consider specialized coaching if feasible.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, Government publications, Newspapers for current affairs
Career Connection
Directly targets careers in India''''s esteemed civil services, public sector roles, and academic positions, offering stable and impactful career paths.
Specialize through Electives and Project Work- (Semester 6)
Carefully choose elective subjects that align with career interests (e.g., Political Sociology, Diplomacy). Undertake a comprehensive project that allows in-depth exploration of a specific area, applying research methodology learned.
Tools & Resources
Academic mentors, Departmental faculty for guidance, Specialized books and journals
Career Connection
Develops expertise in a niche area, making graduates more attractive to specialized roles in research, policy formulation, or advocacy organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates who have passed the Plus Two or equivalent examination or an examination recognized by the University of Calicut as equivalent thereto are eligible for admission.
Duration: 6 Semesters / 3 Years
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Common English I | Common | 4 | Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Grammar Fundamentals, Essay Writing, Story Analysis |
| A02 | Common English II | Common | 3 | Vocabulary Building, Paragraph Writing, Critical Thinking, Article Analysis, Introduction to Literary Forms |
| A03 | Common Additional Language I (e.g., Malayalam) | Common | 4 | Regional Language Literature, Grammar Rules, Prose and Poetry, Language Skills Development, Cultural Context |
| PS1B01 | Introduction to Political Science | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Science, Approaches to Political Study, Key Concepts: State, Sovereignty, Power, Authority, Legitimacy, Politics and Society |
| HY1C01 | Social Formations and Cultural Transformations in Ancient and Medieval World | Complementary (History) | 4 | Hunter-Gatherer Societies, Neolithic Revolution, Early Civilizations, Feudalism, Cultural Developments in Empires |
| EC1C01 | Principles of Micro Economics | Complementary (Economics) | 4 | Introduction to Economics, Demand and Supply Analysis, Consumer Behaviour, Production and Costs, Market Structures |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A04 | Common English III | Common | 4 | Advanced Reading Techniques, Literary Criticism, Report Writing, Academic Writing, Research Skill Basics |
| A05 | Common English IV | Common | 3 | Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques, Public Speaking |
| A06 | Common Additional Language II (e.g., Malayalam) | Common | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Translation Practice, Modern Literature, Media Studies, Cultural Aspects |
| PS2B02 | Concepts of Political Science | Core | 4 | Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights and Duties, Democracy: Theories and Models, Citizenship: Concept and Debates, Nation, Nationalism, and State |
| HY2C02 | Social Formations and Cultural Transformations in the Modern World | Complementary (History) | 4 | Industrial Revolution, Rise of Capitalism and Socialism, Colonialism and Imperialism, World Wars and Cold War, Globalization and Post-Modernism |
| EC2C02 | Principles of Macro Economics | Complementary (Economics) | 4 | National Income Accounting, Consumption and Investment, Money and Banking, Inflation and Unemployment, Fiscal and Monetary Policy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A07 | Common English V | Common | 4 | Reading and Writing Skills, Critical Analysis of Texts, Argumentation and Persuasion, Effective Language Use, Communication Strategies |
| A08 | Common Additional Language III (e.g., Malayalam) | Common | 4 | Malayalam Journalism, Advanced Translation, Cultural Studies, Film and Literature, Regional Literary Trends |
| PS3B03 | Political Ideas, Concepts and Institutions | Core | 4 | Plato''''s Ideal State, Aristotle''''s Political Philosophy, Machiavelli''''s Realism, Hobbes'''' Social Contract, Locke''''s Natural Rights, Rousseau''''s General Will |
| PS3B04 | Modern Governments | Core | 4 | Constitutionalism, Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems, Federal vs. Unitary Systems, Electoral Systems, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Bureaucracy and Governance |
| HY3C03 | History of India (1707-1857) | Complementary (History) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, European Invasions, British Colonial Expansion, Socio-Religious Reforms, Revolt of 1857 |
| EC3C03 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis I | Complementary (Economics) | 4 | Basic Mathematics for Economics, Functions and their Applications, Derivatives and Integrals, Basic Statistical Concepts, Probability Theory |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A09 | Common English VI | Common | 4 | Advanced Communication Skills, Business English, Technical Writing, Interview Skills, Group Discussion Techniques |
| A10 | Common Additional Language IV (e.g., Malayalam) | Common | 4 | Modern Malayalam Fiction, Poetry and Drama Analysis, Literary Theory, Cultural Critiques, Contemporary Writings |
| PS4B05 | Ancient and Medieval Political Thought | Core | 4 | Greek Political Thought, Roman Political Thought, Medieval European Political Thought, Indian Political Thought (Kautilya), Concept of Dharma and Danda, Islamic Political Ideas |
| PS4B06 | Political Ideologies | Core | 4 | Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Marxism, Fascism and Anarchism, Feminism, Environmentalism |
| HY4C04 | History of India (1857-1947) | Complementary (History) | 4 | Post-1857 British Policies, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Early Nationalists and Extremists, Gandhian Era, Partition of India, Indian Independence |
| EC4C04 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis II | Complementary (Economics) | 4 | Correlation and Regression, Index Numbers, Time Series Analysis, Sampling Methods, Hypothesis Testing |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5B07 | Western Political Thought | Core | 4 | Machiavelli''''s Prince, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham and Utilitarianism, J.S. Mill on Liberty, Hegel''''s Philosophy of State, Marx''''s Historical Materialism |
| PS5B08 | Indian Constitution and Politics | Core | 4 | Constituent Assembly, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Executive and Legislature, Judiciary in India, Federalism and Electoral Process |
| PS5B09 | International Relations | Core | 4 | Theories of International Relations, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations and International Law, Regional Organizations, Globalization and its Impact, Contemporary Global Issues |
| PS5B10 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Ethics |
| PS5D01 | Human Rights in India | Open Course | 3 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in Indian Constitution, National Human Rights Commission, Challenges to Human Rights in India |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS6B11 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought, Medieval Thinkers, Modern Indian Political Thought, Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru, Communalism and Nationalism, Reform Movements and Ideas |
| PS6B12 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Organization, Bureaucracy and its Role, Personnel Administration, Financial Administration, Good Governance and E-governance |
| PS6B13 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Study, Political Systems and Constitutions, Electoral Systems, Political Parties in Developing Countries, Challenges in Comparative Analysis |
| PS6B14E1 | Political Sociology | Elective | 4 | Political Culture, Political Socialization, Political Participation, Elites and Power Structures, Class, Caste, Gender and Politics, Social Movements |
| PS6B15(Pr) | Project | Project | 2 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Research Ethics |
