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BA in Political Science at SSR College of Arts, Commerce and Science
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at SSR College of Arts, Commerce and Science Dadra and Nagar Haveli?
This Political Science program at SSR College of Arts, Commerce and Science focuses on diverse aspects of governance, public policy, political behavior, and international relations. It equips students with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing them for influential roles in civil services, journalism, policy analysis, and diplomacy within the dynamic Indian context, reflecting evolving societal needs and governmental structures.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a deep curiosity about current affairs, social dynamics, and governmental functions. It specifically targets fresh graduates aspiring for prestigious UPSC and state PSC examinations, individuals considering careers in NGOs, research, or public policy, and those passionate about contributing to democratic processes and societal development in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths, including civil servants, policy analysts, political journalists, diplomats, or roles within advocacy groups and think tanks. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with significant growth potential in government, public sector, and policy-oriented roles, leading to influential leadership positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Political Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental political theories, constitutional principles, and key terminologies. Engage in active reading of textbooks, diligent note-taking, and vibrant participation in classroom discussions to build a robust academic foundation.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Political Science textbooks (Classes XI-XII), Prominent Indian political thinkers'''' works, Academic journals
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is indispensable for competitive exams like UPSC and for successful progression into advanced studies and research in political science.
Cultivate Critical News Consumption- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a daily habit of reading reputable Indian newspapers such as The Hindu or Indian Express, alongside credible online news sources. This practice helps connect theoretical concepts with contemporary events and builds a nuanced understanding of India''''s political landscape.
Tools & Resources
Newspaper subscriptions (The Hindu, Indian Express), PRS Legislative Research reports, Lok Sabha TV/Rajya Sabha TV
Career Connection
This skill is critical for careers in journalism, policy analysis, and civil services, all of which demand up-to-date knowledge and sophisticated analytical interpretation.
Engage in Debates and Academic Clubs- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the college''''s political science or debate clubs. Organize or join mock parliamentary sessions and group discussions to significantly hone public speaking, argumentation, and collaborative skills within an academic setting.
Tools & Resources
College student clubs, Inter-collegiate debate competitions, Model UN simulations
Career Connection
This practice builds essential communication skills, boosts confidence, and develops leadership qualities, which are vital for public relations, advocacy, and civil service interviews.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Collaborate with faculty members or fellow students on small research projects focusing on pertinent Indian political issues, state governance (e.g., Gujarat''''s politics), or specific policy analyses. Learn to collect, analyze, and effectively present your findings.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic databases (JSTOR, ResearchGate), Basic survey tools
Career Connection
This develops crucial research and analytical skills, which are highly valued in think tanks, academic institutions, and roles requiring evidence-based policy formulation.
Intern with NGOs or Local Governance- (Semester 4-5)
Actively seek and complete internships with local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), municipal corporations, or political representatives'''' offices (e.g., MLA/MP). This provides invaluable practical insights into governance and policy implementation at the grassroots level in India.
Tools & Resources
College career services, Internship portals like Internshala, LinkedIn, Direct outreach to organizations
Career Connection
Offers significant real-world experience, vital networking opportunities, and a practical understanding of policy impact and pressing social issues in India.
Participate in Quizzes and Essay Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in university-level or national political science quizzes and essay competitions. This sharpens general knowledge, significantly improves writing skills, and tests critical thinking abilities under timed pressure, fostering a competitive academic spirit.
Tools & Resources
Current affairs magazines, Online quiz platforms, Academic events and workshops
Career Connection
Enhances broad general knowledge, refines analytical writing capabilities, and improves quick decision-making, all highly beneficial for competitive examinations and intellectually demanding roles.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Civil Services Exam Preparation- (Semester 6 (and beyond))
Initiate focused and rigorous preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination or relevant State Public Service Commission exams. Consider enrolling in reputable coaching classes, diligently solve previous years'''' question papers, and develop strong answer writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Reputable coaching institutes (e.g., Vajiram & Ravi), Online test series, Standard UPSC preparation books and guides
Career Connection
This practice serves as a direct and structured pathway to securing prestigious administrative, police, and foreign service roles within the Government of India.
Specialization through Elective Deep Dive- (Semester 5-6)
Strategically choose elective papers in areas such as International Relations, Human Rights, or Indian Political Thought that closely align with your specific career aspirations (e.g., diplomacy, advocacy, academia). Dedicate yourself to a deep dive into these chosen fields.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic books, Research papers and policy briefs, Expert lectures and seminars
Career Connection
Builds specialized expertise critical for specific career niches, advanced academic pursuits (MA/PhD), or impactful roles in international organizations and policy think tanks.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Actively connect with college alumni who have excelled in various political science-related fields. Attend relevant seminars, workshops, and conferences to expand your professional network and explore mentorship opportunities within India''''s policy, public service, and academic domains.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn professional networking platform, College alumni association events, Industry and academic conferences
Career Connection
Opens doors to potential placement opportunities, provides invaluable career advice, and offers critical insights into diverse professional pathways within India''''s political and public sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-101 | Political Theory (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Nature of Political Science, State and Sovereignty, Law, Rights, Liberty, Equality and Justice, Democracy |
| PS-102 | Indian Constitution (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Making of Indian Constitution, Preamble and Salient Features, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-201 | Political Theory (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Power, Authority, Legitimacy, Political System and Culture, Political Socialization, Political Development, Nation and Nationalism |
| PS-202 | Indian Constitution (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Union Legislature (Parliament), Union Judiciary (Supreme Court), State Executive and Legislature, Centre-State Relations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-301 | Western Political Thought (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Plato''''s Ideal State and Justice, Aristotle''''s Classification of Governments, Machiavelli''''s Political Realism, Hobbes''''s Social Contract, Locke and Rousseau on Rights and Sovereignty |
| PS-302 | Government and Politics of Gujarat | Core | 4 | Formation and Evolution of Gujarat State, Governor and Chief Minister of Gujarat, State Legislature in Gujarat, Panchayati Raj in Gujarat, Urban Local Self Government in Gujarat |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-401 | Western Political Thought (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Jeremy Bentham and Utilitarianism, J.S. Mill on Liberty and Representative Government, G.W.F. Hegel''''s Philosophy of State, Karl Marx''''s Historical Materialism, T.H. Green''''s Liberalism |
| PS-402 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature, Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Public Administration, Bureaucracy and its Role, Financial Administration, Personnel Administration |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-501 | International Relations (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature, Scope of International Relations, Theories of International Relations (Realism, Liberalism), Cold War and Bipolarity, Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations: Structure and Functions |
| PS-502 | Comparative Politics | Core | 4 | Meaning, Nature, Scope of Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Political Parties and Party Systems, Pressure Groups and Interest Articulation |
| PS-503 | Human Rights | Elective | 4 | Meaning and Concept of Human Rights, Types and Generations of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights Protection in India, National Human Rights Commission |
| PS-504 | Local Self Government (Rural & Urban) | Elective | 4 | Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, Role and Challenges of Local Governance |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-601 | International Relations (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Post-Cold War Era and New World Order, Globalization and its Impact, International Terrorism and Security Challenges, India''''s Foreign Policy Principles and Objectives, Regional Organizations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU) |
| PS-602 | Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Mahatma Gandhi''''s Swaraj and Satyagraha, Jawaharlal Nehru''''s Vision of Modern India, B.R. Ambedkar''''s Social Justice, V.D. Savarkar''''s Hindutva, Ram Manohar Lohia''''s Socialism |
| PS-603 | Political Sociology | Elective | 4 | Political Sociology as a Discipline, Political Culture and Socialization, Political Participation and Behavior, Elites and Power Structures, Social Movements and Political Change |
| PS-604 | Political Economy | Elective | 4 | Meaning and Scope of Political Economy, Capitalism, Socialism, and Mixed Economy, Marxist Political Economy, Globalization and Indian Economy, State and Market Interface |
