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BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-HONOURS in Political Science at Tetso College
Dimapur, Nagaland
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Tetso College Dimapur?
This Political Science program at Tetso College focuses on developing a deep understanding of political theories, institutions, and processes, with a strong emphasis on Indian and global political dynamics. Students explore governance, international relations, public policy, and comparative politics, preparing them for roles in public service, research, and civil society. The curriculum, aligned with Nagaland University, provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing political phenomena.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with an interest in governance, social justice, and international affairs, aspiring to careers in civil services, journalism, or non-governmental organizations. It also suits individuals seeking to understand the socio-political landscape of India and the world, offering a robust academic foundation for further studies in political science or related fields.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths including roles in public administration, policy analysis, advocacy, and research organizations across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential in government or NGO sectors. The program strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills, crucial for competitive examinations and impactful contributions to society.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Active Reading and Critical Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with political theory texts and constitutional documents. Develop the habit of questioning assumptions, analyzing arguments, and forming independent opinions. Participate actively in classroom discussions and debates to articulate your understanding.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Reputable news analysis (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express opinion pieces), Library resources for classic political texts
Career Connection
Essential for analytical roles in research, policy formulation, and journalism, enabling effective understanding of complex issues for civil services examinations.
Build Strong Research and Referencing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Learn to identify credible sources, synthesize information, and properly cite academic work using standard styles (e.g., APA, MLA). Practice writing well-structured essays and research papers.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases, College library''''s digital resources, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, University writing center support
Career Connection
Crucial for academic research, policy drafting, and report writing in NGOs and government, ensuring integrity and credibility in all written output.
Engage with Current Affairs and Indian Polity- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow national and international news, focusing on political developments, government policies, and social movements in India. Connect classroom concepts to real-world events.
Tools & Resources
Daily newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), News magazines (Frontline, India Today), Rajya Sabha TV/Sansad TV debates, PRS Legislative Research for policy briefs
Career Connection
Directly prepares for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, state public service commissions, and roles in policy advocacy or political journalism.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Short-Term Internships or Field Visits- (Semester 3-5 (during breaks))
Seek opportunities to intern with local NGOs, community organizations, or even political offices to gain practical exposure to ground-level political processes and social work. Participate in college-organized field trips.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, NGO directories, Local government offices, Alumni network for leads
Career Connection
Provides hands-on experience, strengthens professional networks, and helps clarify career interests in development, advocacy, or public service sectors.
Develop Specialized Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on specific sub-fields like public policy analysis, international relations theory, or comparative politics methods. Utilize case studies and data analysis where applicable.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL) on specific policy areas or research methods, Advanced textbooks, Departmental workshops
Career Connection
Qualifies for specialized roles in think tanks, research institutions, and policy implementation bodies, demanding in-depth subject matter expertise.
Participate in Debates, Model UN, and Essay Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in extracurricular activities that simulate political processes or require persuasive articulation of political ideas. This hones public speaking and negotiation skills.
Tools & Resources
College debating society, Model UN clubs, Inter-collegiate competitions, Departmental events
Career Connection
Enhances communication, leadership, and diplomatic skills, highly valued in civil services, foreign service, and corporate public relations.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Research Project and Presentation- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to your final year dissertation or research project. Aim for high-quality research, and if possible, explore opportunities to present at seminars or college-level publications.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Academic databases, Research methodology workshops, University library resources
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, a major asset for postgraduate studies, research roles, and adds significant weight to CVs for all career paths.
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6)
Begin rigorous preparation for civil services exams (UPSC, NPSC) or other competitive tests. Focus on general studies, current affairs, and political science as an optional subject, utilizing mock tests and study groups.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes, Online test series, Previous years'''' question papers, Peer study groups, Government publications
Career Connection
Directly targets highly sought-after positions in the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and state administrative services.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)
Actively connect with college alumni working in relevant fields (government, NGOs, media, academia). Attend career fairs and workshops to understand industry trends and seek mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Alumni association, LinkedIn, Career services office, Professional conferences
Career Connection
Facilitates internships, job referrals, and insights into career progression, providing a vital edge in the competitive job market in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in HSSLC/Equivalent with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Introduction to Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Human Population and Environment |
| C1 | Understanding Political Theory | Core | 6 | What is Politics and Political Theory, Approaches to Political Theory, Conceptions of Liberty and Equality, Rights and Citizenship, Justice |
| C2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India | Core | 6 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Philosophy and Features of the Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Organs of Government, Federalism and Local Self Government |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective 1 (Choice-based from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose an elective from disciplines other than Political Science offered by the college. |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Speaking Skills, Listening Skills |
| C3 | Political Theory: Concepts and Debates | Core | 6 | State and Sovereignty, Power and Authority, Democracy and its Models, Ideologies: Liberalism, Socialism, Nationalism, Feminism and Multiculturalism |
| C4 | Political Processes in India | Core | 6 | Party System in India, Electoral Process and Reforms, Caste, Class, Gender and Politics, Religion and Politics, Regionalism and Social Movements |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective 2 (Choice-based from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose an elective from disciplines other than Political Science offered by the college. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C5 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 6 | What is Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, Forms of Government and Constitutions, Electoral Systems and Political Parties, Federalism and Unitary Systems |
| C6 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 6 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Classical Approaches (Scientific Management, Bureaucracy), Human Relations and Rational Choice Theories, New Public Administration and Public Policy, Accountability and Control |
| C7 | Perspectives on International Relations | Core | 6 | What is International Relations, Theories of IR (Realism, Liberalism, Marxism), Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Non-Alignment Movement, Globalisation |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective 3 (Choice-based from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose an elective from disciplines other than Political Science offered by the college. |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course 1 (Choice-based) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Students choose one from: Human Rights, Gender and Environment; Conflict and Peace Building; United Nations and Global Conflicts. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C8 | Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core | 6 | Approaches to Studying Political Systems, Nationalism and State Formation, Electoral Systems (FPTP, PR), Party Systems (One-Party, Two-Party, Multi-Party), Legislatures, Executives, Judiciaries |
| C9 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 6 | Public Policy: Nature and Importance, Policy Making Process in India, Budget and Financial Administration, E-Governance, Right to Information Act, Citizen and Administration |
| C10 | Global Politics | Core | 6 | International System and State Sovereignty, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, United Nations and Regional Organizations, Global Environmental Issues, International Terrorism and Non-State Actors |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective 4 (Choice-based from other departments) | Generic Elective | 6 | Students choose an elective from disciplines other than Political Science offered by the college. |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course 2 (Choice-based) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Students choose one from: Your Laws, Your Rights; Understanding the Legal Framework; Media and Politics. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C11 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Plato''''s Ideal State and Justice, Aristotle''''s Classification of Constitutions, Machiavelli''''s Realism, Hobbes'''' Social Contract Theory, Locke''''s Natural Rights, Rousseau''''s General Will |
| C12 | Indian Political Thought-I | Core | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Dharma, Danda, Statecraft), Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Agnasutra and Barani, Abul Fazal''''s Ain-i-Akbari, Kabir and Guru Nanak |
| DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective 1 (Choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from options like Development Process and Social Movements in India, Public Policy in India, India''''s Foreign Policy, etc. |
| DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective 2 (Choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from options like Themes in Comparative Political Theory, State and Society in North East India, Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective, etc. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C13 | Modern Political Philosophy | Core | 6 | Mary Wollstonecraft''''s Feminism, John Stuart Mill''''s Liberty and Representative Government, Hegel''''s Philosophy of History and State, Marx''''s Historical Materialism and Class Struggle, Gramsci''''s Hegemony |
| C14 | Indian Political Thought-II | Core | 6 | Raja Ram Mohan Roy''''s Liberalism, Pandita Ramabai''''s Social Reform, Swami Vivekananda''''s Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi''''s Swaraj and Satyagraha, B.R. Ambedkar''''s Social Justice, Jawaharlal Nehru''''s Democratic Socialism |
| DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective 3 (Choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from options like Citizenship in a Globalising World, Understanding Governance, Feminism Theory and Practice, Dilemmas in Development, etc. |
| DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective 4 (Choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Students choose one from the remaining DSE options from the overall list provided by the university for Political Science Honours. |
