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B-A-HONS in Political Science at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at University of Delhi Delhi?
This Political Science (Hons.) program at University of Delhi focuses on a comprehensive understanding of political theories, institutions, and processes at national, international, and global levels. It delves into the historical evolution of political thought, contemporary political dynamics, and the intricacies of public administration and policy in India, preparing students for critical analysis and informed engagement in various spheres.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, policy analysis, and research roles. It also suits individuals passionate about social issues, governance, and international relations who aspire to contribute to public life or pursue advanced academic degrees in political science or related fields, offering a strong foundation for diverse career paths.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths including administrative services (UPSC, state PSCs), policy think tanks, non-governmental organizations, media houses, and international organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience, fostering roles in advocacy, public relations, and academia across the Indian landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core political theories and concepts like liberty, equality, justice, and the basics of Indian constitutional framework. Engage in active reading of prescribed texts and supplementary materials for conceptual clarity.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, NCERT textbooks for Indian Constitution, Online lectures from NPTEL or Swayam on political theory, Peer study groups for collaborative learning
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, ensuring clarity and depth in essay writing and general studies papers, and for academic pursuits.
Develop Critical Thinking and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, debate different perspectives, and practice analytical essay writing. Begin exploring research methodologies by identifying contemporary political issues in India and structuring arguments.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals like Economic and Political Weekly, Seminar, Newspaper editorials (The Hindu, Indian Express), University writing workshops, Basic research guides on academic writing
Career Connection
Essential for roles in policy analysis, journalism, and advocacy, where evaluating information, forming reasoned arguments, and presenting findings coherently are paramount skills.
Engage with Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly follow national and international political developments through reliable sources. Connect classroom learnings about governance, international relations, and public policy to real-world events and contemporary challenges.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news channels (Lok Sabha TV, Rajya Sabha TV), News apps from trusted media outlets, Current affairs magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan, Daily broadsheets for in-depth analysis
Career Connection
Indispensable for civil service aspirants and anyone seeking a career in media, think tanks, or international relations, providing contextual knowledge and enhancing analytical abilities.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Internships and Field Projects- (Semester 3-5 (especially during summer breaks))
Seek internships with NGOs, political parties, policy research organizations, or even under local MPs/MLAs. Engage in small-scale field projects or surveys related to public opinion or local governance during breaks.
Tools & Resources
University career cell and placement drives, LinkedIn for professional networking, Organizations like PRS Legislative Research, Centre for Policy Research, Networking events and seminars
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure to policy-making, campaign management, and grassroots governance, building a strong resume and professional network for placements and further studies.
Specialize through Electives- (Semester 3-6)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) that align with your emerging career interests, whether it''''s international relations, public administration, or Indian politics, to build expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors and mentors, Alumni network for insights into career paths, Detailed course descriptions for elective choices, Online resources specific to chosen sub-fields
Career Connection
Helps develop specialized knowledge and skills, making you more marketable for specific roles in your chosen domain and enhancing preparedness for postgraduate studies in a niche area.
Participate in Debates and Model UN- (Semester 3-5)
Join debate societies, Model United Nations (MUN) clubs, and quiz competitions to hone public speaking, negotiation, and quick-thinking skills. This also broadens global awareness and diplomatic understanding.
Tools & Resources
College cultural and academic societies, Inter-college events and competitions, Online resources for MUN preparation and debate techniques
Career Connection
Develops strong communication, leadership, and analytical qualities, which are vital for civil services interviews, diplomatic careers, and leadership roles in various sectors.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Research and Dissertation- (Semester 7-8)
For those opting for the 4-year degree, dedicate significant effort to the research project/dissertation in Semesters 7-8. Choose a relevant topic, conduct rigorous research, and produce a high-quality academic output demonstrating independent scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
University research guides and methodology workshops, Academic databases (JSTOR, Sage Journals, ProQuest), Faculty supervisors for guidance and mentorship, Statistical software (if applicable) for data analysis
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing M.A. or Ph.D. degrees, and highly valued in research-oriented roles in think tanks, academia, and policy analysis for demonstrating in-depth analytical capabilities.
Network and Attend Conferences- (Semester 6-8)
Attend academic conferences, seminars, and workshops in political science, often hosted by DU or other institutions. Network with faculty, researchers, and professionals in your chosen field to gain insights and build connections.
Tools & Resources
University event calendars and departmental notices, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Political Science Association), LinkedIn for connecting with academics and practitioners
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, collaborative projects, and job opportunities, providing insights into advanced research and diverse career pathways in policy, academia, and public service.
Prepare for Higher Studies/Competitive Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Systematically prepare for entrance exams for postgraduate studies (MA Political Science, Law, Journalism) or competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services. Focus on revising core concepts, current affairs, and regular mock tests to assess preparedness.
Tools & Resources
Specialized coaching institutes (if desired), Previous year question papers for target exams, Online test series and study groups, Dedicated study materials and reference books
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing admission to prestigious postgraduate programs or qualifying for highly competitive government jobs, shaping your long-term career trajectory in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or its equivalent. Admission based on CUET (UG) scores, with specific subject combination requirements (e.g., Language + 2 subjects from List B1 + 1 subject from B1/B2, OR Language + 1 subject from B1 + General Test).
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12321301 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | Core | 4 | What is Comparative Politics, Approaches to Comparative Politics, States and Regimes, Constitutions and Constitutionalism, Electoral Systems |
| 12321302 | Perspectives on Public Administration | Core | 4 | Public Administration as a Discipline, Theories of Public Administration, Development Administration, Public Policy, Good Governance |
| 12321303 | Perspectives on International Relations and World History | Core | 4 | Study of International Relations, Theories of International Relations, Cold War and Post-Cold War Era, Global Challenges, Role of International Organizations |
| 12323301 | Legislative Practices and Procedures (Example) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Structure of Parliament, Legislative Process, Committee System, Budget Process, Parliamentary Debates |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12321401 | Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective | Core | 4 | Classifications of Political Systems, Party Systems, Federalism, Nationalism, Decentralisation |
| 12321402 | Public Policy and Administration in India | Core | 4 | Public Policy: Nature and Scope, Policy Making Process, Social Welfare Policies in India, Environmental Policies in India, Good Governance Initiatives |
| 12321403 | Global Politics | Core | 4 | Globalisation and its Impact, Global Economy and Inequality, Global Environment Issues, Global Justice, International Security |
| 12323401 | Electoral Politics in India (Example) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Electoral System in India, Voting Behaviour, Role of Election Commission, Electoral Reforms, Money and Muscle Power in Elections |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12321501 | Classical Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Plato: Justice, Ideal State, Aristotle: Forms of Government, Citizenship, Machiavelli: Statecraft, Morality and Politics, Hobbes: State of Nature, Social Contract, Locke: Natural Rights, Limited Government, Rousseau: General Will, Popular Sovereignty |
| 12321502 | Indian Political Thought-I | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Dharma, Danda), Kautilya''''s Arthashastra, Medieval Indian Political Thought (Abul Fazl), Raja Rammohan Roy and Liberalism, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: Swaraj, Satyagraha |
| 12327501 | India’s Foreign Policy in a Globalizing World (Example) | Elective | 4 | Determinants of India''''s Foreign Policy, India and Major Powers (US, Russia, China), India and its Neighbours, India''''s Multilateral Engagements (UN, BRICS), Contemporary Challenges (Terrorism, Climate Change) |
| 12327502 | Democracy and Governance (Example) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Democracy, Good Governance: Concepts and Debates, Decentralization and Local Governance, Role of Civil Society, E-governance |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12321601 | Modern Political Philosophy | Core | 4 | Liberalism: Classical and Contemporary, Marxism: Historical Materialism, Class Struggle, Socialism: Utopian and Scientific, Conservatism, Anarchism, Feminism |
| 12321602 | Indian Political Thought-II | Core | 4 | Aurobindo: Nationalism, Spiritual Evolution, M.N. Roy: Radical Humanism, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: Sarvodaya, Jawaharlal Nehru: Secularism, Democracy, B.R. Ambedkar: Social Justice, Annihilation of Caste, V.D. Savarkar: Hindutva |
| 12327601 | Contemporary Political Theory (Example) | Elective | 4 | Communitarianism, Multiculturalism, Post-modernism, Deliberative Democracy, Feminist Political Theory |
| 12327602 | Environmental Politics (Example) | Elective | 4 | Environmental Movements in India, Global Environmental Governance, Climate Change Politics, Sustainable Development, Environmental Justice |
