Bachelor of Arts (Pass Course) Political Science
(Effective from the Academic Year 2018)
Name of the department : Political Science
Year of establishment : 1967
Name of Programme/Courses : B.A. (Pass) Political Science, M.A. Political Science
No. of Teaching posts sanctioned : 05
No. of Teaching posts filled : 04

Aims of Bachelor Degree Programme (B.A. Pass) Political Science

The new curriculum of B.A. Political Science has been structured is such a way that they introduce the students to the vast canvas of subjects that concern the discipline of political science. Beginning with a focus on concepts and theories to understand the different aspects of politics it moves on to show how these concepts are translated into practice. The courses encourage students to think critically and develop a new understanding and explanation.

The B.A. programme in Political Science will help students in making an informed decision regarding the goals that they wish to pursue in further education and life at large.

Nature of B.A. Political Science Programme

The undergraduate syllabus of Political Science under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) requires students to complete four Discipline Specific Courses (DSC), two Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSE), four Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) and two Generic Elective Courses (GE) spread over three years.
The core courses offered by the Programme aims to provide students with a conceptual and foundational understanding of different aspects of political science, whereas the Discipline Specific Electives focus on classically important areas of enquiry. The Skill Enhancement Courses acquaint the students with the applied and practical aspects of political science. The Generic Elective Courses of Political Science are offered to non-political science students and one of the GE covers different aspects of Himachal Pradesh and another makes students aware about gender, human rights and environment.
The overall syllabus aims to make the students proficient in Political Science.

Graduate Attributes of B.A. (Pass) Political Science

The following are the expected attributes of B.A. Political Science students :

• Foundational knowledge of Political Science and a clear understanding of theoretical and applied aspects of the discipline.
• Communication skills to express thoughts and ideas both in writing and orally.
• Moral and ethical awareness.
• Socially inclusive approach and awareness to the values of different cultures.
• Critical thinking to develop a sense of inquiry and basic research related skills.
• Team work and problem solving.

Career Options for Political Science Graduates :

Graduates in Political Science have diverse career options. Some of these include :

• Academic/Teaching
• Administrative Service
• Law and Consulting
• Journalism and Communications
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Advocacy Organizations and electoral politics
• Survey and Research
• Policy Making

Teaching-Learning Process

• Lectures/Tutorials
• ICT/PowerPoint Presentation
• Assignments and Project Work
• Debates, Discussions, Quiz
• Interaction with Subject and Area Experts
• Films and Documentary

Structure and Credit Distribution of B.A. Political Science Programme

Course wise Details of Programme Objective and Outcomes for B.A.in Political Science

B.A.-I
DSC-1A-POLS 101: Introduction to Political Theory

Course Objectives :

To familiarizes the students with the basic ideas and concepts of political theory including traditional as well as contemporary approaches.

course Learning Outcomes :

The expected learning outcomes would be:

• Clearly understand the various theories and concepts.
• Develop the ability to make logical inferences about social and political issues.
• Understand the significance of theorizing and of applying theory into practice.

DSC-1B-POLS 102: Indian Government and Politics

Course Objectices :

The aim of this course is to enable students to understand the state structure and institutions established by the Constitution of India.

Course Learning outcomes :

After completing the course, students would be able to :

• Familiar with the debates around the origin and evolution of the Indian Constitution.
• Understand how the government functions through its various organs.
• Understand the social and economic issues that influence the working of Indian Polity.

B.A.-II
DSC-1C-POLS 201 : Comparative Government and Politics

Course Objective :

To familiarize students with the basic concepts, methods and scope of comparative politics, different approaches including their strengths and weaknesses.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• Students would understand the structure and function of institutions in comparative perspective.
• Understand the functioning of some major political systems of the world including UK, USA, Canada and China.
• Understand the functioning of party systems in comparative perspective.

DSC-1D-POLS 202 : Introduction to International Relations

Course Objective :

The course aims to deepen students’ knowledge of International Politics and equip them with theoretical tools to understand and assess contemporary developments in international relations.

Course Learning Outcomes :

At the end of this course, students would be able :

• To have a comprehensive understanding of historical processes and contemporary practices in International Relations.
• Understand the foundational theories, concepts and approaches of International Relations.
• The students will be able to go beyond Eurocentric International Relations and reflect on emerging centers of power including India.1

SEC-I-POLS 203 : Legislative Support

Course Objective :

This course will acquaint the students with the legislative process in India at national as well as state levels. It will also deepen their understanding of Panchayati Raj institutions and its importance for our democracy.

Course Learning Outcomes :

At the end of the course, students shall be able to :

• Understand the structure and functions of law making bodies in India at different levels.
• Understand the functioning of grass-roots democracy in India.
• Acquire basic knowledge of different legislative documents, especially the Budget Document.

SEC-2-POLS 204 : Public Opinion and Survey Research

Course Objective :

This course will introduce the students various principles and practices of public opinion. It will familiarize them with methods of social research both qualitative as well as quantitative.

Course Learning Outcomes :

After completing the course the students will be able to :

• Understand the importance and role of public opinion in democracy.
• Acquire basic skill to measure public opinion.
• Learn the methods of scientific research like sampling, survey, interview and questionnaire.

B.A.-III
DSE-1A-POLS 301(A) : Themes in Comparative Political Theory

Course Objective :

The objective of this course is to make students familiar with the works and political thought of main thinkers of Western and Indian tradition.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• Students would be able to critically understand the features of Indian and Western Political Thought.
• The students will be able to know the evolution of modern India Political Thought.
• The course will familiarize students with the ideas of some key political thinkers of modern India.

DSE-1A-POLS 301(B): Administration and Public Policy: Concepts and Theories

Course Objective :

This is an introductory course on public administration with emphasis on the various classical and contemporary theories of administration.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• The students will be able to understand an overview of the discipline including its evolution.
• The students would be able to understand different administrative theories.
• Learn the process of policy formulation, its implementation and evaluation.

DSC-1B-POLS 302(A) : Democracy and Governance

course Objective :

The objective of this course is to enable students to understand the democratic political process in India and its relationship with existing social and economic environment.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• The students would be able to understand the structure and process of Governance at Union and State Level.
• Develop an insight into dynamics of civil society and new social movements.
• Understand the challenges of liberalization and prospects of E-Governance.

DSE-1B-POLS 302(B) : Understanding Globalization

Course Objective :

The course introduces students to the contemporary debates on the meaning and natures of globalization. It provides an insight into the working of world economy.

course Learning Outcomes :

• The students will have foundational understanding of the meaning, nature and significance of globalization.
• The students would be able to understand the major actors of world politics like United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO).
• This course will enhance the students’ understanding of contemporary world issues, esp. Global Warming, Terrorism, Poverty and Inequality.

SEC-3-POLS 303 : Democratic Awareness Through Legal Literacy

Course Objective :

The objective of this course is to enable students to understand the legal system in India and functioning of different courts. Democratic awareness of the students will deepen when they understand different available rights and duties.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• Develop an understanding of structure and principles of the legal system of India.
• Develop Basic awareness and skills to safeguard the rights guaranteed to citizens and other persons.
• Develop an understanding of law not merely as state sanctioned rules but also as a source of rights.

SEC-4-POLS 304 : Conflict and Peace Building

Course Objective ;

This course introduces the students with Peace and Conflict Resolution including key concepts and related theories.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• The students will be able to understand the various types of conflict.
• The course will enhance the ability of students to understand peaceful and non-violent techniques of conflict resolution.
• The study of diplomatic techniques-Track I and Track II Diplomacy will enhance their knowledge of this subject.

GE-1-POLS 305 : Society, Economy and Politics in Himachal Pradesh

Course Objective :

The aim of the course is to make students aware about the society, economy and politics of Himachal Pradesh. It traces the journey of Himachal Pradesh from the politics of statehood to its current position.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• Demonstrate the understanding of the evolution of Himachal Pradesh as a state of India.
• This course will enhance the knowledge of students about the economy and Hydro-Electric Power Projects of Himachal Pradesh.
• The study of political parties, electoral politics, role of caste and politics of sub-regionalism will further enhance their knowledge of Himachal Pradesh.

GE-2-POLS 306 : Human Rights, Gender and Environment

Course Objective :

The course introduces the students about different strands in the debates on human rights, gender and environment. The Course Objective is to gain insight into the crucial issues of just human existence.

Course Learning Outcomes :

• This course will equip students with an understanding of debates on theoretical aspects of human rights.
• Taking case of India, students will be able to relate the issues of human rights in reference to the Constitution of India.
• The study of the discourse of gender, environment and sustainable development will develop the analytical ability of students and make them aware about structural violence.

Nature of M.A. Political Science Programme

The Post-Graduate syllabus of Political Science under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)requires students to complete Sixteen different courses spread over four semesters. Out of these, some are compulsory courses while other courses are opted by the students according to their choice/preferences. This offers one to specialize in the field of political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. For methodological training course on Research Methodology has also been introduced. The overall emphasis of the MA program is to deepen the foundational knowledge of political science acquired during the BA program leading to the critical thinking of the students.

MA POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE OUTLINE- 2018 ONWARDS

Specific Outcome of MA Programme

Upon completion of this Master’s degree program, the students are expected to attain:

• An understanding of the theoretical and practical dimensions of Political Science
• A scientific temperament through the provisioning of concurrent input
• Exposure to a wide range of political specializations and familiarization with different branches of Political Science.