All you need to know about pursuing a Political Science course

Political science acts as a prism through which we may comprehend the global political, geopolitical and economical landscape and delve into its nuances. At the municipal, state, national, and international levels, political science focuses on the philosophy and practice of governance and politics. Experts in this field study the origin, development and operation of political systems and shed light on existing political ideas, governments and related issues.

Political science subjects

The study of political theory and practice, as well as the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior, is known as political science. If you intend on pursuing a B.A. (Political Science) degree you will be requires to study both national and international political systems.

This would encompass the study of historical and present political systems, public administration, governmental policies and processes, international relations, and public affairs, among other topics. The duration of the bachelor’s program in Political Science in India is 3 years.

The subjects covered in the bachelor’s course in India include – 

Semester I

The first semester offers an introduction to political theory from the perspective of economy and of Indian nationalism.

• Understanding Political Theory
• Constitutional Government and Democracy in India
• Nationalism in India
• Contemporary Political Economy

Semester II

In this semester, we delve deeper into the viewpoints expressed in politics and how politics works along with Gandhian ethos. The Semester further explores Feminism and its applications.

• Political Theory – Concepts and Debates
• Political Process in India
• Feminism: Theory and Practice
• Gandhi and the Contemporary World

Semester III

This semester contains concepts of political thought from an Ambedkar perspective and the realities of Indian politics and its challenges in detail.

• Political Theory – Concepts and Debates
• The Political Process in India
• Understanding Ambedkar
• Governance: Issues and Challenges

Semester IV

In this semester you will learn about the application of political thought through public administration and global geopolitics.

• Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
• Perspectives on Public Administration
• Perspectives on International Relations and World History
• Politics of Globalization

Semester V

Semester V focuses on the depths of political philosophy and Indian political thought in detail. 

• Classical Political Philosophy
• Modern Indian Political Thought – I
• Citizenship in a Globalizing World
• Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective

Semester VI

The last semester of the course talks about how to integrate the aspects of political philosophy and Indian political thought in a global society with equal rights.

• Modern Political Philosophy
• Indian Political Thought – II
• Citizenship in a Globalizing World
• Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective.

Best political science courses

• Leadership for global business and politics – Yale School of Management
• Cultural Diplomacy Course – European University Institute (EUI)
• Expert and Political Psychology – Universidad Camilo Jose Cela
• Course in American Geopolitcs – Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina
• Courses in Conflicts at the Micro Level – Transcend Peace University

Best institutes for political science in the world

• Harvard University
• Princeton University
• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Stanford University
• Yale University
• Georgetown University
• National University of Singapore
• Kings’ College
• University of Chicago
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Essential political science books 

• Nationalism – Rabindranath Tagore
• The 48 Laws of Power – Robert Greene
• The Communist Manifesto – Karl Marx
• The Republic – Plato
• Political Theory – Andrew Heywood
• Modern Indian Political Thought – Bidyut Chakrabarty, and Rajendra Kumar Pandey
• Comparative Government and Politics – Martin Harrop, and Rod Hague
• Public Administration: A Reader – Bidyut Chakrabarty

Eligibility

Several institutes provide undergraduate and postgraduate political science studies. You are required to fulfill the eligibility criteria laid down by the university before applying for admission. To enroll in a program, you must have completed class 12th from a recognized board and secured a minimum of 60%.

Scope of political science

Political science is one of the most adaptable social science degrees that can provide you with a wide range of job options. It assists students in developing abilities in writing, communication, and research.

Political science courses can help you to develop analytical abilities and learn social scientific approaches at an undergraduate level. Students in this stream can analyze political documents, conduct research, and even publish their findings after they reach the graduate level.

In addition to the typical employment descriptions, students with a degree in political science are equipped for jobs in the academic sector and management-level roles in government or politics.

The job opportunities after completing the course include – 

• Social worker
• Community activist
• Project officer
• Senior bureaucrat
• Journalist
• Research analyst
• Policy analyst
• Public relations specialist
• Marketing research analyst

What we have to say

The number of political associations around the world is innumerable, and each of them, as well as government agencies and services, require a large number of people to keep things running properly. For those interested in pursuing a career in politics, pursuing a course in the subject offers several options.

A degree in Political Science can open doors to a variety of careers in various nations, including International Relations, Social Services, Embassies, and many more. There are many different ‌careers to choose from, so there is plenty of space for experimentation.

Liked this blog? Read Liberal arts education | 7 Interesting things students must know about!

FAQs

Q1. What can I do after completing a BA in political science?

Answer – After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you have the option to continue your education by obtaining a Master’s degree and specializing in a course, or applying for jobs in the area. A master’s degree is more rewarding in the subject of political science than a bachelor’s degree.

Q2. Is a degree in political science required to get into politics?

Answer – A degree in political science is not required for you to get into politics. However, you do acquire credibility if you have a degree in the domain.

Q3. What are the fields that a political science student can opt for?

Answer – Students can opt for a job in fields such as – journalism, education, law, communications, government, business, and politics.