Know more about Political Science: Course details, Fees, University, Job Opportunity
Start from beginning, What is politics
Politics
is a process of making collective decisions for a group or society. It
involves the use of power, influence, and authority to determine how
resources are allocated, how decisions are made, and how policies are
implemented. Politics can take place at various levels, such as the
local, national, and international levels.
In democratic societies, politics typically involves the competition of different political parties or interest groups to gain control of the government or to influence public policy. Political parties and interest groups may have different ideological, economic, or social views and may seek to promote their agenda through the political process.
Politics can also involve conflict, negotiation, compromise, and cooperation among different actors, including political leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens. The study of politics encompasses a wide range of topics, including political institutions, political systems, political behavior, public policy, international relations and political science.
What is Political Science
Political Science is a social science
discipline concerned with the study of politics and government,
including the analysis of political systems, political behaviour,
political institutions, public policy, and international relations.
Political Science is an important area of study that helps individuals
understand the functioning of government and the ways in which power is
exercised and distributed in society.
Political History of the World
The political history of the world
is a vast and complex subject, spanning many centuries and encompassing a
wide range of regions, cultures, and political systems. Some key events
and developments in political history include:
Ancient civilizations: The political systems of ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India laid the foundations for many modern political institutions and ideas, such as democracy, republicanism, and imperialism.
Feudalism and monarchies: During the Middle Ages in Europe, feudalism and monarchies dominated political systems, with lords and kings wielding significant power over their subjects.
Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance and Enlightenment eras saw a revival of interest in classical political thought, as well as the development of new political ideas such as republicanism, liberalism, and socialism.
Age of Revolution: The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a series of revolutions that challenged traditional forms of political power and paved the way for the emergence of modern democracies. These included the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Haitian Revolution.
Imperialism and colonialism: The 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by the expansion of European empires and the colonization of much of the world, leading to new forms of political domination and resistance.
World Wars: The 20th century was shaped by two devastating world wars, which had profound political consequences and led to the emergence of new global powers such as the United States and the Soviet Union.
Cold War: The second half of the 20th century was dominated by the Cold War, a geopolitical struggle between the US and the Soviet Union that shaped global politics and international relations.
Post-Cold War era: The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and ushered in a new era of global politics, characterized by new challenges such as terrorism, globalization, and the rise of China as a global superpower.
These are just a few examples of the major events and developments in the political history of the world. The subject is complex and multifaceted, and there are many other factors and trends that have shaped political systems and institutions over time.
The political history of India
The political history of India is
long and complex, dating back thousands of years. Here are some of the
key events and developments in India’s political history:
Indus Valley Civilization: One of the earliest known civilizations in the world, the Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 BCE) had a highly organized political structure with urban centres and a system of writing.
Vedic Period: The Vedic Period (1500–500 BCE) saw the rise of the caste system and the development of Hinduism, with a number of small kingdoms and republics emerging.
Maurya Empire: The Maurya Empire (321–185 BCE) was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India, with Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka as its most famous rulers.
Gupta Empire: The Gupta Empire (320–550 CE) is often called the “Golden Age” of India, with advances in science, art, and literature.
Islamic Invasions: From the 7th century onward, Islamic invaders began to conquer parts of India, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
Mughal Empire: The Mughal Empire (1526–1857) was a Muslim dynasty that ruled over much of India, with famous rulers such as Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
British Rule: In 1858, India came under British rule, which lasted until 1947. During this time, the Indian independence movement grew in strength, with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru playing key roles.
Independence and Partition: In 1947, India gained independence from Britain, but also experienced a traumatic partition that led to the creation of Pakistan. This event has had lasting political and social consequences for India and the region.
Indian Republic: In 1950, India became a republic with a new constitution and a parliamentary system of government. Since then, India has experienced periods of economic growth, political stability, and social change, as well as ongoing challenges such as poverty, corruption, and communal tensions.
These are just a few examples of the major events and developments in India’s political history. The subject is complex and multifaceted, and there are many other factors and trends that have shaped India’s political systems and institutions over time.
Political History of Bihar
Bihar has a rich and diverse political
history. The region of Bihar has been an important center of political
and cultural activity in India for centuries. It was the center of
several powerful empires and kingdoms, including the Mauryan and Gupta
empires.
During the British colonial period, Bihar was part of the Bengal Presidency, and it was not until 1912 that Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal and became a separate province.
After India gained independence in 1947, Bihar became a state of the Indian Union. In the early years of independent India, Bihar played a significant role in the development of the country’s political and social landscape. Several important leaders of the Indian independence movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel, had close connections with Bihar.
In the years following independence, Bihar witnessed significant political upheaval and social unrest. The state has a long history of caste-based politics, and many political parties and movements have emerged to represent the interests of different caste groups.
One of the most prominent political figures in Bihar’s modern history is Jayaprakash Narayan, who played a key role in the Indian independence movement and later became a prominent leader of the socialist movement in India. In the 1970s, Narayan led a mass movement against the government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which eventually led to her downfall.
In recent years, Bihar has undergone significant political and economic changes. The state has seen the emergence of new political parties, and several development initiatives have been launched to promote economic growth and social development. However, Bihar continues to face significant challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Courses in Political Science
Political Science is a broad and
interdisciplinary field, and there are many courses available for
students to explore. Here are some examples of courses that may be
offered in a Political Science program:
Introduction to Political Science: This course provides an overview of the basic concepts, theories, and methods of Political Science.
Comparative Politics: This course compares and analyzes different political systems and institutions across countries and regions.
International Relations: This course examines the interactions between states and non-state actors in the international system, including topics such as war, peace, globalization, and human rights.
Political Theory: This course explores the historical and philosophical foundations of political thought, and examines key concepts such as justice, democracy, liberty, and power.
Public Policy: This course examines how governments make and implement policies, and how policy choices impact individuals and society.
American Politics: This course focuses on the political institutions, processes, and actors in the United States, including the presidency, Congress, courts, interest groups, and political parties.
Political Economy: This course examines the intersection of politics and economics, and analyzes issues such as inequality, globalization, and economic development.
Research Methods in Political Science: This course provides an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods used in Political Science, including survey research, experimental design, case studies, and content analysis.
These are just a few examples of the many courses that may be available in a Political Science program. Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular subfield or topic within Political Science, such as gender politics, environmental politics, or human rights.
BA in Political Science
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political
Science is an undergraduate degree program that provides students with a
broad foundation in the study of politics and government. The program
typically takes two years to complete and requires students to take a
combination of core courses and electives in Political Science and
related disciplines.
Here are some of the key features of a BA in Political Science program:
Core Courses: These courses provide an overview of the basic concepts, theories, and methods of Political Science. Typical core courses might include Introduction to Political Science, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.
Electives: Students will have the opportunity to take a variety of electives in Political Science and related disciplines, such as History, Economics, Sociology, and Law. Electives may allow students to specialize in a particular subfield or topic, such as American Politics, Gender Politics, or Environmental Politics.
Research Methods: Many programs require students to take a course in research methods, which teaches students how to design and conduct research studies using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Capstone Project: Some programs require students to complete a capstone project, such as a senior thesis or research paper, which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific research question or problem.
Internships: Many programs offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships with political organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups.
A BA in Political Science can prepare students for a wide range of careers in government, law, business, journalism, and international relations. It can also provide a foundation for graduate study in Political Science or related fields, such as Public Policy, Law, or International Affairs.
MA in Political Science
A Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
is a graduate-level degree program that allows students to deepen their
knowledge and expertise in the study of politics and government. The
program typically takes two years to complete and requires students to
take a combination of core courses, electives, and seminars, as well as
complete a thesis or research project.
Here are some of the key features of an MA in Political Science program:
Core Courses: These courses provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in Political Science, building on the foundation established in undergraduate studies. Typical core courses might include Advanced Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, Political Methodology, and Advanced Political Theory.
Electives: Students will have the opportunity to take a variety of electives in Political Science and related disciplines, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and specialize in a particular subfield or topic.
Seminars: MA programs often include research seminars, which allow students to work closely with faculty members and other students on a research project or paper.
Thesis or Research Project: Many programs require students to complete a thesis or research project, which allows them to conduct original research and contribute to the field of Political Science.
Internships: Some programs offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships with political organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups.
An MA in Political Science can prepare students for a wide range of careers in government, academia, research, and the private sector. It can also provide a foundation for further graduate study, such as a PhD in Political Science or a related field.
Certificate in Political Science
A Certificate in Political
Science is a shorter and more focused program than a full degree
program, designed for students who want to develop their knowledge and
skills in a specific area of Political Science. It typically takes less
time to complete than a bachelor’s or master’s degree program, and may
consist of a series of courses or a combination of courses and practical
experience.
Here are some of the key features of a Certificate in Political Science program:
Coursework: The program typically consists of a series of courses focused on a specific area of Political Science, such as American Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory. The courses may be taken in person or online, and may be offered on a part-time or full-time basis.
Practical Experience: Some certificate programs may include opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, research projects, or other types of fieldwork.
Specialization: Certificate programs may allow students to specialize in a particular subfield or topic within Political Science, such as Gender and Politics, Environmental Politics, or Public Policy.
Career Preparation: Certificate programs are designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in a variety of careers, such as government, law, advocacy, or journalism.
A Certificate in Political Science can be a valuable credential for students who want to develop their expertise in a specific area of Political Science, but who may not have the time or resources to complete a full degree program. It can also be a way for professionals who already have a degree in another field to gain specialized knowledge and skills in Political Science.
Job opportunity for MA in Political Science
Masters degree in Political Science can open up various job
opportunities in government, non-profit organizations, think tanks,
research institutions, and private sector firms. Some potential job
roles for master degree holder in political science like Political
Analyst or Consultant
Political Campaign Manager or Strategist
Government Relations Specialist
Policy Analyst or Advisor
International Relations Specialist
Non-profit Program Director or Manager
Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
Intelligence Analyst or Officer
Legislative Aide or Staffer
Researcher or Academic.
It
is essential to note that specific job opportunities will depend on
various factors, such as individual skills, experience, location, and
job market conditions. I recommend researching job openings in your
preferred industry and location to get a better idea of what
opportunities are available. Additionally, networking, internships, and
volunteer work can also be beneficial in securing job opportunities.