B.A.

POLITICAL SCIENCE GENERAL(Discipline Specific Core )

(For pure General students)

(The Syllabus for Semester 2 to Semester 6 may be slightly modified later)

LIST OF PAPERS AND COURSES

A) PLSGDSC- DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE (4)

Semester – 1

1. PLSGCOR01T - Paper I - Introduction to Political Theory

Semester - 2

2. PLSGCOR02T - Paper-II - Indian Government and Politics

Semester – 3

3. PLSGCOR03T - Paper-III- Comparative Government and Politics

Semester – 4

4. PLSGCOR04T - Paper-IV- Introduction to International Relations

B) CORE/ FOUNDATION (Compulsory) (4)

ENGLISH (2)
MIL (2)

C) ABILITY ENHANCEMENT (COMPULSORY) (2)

ENGLISH/MIL (Communication)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
C) PLSGDSE - DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE – 2 (any two) Semester 5 and 6
(For General Students)
Semester 5
College will offer both but a student will select any one

1. PLSGDSE01T - Reading Gandhi

2. PLSGDSE02T - Women, Power and Politics

Semester 6

1
 College will offer both but a student will select any one

3. PLSGDSE03T - Understanding Global Politics

4.PLSGDSE04T - Public Policy in India

E) PLSSSEC - SKILL ENHANCEMENT COURSE (Skill Based)

Semester –odd (Same as Honours)

1. PLSSSEC01M - Democratic Awareness with Legal Literacy

Semester - even (Same as Honours)

PLSSSEC02M - Public Opinion and Survey Research

F)PLSGEC - GENERIC ELECTIVE -

Semester 5

PLSGGECO1T - Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective

Semester 6

2. PLSGGECO1T - Governance: Issues and Challenges

2
 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE(4)

BA POLITICAL SCIENCE

PLSGCOR Semester I
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
Paper – I
(Theory+T
Introduction to Political Theory
utorial) X
15 weeks
PLSGCOR01T Module I. Introducing the subject
5+1 75
a. What is Politics? 10
b. What is Political Theory and what is its
relevance?

Module II. Concepts: Democracy, Liberty, 30

Equality, Justice, Rights, Gender, Citizenship,
Civil Society and State

Module III. Debates in Political Theory:

a. Is democracy compatible with economic

growth?
35
b. On what grounds is censorship justified and
what are its limits?
c. Does protective discrimination violate
principles of fairness?
d. Should the State intervene in the institution
of the family?

3
 Semester – 2 5+1 75
PLSGCOR02T
Paper - II
Indian Government and Politics

Structure, Process, Behaviour.

1.Evolution:
20
Making of the Constitution by the Constitutional
Advisor, the Drafting Committee and finally the
Constituent assembly

2.Constituion of India(Article-wise)

a)Preamble
b)Fundamental Rights 20
c)Directive Principles of State Policy
d)Federalism

3.Constitution of India

a)Union Government: Executive(total as it is in

the constitution)Legislature(total, according to 35
the Constitution)
Judiciary(total, following the articles of the
constitution with two additional dimensions:
landmark decisions and PIL
b)State Government:
Executive, Legislature, Judiciary
(In the same way as the Union government is to
be studied)
c)Public Services:
Union Service, State service, All India
Services(total that includes recruitment, training,
service conditions)
c)Public service Commission(UPSC and PSC)

4
 Semester III
PLSGCOR
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
Paper – III (Theo
Comparative Government and Politics +Tutorial)X
15 weeks
I. Understanding Comparative Politics
5+1 75
a. Nature and scope 15
b. Going beyond Eurocentrism

II. Historical context of modern

government

a. Capitalism: meaning and 35

development: globalization
b. Socialism: meaning, growth and
PLSGCOR03T development
c. Colonialism and decolonization:
meaning, context, forms of
colonialism; anti-colonialism struggles
and process of decolonization

III. Themes for comparative analysis 25

A comparative study of constitutional
developments and political economy in the
following countries: Britain, Brazil and
China.

5
PLSGCOR Semester IV
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
(Theo
Paper – IV
+Tutorial
Introduction to International Relations
)X 15
weeks
I. Studying International Relations
5+1 75
a. How do you understand International 15
Relations: Levels of Analysis
b. History and IR: Emergence of the
International State System

II. Theoretical Perspectives

a. Classical Realism & Neo-Realism

b. Liberalism & Neo-liberalism
c. Marxist Approaches 20
d. Feminist Perspectives

PLSGCOR04T III. An Overview of Twentieth Century IR History

a. World War I: Causes and Consequences
b. Significance of the Bolshevik Revolution
c. Rise of Fascism / Nazism
d. World War II : Causes and Consequences
e. Cold War: Different Phases
f. Emergence of the Third World 35
g. Collapse of the USSR and the End of the
Cold War
h. Post Cold War Developments and
Emergence of Other Power Centers of Power
i. Indian as an Emerging Power
Indian Foreign Policy

6
 READING LIST

PLSGC0R01T - Paper I- Introduction to Political Theory

Bhargava, R. (2008) ‘What is Political Theory’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political
Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 2‐17.

Bhargava, R. (2008) ‘Why Do We Need Political Theory’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A.

(eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 18‐37.

Sriranjani, V. (2008) ‘Liberty’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An

Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 40‐57.

Acharya, A. (2008) ‘Equality’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An

Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 58‐73.

Menon, K. (2008) Justice’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An

Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 74‐82.

Talukdar, P.S. (2008) ‘Rights’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 88‐105.

Srinivasan, J. (2008) ‘Democracy’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An

Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 106‐128.

Roy, A. ‘Citizenship’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.

New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 130‐147.

Das, S. (2008) ‘State’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.
New Delhi:Pearson Longman, pp. 170‐187.
Singh, M. (2008) ‘Civil Society’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 188‐205.

Menon, N. (2008) ‘Gender’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An

Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 224‐235.

Sen, A. (2003) ‘Freedom Favours Development,’ in Dahl, R., Shapiro, I. and Cheibub, A. J.
(eds.) TheDemocracy Sourcebook. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, pp. 444‐446.

Prezowrski, A., et al. (2003) ‘Political Regimes and Economic Growth,’ in Dahl, R., Shapiro, I.
andCheibub, A. J. (eds.) The Democracy Sourcebook. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press,
pp. 447‐454.

7
Sethi, A. (2008) ‘Freedom of Speech and the Question of Censorship’, in Bhargava, R. and
Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp.
308‐319.

Acharya, A. (2008) ‘Affirmative Action’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political

Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 298‐307.

Jha, M. (2001) ‘Ramabai: Gender and Caste’, in Singh, M.P. and Roy, H. (eds.) Indian Political
Thought: Themes and Thinkers, New Delhi: Pearson

PLSGC0R02T - Paper-II - Indian Government and Politics

Abbas, H., Kumar, R. &Alam, M. A. (2011) Indian Government and Politics.New Delhi:
Pearson, 2011.

Chandhoke, N. &Priyadarshi, P. (eds.) (2009) Contemporary India: Economy, Society,

Politics.New Delhi: Pearson.

Chakravarty, B. &Pandey, K. P. (2006) Indian Government and Politics.New Delhi: Sage.

Chandra, B., Mukherjee, A. & Mukherjee, M. (2010) India After Independence. New Delhi:
Penguin.

Singh, M.P. &Saxena, R. (2008) Indian Politics: Contemporary Issues and Concerns. New
Delhi: PHI Learning.

Vanaik, A. &Bhargava, R. (eds.) (2010) Understanding Contemporary India: Critical

Perspectives.New Delhi: Orient Blackswan.

Menon, N. and Nigam, A. (2007) Power and Contestation: India Since 1989. London: Zed
Book.

Austin, G. (1999) Indian Constitution: Corner Stone of a Nation. New Delhi: Oxford University
Press.

Austin, G. (2004) Working of a Democratic Constitution of India.New Delhi: Oxford

University Press.

Jayal, N. G. &Maheta, P. B. (eds.) (2010) Oxford Companion to Indian Politics. New Delhi:
Oxford University Press.

PLSGC0R03T - Paper-III- Comparative Government and Politics

Bara, J & Pennington, M. (eds.). (2009) Comparative Politics.New Delhi: Sage.

Caramani, D. (ed.). (2008) Comparative Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

8
Hague, R. and Harrop, M. (2010) Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction.
(Eight Edition). London: Palgrave McMillan.

Ishiyama, J.T. and Breuning, M. (eds.). (2011) 21st Century Political Science: A Reference
Book.Los Angeles: Sage.

Newton, K. and Deth, Jan W. V. (2010) Foundations of Comparative Politics: Democracies of

The Modern World.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
O’Neil, P. (2009) Essentials of Comparative Politics.(Third Edition). New York: WW. Norton &
Company, Inc.

Palekar, S.A. (2009) Comparative Government and Politics. New Delhi: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd

Blondel, J. (1996) ‘Then and Now: Comparative Politics’, Political Studies. Vol. 47, Issue 1, pp.
152‐160

Chandhoke, N. (1996) ‘Limits of Comparative Political Analysis’, Economic and Political

Weekly.vol. 31, No. 4, (January 27), pp. PE 2‐PE8.

PLSGC0R04T - Paper-IV- Introduction to International Relations

William, P., Goldstein, D. M. and Shafritz, J. M. (eds.) (1999) Classic Readings of International
Relations. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Co, pp. 30‐58; 92‐126.

Art, R. J. and Jervis, R. (eds.) (1999) International Political Enduring: Concepts and
Contemporary Issues.5th Edition. New York: Longman, pp. 7‐14; 29‐49; 119‐126.

Jackson, R. and Sorenson, G. (2008) Introduction to International Relations: Theories and

Approaches. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 59‐96.

Goldstein, J. and Pevehouse, J.C. (2009) International Relations.New Delhi: Pearson, pp.
81‐111.

Tickner, J. A. (2001) Gendering World Politics: Issues and Approaches in the Post‐Cold War
Era.Columbia University Press.

Baylis, J. and Smith, S. (eds.) (2011) The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to
International Relations.Fifth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 90‐123; 142‐159;
262‐277.

Wenger, A. and Zimmermann, D. (eds.) (2003) International Relations: From the Cold World
War to the Globalized World.London: Lynne Rienner, pp. 54‐89.

Appadorai and Rajan, M. S. (eds.) (1985) India’s Foreign Policy and Relations. New Delhi:

9
South Asian Publishers.

Mewmillians, W.C. and Piotrowski, H. (2001) The World Since 1945: A History of
International Relations.Fifth edition. London: Lynne Rienner Publishers.

Smith, M., Little, R. and Shackleton, M. (eds.) (1981) Perspectives on World Politics.London:
Croom Helm.

Indian Foreign Service Institute. (1997, 1998) India’s Foreign Policy: An Agenda for the 21st
Century Vols. 1 & 2, New Delhi: Konark Publishers, pp. 3‐41; 102‐119.

Ganguly, S. (ed.) (2009) India’s Foreign Policy: Retrospect and Prospect. New Delhi: Oxford
University Press.

Vanaik, A. (1995) India in a Changing World: Problems, Limits and Successes of Its Foreign
Policy.New Delhi: Orient Longman. pp. 19‐41; 63‐67; 102‐114; 118‐124; 132‐134.

Basu, Rumki (ed)(2012) International Politics: Concepts theories and Issues, New Delhi, Sage
Publications India Pvt Ltd.

10
 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE – 1(For General Students)

Any Two[Any one in semester V]

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE – 1

PLSGDSE Semester V
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
(Theo
Reading Gandhi +Tutorial)
X 15
weeks

Module 1. Gandhi on Modern Civilization and 5+1 75

Modern Industrialisation based on Large and 25
Heavy Industries and Alternative Modernity ;
critique of development

Module 2. Gandhian Thought: Theory and Action:

a. Theory of Satyagraha 30
b. Satyagraha in Action : Peasant
Satyagraha: Kheda and the Idea of
PLSGDSE01T
Trusteeship
c. Gandhi on all-inclusive Development-
Sarvodaya – on Untouchability and Dalit
emancipation

Module 3.
20
a. Gandhi on Women’s Development and on
Women’s Movement
b. Gandhi on peace and Preservation of
Nature

11
 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE – 2

PLSGDSE Semester V
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
(Theo
+Tutorial)
Women, Power and Politics X 15
weeks
Module 1. Approaches to understanding 25
Patriarchy 5+1 75

• Feminist theorising of the sex/gender distinction.

Biologism versus social constructivism

• Understanding Patriarchy and Feminism

Module 2. Liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Radical 30

feminism, New Feminist Schools/Traditions

PLSGDSE02T
Module 3. The Indian Experience

• Traditional Historiography and Feminist critiques.

Social Reforms Movement and 20
position of women in India. History of Women’s
struggle in India
• Family in contemporary India - patrilineal and
matrilineal practices. Gender Relations
in the Family, Patterns of Consumption: Intra
Household Divisions, entitlements and
bargaining, Property Rights
• Understanding Woman’s Work and Labour

12
 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE – 3

Any Two[Any one in semester VI]

PLSGDSE Semester VI
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
(Theo
+Tutorial)
Understanding Global Politics X 15
weeks

I. Globalization: Conceptions and 5+1 75

Perspectives 25

a. Understanding Globalization and its

Alternative Perspectives
b. Political: Debates on Sovereignty and
Territoriality
c. Global Economy: Its Significance and
Anchors of Global Political Economy:
IMF, World Bank, WTO, TNCs

II. Identity and Culture 10

III. What Drives the World Apart?

15
PLSGDSE03T
a. Global Inequalities
b. Violence: Conflict, War and Terrorism

IV. Why We Need to Bring the World

Together? 25

a. Global Environment : Ecological Issues:

Historical Overview of International
Environmental Agreements, Climate
Change, Global Commons Debate

b. Global Civil Society : Proliferation of Nuclear

Weapons ; International Terrorism: Non-State
Actors and State Terrorism; Post 9/11
developments ; Migration ; Human Security

13
PLSADSE Semester VI
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
Paper - IV (Theo
+Tutorial)
Public Policy in India X 15
weeks

5+1 75
Module . I. Introduction to Policy Analysis 30

a. The Analysis of Policy in the Context of

Theories of State
b. Political Economy and Policy: Interest
Groups and Social Movements.
PLSADSE04T
Module II.Models of Policy Decision-Making 20

Module III. Ideology and Policy: Nehruvian 25

Vision, Economic Liberalisation and
recentdevelopments

14
 GENERIC ELECTIVE 1(FOR General students)

PLSGGEC Semester
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
(Theo
+Tutorial)
Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective
X 15
weeks

5+1 75
I. Human Rights: Theory and 25
Institutionalization
a. Understanding Human Rights: Three
Generations of Rights
b. Institutionalization: Universal Declaration of
Human Rights
c. Rights in National Constitutions: South Africa
and India

II. Issues 25
PLSGGEC01T
a. Torture: USA and India
b. Surveillance and Censorship: China and India
c. Terrorism and Insecurity of Minorities: USA
and India

III. Structural Violence 25

a. Caste and Race: South Africa and India
b. Gender and Violence: India and Pakistan
c. Adivasis/Aboriginals and the Land Question:
Australia and India

15
 GENERIC ELECTIVE 2(FOR General students)

PLSGGEC Semester IV
Course Code Lectures Credits Marks
(Theo
+Tutorial)
Governance: Issues and Challenges
X 15
weeks
Module 1. GOVERNMENT AND 20
GOVERNANCE: CONCEPTS 5+1 75
Role of State In the era Of
Globalisation State, Market and Civil
Society

20
Module 2. ENVIRONMENTAL
GOVERNANCE
Human-Environment Interaction
PLSGGEC02T Green Governance: Sustainable Human
Development
35
Module -3. GOOD GOVERNANCE
INITIATIVES IN INDIA: BEST PRACTICES
 Public Service Guarantee Acts
 Electronic Governance
 Citizens Charter & Right to
Information
 Corporate Social Responsibility

16
(D) PLSSSEC - Skill Enhancement Courses – Two

Semester – 3
Credit – 2
Class – 2Hours/week

PLSSSEC01M - Democratic Awareness with Legal Literacy

Course Objective: The Proposed course aims to acquaint student with the structure andmanner
of functioning of the legal system in India.

Course Content:
Unit I

 Outline of the Legal system in India

 System of courts/tribunals and their jurisdiction in India - criminal and civil courts,Writ
jurisdiction, specialized courts such as juvenile courts, Mahila courts andTribunals.

 Role of the police and executive in criminal law administration.

 Alternate dispute mechanisms such as LokAdalats, non - formal mechanisms.

Unit II

 Brief understanding of the laws applicable in India

 Constitution - fundamental rights, fundamental duties, other constitutional rightsand their

manner of enforcement, with emphasis on public interest litigation and theexpansion of certain
rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

 Laws relating to criminal jurisdiction - provision relating to filing an FIR, arrest, bailsearch
and seizure and some understanding of the questions of evidence andprocedure in Cr. P.C. and
related laws, important offences under the IndianPenalCode, offences against women, juvenile
justice, prevention of atrocities onScheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

 Concepts like Burden of Proof, Presumption of Innocence, Principles of Natural

Justice, Fair comment under Contempt laws.

 Personal laws in India : Pluralism and Democracy

 Laws relating to contract, property and tenancy laws.

 Laws relating to dowry, sexual harassment and violence against women

17
 Laws relating to consumer rights

 Laws relating to cyber crimes

 Anti-terrorist laws: implications for security and human rights

 Practical application: Visit to either a (I) court or (ii) a legal aid centre set up by the

 Legal Services Authority or an NGO or (iii) a LokAdalat, and to interview a litigant or

person being counselled. Preparation of a case history.

Unit III

Access to courts and enforcement of rights

 Critical Understanding of the Functioning of the Legal System

 Legal Services Authorities Act and right to legal aid, ADR systems

Practical application :

What to do if you are arrested ; if you are a consumer with a grievance; if you are avictim of
sexual harassment; domestic violence, child abuse, caste, ethnic andreligious discrimination;
filing a public interest litigation. How can you challengeadministrative orders that violate rights,
judicial and administrative remedies

Using a hypothetical case of (for example) child abuse or sexual harassment or anyother
violation of a right, preparation of an FIR or writing a complaint addressed tothe appropriate
authority.

Suggested exercises for students

1. Discuss the debates around any recent Ordinance, Bill or Act in Parliament.
2. How to file an FIR? In case there has been a theft in the neighbourhood, how wouldyou file
the first Hand Information Report?
3. Under what circumstances can detention and arrest become illegal?
4. Discuss any contemporary practice or event that violates the equality and protectionagainst
discrimination laws.
5.. Your friend has shared with you an incident of unwelcome verbal remarks on her by aperson
of higher authority in your college, what would you do?
6. You have seen a lady in your neighbourhood being beaten up by her husband. Identifythe
concerned Protection Officer in case you want to provide information about thisincident.
7.Read the Vishakha Guidelines as laid down by the Supreme Court and the Act against
sexual harassment at the workplace. Discuss what constitutes sexual harassment andthe
mechanisms available for its redressal in your institution. Use and Abuse of the mechanism.

18
8. What is the procedure to file an RTI? Use and Abuse of RTI. Exemptions to RTI
10. You bought a product from a nearby shop which was expired, the shop keeperrefused to
return it. Use your knowledge of Consumer Protection Act to decide what youdo next?
11. What must you keep in mind as a consumer while making a purchase that may laterhelp you
make use of Consumer Protection Act? (Hint- Should you ask for a Bill?)
12. In your surroundings have you witnessed any incident that would be consideredoffensive
under the SC and ST Act? Make a class- room presentation on it.

(D) PLSSSEC - Skill Enhancement Courses – Two

Semester – 4
Credit – 2
Class – 2Hours/week

PLSSSEC02M - Public Opinion and Survey Research

Course Objective: this course will introduce the students to the debates, principles andpractices
of public opinion polling in the context of democracies, with special reference toIndia. It will
familiarize the students with how to conceptualize and measure public opinionusing quantitative
methods, with particular attention being paid to developing basic skillspertaining to the
collection, analysis and utilization of quantitative data.

I. Introduction to the course

Definition and characteristics of public opinion, conceptions and characteristics, debatesabout its
role in a democratic political system, uses for opinion poll

II. Measuring Public Opinion with Surveys: Representation and sampling

a. What is sampling? Why do we need to sample? Sample design.

b. Sampling error and non-response
c. Types of sampling: Non random sampling (quota, purposive and snowball sampling);
random sampling: simple and stratified
d. Interviewing: Interview techniques pitfalls, different types of and forms of interview
e. Questionnaire: Question wording; fairness and clarity.

III. Quantitative Data Analysis

a. Introduction to quantitative data analysis

b. Basic concepts: correlational research, causation and prediction, descriptive andInferential
Statistics

19
20