MA Political Science Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Mar 26, 2024 18:44PM IST

MA Political Science Syllabus & Subjects

MA Political Science course syllabus includes both core and elective courses. However, the MA in Political Science syllabus may differ slightly depending on the university/college. The MA Political Science course, also known as Master of Arts in Political Science, is a two-year postgraduate degree program in India. It examines political theory and practice, as well as the description and analysis of the political system along with political behavior. Even so, each college or university's MA Political Science syllabus usually is divided down into four semesters. In addition to a wide range of electives like Themes in Citizenship, The Modern State in Comparative Perspective, Critical Traditions in Political Theory, and so forth, MA Political Science subjects include Political Theory, Critical Analysis, Philosophy, and Ethics. A master's degree in political science opens up a wide range of career options in both the public and private sectors, which helps with finding a job. 

The MA Political Science syllabus covers a variety of topics, including:

  • Political theory and thought
  • Comparative politics
  • International relations
  • Political institutions
  • Regional studies
  • Political economy
  • Public policy and administration
  • Contemporary political issues
  • Research methodology

The MA Political Science syllabus consists of core courses that cover fundamental political science concepts. The MA Political Science syllabus includes elective subjects that focus on specific aspects of political science. In addition to the core subjects and electives listed in the MA Political Science syllabus, students must complete a project report or dissertation on a topic related to and relevant to current political scenarios. MA Political Science is a popular choice for students. They chose this course to learn about various political topics. This programme helps students develop political and social awareness. To provide students with knowledge, universities or colleges develop extensive MA Political Science course syllabuses.

The MA Political Science Syllabus seeks to teach students academic knowledge while also developing political values. Students get a solid understanding of a variety of topics, such as international organisations and international relations. The MA Political Science course subjects are chosen and incorporated into the syllabus based on expert advice and current learning needs. Furthermore, when developing the syllabus and incorporating MA Political Science subjects, learners' goals are always considered.

Also Read: Top Colleges in DU Based on NIRF Ranking 2024

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MA Political Science Year Wise Syllabus

Here are some subjects that may be included in an MA Political Science syllabus:

MA Political Science First Year Syllabus

Comparative political analysis, politics in India, theories of international relations, themes in Indian political thought, debates in political theory, political context, and debates on freedom and justice.

MA Political Science Second year Syllabus

Administrative theory, theories and approaches to the study of public administration, contextual public administration, contemporary developments, grassroots governance, alternative perspectives, and themes in world politics and international political economy.

MA Political Science Elective Subjects

Theory and practice of democracy, ancient Indian political thought, international law, public policy studies, constitutional development in India, theories of nationalism and processes of nation building, and strategic studies in international relations.

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MA Political Science Semester-Wise Syllabus

An overview of the MA Political Science course syllabus is provided below. Universities have different structures for their syllabuses. Nonetheless, students can understand the course outline from the syllabus provided below:

MA Political Science Semester I SyllabusMA Political Science Semester II Syllabus
Indian Political ThoughtModern Political Analysis
Western Political ThoughtPublic Administration
Contemporary Political PhilosophersGovernment and Politics
Modern Political Theory-
MA Political Science Semester III SyllabusMA Political Science Semester IV Syllabus
Research Methods in PoliticsInternational Relations
Indian Polity- Its structures and goalsForeign Policy of India
Issues of Indian PoliticsInternational Law
Indian AdministrationInternational Political Economy
Different state politicsProjects
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MA Political Science Subjects

Listed below are the subjects taught in the MA in Political Science course:

MA in Political Science Subjects
Overview of Indian Political ThoughtPolitical Development
Overview of Western Political ThoughtPolitical Modernization
Philosophies of Different Political PhilosophersPolitical Culture
Comparative PoliticsPolitical Socialisation
Democratic Political TheoryModern Political Analysis
Post-Modernism in Political TheoryTheories of Organization
MulticulturalismDevelopment Administration
CommunitarianismConstitutionalism
LegislatureJudiciary
Contemporary Political Issues of IndiaPhilosophy of Indian Constitution
Indian ParliamentIndian Democracy, its issues, challenges, and essence
New Institutional Mechanism of GovernanceIndian Administration and its different aspects
State Politics and its different aspectsInternational Politics and its different aspects
International RelationsInternational Law

Listed below are the detailed subjects and topics covered in the MA in Political Science course:

Name of CourseTopics coveredObjective
Debates in Political TheoryIntroduction to Political Theory, the Political context Debates on freedom Debates on Equality Debates on Justice Debates on Rights Debates on Democratic Political CommunityA better grasp of the nature and significance of political theories is facilitated by this course.
Comparative Political AnalysisComparative Methods and Approaches Nationalism and Anti-colonial struggle Development Theories of the State State Forms Comparative Party System Social Movements and RevolutionIt contributes to the discussion of various political philosophies and the ways that de-centering has greatly influenced the field.
Politics in IndiaApproaches to Indian Politics State in India Class, Caste, Tribe and Gender Religion, Region and Language Development Process Political Parties Elections Social Movements: Objectives, methods, impact and the recent trendThis course focuses on the different facets of society and how Indian politics are influenced by them.
Theories of International RelationsIntroduction to International Relations Structural Realism Indian Tradition: Kautilya’s Realpolitique Chinese Tradition European Schools of Thought The English School Neo-Liberalism Institutionalism Alternative Approaches in International Relations Problems of the ‘International’Students take this course to learn about the various traditions of international relations theory as it has developed globally.
Administrative TheoryEvolution of the discipline of Public Administration Contextual Public Administration Contemporary Development – New Public Administration, New Public management Grassroots governance: alternative perspectivesThis course focuses on the theories and the associated structures and procedures that have shaped the contemporary system of governance.
Themes in Indian Political ThoughtPerspectives Theories and practices of Knowledge State Conception and Forms of communities Critical Perspectives on Indian Society The Nation in Indian Political ThoughtStudents are introduced to Indian political thought tradition in this course.
Interpreting Modern IndiaConceptions of the Modern Perspectives on Justice and Social Transformation Conceptions of Nationalism Development and its Critiques Community, Civil Society and Public Sphere Debates on GlobalizationThe purpose of this course is to familiarise students with the current situation in India and its potential future.
Democracy and Political Institutions in IndiaTheory and Practice of the Indian Constitution Functioning and inter-relationship of governmental institutions Federalism Local Self Government Rule of law, rights, and accountabilityThe objectives of this course is to examine the historical development of modern institutional forms and practices.
Political PhilosophyIntroduction Plato : The Republic Aristotle : The Politics Machiavelli : The Prince Hobbes : Leviathan Locke : The Second Treatise of Government Rousseau : Social Contract Kant: Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals Hegel : Philosophy of Right Marx and Engels Nietzsche : On the Genealogy of Morals Mary Wollstonecraft : A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Mahatma Gandhi : Hind SwarajThe purpose of this course is to expose students to classic western texts that have influenced the development and evolution of political thought.
Themes in World Politics and International Political EconomyConcepts of State, Power, Security, Culture and Religion International Political Economy Environmental Governance Global Challenges and MovementsIn order to comprehend international politics and the basic theoretical problems in the field of international political economy, this course introduces a few key concepts.
Ethics and PoliticsThe Nature of Ethical Reasoning Sexual, Racist and Caste Discrimination Poverty and Hunger Environment Militarization Corruption Free Speech Secularism, Tolerance and Minority Rights The Morality of Representation Ethics and Politics of the Family Ethics and the ProfessionThe topic of this course looks at the connection between political theory and ethics, which is a crucial component of political philosophy.
Critical Traditions in Political TheoryMarxism Feminism Dalit Bahujan Critique Critical Race Theory Ecological CritiqueThe main objections to mainstream liberal theory are to be emphasised in this course.
Social Movements and RevolutionRevolution – French, Bolshevik, Chinese Ideology and politics of liberation in Asia and Africa Social Movements Ideology and Politics of Social MovementIt emphasises the conceptual, historical, and empirical distinctions between social movements and revolutions while focusing on the diverse facets of various movements.
Parties, Elections and Political Process in IndiaTypology of Political parties in India Party System in India The changing profile of National Political Parties Regional and State Parties Elections in India Non-Party Movements, NGOs and their impact on Political Parties and Representation of People’s InterestsIn the context of India, this course discusses the party and electoral systems.
Development Process and Politics in IndiaTheory of the Developmental State Concept of Development Socio-Economic Problems and Issues of Development in India Development Strategy and State Policies in India Shift in Developmental Policies and Strategies Critiques of Development and Alternative Models Democracy, Decision Making and Development Non-Governmental Initiatives, and People’s EmpowermentThe theory and practice of development issues in India are the focus of this course.
Democracy and Human Rights in IndiaThe concept of Human Rights National and International Dimensions of Human Rights and Constitutional-Legal Framework in India Human rights: Issues and challenges Impact on deprived groups State response to Human rights Civil Society and Human Rights NHRC and Other Commission Reports Democracy, development and Human Rights in IndiaPolitical philosophy is fundamentally based on human rights, and this course emphasises the connections between the two fields.
Public Institutions and GovernanceTheoretical Issues: State and Development: Historical and Comparative Experiences From Structural Adjustment to Good Governance Public Finance & Management Administrative and Civil Service Reform Practical Issues in India State Governments: Comparative Development Performance Public Enterprises in India Social Development: Issues, Policies & Challenge Infrastructure Development: Issues, Policies & ChallengesThe many topics surrounding public enterprises and their role are the main focus of this course. It also looks at the outcomes of administrative and civil service reforms.
Rural-Urban Development and Local Government in IndiaUnderstanding the 'rural’ and 'urban' in India. What is Development? Institutional framework for Rural & Urban Development Planning Rural Development: Approaches, Policies, and Programmes: Planning Urban Development: Approaches, Policies and Programs Decentralization, and Local Governments Devolution and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions Devolution and functioning of Urban Local Bodies People's Participation in Rural-Urban Development: Role of NGO's and Citizen GroupsThis course will look at local government structures in both rural and urban areas, both before and after the Panchayati Raj Institution was established.
Environment and Development: Policy and PoliticsEnvironment and Development: An Introduction State, Market, Community & Local Governments Policy, Politics, Institutions, and Resources Poverty-Environment Inter-linkages Caste, Gender and Environment Global Commons and Initiatives Environmental and Social MovementsThis course looks into a range of issues, regulations, and practices related to India's environment.
Public PolicyWhat is Public Policy? Public Policy: Concept and Dimension Approaches to Public Policy Studies Public Policy Process Public Policy Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative Models Public Policy Research and Development Public Policy in India: Models and Trends Globalization. MNCs, WTO, and Development in India Impact of Public Policies on Socio-Economic Development and Nation Building in IndiaThis course seeks to provide a theoretical, financial, and practical framework for understanding the nature and necessity of public policy.
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MA Political Science Optional Subjects

MA Political Science subjects taught as optional papers are generally introduced in second semesters. Some universities teach these papers in the third and fourth semesters though. It completely depends on the department of study which course papers they will offer as optional subjects and when to begin. The MA Political Science course subjects for optional papers complement the other papers by grounding students’ learning in a stronger way. Public Policy, Indian Constitution, State Politics, and International Political Economy are some of the elective papers taught in the course. These elective papers are included in the MA Political Science syllabus with different learning objectives. 

For example, if we talk about International Political Economy, it targets to teach the students about the concept of IPE, its evolution, International Economic Agencies, contemporary issues, different dynamic globalization etc. Similarly, the other optional subjects contain some other important learning objectives. As these subjects are crucial in expanding the knowledge of the domain, students should be well-versed in this part. They should gather information much in advance so that they can develop a choice for their optional papers.

Listed below are a few of the optional subjects incorporated in the MA Political Science course syllabus:

International Political EconomyModern Political Theory
State Politics in IndiaResearch Methods in Political Science
Public PolicyIndian Constitution
Public institutions and GovernanceParties, Elections, and the Political Process in India
Rural and Urban DevelopmentLocal Government in India
Peace and Conflict in International PoliticsPolitics and Ethnic Conflicts J&K
Ethics and PoliticsThe State in Diverse Political Traditions
Religious Nationalism and Political ViolenceThemes in Citizenship
Theory and Practice of DemocracyDevelopment Process and Politics in India
Critical Traditions in Political TheoryForeign Policy
Social Exclusion: Theory and PracticeIndia and the World
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MA Political Science Entrance Exam Syllabus

There are different entrance exams for MA Political Science course admission. Some universities accept institute-level entrance exam scores while others accept national-level entrance exam scores. To get success in these entrance exams, students need to be well-versed in the MA Political Science syllabus of specific entrance tests. They should be aware of the exam pattern of the entrance tests also. 

There are different entrance tests for the MA Political Science course. One of the major entrance exams is CUET PG. A large number of central universities accept this test score for admission to this course. The MA Political Science subjects that are to be covered in this important entrance exam are listed below:

CUET PG Entrance Exam Syllabus for Political Science

Name of the ExamAboutSyllabus
CUET PG 2024CUET PG entrance exam is conducted at the national level to offer different PG level admission. This is a computer-based test that is organized once a year.CUET PG Entrance Exam Syllabus for Political Science

Also Read: DU PG Admission 2024

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MA Political Science: Scheme of Assessment

The final MA Political Science assessment is based on performance in the final year/semester theory examination and internal assessment. The weightage for the assessment criteria is given below.

Assessment CriteriaWeightage
Theory Examination70
Internal Assessment30
Dissertation100
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MA Political Science Important Books

The universities generally recommend some subject-related books along with the MA Political Science course syllabus. The syllabus and MA Political Science course subjects provide a route of learning to the students. And all the important books assist them in successfully dealing with the course. A few of the MA Political Science Important Books and author names are given in the table below:

Name of BooksAuthors Name
Administrative TheorySR Maheswari
Public Policy MakingJ. Andersen
Theory of Political SociologyS. P. Guru
Political SociologyPadhy, Hazari, Baral
Political TheoryR.C. Agarwal
Western Political Thought, Volume 1Urmila Sharma and S.K. Sharma
History of Political ThoughtSukhbir Singh
Constitutional Development and National Movement of IndiaR.C. Agarwal
Public Administration- Concepts and Theories

Rumki Basu

M.A. Public AdministrationLaxmikanth
Modern Indian Political ThoughtV.P. Verma
Indian Political ThoughtHari Hara Das
Major Modern Political SystemJ.C. Johari
Comparative Government and PoliticsJ.C. Johari
Modern ConstitutionsA.C. Kapoor
Foreign Policy of IndiaV.N. Khanna
Police AdministrationO. W. Wilson and Roy Clinton
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MA Political Science Course Structure

Universities/colleges opt for different teaching and learning strategies to support the syllabus format. Assignments, research work, and course modules are some of them. Students get all the essential content in the syllabus. Several institutes conduct workshops and seminars on different matters to expand the students’ knowledge. Through these seminars, students get to know about some practical and contemporary issues, experts’ views on them, and how they are resolved. The learning content and the teaching methodology both act as important contributory factors for the successful completion of the course. At the end of the program, students become equipped with the knowledge and skills that are required to be successful professionals in the field. Given below are some significant parts of the course structure:

·    Compulsory Papers

·    Optional Papers

·    Projects/Assignments

·    Seminars

·    Workshops

·    Fieldwork

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FAQs about M.A. Political Science Syllabus

What are the best colleges for MA Political Science?

Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi; Madras Christian College, Chennai, Presidency University, Kolkata, Xt. Xaviers’ College, Kolkata; Hindu College, New Delhi; Ramjas College, New Delhi; Nizam College, Hyderabad, etc. are some of the best colleges for MA Political Science.

What is the average course fee for MA Political Science?

The average course fee for MA Political Science is INR 20,000-80,000

Is there a summer internship for MA Political Science?

Yes, some colleges abroad provide summer internship programs for MA Political Science

What is the average placement package for MA Political Science?

The average placement package for MA Political Science is INR 4 to INR 8 Lakhs.

Which career is best after MA Political Science?

It is difficult to consider a particular career as the best one. Some of the prestigious jobs one can pursue after MA Political Science are Legislative Analyst, Professor, Public Affairs Advisor etc.

What are the entrance examinations required for MA Political Science admission?

CUET PG is an important entrance exam for MA Political Science admission.

What are the subjects in MA Political Science 1st year?

Indian Political Thought, Modern Political Analysis, Western Political Thought, Public Administration, Contemporary Political Philosophers, Government and Politics, Modern Political Theory are some of the MA Political Science subjects taught in the 1st Year.

Is MA Political Science first year Tough?

First year of Political Science may seem to be tough for some students as it incorporates views of political thinkers and their philosophies, different theories etc. However, if studied with interest and guidance the first-year syllabus can be covered with ease.

What does a student learn in MA Political Science?

There are numerous subjects taught in the MA Political Science. Public Policy, Political Theory, Urban Politics, Rural Politics, and Political Economy are some of the matters a student will learn in MA Political Science.

What percentage is good in MA Political Science?

If someone gets around 55%, it will be considered a good percentage for MA in Political Science.

What if I fail in MA Political Science?

If you fail in MA Political Science, you can reregister for the course.

How many papers are there in MA Political Science?

The total number of papers depends on the syllabus the universities follow to offer the course.

Is MA Political Science good for future?

Yes, Political Science is certainly good for the future. It helps to understand different political aspects of a nation, how a government works, and its impact on economic and government policies etc. After pursuing the course, students can get employed in both the private and public sectors.

What are the four fields of MA Political Science?

MA Political Science has many major fields, some of which include: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International relations, Political Economy, Political Philosophy.

What can you do with an MA Political Science degree?

With an MA Political Science degree, you can work in fields such as political management, administration, journalism, public relations, and public services, or you can continue your education.

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