Initiation and Brief Overview
The department of Political Science offers an undergraduate three years Honours Course and Generic Electives to other Honours Courses at the B.A. level. The department was established in the year 1962 with two full-time teachers. Later, another two full-time teachers were recruited to increase faculty strength of the department.
The core emphasis of the department is on familiarizing students with the conceptual and applied essence of the discipline. The course offers a set of skills which are an excellent preparation for a wide range of careers in academics, research, civil services and other competitive examinations, non-government organizations and private sectors. Currently, the department has four permanent faculty members, all scholars with a sharp academic bent of mind. They are involved in research and have several individual publications and presentations nationally and internationally.
Vision and outlook
The discipline of Political Science requires students to understand politics in all its nuances, to probe power relationships which exist in human interaction and examine fundamental principles of democratic functioning that guide ideas and institutions.
Methods of teaching
Apart from classroom lectures or the chalk and talk method, the Department uses ICT based classes and audio-visual aids, such as films and Powerpoint presentations, to stimulate learning interests. Members of faculty use innovative teaching methods to make learning experimental. This involves the use of micro-teaching, debates and quiz. Series of public lectures and workshops designed around the course are also used by teachers to provide extensive knowledge to the students. The department recognises the need for making project work as an academic requirement for all courses. Students undertake projects on all papers under the supervision of the concerned faculty. These projects are undertaken in various formats including group work as well as individual presentations. Field visits and study trips aid to the teaching-learning process. Regular assessments through written classwork and class-tests and end of the semester mock-tests ensure that the students are well prepared for their final end-semester examinations.
Infrastructure:
The Department maintains a Seminar Library consisting of relevant books and materials of reference that are not part of or available in the College Library. A laptop and a camera are part of the Departmental assets and are used for enhancing teaching-learning and for documenting and recording special events.
Email:
politicalscience@rksmvv.ac.in
NEP Syllabus
https://wbsu.ac.in/web/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Political-Science_SEM-1-2_2023.pdf
CBCS Syllabus
https://wbsu.ac.in/web/Syllabus/UG%20Syllabus/political-science-honours-cbcs-draft-syllabus.pdf
PROGRAMME OUTCOME CBCS
This course in B.A. in Political Science enables the students to develop an overall understanding of political institutions, society, culture, politics and international relations. More specifically, it shall enable the students to evolve a critical understanding on Indian Politics and its nature and contemporary trends. It not only introduces the students to the structural and functional dimensions of political institutions but also a range of theories which equips them with a critical understanding of society and politics. Thus, after studying the degree programme, the students shall be capable of joining academics, advanced research etc. They can be good political analysts on political parties, party systems, and models of democracy. Students can either opt for higher education such as a masters degree or prepare for various competitive examinations such as Civil services, law and other government jobs. Their training in Public Administrators may help them choose careers in the government sector. It will prepare the students to work in many governmental and other management careers, including health care administration, human resources management and even city management. The program on Comparative Government and Politics will enable the students to apply for jobs in various non-profit organizations, in the scientific and academic fields. in various research institutes or think-tanks, private companies including foreign corporations, educational institutions. Training in Human Rights, Public Policy can train them to take up news analysis and journalism as possible career prospects. It also allows them to take up a career in mass media – with mass communication and public relations.
COURSE OUTCOME CBCS
Semester-1 | Course Outcome |
CC-1 Understanding Political Theory
Module 1. What is Political and what is political Science (6 Credits) Module 2. Approaches to the study: a) Traditional b) Marxist c) Behavioural d) Post behavioural Module 3. Models of studying Political Theory a) Authority Models (Weber) b) Systems Analysis c) Structural functional Model d) Post Modernism (to be studied at the backdrop of the current debates)
|
· This course introduces the students to the idea of political theory, its history and approaches, and an assessment of its critical and contemporary trends and is designed to reconcile political theory and practice through reflections on the ideas and practices related to democracy.
· Learners would be able to describe and comprehend various key concepts related to the discipline and develop their own understanding of politics. · They will understand what power is and how it functions in society and politics. · They will be able to explain various theories of Justice. They will learn to comprehend and explain various theories and contemporary debates in democracy. · Also, they will come to know how liberal and Marxist traditions look at and understand politics today. |
CC-2 Constitutional Government and Democracy in India (6 Credits)
Module 1. Constitution of India (Article-wise) a) Preamble b) Fundamental Rights c) Directive Principles of State Policy Module 2. Federalism Module 3. Constitution of India: Structure, Process, Behaviour a) Union Government: Executive (total as it is in the constitution) Legislature (total, according to 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) |
· This course acquaints students with the constitutional design of state structures and institutions, and their actual working overtime.
· The Indian Constitution accommodates conflicting impulses (of liberty and justice, territorial decentralization and a strong union, for instance) within itself. · The course traces the embodiment of some of these conflicts in constitutional provisions, and shows how these have played out in political practice. · It further encourages a study of state institutions in their mutual interaction, and in interaction with the larger extra-constitutional environment.
|
GENERIC ELECTIVE -1 Introduction to Political Theory (6 Credits)
Module I. Introducing the subject a. What is Politics? b. What is Political Theory and what is its relevance? Module II. Concepts: Democracy, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, Gender, Citizenship, Civil Society and State
Module III. Debates in Political Theory: a. Is democracy compatible with economic growth? 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? |
· This course introduces the students to the idea of political theory, its history and approaches, and an assessment of its critical and contemporary trends and is designed to reconcile political theory and practice through reflections on the ideas and practices related to democracy.
· Learners would be able to describe and comprehend various key concepts related to the discipline and develop their own understanding of politics. · They will understand what power is and how it functions in society and politics. · They will be able to explain various theories of Justice. They will learn to comprehend and explain various theories and contemporary debates in democracy. · Also, they will come to know how liberal and Marxist traditions look at and understand politics today. |
Semester 2 | Course Outcome |
CC 3 Political Theory-Concepts and Debates (6 Credits)
Module – 1. Core political concepts: i. Nationalism and nation state ii. Sovereignty: Monism, Pluralism Module – 2. Core Concepts and Debates: i. Rights, Liberty, Equality ii. Justice: Plato, Rawls Module – 3. Theories of State a) Idealist Theory b)Liberal and Neo-liberal Theories |
· This course will familiarize students with the basic normative concepts in political theory and encourage them to understand how they manifest in social practices.
· The course will also help students learn how we make use of these concepts in organizing our social living.
· Understand the dimensions of shared living (sociare) through these political values and concepts.
· Appreciate how these values and concepts enrich the discourses of political life, sharpening their analytical skills in the process. |
CC-4 Political Process in India (6 Credits) Module – 1. Structure and process of election system a)Party system in India: features and trends; coalition Governments b) Electoral process: Election Commission— Composition and functions.
Module 2. Issues in contemporary politics a) Regionalism in India b) Role of religion ,caste, Dalits, Women Module 3. The concerns a) Corruption and politics: Measures to curb corruption in Indian politics b) Media and politics
|
· An understanding of the political process in India calls for a mode of analysis, which takes into consideration social and economic relations in society, and the manner in which they impact upon and are shaped by the institutional frameworks of politics.
· This course equips students with the tools of studying the political process in India by looking at the relationship between the components of the political system, the social and economic contexts in which they unfold, and the democratic values that they seek to achieve.
· gain insights into the interconnections between social and economic relations and the political process in India.
· understand the challenges arising due to caste, class, gender and religious diversities and also analyse the changing nature of the Indian state in the light of these diversities.
· make sense of the specificities of the political processes in India in the light of changes of the state practices, electoral system, representational forms and electoral behaviour |
GENERIC ELECTIVE 2 Indian Government and Politics( 6Credits)
Structure, Process, Behaviour. Module I..Evolution: Making of the Constitution by the Constitutional Advisor, the Drafting Committee and finally the Constituent assembly
Module II. Constitution of India(Article-wise) a)Preamble b)Fundamental Rights c)Directive Principles of State Policy d)Federalism
Module III. Constitution of India a)Union Government: Executive(total as it is in the constitution)Legislature(total, according to 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) |
· This course acquaints students with the constitutional design of state structures and institutions, and their actual working overtime.
· The Indian Constitution accommodates conflicting impulses (of liberty and justice, territorial decentralization and a strong union, for instance) within itself. · The course traces the embodiment of some of these conflicts in constitutional provisions, and shows how these have played out in political practice. · It further encourages a study of state institutions in their mutual interaction, and in interaction with the larger extra-constitutional environment.
|
Semester 3 | Course Outcome |
CC-5 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (6 Credits)
Module – 1. Understanding Comparative Politics a. Nature and scope b. Going beyond Eurocentrism Module – 2. Historical context of modern government a. Capitalism: meaning and development: globalization b. Socialism: meaning, growth and development c. Colonialism and decolonization: meaning, context, forms of colonialism; anti-colonialism struggles and process of decolonization Module – 3.. Themes for comparative analysis A comparative study of constitutional developments and political economy in the following countries: Britain, Brazil and China. |
· This course aims to familiarise students to basic concepts, methods and scope of comparative politics, different approaches their strengths and weaknesses.
· The objective is to provide deeper understanding of structures and functions of institutions in comparative perspective. · The course will examine politics in a historical framework while engaging with various themes of comparative analysis in developed and developing countries. · The historical context of modern state, constitutional development and their political economy could be understood with specific references; such as capitalism with reference to Britain, socialism with reference to China, colonialism and decolonization with reference to Brazil. · This paper would enable student to understand the legacy of the discipline. Studying different political systems from different continents across the world will introduce students to a range of political regimes, culture and their political economy. Students will learn to delineate ways to understand how state relates to the economy and how culture shapes the political discourse in a particular context. It would enhance the ability of students to use analytical frame of gender, ethnicity and their intersectionality in comparative perspective. · Students will develop reflective thinking and ability to ask relevant questions pertinent to the discipline and will develop aptitude for research. · Learning what, why and how to compare with an objective to discern Eurocentric bias · Let student understand the different approaches to study Comparative politics · Students will learn the emergence and development different forms of government · Student will study through the examples from the globe |
CC6 – Perspectives on Public Administration(6 Credits)
I. Public Administration as a Discipline a. Meaning, Dimensions and Significance of the Discipline b. Public and Private Administration c. Evolution of Public Administration II. Theoretical Perspectives a. CLASSICAL THEORIES · Scientific management (F.W. Taylor) · Administrative Management (Gullick, Urwick and Fayol) · Ideal-type bureaucracy (Max Weber) b. NEO-CLASSICAL THEORIES · Human relations theory (Elton Mayo) · Rational decision-making (Herbert Simon) c. CONTEMPORARY THEORIES · Ecological approach (Fred Riggs) · Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Peter Drucker) III. Major Approaches In Public Administration · New Public Administration · New Public Management · New Public Service Approach · Good Governance · Feminist Perspectives
|
· The course introduces the discipline of public administration. This paper encompasses public administration in its historical context with an emphasis on the various classical and contemporary administrative theories.
· The course also explores some of the recent trends, including feminism and ecological conservation and how the call for greater democratization is restructuring public administration. · The course will also attempt to provide the students a comprehensive understanding on contemporary administrative developments. • The student will be able to understand an overview of the discipline and how it is Different from private administration. • The student will be introduced to the evolution of the discipline, its changing contours through a study of the different theories, ranging from the classical, neo-classical and contemporary theories. •The students will be better equipped to analyse processes of leadership and conflict management that have become increasingly significant in contemporary administration. • The student learns about major contemporary approaches in public administration. • The student is specially made sensitive to the feminist perspective in Public administration. |
CC-7 Perspectives on International Relations and World History(6 credits)
I. Studying International Relations a. How do you understand International Relations: Levels of Analysis b. History and IR: Emergence of the International State System c. Pre-Westphalia and Westphalia d. Post-Westphalia II. Theoretical Perspectives a. Classical Realism & Neo-Realism b. Liberalism & Neo-liberalism c. Marxist Approaches d. Feminist Perspectives e. Eurocentricism and Perspectives from the Global South 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 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
|
· This paper seeks to equip students with the basic intellectual tools for understanding International Relations.
· It introduces students to some of the most important theoretical approaches for studying international relations. · The course begins by historically contextualizing the evolution of the international state system before discussing the agent-structure problem through the levels-of-analysis approach. · After having set the parameters of the debate, students are introduced to different theories in International Relations. · It provides a fairly comprehensive overview of the major political developments and events starting from the twentieth century. Students are expected to learn about the key milestones in world history and equip them with the tools to understand and analyze the same from different perspectives. · A key objective of the course is to make students aware of the implicit Euro – centricism of International Relations by highlighting certain specific perspectives from the Global South. • The students will have a comprehensive understanding of both historical processes and contemporary practices in International Relations. • Major theoretical perspectives will broaden the critical insight and inculcate among students the significance and rigor of the study of international relations. • The paper will go beyond eurocentrism in international relations and reflect on the global South perspectives. • It will evolve analytical skills to further explore both theoretical and actual key milestones in international relations. |
IV. h. Post-Cold War Developments and Emergence of other Power Centers of Power
|
|
GE 3 Comparative Government and Politics(6 Credits)
Module I. Understanding Comparative Politics a. Nature and scope b. Going beyond Eurocentrism Module II. Historical context of Modern Government a. Capitalism: meaning and development: globalization b. Socialism: meaning, growth and development c. Colonialism and decolonization: meaning, context, forms of colonialism; anti-colonialism struggles and process of decolonization Module III. Themes for comparative analysis A comparative study of constitutional developments and political economy in the following countries: Britain, Brazil and China. |
The paper will equip students with an in-depth understanding of nature, and scope of comparative politics. The course will enhance student’s understanding of comparative analysis both in developed and in developing countries. · The course will enable students in understanding historical context of modern state, constitutional development and their political economy with specific references; such as capitalism as a case of reference to Britain, socialism with reference to China, colonialism and decolonization with reference to Brazil. · The course will develop analytical skills of students to discuss the contemporary debates on the changing nature of state in the context of globalization.
|
Semester 4 | Course Outcome |
CC 8 Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective(6 Credits)
Module I. Approaches to Studying Comparative Politics a. Political Culture b. New Institutionalism Module II. a. Nation-state: What is nation–state? Historical evolution in Western Europe and postcolonial contexts Nation‘and ‗State‘: debates b. Process of democratization in postcolonial, post- authoritarian and post-communist countries. Module III a. Federalism: Historical context Federation and Confederation: debates around territorial division of power: USA, CANADA, INDIA b. Nature of Party System : i. Historical contexts of emergence of the party system and types of parties ii. Nature of party System: USA, UK, China |
· In this course students will be trained in the application of comparative methods to the study of politics.
· The course is comparative in both what we study and how we study. In the process the course aims to introduce undergraduate students to some of the range of issues, literature, and methods that cover comparative politics. · The paper will equip students with an in-depth understanding of different political systems and regime types. Students would be able to contrast unitary and federal, democratic and authoritarian systems. · It will help students to develop analytical skills to reflect institutional structures and their functioning such as party systems, electoral systems. · It will provide insight into the process of evolution of nation state in the context of West and post-colonial societies. · Students will develop insights into the process of democratization in post-colonial, post authoritarian and post-communist societies.
|
CC–9 Public Policy and Administration in India(6 Credits)
Module I. Public Policy a. Concept, relevance and approaches b. Definition, characteristics and models c. Public Policy Process in India d. Formulation, implementation and evaluation e. Social Welfare Policies: Education: Right To Education, National Education Policy, Kothari Commission. Health: National Health Mission . Food: Right To Food Security a. Employment: JNNURM, MNREGA Module II. a. Decentralization i. Meaning, significance and approaches and types ii. Local Self Governance: Rural and Urban – With Special Reference to West Bengal b. Citizen and Administration Interface a. Public Service Delivery b. Redressal of Public Grievances: RTI, Lokpal, Citizens‘ Charter and E-Governance Module III. Budget a. Concept and Significance of Budget b. Budget Cycle in India c. Various Approaches and Types Of Budgeting, Vote on Account, Zero Base Budgeting, Performance Budgeting |
The paper seeks to introduce the interface between public policy and administration in India. The essence of public policy lies in its effectiveness in translating the governing philosophy into programs and policies and making it a part of the community living. It deals with issues of decentralization, financial management, citizens and administration and social welfare from a non-western perspective.
• The student is introduced to theoretical perspectives on public policy, a major sub discipline of public administration. • This is a paper devoted specially to the Indian context, so the student will become familiar with details of public policy adopted in India. • Students will recognize the significance of local governance – both rural and urban. • The students will become familiar with a range of budgetary procedures and practices, as part of the budget cycle in India. • The student is exposed to mechanisms of grievance redressal and a range of specific social welfare policies.
|
CC-10 Global Politics(6 Credits)
I. Globalization: Conceptions and Perspectives
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 d. Cultural and Technological Dimension e. Global Resistances (Global Social Movements and NGOs) II. Contemporary Global Issues a. Ecological Issues: Historical Overview of International Environmental Agreements, Climate Change, Global Commons Debate b. Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons c. International Terrorism: Non-State Actors and State Terrorism; Post 9/11 developments d. Migration e. Human Security III. Global Shifts: Power and Governance |
· This course introduces students to the key debates on the meaning and nature of globalization by addressing its political, economic, social, cultural and technological dimensions.
· In keeping with the most important debates within the globalization discourse, it imparts an understanding of the working of the world economy, its anchors and resistances offered by global social movements while analyzing the changing nature of relationship between the state and trans-national actors and networks. · The course also offers insights into key contemporary global issues such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, ecological issues, international terrorism, and human security before concluding with a debate on the phenomenon of global governance. • The students will have conceptual clarity on meaning, nature and significance of globalization. • The students will learn about the contemporary debates on the discourse of globalization. |
GE 4 Introduction to International Relations(6 Credits)
I. Studying International Relations a. How do you understand International 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 d. Feminist Perspectives 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 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 |
• This paper seeks to equip students with the basic intellectual tools for understanding International Relations.
• It introduces students to some of the most important theoretical approaches for studying international relations. • The course begins by historically contextualizing the evolution of the international state system before discussing the agent-structure problem through the levels-of-analysis approach. • After having set the parameters of the debate, students are introduced to different theories in International Relations. • It provides a fairly comprehensive overview of the major political developments and events starting from the twentieth century. Students are expected to learn about the key milestones in world history and equip them with the tools to understand and analyze the same from different perspectives. • A key objective of the course is to make students aware of the implicit Euro – centricism of International Relations by highlighting certain specific perspectives from the Global South. • The students will have a comprehensive understanding of both historical processes and contemporary practices in International Relations. • Major theoretical perspectives will broaden the critical insight and inculcate among students the significance and rigor of the study of international relations. |
Semester-5 | Course Outcome |
CC-11 Classical Political Philosophy(6 Credits)
Module I. Antiquity Plato: Philosophy and Politics, Theory of Forms, Justice, Philosopher King/Queen, Communism; Critique of Democracy; Women and Guardianship, Censorship Aristotle: Virtue, Citizenship, Justice, State and Household – Classification of governments; man as zoon politikon Module II. Interlude: Machiavelli: Virtue, Religion, Republicanism, morality and statecraft; vice and virtue Module IV. Hobbes , Locke and Rousseau a. Hobbes: Human nature, State of Nature, Social Contract, State; Social Contract; Leviathan; atomistic individuals. b. Locke : Laws of Nature, Natural Rights, Property, Natural rights; right to dissent; justification of property c. Rousseau: State of Nature, Social Contract, General Will |
· This course goes back to Greek antiquity and familiarizes the students with the manner in which the political questions were first posed and are being answered in normative ways.
· The aim is to introduce to the students the questions, ideas and values of political philosophy, which are being addressed by the political philosophers as part of contemporary political thinking. · In this manner, students would be familiarized with the theoretical origins of key concepts in political science. By the end of the course students would be able to: • Understand how to read and decode the classics and use them to solve contemporary socio-political problems. • Connect with historically written texts and can interpret it in familiar way (the way Philosophers think). • Clearly present their own arguments and thoughts about contemporary issues and develop ideas to solve them through logical validation. |
CC-12 Indian Political Thought – I
( 6 Credits) Module I. Traditions of Pre-colonial Indian Political Thought a. Brahmanic and Shramanic b. Islamic and Syncretic. Module II. Outline of ancient Indian Political Thought a. Ved Vyasa (Shantiparva): Rajadharma b. Manu: Social Laws c. Kautilya: Theory of State , Saptanga, Danda, Law d. Aggannasutta (Digha Nikaya): Theory of kingship Module III. Outline of Islamic and Syncretic Thought a. Barani: Ideal Polity b. Abul Fazal: Monarchy c. Kabir: Syncretism
|
· The primary objective of the course is to make students familiar with the works and studies related to Indian Political Thought.
· This course introduces the specific elements and diverse spectrum of Indian Political Thought spanning over two millennia. The basic focus of study is on individual thinkers whose ideas are however framed by specific themes and facilitated sociopolitical transformation. · The course as a whole is meant to provide a sense of the broad streams of Indian thought, while encouraging a specific knowledge of individual thinkers and texts. · The ideas contain classical as well as medieval approaches to the issues in existence in the Indian society. Selected extracts from some original texts are also given to discuss in class. · The list of additional readings is meant for teachers as well as the more interested students.
· Having successfully completed this course, student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts of ancient and medieval Indian political thought that are revalent traditions of thought in India and develop a comparative understanding of Indian and western political thought. This course will also help students to identify and describe the key characteristics of Indian political thought and develop a strong understanding of selected historio graphical debates. |
DSE-1 Reading Gandhi(6 Credits)
Module I. Gandhi on Modern Civilization and Modern Industrialisation based on Large and Heavy Industries and Alternative Modernity ; critique of development Module II. Gandhian Thought: Theory and Action: a. Theory of Satyagraha b. Satyagraha in Action : Peasant Satyagraha: Kheda and the Idea of Trusteeship c. Gandhi on all-inclusive Development Sarvodaya – on Untouchability and Dalit emancipation
Module III. a. Gandhi on Women‘s Development and on Women‘s Movement b. Gandhi on peace and Preservation of Nature |
· This course will enable student to understand Gandhi in a global framework and elaborate Gandhian thought and examine its practical implications.
· Students analyze Gandhi’s continuing influence in the contemporary times and critically evaluate his legacy. · Students will be able to understand Gandhian philosophy in a critical and analytical way. · Describe the impact of Gandhian thought on Indian and global politics. · It will help in pointing out and explaining selected approaches and methods that various scholars have used to study the history of anti-colonial Indian politics. |
DSE-3 Understanding Global Politics
(6 Credits) Globalization: Conceptions and Perspectives
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 Module II. Identity and Culture : Crisis of Coexistence a. Global Inequalities b. Violence: Conflict, War and Terrorism c. Global Civil Society : Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons ; International Terrorism: Non-State Actors and State Terrorism; Post 9/11 developments ; Migration ; Human Security Module III. Global Environment Ecological Issues: Historical Overview of International Environmental Agreements, Climate Change, Global Commons Debate |
· This course enables the students to learn about the meaning, nature, significance and contemporary debates about globalization.
· The study of various methodologies and ideas of globalization and the role played by various international organizations will expand students’ knowledge on international political economy. · A vision of the alternative understanding of globalization and various critical aspects related to it. · The students will have in-depth knowledge of the impact of globalization on third world countries · An understanding of contemporary international issues like civil society, social movements and human migration in the context of globalization. |
Semester 6 | Course Outcome |
CC-13 Modern Political Philosophy(6 Credits)
Module I Modernity and its discourse(Two essential readings) a. Kant. (1784) ‗What is Enlightenment?,‘ b. George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: Civil Society and State Module II. Faminist Discourse
a. Mary Wollstonecraft: ‗Vindication of Rights of Women‘ b. Betty Friedan: ‗The Faminique Mistique‘ Module III. Liberal socialist and Radicals a. John Stuart Mill: Liberty, suffrage and subjection of women, right of minorities; utility principle b. Karl Marx: Alienation; Dialectical materialism, Historical Materialism, Class and class struggle c. Antonio Gramsci: Civil Society and Hegemony |
· This course aims to expose the students to the manner in which the questions of politics have been posed in terms that have implications for larger questions of thought and existence in society and is being solved. · By introducing the philosophers from different traditions students will be able to answer few fundamental political questions: Why do we live in political communities? What is the ‘best’ form of government? How human nature influences political decision making? How and in what circumstances we need to resist bad rulers? By the end of the course students would be able to: • Understand the idea of modernity and establish a connection between societal changes posed through modernity and its prescribed political suggestions. • Identify various tendencies in political philosophical discourse and manage to answer various fundamental questions through problem-solving aptitude. |
CC-14 Indian Political Thought – II(6 Credits)
Module I. Introduction to Modern Indian Political Thought a. Rammohan Roy: Rights b. Pandita Ramabai: Gender c. Vivekananda: Ideal Society Module – II a. Gandhi: Swaraj b. Ambedkar: Social Justice c. Tagore: Critique of Nationalism Module III a. Iqbal: Community b. Savarkar: Hindutva c. Nehru: Secularism d. Lohia: Socialism |
· The objective of this course is to study important themes through individual thinkers.
· The course has been designed to give students a glimpse about the richness and diversity within Indian political thought. · The thinkers have been consciously selected to represent a wide spectrum of ideologies and vantage points within the modern Indian thought tradition. Selected extracts from original texts are also given to discuss in the class. · This shall help students to have some experience in understanding how these thinkers build up their arguments and developed their views on the respective themes.
· The course is aimed to equip students with critical understanding about modern Indian thought. The thematic exploration of ideas is meant to locate the topical debates on important subjects on a historical trajectory and reflect over the diverse possibilities exhibited in the writings of the respective thinkers.
· It is expected that at the end of the course the students will be able to think about issues and debates in contemporary India from multiple vantage points including its historical significance in the Indian tradition. It would also help them develop toleration and respect for diverse opinion and at the same time, to admire and appreciate the plurality within the modern Indian intellectual tradition. |
DSE-5 Human Rights in a Comparative Perspective
(6 Credits) I. Human Rights: Theory and 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 a. Torture: USA and India b. Surveillance and Censorship: China and India c. Terrorism and Insecurity of Minorities: USA and India III. Structural Violence 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 |
· Students will be able to understand the issues concerning rights of all citizens as well as marginalized groups.
· Students will be equipped to understand, theoretically and conceptually, socio-economic and political problems of marginalized groups in society.
· Students will understand basic concepts relating to social inequality such as caste, gender, ethnicity etc. · An in-depth study of Human Rights, UN Declaration on Human Rights and Citizenship Rights · Knowledge of Human Rights, Laws and Institutions in India · Students will be aware of and understand global issues such as Pollution, Global Warming, Bio-diversity etc. and the Indian Context as well. |
DSE-6 Governance: Issues and Challenges(6 Credits)
Module 1. GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE: CONCEPTS Role of State In the era of Globalisation State, Market and Civil Society Module 2. ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE Human-Environment Interaction Green Governance: Sustainable Human Development Module -3. GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES IN INDIA: BEST PRACTICES Public Service Guarantee Acts Electronic Governance Citizens Charter & Right to Information Corporate Social Responsibility |
· The students will learn the concept of good governance.
· This course will help students to get familiar with the changing nature of governance in the era of globalization. · The most contemporary ideas of sustainable development and green governance. · Various ideas relating to e-governance. · The students will become familiar with a detailed introduction to the best practices in India on good governance |
Syllabus Link
https://wbsubregistration.org/syllabus/political-science-honours-cbcs-draft-syllabus.pdf
Associate Professor
View ProfileAssistant Professor
View ProfileAssistant Professor
View ProfileAssistant Professor
View ProfileStudy Material | Download |
CC 4 party system | View |
federalism | View |
Study material for Sem 5 Plato | View |
Study material of Sem 4 Concept Political Culture | View |
Study material of Sem 6 (Gramsci on Civil Society) (1) | View |
Study material Sem 3 Concept of Socialism | View |
Study material Sem1 (Major)Concept of Power | View |
EXTENSION LECTURES, DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
SERIAL NO. | DATE | NAME AND DESIGNATION OF VISITING LECTURER | TOPIC |
1 | 7th February, 2017 | Smt. Ubhoybarati Acharya, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Women’s College, Kolkata. | Women’s Equality and Constitution of India |
2 | 7th February, 2017 | Dr. Alefiya Tundawala, Savitri Girls’ College | Electoral Politics in India: Issues and Trends |
3 | 31st August 2017 | Dr. Arundhati Bhattacharyya, Diamond Harbour Women’s University | Women in Public Administration |
4 | 22nd March 2018 | Smt. Ubhoybarati Acharya, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Women’s College, Kolkata. | David Held: Classification of Democracy. |
5 | 31st August 2018 | Dr. Arundhati Bhattachaya, Diamond Harbour Women’s University. | Women in Public Administration |
30th March, 2019 | Moumita De , Lecturer, Department of Human Rights, RKSMVV | Basic Concepts of Human Rights | |
6 | 28th August 2019 | Dr. Aparna Bandyopadhyay, Associate Professor in History, Diamond Harbour Women’s university | The reality of westphalia and its implications |
7 | 27th August 2019 | Dr. Soma Ghosh,Principal, Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women | New Public Management |
8 | 20th March 2019 | Inter-departmental lecture with the department of History. Speaker: Prof.Sobhanlal datta gupta ,ex-surendranath Banerjee Professor in Political Science, University of Calcutta | The trajectory of Left Politics in India. |
9 | 14th February 2019 | Inter-departmental lecture with the department of Sociology: Speaker: Prof.Prasanta Ray, EmeritusProessor of Political Science and Sociology, Presidency University. | Power and its Guises |
10 | 29th june 2020 | Sri Amitava Deb,Assistant Professor in Political Science,Derozio Memorial College, Rajarhat | Federalism: The case of the USA and India. |
11 | 15th june 2020 | Dr Roopleena, BanerjeeAssistant Professor in Political Science and vice principal, Dr. Ambedkar Satabarshiki Mahavidyalaya. Helencha | Federation and confederation: The case of Canada |
12 | 4th January, 2021 | Multidisciplinary Online Lecture Series on Gender Studies, Dr. Trina Nileena Banerjee, Researcher | Gender and Political Science: The Question of Women in Collective Struggle |
13 | 24th june 2021 | Webinar Series : Day 1: Kinshuk Nandi,Assistant Professor in Political Science, Taki Govt College. | Torture in USA and India |
14 | 29th June 2021 | Webinar Series : Day 2: Kinshuk Nandi,Assistant Professor in Political Science, Taki Govt College. | Terrorism and Insecurity of Minorities: USA and India |
15 | 8th July,
2021 |
Webinar Series Day 3: Moumita De, Lecturer, Department of Human Rights, RKSMVV | Caste and Race in India |
16 | 23rd July 2021 | Alefiya Tundawala, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Savitri Girl’ s College, Kolkata. | Green Governance and Sustainable Human Development |
17 | 14th January 2022 | Prof Rupleena Banerjee,Asst Professor, Department of Political Science, Vice Principal, B.R Ambedkar Satabarshiki Mahabidyalaya , Helencha | Kabir and Syncretism and Bhakti and Sufi Movement |
18 | 13th December 2022 | Dr. Panchali Majumdar, Associate Professor, Department of History
RKSMVV |
World War II: Causes and Consequences |
19 | 13th December 2022 | Dr. Sunetra Mitra, Assistant Professor, Department of History, RKSMVV | World War I: Causes and Consequences |
20 | 06th January,2023 | Dr. Roopleena Banerjee, Assistant Professor in Political Science and vice principal, Dr. Ambedkar Satabarshiki Mahavidyalaya, Helencha | Brahmanic, Shramanic and Syncretism |
21 | 24th February, 2023 | Kinshuk Nandi,Assistant Professor in Political Science, Taki Govt College.
|
Adivasis/Aboriginals and the Land question: India and Australia |
Conferences / Seminars
1 | 7th April, 2017 | Inter-disciplinary Seminar on Women’s Journey Towards Empowerment: A Myth or A Reality? organised by the Departments of Political Science, Philosophy and Education | Convenor, Dr. Payal Bose Biswas, Assistant Professor, Department of Political science, RKSMVV |
2 | 13th September, 2017 | Inter-disciplinary Seminar on Socio-Economic Stratification in Contemporary India organised by the Departments of Political Science and Economics | Prof. Amartya Mukhopadhyay, Ex- Professor, Department of Political science, University of Calcutta |
3 | 7th February, 2020 | Interdicsiplinary Seminar to Commemmorate 200th Birth Anniversary of Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, organised by the Departments of History, Bengali, Political Science and Education. | Dr. Sabita Choudhuri, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, RKSMVV |
STUDENTS SECTION
Co-curricular Awards:
Sabnam Khatun, participated in the Quiz Competition East Regional Round ConQuest held in Loreto College, August 2019.
Tandra Mondal received the Tripti Chowdhury Memorial Good Conduct Award in the Annual Prize Distribution, March 2019.
Tandra Mondal secured Third Position in Inter-College Debate Competition commemorating 150th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Sister Nivedita held in Bethune College, December 2017.
Tandra Mondal participated in National Seminar organized by the Department of Human Rights and Human Development, Rabindra Bharati University, March 2016.
Beyond curriculum, the students make presentations on contemporary socio-political themes. Examples may be cited of Wall Poster on celebration of 70th year of the making of the Indian Constitution 2019, celebrating Teachers’ Day in India 2018 etc.
The students participate in poster competitions in the College and beyond. Examples may be cited of ‘Safe Drive, Safe Life’ – a poster competition organised by the Kolkata Police 2019; an intra-college poster competition on ‘Women’s Journey towards Empowerment: A Myth or A Reality’, 2017 etc.
OUR ACHIEVERS
Name of the participant | Year/
Semester |
Date of participation | Name of the Event | Paper Presented | Organiser | ||
1 |
Banabithi Biswas.
|
10 -11 June 2022
|
International Webinar on Climate Change and its Impact on Ecosystem: Mitigation and Adaptation |
‘Climate Change and Global Warming and Depletion of Natural Resources’ | International Foundation for Environment and Ecology(IFEE), Kolkata, West Bengal
Govt. Degree College, Kilhotran Jammu and Kashmir, Bhairav Ganguly College, West Bengal.
|
||
2 |
Krishna Mistri.
|
10 -11 June 2022
|
,, | ‘Climate Change and Global Warming and Depletion of Natural Resources’ | ,, | ||
3 |
Ananya Das.
|
10 -11 June 2022
|
,, | ‘Climate Change and Global Warming and Depletion of Natural Resources’ | ,, | ||
3 |
Jita Ghosh Choudhury |
10 -11 June 2022
|
,, | ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ | ,, | ||
4 |
Sangita Naskar |
10 -11 June 2022
|
,, | ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ | ,, | ||
5 |
Baishakhi Roy |
10 -11 June 2022
|
,, | ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ | ,, | ||
6 |
Jita Ghosh Choudhury |
2022 |
Con- Quest 2022 |
—- |
Centre For Law and Policy Research;
Friedrich Naumann Foundation |
||
7 |
Ritika Das |
2022 |
Con- Quest 2022 |
—- |
Centre For Law and Policy Research;
Friedrich Naumann Foundation |
||
8 | Anushka Ghosh
|
10/11/’22 | Inter-college Chess Competition | Rishi Bankim Chandra College) College, Naihati.
24Pgs (N) |
|||
9 | Anushka Ghosh
|
2/12/22
|
Seminar on Observance of ‘World AIDS Day’
|
—- | National Service Scheme( NSS) cell West Bengal State University in collaboration with
West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal
|
||
10 |
Anushka Ghosh
|
24/01/’23 | Seminar on ‘Investors’ Awareness’
|
—- | Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) &
Center For Skill Development and Business Studies, West Bengal State University Gurukul Edutech. |
||
11 | Anushka Ghosh
|
16/3/23 | 2) State-Level Seminar and Paper Presentation
|
Presented Paper on the ‘Women’s Movements, Histories and Narratives: Revisiting the Journey’ | The Women and Gender Development Cell and IQAC in Collaboration with the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, History and Department of Teacher Education -Scottish Church College | ||
12 |
Anushka Ghosh
|
02.10.2022 | Seminar and Awareness Rally on ‘Swachhta Action Plan’:
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan |
—- | Regional Director of NSS Kolkata West Bengal
Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
|
||
13 | Anushka Ghosh
|
22-09-22 | Lecture on Cyber, Crime &Cyber Security | —- | National Service Scheme
(NSS) cell, West Bengal State University |
||
14 | Moumita Pramanik | 2022 | Javelin Throw | First | Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda
Vidyabhavan |
||
15 | Moumita Pramanik | 2022 | Long Jump | Third | |||
16 | Moumita Pramanik | 2022 | Relay race
|
Second | |||
17 | Moumita Pramanik | 2022 | Javelin Throw | First | |||
18 | Moumita Pramanik | 2023 | Long Jump | First | |||
19 | Moumita Pramanik | 2023 | Discus Throw
|
First | |||
20 | Moumita Pramanik | 2023 | Shot Put | Second | |||
21 | Moumita Pramanik | 2023 | 80 Mts Run | Third | |||
22 | Moumita Pramanik | 2023 | 100 Mts run | First | |||
23 | Moumita Pramanik | 2023 | Relay Race | Second | |||
TESTIMONIALS
SOMA MONDAL (EX- STUDENT) PREPARING FOR NET EXAMINATION.
I am proud a former-student of RKSMVV department of political science. The disciplined college life is helping me on the way. Every Teacher there taught me various subjects with love and charm, encouraged me to pursue higher studies. They continued to help me to improve my skills and guide me. I am proud of my college, faculty and forever grateful to them.
MOUMITA PARIA, ASSISTANT TEACHER, BHUBANNAGAR VIDYAPITH (H.S))
The time that I spent in Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhavan college is one of the most remarkable and unforgettable times of my life. I am lucky to get the chance to enjoy my college life in this institution. This college has given me a new environment from where I learnt to face new challenge. I cannot forget the relationship that formed with the teachers and Mataji. They have helped me to take right decision of life, to build my confidence. They prepared me with the finest academic and platform to generate dreams into realities. Till now I remember the moments spent in the Hostel. One of the best things of three years in my college life was when I got quality time with my friends and teachers and learning experience. The last days of my college were the most sorrowful knowing that I will be departing my friends, the campus, teachers, and completely leaving behind a part of life.
PAYEL PAIK (B.A.POLITICAL SCIENCE HONOURS)
TELECALLING OFFICER, HDB FINANCIAL SERVICE.
I am very proud to be a part of Political Science Department of RKSMVV. I considered pursuing political science honours from an institution like this was one of the best decisions of my life. The very supporting faculty helped me to enhance my skills. Political science became my love because of my professors. They always inspired to never give up in life and helped me to overcome from difficult situations. That’s why I believe those three years were the golden moments of my life.
SABANAM KHATUN (EX- STUDENT) WORKIG IN TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICE AS A TRAINEE/ BFSI
The department of Political Science at RKSMVV will always be an integral part of my life. The professors have been instrumental in nurturing in me an ability to think and write critically and understand and derive the embedded meaning of the text on my own. The education, discipline and maturity which it has instilled in me, always helped me to overcome both personal and professional challenges. I have imbibed the virtues of discipline, regularity, hard work and humility here, which helped me immensely to stay hungry to learn, work toward my goals and yet keep my humanity intact in my journey.
NIKITA MONDAL (EX- STUDENT), PURSUING COURSE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING
I spent the golden moment of my life at Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhaban.I will remember the love I received at Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhaban along with the curriculum based education. I am a student of Political Science, I have always received a cooperative attitude from every teacher in the department, they have always helped us in every way. Needless to say, I have always received help from every respected Mataji in the college. Our college library is very good, from where we always got all the help related to the curriculum. Besides, the pleasant environment of my college the spiritual atmosphere attracts me even today. The knowledge I gained from Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhavan, I will try to remember it forever, and I will always have respect for all the respected Matajis, all the teachers, all the people of my college.
TANDRA MONDAL (EX- STUDENT) PREPARING FOR NET EXAMINATION. REMEDIAL TEACHER AT RKSMVV
I have enjoyed my college life to the fullest and I am a proud alumnus of Political Science department of Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhavan and owe a lot to my professors. My department is an amazing department. The professors of my department have a pleasing personality. Their method of teaching was very easy and interesting. Our professors had provided us with the best possible grounding in study and inspired us to take up higher studies. From lending book to correcting answers they have always been there for us. They have taught us with real love and care. They took personal interest in all the students. Though we made mistakes, they were supportive. They have an excellent knowledge on their respective subject. They are very helpful. They are our mentor, motivator. They taught us from academic knowledge to moral values. Our professors taught us the tough skills of life, discipline, friendship, sincerity, dedication, struggles, experiences, joy and commitment. They are the great idol of us. They taught us to come out of any bad situation in life through wisdom and patience. They are always with us. Our professors are friend, philosopher and guide who hold our hand, open our mind. I am truly grateful to my respected professors always. Student life is the time of learning. We all know that libraries are treasure troves. Our college library as well as the library of the department helped us a lot. Every single moment spent in that college is something special which I shall cherish for the rest of my life.
ODD SEMESTER 2023 | |||||||
Department of Political science | |||||||
10.15 am 11.15 am | 11.15 am 12.15 pm | 12pm – 1.15 pm | RECESS | 1.45 pm – 2.45 pm | 2.45 pm – 3.45 pm | 3.45 pm – 4.45 pm | |
Mon
1st |
X
|
MAJORSRC
|
MINORSRC
|
X | X
|
MDC
|
X
|
Mon
3rd |
3HSRC
|
3HSL
|
3HSC
|
X | GE3SL
|
SEC YOGA
|
X |
Mon
5th |
5HSL
|
5HSC | 5HSL
|
X | 5HSC
|
X
|
X |
Tues
1st |
MAJORSL
|
X
|
MINORPBB
|
X | SECSRC
|
AEC
|
X |
Tues
3rd |
3HPBB
|
X | 3HSRC(Tu) | X | 3HSC | GE3SRC
|
3HSRC
|
Tues
5th |
5HSC
|
5HSC
DSE ( Gen) |
5HSL(Tu)
|
X | 5HSL
|
COMPUTER
|
X |
Wed
1st |
MINORSL | X
|
MAJORSL(Tu) | X | SECSC
|
MDC
|
X
|
Wed
3rd |
3HSRC | X | 3HPBB
|
X | 3HSL(Tu) | GE3SC
|
X
|
Wed
5th |
5HPBB(Tu)
|
5HPBB
DSE (Gen) |
5HSRC(Tu)
|
X | Value.Edu
|
5HSRC
|
X |
Thurs
1st |
X
|
MAJOR SL
|
X
|
X | MINORSL | VAC YOGA | Value Edu |
Thurs
3rd |
3HSRC | COMPUTER
|
3HSL | X | 3HPBB(Tu) | GE3SL
|
X
|
Thurs
5th |
5HPBB | 5HPBB | 5HSRC
DSE (Gen) |
X | 5HSRC
|
X | X |
FRI
1st |
COMPUTER
|
MAJORSC
|
MAJORPBB
|
X | Meet.Slot/
Mentor/ Seminar/ Stu.Act |
VAC YOGA | X |
Fri
3rd |
3HSRC
|
3HPBB
|
GE3SL
|
X | Meet.Slot/
Mentor/ Seminar/ Stu.Act |
Meet.Slot/
Mentor/ Seminar/ Stu.Act |
3HPBB
|
Fri
5th |
5HSL
|
5HSL
|
5HSRC
|
X | Meet.Slot/
Mentor/ Seminar/ Stu.Act |
Meet.Slot/
Mentor/ Seminar/ Stu.Act |
5HSC(Tu)
|
SAT
1st |
SECPBB | X | MINORSC | X | X | X | X
|
SAT
3rd |
3H | 3HSC(Tu) | GE3PBB | X | X | X | X |
SAT
5th |
5HSC | 5HPBB | 5H(ASSG) | X | Srijoni | 5HSC | X |
Formulation of Departmental Policy for Slow and Advanced Learners September 4th, 2019
In keeping with the policy of the Slow and Advanced Learners of the College, the department of Political Science has formulated certain specific guidelines to identify the Slow and Advanced Learners of the discipline. This identification of slow and advanced learners is done from class response/performance of respective students within one month from the commencement of their classes.
Assessment of student quality is made by teachers in individual capacity in terms of the following:
So, Slow Learners are usually identified with:
Strategies undertaken for tackling Slow learners:
Advanced Learners are usually identified with:
Strategies undertaken for helping Advanced learners:
planning and growth.