{"id":1744,"date":"2020-03-24T06:34:51","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T06:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/?p=1744"},"modified":"2020-04-28T12:23:51","modified_gmt":"2020-04-28T12:23:51","slug":"making-the-world-a-better-place-launching-indias-first-ever-b-a-hons-in-social-science-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/2020\/03\/24\/making-the-world-a-better-place-launching-indias-first-ever-b-a-hons-in-social-science-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"Making the World a Better Place \u2013 Launching India\u2019s First-Ever B.A. (Hons.) in Social Science &#038; Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Perhaps the ultimate goal of education is to make\nthe world a better place. Understanding society and impacting policy, is one\nway to do this. The ever-changing governance and policy environment demands <em>new\nimaginations, new methodologies and even revitalised ethics<\/em>\u2014and that is\nexactly what O.P. Jindal Global University is set to nurture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At a time when social, economic and political\nsituations across the world call for a fresh perspective, JGU is preparing\nyoung people to play critical roles in the future. Jindal School of Government\nand Public Policy (JSGP) is introducing the first-of-its-kind three-year B.A.\n(Hons.) Social Science &amp; Policy programme in the country this year.\nAdmissions are open till 22nd July 2020.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new endeavour is a reflection of the\nuniversity\u2019s commitment to promote public service. This fully-residential interdisciplinary\nundergraduate degree is a unique option for those young students who want to\nplay a meaningful role in public life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who is it for?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spirited young students who want to understand and\nmake a difference in the social, political and economic structures of the world\nthey live in should consider this programme. It gives a strong footing in social\nscience and policy to go out into the world with insights into different\ndisciplines and do one\u2019s part\u2014be it through civil service, politics,\nbusinesses, social service, advocacy, research or any other field.&nbsp;But\nchanging the world is no easy feat. It demands a socio-political consciousness,\nan economic awareness, a critical mind, creative outlook, and a broad\nperspective\u2014but most of all, it also needs a sense of responsibility.&nbsp;The\nhope is to nurture a generation of capable, committed youth who can rise to the\nchallenges of society and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The programme is open to students from any high\nschool stream\u2014arts, commerce or science. Those who\u2019ve passed 10+2 examination\nor equivalent with a minimum of 60% marks are eligible to apply. Students also\nneed to clear either JSAT, SAT or ACT with minimum 55% score. The admission\nprocess additionally calls for a personal statement and faculty\ninterview.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-facebook wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-facebook\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/JindalSGP\/videos\/210084443774960\/\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are the distinctive aspects of the\nprogramme?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Diverse, dynamic, contemporary coursework\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The broad-based programme looks at how to apply\nsocial sciences to solve problems of society and economy. As a first in the\ncountry, the courses are original and innovative. It brings together a\nharmonious blend of themes relevant to today\u2019s world. The curriculum is\ndynamic, cutting-edge and contemporary in every way. Subject matter ranges from\na selection of core subjects to a variety of electives across schools.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Learning to solve real world problems with a\n     holistic approach<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The world is becoming increasingly complex. The\nvery nature of problems is also intricate. One discipline alone can no longer\nprovide a complete answer. Solutions for society need to synthesise different\nparts of the whole. To understand and operate in the modern world, one has to\ndraw insights from diverse disciplines. Particularly in the realm of social\nscience and policy, it is critical to go beyond compartmentalised concepts and\napproach the world with a wider perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A holistic approach\u2014which is inherently provided by\nthe multidisciplinary nature of study at JGU\u2014is the need of the hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Conceptual clarity in core subjects &amp;\n     electives to enrich specialisations and follow interests<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The core disciplines are sociology, political\nscience and economics. These are explored through courses that range from\nsociological or political history, thought and concepts, themes of economics,\npublic policy concepts and issues, governance and more. Topics like gender and\nsociety, debates on ethics, media and urban politics introduce an element of\nfirm grounding in the multi-faceted realities of the world, and how to tackle\nthem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Multidisciplinary at JGU allows students to take up\nelectives across the various schools outside JSGP, within the university\u2014be it\nthe schools of law, business, international affairs, liberal arts and\nhumanities, journalism and communication, banking and finance or art and\narchitecture. Students also have a chance to learn foreign languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Strong emphasis on research, writing and communication&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While the core disciplines develop sound\ntheoretical understanding, a deep dive into research brings in a real-world\nconnect. Quantitative and qualitative research is a critical component of the\nprogramme. Students are taught in the ways of effective communication for\nsurvey, analysis and implementation. From research methodologies, statistical\ntools and academic writing to survey design, analysis, policy implementation,\nsystematic evaluation and field work, students can discover a broad canvas of\nskills, tools and techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As India\u2019s first public policy school, JSGP is\ncommitted to creating a new generation of capable, knowledgeable people who can\ncontribute to society and public policy in a new way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Stepping stone to civil services exam&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Civil Services Examination\u2014the nationwide exam\nthat recruits candidates for civil services positions in the government\u2014is a\ntough nut to crack. It is widely hailed among the most challenging exams in the\ncountry. Millions of aspirants apply each year. This year, there are only\naround 900 vacancies. That in mind, the rich multidisciplinary curriculum of\nthe SSP programme gives a strong foundation to students who aspire for future\nin civil service. The broad structure appropriately prepares candidates with\nthe wide spectrum of knowledge necessary to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Skills and tools to succeed in a variety of\n     careers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The more typical career paths include roles in\ncivil services and government, development and policy consulting firms,\nresearch and policy think-tanks, corporate social responsibility initiatives,\nadvocacy and rights-based initiatives, United Nations or other\nintergovernmental development organisations and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, this kind of knowledge is\ndesirable in many different walks of life. For instance, print and television\nmedia could benefit from journalists with training in social science and public\npolicy to better explain and analyse current affairs. Branding and marketing\nresearch is another interesting domain for SSP graduates. International\nconsulting companies and major foundations are always on the lookout for talent\nwith a grasp on policy, analysis and research. Of course, entering academia is\nalso a rewarding path\u2014to give back, contribute to the knowledge base and go on\nto nurture yet another league of capable, responsible young citizens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scope for higher education is equally bright.\nJSGP\u2014and JGU at large\u2014have collaborations with the best of global institutions\nto facilitate exchange programmes, summer schools at foreign universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Research-active faculty<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Faculty from all over the world, trained at the\nbest of global universities, bring more than just their degrees to the table.\nStudents are exposed to a diversity of perspectives, rich bank of experience\nand academic research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a faculty-driven university, a major\nconsideration in faculty hiring at JGU is research involvement. Academics\nengaged in research activity constantly evolve their own knowledge. This has a\ndirect effect on student learning. JGU has built up a rich knowledge reservoir\nthat students can tap into. As faculty keep abreast with the latest dialogues,\ncurrent debates and evolving trends, students benefit from a deeper, more\nrelevant, contemporary outlook.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Real world exposure through internships, research, and capstone projects&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Hands-on and experiential learning opportunities\nare important for deeper learning experiences. In fact, they are an intrinsic\npart of all programmes at JGU. The SSP programme too offers extensive exposure\nto students. Be it through internships, participation in conferences,\nmanagement of events, interactions with experts in the field and industry,\nresearch opportunities at the 55-plus research centres, or participation in\ncapstone projects\u2014students are given the freedom and full support of the\nuniversity to build up knowledge, skills, and experiences to understand how the\nworld works, and influence it for the better.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Perhaps the ultimate goal of education is to make the world a better place. Understanding society and impacting policy, is one way to do this. The ever-changing governance and policy environment demands new imaginations, new methodologies and even revitalised ethics\u2014and that is exactly what O.P. Jindal Global University is set <a href=\"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/2020\/03\/24\/making-the-world-a-better-place-launching-indias-first-ever-b-a-hons-in-social-science-policy\/\" class=\"btn btn-link continue-link\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-public-policy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1744"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1744\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1874,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1744\/revisions\/1874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jgu.edu.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}