B.A. (Hons) Political Science
March 27, 2023 2024-11-29 11:42B.A. (Hons) Political Science
B.A. (Hons) Political Science
FOUR YEARS PROGRAMME
About The Programme
A BA Honors in political science will introduce you to the core concepts and theories of political science, such as political institutions, political behavior, political philosophy, and international relations. You will also learn about the history and current affairs of different regions and countries, and how they interact with each other.
What is Political Science?
It is the social science that studies the systems and activities of governance and power.If you are interested in this field, you can pursue a bachelor of arts in political science, which is also known as BA in political science or BA major in political science.
Scope of the Course
The scope of BA political science in India is vast and diverse. You can pursue higher studies in political science or related disciplines, such as law, public policy, journalism, sociology, economics, etc. You can also explore various career options after BA political science in India, such as civil services, diplomacy, teaching, research, media, NGOs, think tanks, and consultancy.
Benefits of the Course
Political science is a fascinating and rewarding subject that can help you understand the world and make a difference in it. If you have a passion for politics and a curiosity for learning, you should consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
What Makes It Different at JGU
The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) is designed to equip students with a broad understanding of the changing political and economic landscape in a global context. The curriculum goes beyond traditional areas of study and incorporates real-world political experiences to prepare students for meaningful careers in emerging domains of politics. The programme focuses on developing critical intellectual, practical, and language skills to help students thrive in a wide range of careers.
One of the key goals of the programme is to enhance students' understanding of political behaviour and communication, public opinion and voting, and regional issues and perspectives in national politics. This knowledge will help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and prepare them for careers in diverse areas, including government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and academia.
The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA places a strong emphasis on independent learning and research. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that will enable them to work and study independently. By the end of the programme, students will have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue advanced studies in political science, pursue a career in politics, or make a meaningful contribution to society in other ways.
The eligibility requirement for the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA is the successful completion of Class XII examination or an equivalent qualification recognized by the government, such as CBSE, State Boards, IB, Cambridge, etc.
JSIA’s admission process is different from most other institutions. They have a comprehensive admissions process that evaluates each application in its unique context. Candidates are selected for the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme through a three-round admissions process, which includes submission of a personal statement, a supplemental question, consideration of Class 10 and 12 marks, a faculty interview, and a JSAT/SAT/ACT score that fulfills the given requirements.
The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science degree is a four‑year undergraduate programme dedicated to the study of both established and emerging domains of politics. Political science involves the description and analysis of different political systems, political behavior, classical and new theoretical approaches to politics, and how politics is practiced. This degree aims to train students in all forms and manifestations of politics in arenas from local, state, national, and international levels. Rapid technological change and new global challenges are pushing the boundaries of the traditional domains of social science analysis. We take a holistic, interdisciplinary, and skills‑focused approach to the study of politics to equip our students to deal with these new challenges as analysts, practitioners, and leaders.
The conventional undergraduate degree in Political Science fails to take into account contemporary political developments of the world that have changed the way politics is understood, usually from the Western world’s vantage point. The courses focused on Indian and global political thought and perspectives we offer expand our analysis of politics beyond Western‑centric frameworks, connecting India’s politics and intellectual traditions to those from other global south countries.
Spanning eight semesters, the curriculum includes mandatory industry internships in the first four semesters and a diverse selection of electives in international, comparative, and regional politics. It integrates core courses from related fields such as economics, history, and philosophy, alongside advanced research electives focusing on methodological training for both academic and practical research applications. Students can also choose to learn a foreign language as an optional elective. Undergraduate programs in JSIA are structured around courses that students take to complete the requirements of their major degree with an interdisciplinary Minor Concentration.
B.A. (Hons.) Political Science
Programme Structure
| Year 1 | ||||
| Semester I | Semester II | |||
| Course Type | Course Name | Credit | Course Name | Credit |
Core | Foundations of Politics | 4 | Political Philosophy II | 4 |
| Indian History, Politics, and Government | 4 | Comparative Politics | 4 | |
| Introduction to International Relations | 4 | Principle of Economics | 4 | |
| Political Philosophy I | 4 | Politics & History | 4 | |
| Practice Based | – | – | – | |
Skill Based | Critical Reading and Academic Writing | 3 | – | |
| Introduction to Statistics | 4 | – | ||
| Electives | – | – | Two Electives (Minimum one JSIA Elective) | 8 |
| Internship | Mandatory Internship I | 2 | Mandatory Internship II | 2 |
| Total Credits | 25 | Total Credits | 26 | |
| Year 2 | ||||
| Semester III | Semester IV | |||
| Course Type | Course Name | Credit | Course Name | Credit |
| Core | Topics in Indian Politics I | 4 | Topics in Indian Politics II | 4 |
| State Formation | 4 | Gender, Identity, and Politics | 4 | |
| Political Economy of Development | 4 | Electoral Politics & Analysis | 4 | |
| Practice Based | Introduction to Research Methods | 4 | Political Leadership | 4 |
| Skill Based | – | – | ||
| Electives | Three Electives (School/Other School’s) | 12 | Three Electives (School/Other School’s) | 12 |
| Internship | Mandatory Internship III | 2 | Mandatory Internship IV | 2 |
| Total Credits | 30 | Total Credits | 30 | |
*Students have the option to choose one foreign language—French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin—as an elective course. They can further advance their proficiency by continuing with higher levels of the same language in subsequent semesters as part of their elective choices.
| Year 3 | ||||
| Semester V | Semester VI | |||
| Course Type | Course Name | Credit | Course Name | Credit |
Core | Global and International Institutions | 4 | Indian Foreign Policy | 4 |
| Contentious Politics: Revolutions & Social Movements | 4 | |||
| Peace, Conflict & War | 4 | |||
| Foreign Policy Analysis | 4 | |||
| Skill Based | – | News Media and Politics | 4 | |
| Electives | Three Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) | 12 | Three Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) | 11 |
| Total Credits | 24 | Total Credits | 23 | |
* Students may opt for a Dual Degree starting from Semester 5 or choose a Semester Exchange in Semesters 5, 6, or 7.
| Year 4 | ||||
| Semester VII | Semester VIII | |||
| Course Type | Course Name | Credit | Course Name | Credit |
| Electives | Six Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) | 24 | Six Electives (School/Other School’s Elective) | 24 |
| Total Credits | 24 | Total Credits | 24 | |
Research Pathway in the Final Year
B.A. (Hons.) with Research in Political Science
Students with a 7.00 CGPA have the option of taking the research pathway in the fourth year and get awarded B.A. (Hons.) with a Research in Political Science degree.
| Year 4 | ||||
| Semester VII | Semester VIII | |||
| Course Type | Course Name | Credit | Course Name | Credit |
| Skill Based | Research Writing and Design Colloquium | 4 | – | |
| Research Based | – | – | B.A. Dissertation | 12 |
| Electives | Six Electives | 24 | Two Electives | 8 |
| Total Credits | 28 | Total Credits | 20 | |
Credit Summary for BA [Hons.] Political Science [4 Years]
| Course Type | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Total credits |
| I. Mandatory Courses | |||||
| Core | 32 | 24 | 20 | – | 76 |
| Skill-Based | – | – | 4 | – | 4 |
| Practice-Based | 7 | 8 | – | – | 14 |
| II. Elective Courses | 8 | 24 | 23 | 48 | 104 |
| III. Internship | 4 | 4 | – | – | 8 |
| Total | 51 | 60 | 47 | 48 | 206 |
Credit Summary for BA [Hons.] with Research in Political Science [4 Years]
| Course Type | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Total credits |
| I. Mandatory Courses | |||||
| Core | 32 | 24 | 20 | – | 76 |
| Skill-Based | – | – | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Practice-Based | 7 | 8 | – | – | 14 |
| Research Based | – | 12 | 12 | ||
| II. Elective Courses | 8 | 24 | 23 | 32 | 88 |
| III. Internship | 4 | 4 | – | – | 8 |
| Total | 51 | 60 | 47 | 48 | 206 |
JSIA’S Outstanding Undergraduate Dissertation Award
The Outstanding Undergraduate Dissertation Award will be granted to a young scholar who will demonstrate exceptional academic prowess by producing a dissertation that makes a highly original and impactful contribution to the field of Political Science. To be considered for this award, the dissertation must not only present a novel and relevant topic within Political Science but also reflect significant innovation in addressing contemporary global issues, emerging trends, or theoretical developments.
Elective Courses Policy
- BAPS students are offered elective courses from their second semester of study.
- Elective courses are categorized into:
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Economics and Foreign Policy
- Defense and National Security Studies
- Human Rights and International Development
- Global South Studies
Guidelines and Rules for Electives
- Students can take a maximum of 51 credits outside JSIA in case they choose to opt for other school’s cross elective which is 25% of the minimum credit requirement for graduation (206 credits).
- External JSIA Credits exceeding 25% will imply the approval of the Dean of the School and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for Undergraduate programmes.
- The removal of an elective with an (F) grade is possible only after the final semester if the student is fulfilling the mandatory credit requirement of 206 credits.
JSIA Specialization Policy
JSIA is offering elective courses that are categorized into five clusters:
1. Peace and Conflict Studies
2. Economics and Foreign Policy
3. Defense and National Security Studies
4. Human Rights and International Development
5. Global South Studies
The student has to pass three electives from the same cluster and undertake a 3-month internship with one of the JSIA research centres associated with a particular cluster to be awarded the specialization certificate before graduation. The three cluster elective courses can be taken in one semester or may be spread over two or more semesters.
Major with Minor
Apart from their major degree, undergraduate students at JSIA can choose from thirteen diverse minor combinations, offering them opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary academic programs that complement their primary field of study. To pursue a minor, students need to complete 24 credits. These minors span cognate areas within the humanities, social sciences, international affairs, and public policy, enabling students to tailor their academic experience to match their career aspirations and intellectual interests. This structure empowers students to cultivate a versatile academic profile, making them well-rounded candidates for graduate studies and careers in various sectors, including public service, international relations, research, and private industry.
JSIA Electives/Cross-Electives per Specialization Clusters
Courses | Cluster |
Comprehending Security Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific | Defence and National Security Studies |
Advance Course in National Security, Defence & Military Strategy. | |
Maritime Policies | |
Non-Contact Warfare and Future Conflicts | |
Cases of Political Manipulation from the Global Arena | |
Theory and praxis of diplomacy: Evolution of diplomacy | Economics and Foreign Policy |
World Orders, Regions and International System | |
Diplomatic and Consular Law | |
Taiwan: History, Society, and Politics | |
Development Economics and Policy | |
Critical Political Economy | |
Diaspora and Diplomacy | |
Mediterrian Politics | |
Europe in the Indo-Pacific | |
India’s Act East Policy | |
Examining India’s Yies with its Neighbours | |
Chinese Foreign Policy | |
People’s Republic of China Before and After World War II | |
Increasing Importance of Middle Powers in the Current World Order | |
The Art of Negotiations through Simulated Exercises | |
Caste and Democracy in Indian Politics | |
Politics and Foreign Policy in Contemporary Iran | |
Energy Economics | |
Politicising the Senses: Reimagining India | Global South Studies |
Islam in Postcolnial Societies: State, Identity & Gender | |
Law, Politics and Policy | |
Gender and Non-Traditional International Relations | |
Politics and Foreign Policy in Latin America | |
Culture, Belonging, and the Making of Modern India | |
Empire of Commodities | |
Political Economy of Development in Africa | |
Modern West Asian Political Thought | |
Culture as Politics | |
Afghanistan’s New Great Game: Old Game, New Players? | |
Global Economic Divide – Pre & Post-Covid Perspectives | |
Challenges faced by the Global South | |
International Protection of Human Rights | Human Rights and International Development |
Inclusive Green Economy | |
International Education, Soft Power and Public Diplomacy | |
Contesting EU Borders: Solidarity, Activism, and Citizenship | |
Conflict and Global Humanitarian Crisis | |
Human Security, Social Justice and Development | |
Global Migration: the (Un)belonging Citizen? | |
Production of the North East frontier: Mapping Conflict and Peace in the Region | Peace and Conflict Studies |
India’s Role in UN Peace Keeping | |
Populism, Nationalism and Cosmopolitanism in the 21st Century | |
Ethnic and National Conflicts | |
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism | |
Interpreting Social Movements as Political Conflicts: Perspectives from India | |
Approaches to Peace | |
Politics of Civil Wars, Counterinsurgencies, and Post-Conflict State Building |
The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at Jindal School of International Affairs prepares students for a variety of meaningful careers. With a focus on exposure and practical elements of politics, students who wish to pursue careers in active national politics, new domains of politics, or international organizations will find this programme to be one of the best globally. The degree emphasizes teaching students how to read, think, and write on national politics and global issues, which is fundamental to any professional path they pursue.
Political Science is a versatile social science degree that can lead to various career paths. Students who pursue this degree at JSIA will gain valuable analytical, communication, and research skills. They will be equipped to pursue careers in civil service and bureaucracy, political leadership, political consultancies and parties, embassies and high commissions, news media, NGOs, IGOs, public relations firms, risk analysts, think tanks, activist and advocacy groups, as well as higher studies and academia.
Graduates with a degree in Political Science from JSIA will not only learn about politics and government but also develop skills that are highly sought after in various industries. They will have the ability to analyze complex information, articulate their thoughts in writing and verbally, and conduct research to support their arguments. These skills will enable them to pursue successful careers in the public and private sectors, as well as in academia.
Students who successfully complete the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme will have the opportunity to directly progress to JSIA’s highly regarded M.A. Diplomacy, Law and Business program, provided they meet high academic performance standards. This programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in international affairs, diplomacy, law and business. Graduates of this programme have a wide range of career options in government, diplomacy, international organizations, law, and business.
In addition, B.A. (Hons.) Political Science students can also opt for a second master’s degree from top universities such as Queen Mary University of London, the University of Leeds, and the University of Warsaw. This provides students with the opportunity to further specialize in their areas of interest and gain valuable international experience. With these options for further education, graduates of the B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the global political and economic landscape.
Minor Programmes
JSIA undergraduate students can opt for a Minor Programme from their second year of study from various schools. The list of minor programmes offered to them is as follows:
Minor in Economics
The Minor in Economics offered by Jindal School of Government & Public Policy (JSGP) offers students the opportunity to learn the theoretical and empirical foundation necessary to appreciate and analyze issues in economics.
| S. No. | Course Name | Semester | Credits |
| 1. | The Evolution of Economic Thought | Fall | 4 |
| 2. | Quantitative Foundations | Spring | 4 |
| 3. | Microeconomics | Fall | 4 |
| 4. | Macroeconomics | Spring | 4 |
| 5. | Electives | Fall/Spring | 8 |
| Total Credits | 24 | ||
| *Students will have to ensure that they have the required prerequisites before opting for electives | |||
Note: JSIA Students who have done Introduction to Microeconomics and Introduction to Macroeconomics in their respective programmes can do two courses from the following courses:
Intermediate Microeconomics
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Introduction to Game Theory
Econometrics 1
Minor in Public Policy
The Minor in Public Policy offered by Jindal School of Government & Public Policy (JSGP) follows an interdisciplinary approach to develop capacities to analyze contemporary political, economic, and social issues to evaluate and design public policy.
| S. No. | Course Name | Semester | Credits |
| 1. | Introduction to Public Policy | Fall | 4 |
| 2. | Economics in Public Policy | Spring | 4 |
| 3. | Law, Governance and Public Policy | Fall | 4 |
| 4. | Program Design and Evaluation | Spring | 4 |
| 5. | Electives | Fall/Spring | 8 |
| Total Credits | 24 | ||
| *Students will have to ensure that they have the required prerequisites before opting for electives | |||
Minor in Architecture Studies
The minor in Architecture Studies is offered by the Jindal School of Arts and Architecture (JSAA). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.
| Sl. No. | Course Name | Semester | Credits |
| Minimum 15 credits from the following basket | |||
| 1 | Universal Design Guidelines | Fall | 5 |
| 2 | Gender and Design | Fall | 5 |
| 3 | Object & Material Cultures | Spring | 5 |
| 4 | Past is Prologue: Encountering Heritage and Conservation | Fall | 5 |
| 5 | Re-pair, Re-use, and Reduce Building(s) | Fall | 5 |
| 6 | Colors and Textures | Spring | 5 |
| 7 | Arch. Obsessions | Spring | 5 |
| Rest 9 credits from JSAA electives with ARCH course code | |||
Minor in Interior Studies
The minor in Interior Studies is offered by the Jindal School of Arts and Architecture (JSAA). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.
| Sl. No. | Course Name | Semester | Credits |
| Minimum 15 credits from the following basket | |||
| 1 | Object and Equipment | Spring | 5 |
| 2 | Colour and Texture | Spring | 5 |
| 3 | Different Practices | Fall | 5 |
| 4 | Interiors and Interiority | Spring | 5 |
| 5 | Objects & Material Cultures | Spring | 5 |
| 6 | The Sex of Design | Fall | 5 |
| 7 | Sourcing & Networks | Fall | 5 |
| 8 | Reduce, Reuse & Recycle | Fall | 5 |
| 9 | Fabrics & Furnishings | Spring | 5 |
| Rest 9 credits from JSAA electives with INTD course code | |||
Minor in Urban Studies
The minor in Urban Studies is offered by the Jindal School of Arts and Architecture (JSAA). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.
| Sl. No. | Course Name | Semester | Credits |
| Minimum 15 credits from the following basket | |||
| 1 | Geospatial Technologies for Urban and Regional Area Analysis | Spring | 5 |
| 2 | The City: A multiple perspective (Intro to urban studies) | Spring | 5 |
| 3 | Housing Planning Policy | Fall | 5 |
| 4 | Environment and Ecology | Spring | 5 |
| 5 | Built Environment & its Histories | Spring | 5 |
| Rest 9 credits from JSAA electives with URBD/COMD course code | |||
Minor in Psychology
The minor in Psychology is offered by the Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling (JSPC). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor
| Sl. No. | Course Name | Semester | Credits |
| 1 | Introduction to Psychology | Fall | 4 |
| 2 | Social Psychology | Spring | 4 |
| 3 | Development Across the Lifespan | Fall | 4 |
| 4 | Three Electives | Fall/ Spring | 12 |
| Total Credits | 24 | ||
Minor in Environment and Sustainability
The minor in Environment and Sustainability is offered by the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability (JSES). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor. Selected courses of JSES will be opened up for students enrolled in ‘Minor’ before the commencement of each semester, and students have to select any course/courses from that course bracket.
Some Sample Courses:
Water: Science and Policy
Environmental Pollution and Community Health
Sustainable Consumption and Production
Waste Management: Sustainable Practices
Natural Hazards and Disaster Resilience
Minor in Public Health and Development
The minor in Public Health and Development is offered by the Jindal School of Public Health and Human Development (JSPH). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.
Requirements for the Minor in Public Health and Human Development
| Course Name | Credits | Semesters offered |
| Foundations in Public Health and Human Development I | 4 | Spring/Fall |
| Foundations in Public Health and Human Development II | 4 | Spring/Fall |
| Any 3 JSPH cross-electives | 12 | Spring/Fall |
| Community Service Learning* | 4 | Spring/Fall |
*Limited intake and requirement of field-visits
Minor in Banking & Finance
The minor in Banking & Finance is offered by the Jindal School of Banking & Finance (JSBF). Students will be required to complete a minimum of 24 credits for the award of the minor.
| List of Courses | |
| Core Courses | Credits |
| Financial Accounting | 4 |
| Corporate Finance | 4 |
| Financial Markets & Institution | 4 |
| Elective Courses | |
| Three JSBF designated electives of 4 credits each | 12 |
| Total Credits | 24 |
Minor in Media and Communication
The student must complete 24 credits by studying any 6 of the following core courses that will be offered in the Fall and Spring semesters of an academic year:
| Sl. No. | Course Name | Credits |
| 1 | Appreciating the Moving Image | 4 |
| 2 | Introduction to Performance | 4 |
| 3 | Direction and Screenplay I | 4 |
| 4 | PR Theory and Concepts | 4 |
| 5 | Audience Analysis and Market Research | 4 |
| 6 | AI and the Metaverse: New Media Journalism | 4 |
| 7 | Audio Journalism | 4 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Minor in Sociology
Minor in Sociology is offered by Jindal School of Liberals Arts and Humanities (JSLH). Any two courses from the following: 1. Key Texts in Sociology, Culture and Anthropology 2. Thinking about the Field 3. Emerging Questions in Sociology and Anthropology. In addition, a student may take any 4 courses from JSLH listed under Sociology cluster.
Minor in Visual Arts
Minor in Visual Arts is offered by Jindal School of Liberals Arts and Humanities (JSLH). Students must complete one course from each of the required clusters: 1. Study: 2D Study 1 OR 2D Study 2 2. Skill: Photography and Digital Art OR Advance Sculpture 3. Concept: South Asian Art History and Theory 1 OR Western Art History and Theory 1 OR Expressive Arts: Visual Art 4. Creativity: Installation Art OR Still Image In addition, students must take any two courses listed under the BFA programme (except 4th year courses).
Minor in English
Minor in English is offered by Jindal School of Languages & Literature (JSLL). Only JSLL courses apply towards this Minor and students must complete a total of 24 credits, including: 1. 12 credits from core BA Hons. English courses offered by JSLL (2 core courses x 6 credits each). 2. 12 credits from elective courses within JSLL, which are typically 4-credit courses.
