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B.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 programme at JSIA is a four-year course open to students who have successfully completed their Class XII or equivalent. It focuses on Indian as well as global political perspectives, offering a comprehensive understanding of states and institutions, political behaviour and communication, public opinion and voting, and regional issues in national politics, among other subjects. The course is designed to equip students with critical thinking and communication skills, and offers experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research collaborations, and language learning.

The course curriculum is spread across eight semesters, with mandatory industry internships in the first five semesters, and a range of electives on international, comparative, and regional politics. The curriculum includes core courses from related disciplines like economics, history, and philosophy, and advanced research electives that offer methodological training in research skills used by practitioners as well as academics. The programme also offers language learning and the option to develop a regional or topical area of specialisation in the third year with faculty guidance.

JSIA also offers minors programmes in collaboration with JSBF and JSAA, with courses ranging from entrepreneurship to urban and community studies. Students must have a consistently high academic standing and be enrolled in full-time BA or MA programmes to be eligible for these programmes.

I. Mandatory Courses

 

 

 

 

A. Core

Five courses

20

Four courses

16

B. Skill-Based

One course

4

One course

4

C. Practice-Based

II. Elective Courses

 

 

One course

4

A. General

Electives

 

 

One cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

B. Specialized Electives

 

 

Or One JSIA Elective/Cross Elective

 

III. Internship

Mandatory Industry Internship I

2

Mandatory Industry Internship II

2

 

26

 

26

Course Type

Semester 1

Semester 2

Details

Credits

Details

Credits

I. Mandatory Courses

 

 

 

 

A. Core

Three courses

12

Two courses

8

B. Skill-Based

C. Practice-Based

One course

4

Two courses

8

II. Elective Courses

Three courses

12

Three courses

10

A. General

Electives

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

B. Specialized Electives

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective

 

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective

 

III. Internship

Mandatory Industry Internship III

2

Mandatory Industry Internship IV

2

 

30

 

28

Course Type

Semester 1

Semester 2

Details

Credits

Details

Credits

I. Mandatory Courses

 

 

 

 

A. Core

Three courses

12

Three courses

12

B. Skill-Based

C. Practice-Based

II. Elective Courses

Three courses

12

Three courses

12

A. General

Electives

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

B. Specialized Electives

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective

 

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective

 

 

24

 

24

* Students can apply for Dual degree from semester 5 or Semester Exchange in Semester 5 or 6

Year 4

Course Type

Semester 1

Semester 2

Details

Credits

Details

Credits

II. Elective Courses

Six Courses

24

Six Courses

24

A. General

Electives

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

B. Specialized Electives

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective/ IRS* (Min. three courses)

 

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective/IRS* (Min. three courses)

 

 

24

 

24

* Students can opt for an Independent Research Study of 4 credits in Year 4

Credit Summary for BA [Hons.] Political Science [4 Years]

Course Type

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Total credits

I. Mandatory Courses

 

 

 

 

 

A. Core

36

20

24

 

80

B. Skill-Based

8

 

8

C. Practice-Based

12

 

12

II. Elective Courses

4

22

24

48

98

III. Internship

4

4

8

Total

52

58

48

48

206

Details of Programme for Mandatory Courses

I. Mandatory Courses

A. Core

1.      Foundations of Politics – (Semester 1) – 4 credits

2.      Indian History, Politics, and Government – (Semester 1) – 4 credits

3.      Introduction to International Relations – (Semester 1) – 4 credits

4.      Political Philosophy I – (Semester 1) – 4 credits

5.      Introduction to Statistics – (Semester 1) – 4 credits

6.      Political Philosophy II – (Semester 2) – 4 credits

7.      Comparative Politics – (Semester 2) – 4 credits

8.      Principle of Economics – (Semester 2) – 4 credits

9.      Politics & History – (Semester 2) – 4 credits

B. Skill-Based

1.      Academic Reading and Writing I (Semester 1) – 4 credits

2.      Academic Reading and Writing II (Semester 2) – 4 credits

Year 2

I. Mandatory Courses

A. Core

1.      Topics in Indian Politics I – (Semester 3) – 4 credits

2.      State Formation – (Semester 3) – 4 credits

3.      Political Economy of Development – (Semester 3) – 4 credits

4.      Topics in Indian Politics II – (Semester 4) – 4 credits

5.      Gender, Identity, and Politics – (Semester 4) – 4 credits

C. Practice-Based

1.      Introduction to Research Methods – (Semester 3) – 4 credits

2.      Electoral Politics & Analysis – (Semester 4) – 4 credits

3.      Political Leadership – (Semester 4) – 4 credits

Year 3

I. Mandatory Courses

A. Core

1.      Global and International Institutions – (Semester 5) – 4 credits

2.      Contentious Politics: Revolutions & Social Movements – (Semester 5) – 4 credits

3.      Foreign Policy Analysis – (Semester 5) – 4 credits

4.      Indian Foreign Policy – (Semester 6) – 4 credits

5.      Peace, Conflict & War – (Semester 6) – 4 credits

6.      News Media and Politics – (Semester 6) – 4 credits

Elective Courses

JSIA Elective Policy

  • BAPS students are offered elective courses from their second semester of
  • Elective courses are categorized into:
  1. General Electives: They are cross elective courses offered by other JGU These courses are interdisciplinary in nature.
  2. Specialized Electives: Offered by JSIA (as school elective or cross elective). They are grouped into five main clusters:
    1. Peace and Conflict Studies
    2. Economics and Foreign Policy
    3. Defence and National Security Studies
    4. Human Rights and International Development
    5. Global South Studies
  • Students can select three electives worth 12 credits from one cluster to specialize in a given
  • The three cluster elective courses can be taken in one semester or may be spread over two or more

Guidelines and Rules for Electives

  1. 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).
  2. External JSIA Credits exceeding 25% will imply the approval of the Dean of the School and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for Undergraduate
  3. 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

B.A. (Hons.) with Research in Political Science Programme Structure

Students with 7.0 CGPA have the option of taking the research pathway in the fourth year and get awarded B.A. (Hons.) with Research in Political Science degree.

Year 4

Course Type

Semester 1

Semester 2

Details

Credits

Details

Credits

I. Mandatory Courses

 

 

 

 

A. Skill-Based

Research Writing and Design Colloquium

4

 

 

B. Research Based

B.A. Thesis

16

II. Elective Courses

Six Courses

24

One course

4

A. General

Electives

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

Cross elective from other JGU Schools

 

B. Specialized Electives

JSIA Elective/Cross Elective/ IRS* (Min. three courses)

 

Or JSIA Elective/Cross Elective

 

 

28

 

20

* Students can opt for an Independent Research Study of 4 credits in Year 4.

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

 

 

 

 

 

A. Core

36

20

24

 

80

B. Skill-Based

8

4

12

C. Practice-Based

12

 

12

D. Research Based

 

 

 

16

16

II. Elective Courses

4

22

24

28

78

III. Internship

4

4

8

Total

52

58

48

48

206

Details of Mandatory Courses in the Year 4 of the for BA [Hons.] with Research in Political Science

Year 4

I. Mandatory Courses

A. Skill-Based

1. Research Writing and Design Colloquium – (Semester 7) – 4 credits

B. Research Based

1. B.A. Thesis – (Semester 8) – 16 credits

 

The B.A. (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA offers elective courses to students from their second semester of study. The courses are interdisciplinary, involving elements of law as well as other social sciences and humanities. JSIA offers five main clusters of elective courses, including Peace and Conflict Studies, Economics and Foreign Policy, Defence and National Security Studies, Human Rights and International Development, and Global South Studies. Students can choose three elective courses worth 12 credits from one track (cluster) to specialize in a given concentration and get awarded with a certificate of specialization after graduation in that cluster.

Apart from the list of JSIA elective courses offered every semester, students can also opt for cross elective courses that are offered by other schools of JGU. However, students can only take a maximum of 46 credits outside JSIA, which represent 25% of the minimum credit requirement for graduation (185 credits). The removal of an elective with an (F) grade is only possible after the final semester if the student fulfills the mandatory credit requirement of 185 credits. External JSIA Credits exceeding 25% will require the approval of the Dean of the School and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs for Undergraduate programmes.

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.

JSIA Minor in Diplomacy and International Relations

To earn a minor in “Diplomacy and International Relations”, students must successfully complete 20 credits by taking any five courses out of six from the following list of core papers as electives.

          List of Courses

Core courses (Any 5 courses)

Semester

Credits

Introduction to diplomatic practice

II

4

Defense, national security and foreign policy

VI

4

International security

IV

4

War, peace and diplomacy

II

4

Economic diplomacy

V

4

Cultural diplomacy: cross cultural diplomacy

VI

4

Total credits

 

20

 

Selection Criteria

  1. Students must be full-time enrolled in the four-year BAPS program of JSIA. The students can start the minor program from semester three (III) onwards.
  2. Students must have consistently achieved a high standard of academic standing of 6.5 GPA.
  3. There should not be any “F” in core paper from the previous two semesters.

 

JSIA-JSBF Minors Programmes

Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) and Jindal School of Business and Finance (JSBF), have launched a minor programme of 24 credits for JSIA students.

JSBF is offering two minor programmes to JSIA students: (1) Business and Finance and (2) Entrepreneurship.

I. Business and Finance Minor programme
The minor programme in the Banking and Finance trackway for JSIA students is composed of core courses of 16 credits and electives of 8 credits with a total of 24 credits as follows:


Course names

 

Core courses (Students will select core courses of 16
credits total)

Semester

Credits

Financial Accounting

Fall

4

Foundations of Finance

Fall

4

Effective Business Communication

Fall

2

Principles of Management

Fall

4

Macroeconomics

Fall

4

Tech Law

Fall

4

Business Statistics and Decision Science

Spring

4

Corporate Governance

Spring

4

Marketing for Financial Services

Spring

4

Global Financial Markets

Spring

4

Corporate Finance

Spring

6

Business Law

Spring

4

Total core courses credits

 

16

Electives (Two Electives of 4 credits)

 

8

Total credits

 

24

 

II. Entrepreneurship Minor programme

The minor programme in the Entrepreneurship trackway for JSIA students is composed of core courses of 16 credits and electives of 8 credits with a total of 24 credits as follows:


Course names

 

 

Core courses (Students will select core courses of 16
credits total)

Semester

Credits

Principles of Management

Fall

4

Accounting Essentials for New Ventures

Fall

4

Entrepreneurial Marketing

Fall

4

Entrepreneurial Economics

Fall

4

Macroeconomics

Fall

4

Foundations of Entrepreneurship, and Start up Eco system

Fall

6

Financial Statements for Entrepreneurs

Spring

4

Economics II

Spring

4

Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment

Spring

4

Total core courses credits

 

16

Electives (Two Electives of 4 credits)

 

8

Total credits

 

24

 

Students Selection Criteria

  1. Students must be full-time enrolled in the four-year UG programs of JSIA. The students can start the minor program from semester three (III) onwards.
  2. Must have consistently achieved a high standard of academic standing of 6.0 GPA
  3. The applicant must not have any judgment against them in either the DC/UMC/SHC

Guidelines and Regulation

  • Before opting for any course, students must read the course manual and consult the course instructor.
  • In case of any doubt, students can approach JSBF Academic Affairs for advice.
  • Please note that some of the courses listed in the minor programme may be added or deleted, and the students shall be informed about it before the start of the semester.

JSIA-JSAA Minor in Urban and Community Studies

Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) and Jindal School of Art and Architecture (JSAA) have launched minor programme of 24 credits for JSIA students.

The minor programme in the “Urban-Community Studies” trackway is composed of five- core courses with a total of 25 credits as follows:

Course names

 

Core courses (Students will select core courses of 25
credits total)

Semester

Credits

The Politics and Histories of Planning

Fall

5

Geospatial Technologies for Urban and Regional Area Analysis

Fall/Spring

5

The City: A multiple perspective (Intro to urban studies)

Spring

5

Development & Sustainability (Introduction to Community Planning & Development)

Spring

5

Land: Perceptions; prejudices and politics

Spring

5

Total credits

 

25

 

Selection Criteria

  1. Students must be full-time enrolled in the four-year UG programs of JSIA. The students can start the minor program from semester three (III) onwards.
  2. Students must have consistently achieved a high standard of academic standing of 6.0 GPA.
  3. The applicant must not have any judgment against them in either the DC/UMC/SHC.

Guidelines and Regulation

  • Before opting for any course, students must read the course manual and consult the course instructor.
  • In case of any doubt, students can approach JSAA Academic Affairs for advice.
  • Please note that some of the courses listed in the minor programme may be added or deleted, and the students shall be informed about it before the start of the semester.

 

FAQ's

1. What is the BA in Political Science syllabus at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA)?

The BA in Political Science syllabus at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political theory, international relations, and comparative politics. The syllabus includes courses on the following topics:

Foundations of Political Science
Indian History, Politics, and Government
Introduction to International Relations
Political Philosophy
Comparative Politics
Economics
Political Economy of Development
Gender, Identity, and Politics
Peace, Conflict, and War
News Media and Politics

2. What is a bachelor of arts degree in political science?

A bachelor of arts degree in political science is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political theory, government, and international relations. Political science majors learn to analyze political systems, evaluate government policies, and understand the causes and consequences of political events. They also develop strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills.

3. What are the elective subjects offered in the BA (Hons.) in Political Science program at JSIA?

The BA (Hons.) in Political Science program at JSIA offers a wide range of elective courses, including:
Peace and Conflict Studies
Economics and Foreign Policy
Defence and National Security Studies
Human Rights and International Development
Global South Studies

Students can choose three elective courses worth 12 credits from one track (cluster) to specialize in a given concentration and get awarded with a certificate of specialization after graduation in that cluster.

4. What is the scope of BA Political Science in India?

The scope of BA Political Science in India is quite broad. Graduates with a degree in political science can find employment in a variety of sectors, including:

Government: Political scientists can work in the civil service, the judiciary, or the legislative branch of government.
Politics: Political scientists can work as political consultants, campaign managers, or pollsters.
International organizations: Political scientists can work for the United Nations, the World Bank, or other international organizations.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Political scientists can work for NGOs that focus on human rights, development, or environmental issues.
Media: Political scientists can work as journalists, analysts, or producers for television, radio, or print media.
Teaching: Political scientists can teach at the secondary or post-secondary level.
Research: Political scientists can conduct research at universities, think tanks, or research institutes.

5. What are the career options after BA Political Science in India?

There are many career options after BA Political Science in India. Some of the most popular career options include:

Civil servant: Political scientists can work as civil servants in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), or other government agencies.
Political analyst: Political scientists can work as political analysts for think tanks, research organizations, or news media outlets.
Journalist: Political scientists can work as journalists for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio.
Lawyer: Political scientists can pursue a law degree and become lawyers specializing in international law, human rights law, or constitutional law.
Teacher: Political scientists can teach political science at the secondary or post-secondary level.
Researcher: Political scientists can conduct research at universities, think tanks, or research institutes.

Overall, the BA (Hons.) Political Science programme at JSIA is a rigorous and comprehensive program that prepares students for a variety of careers in the public and private sectors.