COURSE OUTCOME : POLITICAL SCIENCE
COURSE OUTCOME:
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER I POL HC 1026 Constitutional Government and Democracy in India |
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| I. The Constituent Assembly and the Constitution (16 lectures) a. Philosophy of the Constitution, the Preamble, and Features of the Constitution (8 lectures) b. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (8 lectures) II. Organs of Government (20 lectures) a. The Legislature: Parliament (6 lectures) b. The Executive: President and Prime Minister (8 lectures) c. The Judiciary: Supreme Court (6 lectures) III. Federalism and Decentralization (12 lectures) a. Federalism: Division of Powers, Emergency Provisions (8 lectures) b. Panchayati Raj and Municipalities (4 lectures) |
Course objective: 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. Course Outcomes: • To acquaint students with constitutional design of state structures and institutions • To understand the conflicts in constitutional provisions • To make them comprehend the state institutions in relation to extra constitutional environment. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER I POL HC 1016: Understanding Political Theory |
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| I: Introducing Political Theory (30 Lectures) 1. What is Politics: Theorizing the ‘Political’ 2. Traditions of Political Theory: Liberal, Marxist 3. Approaches to Political Theory: Normative, Historical and Empirical 4. Critical and Contemporary Perspectives in Political Theory: Feminist and Postmodern II: Political Theory and Practice (30 Lectures) The Grammar of Democracy 1. Democracy: The concept and idea 2. Procedural Democracy and its critique 3. Deliberative Democracy 4. Participation and Representation |
Course Objective: This course is divided into two sections. Section A introduces the students to the idea of political theory, its history and approaches, and an assessment of its critical and contemporary trends. Section B is designed to reconcile political theory and practice through reflections on the ideas and practices related to democracy. Course Outcomes: • To introduce the idea of political theory and various approaches • To enable the students to assess the contemporary trends of political theory • To reconcile theory and practice in relation to democracy |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER II POL HC 2016 Political Theory-Concepts and Debates |
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| I. Importance of Freedom (10 Lectures) a) Negative Freedom: Liberty b) Positive Freedom: Freedom as Emancipation and Development Important Issue: Freedom of belief, expression and dissent II. Significance of Equality (12 lectures) a) Formal Equality: Equality of opportunity b) Political equality c) Egalitarianism: Background inequalities and differential treatment Important Issue: Affirmative action III. Indispensability of Justice (12 Lectures) a) Procedural Justice b) Distributive Justice Important Issue: Capital punishment IV. The Universality of Rights (13 Lectures) a) Natural Rights b) Moral and Legal Rights c) Three Generations of Rights Section B: Major Debates (13 Lectures) I. Why should we obey the state? Issues of political obligation and civil disobedience. II. Are human rights universal? Issue of cultural relativism. 15 III. How do we accommodate diversity in plural society? Issues of multiculturalism and toleration. |
Course Objective: This course is divided into two sections. Section A helps the student familiarize with the basic normative concepts of political theory. Each concept is related to a crucial political issue that requires analysis with the aid of our conceptual understanding. This exercise is designed to encourage critical and reflective analysis and interpretation of social practices through the relevant conceptual toolkit. Section B introduces the students to the important debates in the subject. These debates prompt us to consider that there is no settled way of understanding concepts and that in the light of new insights and challenges, besides newer ways of perceiving and interpreting the world around us, we inaugurate new modes of political debates. Course outcomes: After reading the course, the students would • Understand the various concepts in political theory and appreciate how they can be helpful to analyze crucial political issues • Understand the significance of debates in political theory in exploring multiple perspectives to concepts, ideas and issues. • Appreciate how these concepts and debates enrich political life and issues surrounding it. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER II POL HC 2026 Political Process in India |
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| I. Political Parties and the Party System (6 lectures) Trends in the Party System; From the Congress System to Multi-Party Coalitions II. Determinants of Voting Behaviour (8 lectures) Caste, Class, Gender and Religion III. Regional Aspirations (8 lectures) The Politics of Secession and Accommodation IV. Religion and Politics (8 lectures) Debates on Secularism; Minority and Majority Communalism V. Caste and Politics (6 lectures) Caste in Politics and the Politicization of Caste VI. Affirmative Action Policies (6 lectures) Women, Caste and Class VII. The Changing Nature of the Indian State (6 lectures) Developmental, Welfare and Coercive Dimensions |
Course objective: Actual politics in India diverges quite significantly from constitutional legal rules. An understanding of the political process thus calls for a different mode of analysis -that offered by political sociology. This course maps the working of ‘modern’ institutions, premised on the existence of an individuated society, in a context marked by communitarian solidarities, and their mutual transformation thereby. It also familiarizes students with the working of the Indian state, paying attention to the contradictory dynamics of modern state power. Course outcomes: • Understand the working of major political institutions in India • Understand the major debates in Indian politics along the axes of caste, gender, region and religion • Understand the changing nature of the Indian state and the contradictory dynamics of modern state power |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III POL HC 3016 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics |
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| I. Understanding Comparative Politics (8 lectures) a) Nature and scope b) Going beyond Eurocentrism II. Historical context of modern government (16 lectures) a) Capitalism: meaning and development: globalization b) Socialism: meaning, growth and development c) Colonialism and decolonization: meaning, context, forms of colonialism; anticolonialism struggles and process of decolonization III. Themes for comparative analysis (24 lectures) A comparative study of constitutional developments in the following countries: Britain, Brazil, Nigeria and China. |
Course objective: This is a foundational course in comparative politics. The purpose is to familiarize students with the basic concepts and approaches to the study of comparative politics. More specifically the course will focus on examining politics in a historical framework while engaging with various themes of comparative analysis in developed and developing countries. Course Outcomes: •To make students understand the basic concepts in comparative politics, • To make students classify the different political systems and historical context of modern governments, • To enable students to have a comparative analysis of countries related to their political institutions and behaviour. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III POL HC 3026 Perspectives on Public Administration |
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| I. Public Administration as a Discipline (15 lectures) • Meaning, Dimensions and Significance of the Discipline • Public and Private Administration • Evolution of Public Administration II. II. Theoretical Perspectives (25 lectures) Classical Theories ➢ Scientific management (F.W.Taylor) ➢ Administrative Management (Gullick and Urwick) ➢ Ideal-type bureaucracy (Max Weber) Neo-Classical Theory ➢ Human relations theory (Elton Mayo) Contemporary Theory ➢ Ecological approach (Fred Riggs) III. Public Policy (10 lectures) • Concept, relevance and approaches • Formulation, implementation and evaluation IV. MAJOR APPROACHES IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (20 lectures) • New Public Administration • New Public Management • New Public Service Approach • Good Governance |
Objective: The course provides an introduction to 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. Course Outcomes: • To enable students to learn the basic concepts related to public administration and its importance, • To make students learn the major theories of public administration, • To enable students to have an understanding of public policy and its formulation, • To familiarize students with the major approaches and recent debates related to field of public administration. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III POL HC 3036 Perspectives on International Relations and World History |
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| I. Studying International Relations (13 Lectures) i. How do you understand International Relations: Levels of Analysis (3 lectures) II. History and IR: Emergence of the International State System (5 lectures) III. Treaty of Westphalia and its impact (5 lectures) Theoretical Perspectives (24 Lectures) i. Classical Realism & Neo-Realism (7 lectures) ii. Liberalism& Neo-liberalism (7 lectures) iii. Marxist Approaches (5 lectures) IV. Feminist Perspectives (5 lectures) III. An Overview of Twentieth Century IR History – World War II onwards (23 Lectures) i. World War II: Causes and Consequences (4 lectures) ii. Cold War: Different Phases (4 lectures) iii. Emergence of the Third World (3 lectures) iv. Collapse of the USSR and the End of the Cold War (5 lectures) v. Post-Cold War Developments and Emergence of Other Centres of Power (7 lectures) |
Course outcomes: • To make students understand the key theoretical approaches in International relations, • To familiarize students with the evolution of International state systems and its importance. • To make students aware of the key theoretical debates in International relations • To enable students to have an overall understanding of International relations in relation to twentieth century IR history. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV POL HC 4016 Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective |
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| I. Approaches to Studying Comparative Politics (8 lectures) a. Political Culture b. New Institutionalism II. Electoral System (8 lectures) Definition and procedures: Types of election system (First Past the Post and Proportional Representation) III. Party System (8 lectures) Historical contexts of emergence of the party system and types of parties. IV. Nation-state (8 lectures) What is nation–state? Historical evolution in Western Europe and postcolonial contexts ‘Nation’ and ‘State’: debates V. Democratization (8 lectures) Process of democratization in postcolonial, post- authoritarian and post-communist Countries VI. Federalism (8 lectures) • Historical context of Federation and Confederation: debates around territorial division of power. |
• To understand, comprehend and analyse the complex nature and functioning of the political systems, political institutions and corresponding issues to these both in a country specific case of India and cross-country perspectives. • To demonstrate critical thinking about key issues of political system of different forms, political process and public policy. • To use the contents and sub-units of the course as yardsticks for comparing these political systems and processes. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV POL HC 4026 Public Policy and Administration in India |
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| I. Public Policy (10 lectures) a. Definition, characteristics and models b. Public Policy Process in India with special reference to NITI Ayog. II. Decentralization (10 lectures) a. Meaning, significance, approaches and types b. Local Self Governance: Rural and Urban III. Budget (12 lectures) a. Concept and Significance of Budget b. Budget Cycle in India c. Types of Budgeting i. Performance budgeting ii. Zero based budgeting iii. Gender budgeting IV. Citizen and Administration Interface (15 lectures) a. Public Service Delivery b. Redressal of Public Grievances: RTI, Lokpal and Citizens’ Charter V.Social Welfare Administration (20 lectures) a.Concept and Approaches of Social Welfare b. Social Welfare Policies: their objectives, debates and significance ➢ Education: Right to Education, ➢ Health: National Health Mission, ➢ Food: Right to Food Security ➢ Employment: MGNREGA |
• Be familiarised with and gain knowledge about the processes of public policy making in India and their significance in administering the state. • Develop the ability to assess the functioning of the government and the administration in ensuring a citizen centric welfare administration in India. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV POL HC 4036 Global Politics |
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| I. Globalization: Conceptions and Perspectives (23 lectures) a. Understanding Globalization and its Alternative Perspectives (6 lectures) b. Political debates on Sovereignty and Territoriality (3 lectures) c. Global Economy: Its Significance and Anchors of Global Political Economy: IMF, World Bank, WTO, TNCs (8 lectures) d. Cultural and Technological Dimension (3 lectures) e. Global Resistances with special reference to World Social Forum (3 lectures) II. Contemporary Global Issues (18 lectures) a. Ecological Issues: Historical overview of International Environmental Agreements, Climate Change, Global Commons Debate (7 lectures) b. Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (3 lectures) c. International Terrorism: Non-State Actors and State Terrorism; Post 9/11 developments (5 lectures) d. Migration (3 lectures) III. Global Shifts (7 lectures) European Union and ASEAN |
• To enable students to understand how to approach a wide range of important global political and economic policy problems and participate in public policy debates on the crucial issues facing the world today. • To have knowledge of the essential theoretical assumptions underlying globalization’s conceptual frameworks and their relationships to policy interventions. • To demonstrate elementary knowledge of major issues and subject-matters surrounding globalization that decides the international relations- political, economic and security relations- among the nations. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V POL HC 5016 Classical Political Philosophy |
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| I. Text and Interpretation (8 lectures) Significance of Interpretation: Different Perspectives i. Marxist Perspective ii. Feminist Perspective iii. Post-modern Perspective II. Antiquity Plato (8 lectures) Philosophy and Politics, Theory of Forms, Justice, Philosopher King/Queen, Communism Presentation theme: Critique of Democracy Aristotle (8 lectures) Forms, Virtue, Citizenship, Justice and State Presentation theme: Classification of governments III. Interlude: Machiavelli (8 lectures) Virtu, Religion, Republicanism Presentation themes: morality and statecraft IV. IV. Possessive Individualism Hobbes (8 lectures) |
To interpret ideas underlying traditions in classical political philosophy • To analyze the debates and arguments of leading political philosophers belonging to different traditions of the period • To appraise the relevance of classical political philosophy in understanding contemporary politics |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V POL HC 5016 Classical Political Philosophy |
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| I. Text and Interpretation (8 lectures) Significance of Interpretation: Different Perspectives i. Marxist Perspective ii. Feminist Perspective iii. Post-modern Perspective II. Antiquity Plato (8 lectures) Philosophy and Politics, Theory of Forms, Justice, Philosopher King/Queen, Communism Presentation theme: Critique of Democracy Aristotle (8 lectures) Forms, Virtue, Citizenship, Justice and State Presentation theme: Classification of governments III. Interlude: Machiavelli (8 lectures) Virtue, Religion, Republicanism Presentation themes: morality and statecraft IV. IV. Possessive Individualism Hobbes (8 lectures) Human nature, State of Nature, Social Contract, State Presentation themes: State of nature; social contract Locke (8 lectures) Laws of Nature, Natural Rights, Property, Presentation theme: Natural rights V. Human nature, State of Nature, Social Contract, State Presentation themes: State of nature; social contract Locke (8 lectures) Laws of Nature, Natural Rights, Property, Presentation theme: Natural rights |
To interpret ideas underlying traditions in classical political philosophy. • To analyze the debates and arguments of leading political philosophers belonging to different traditions of the period • To appraise the relevance of classical political philosophy in understanding contemporary politics |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V POL HC 5026 Indian Political Thought-I |
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| I. Traditions of Pre-colonial Indian Political Thought (8 lectures) a. Brahmanic and Shramanic b. Islamic and Syncretic. II. VedVyasa (Shantiparva): Rajadharma (5 lectures) III. Manu: Social Laws (6 lectures). IV. Kautilya: Theory of State (7 lectures). V. Aggannasutta (DighaNikaya): Theory of kingship (5 lectures) VI. Barani: Ideal Polity (6 lectures) VII. AbulFazal: Monarchy (6 lectures) VIII. Kabir: Syncretism (5 lectures) |
• To underline themes and issues in political traditions of pre-colonial India. • To compare and contrast positions of different political traditions those were present in pre-colonial India. • To evaluate the relevance of political thought of pre-colonial India for contemporary politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER VI POL HC 6016 Modern Political Philosophy |
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| I. Modernity and its discourses (8 lectures) Modernity: Concept (3 lectures) Discourses on Modernity (5 lectures) II. Romantics (16 lectures) a. Jean Jacques Rousseau (8 Lectures) Presentation themes: General Will b. Mary Wollstonecraft (8 Lectures) Presentation theme: Women and paternalism III. Liberal socialist (8 lectures) John Stuart Mill Presentation theme: Liberty IV. IV. Radicals (16 lectures) a. Karl Marx (8 Lectures) Presentation theme: Class Struggle b. Alexandra Kollontai (8 Lectures) Presentation theme: Disagreement with Lenin |
• To interpret ideas underlying traditions in modern political philosophy. • To analyze the debates and arguments of leading political philosophers of different philosophical traditions. • To appraise the relevance of modern political philosophy in understanding contemporary politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER VI POL HC 6026 Indian Political Thought-II |
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| I. Introduction to Modern Indian Political Thought (4 lectures). II. Rammohan Roy: Rights (4 lectures). III. PanditaRamabai: Gender (4 lectures). IV. Vivekananda: Ideal Society (5 lectures) V. Gandhi: Swaraj (5 lectures). VI. Ambedkar: Social Justice (5 lectures). VII. Tagore: Critique of Nationalism (4 lectures) VIII. VIII. Iqbal: Community (5 lectures). IX. Savarkar: Hindutva (4 lectures) X. Nehru: Secularism (4 lectures) XI. Lohia: Socialism (4 lectures) |
• To underline themes and issues in political thought of modern India. • To compare and contrast positions of leading political thinkers in India on issues those are constitutive of modern India. • To assess the relevance of political thought of modern India in understanding contemporary politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III Skill Enhancement Course POL SE 3014 Parliamentary Procedures and Practices |
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| I. Constitutional Provisions and Kinds of Bills (10 lectures) Constitutional provisions of legislative procedures: Articles 107-22 Kinds of Bills: Ordinary Bills, Money Bills, Finance Bills, and Private Member Bills. II. Drafting, Introductions and Readings of the Bills: Procedures and Processes (14 lectures) Drafting of the Bill First Reading and Departmental Standing Committee Second Reading Third Reading Passage of the Bill Consent by the President Gazette Notifications. III. Parliamentary Committees: Composition and functioning (14 lectures) Departmental Standing Committees Select Committees Joint Parliamentary Committees Public Accounts Committee Committee on Privilege Business Advisory Committee Ethics Committee IV. Motions and Hours in the House (10 lectures) Question Hour Zero Hour 55 Calling Attention Motion Adjournment Motion Privilege motion, Censure motion, 'No-confidence' motion, Cut motion |
• To help students in understanding the practical approaches to legislatives practices and procedures, • To make students understand the procedures and processes related to drafting a Bill and the passage of the Bill, • To enable students to have an understanding of the importance of Parliamentary Committees, • To make students learn about the basic functioning of Parliament. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III Skill Enhancement Course POL SE 3024 Youth and Nation-Building |
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| Unit –I: Youth and National Service Scheme (NSS) (16 lectures) • NSS: Organisation and Objectives • NSS: Activities and Benefits • NSS and its contribution Unit-II: Youth and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) (16 lectures) • Aims and objectives of the NCC • Organisation and Training • NCC and its benefits Unit-III: Youth and National Disaster Management (16 lectures) • Disaster Management Plan 2016-an overview • National Disaster Management Authority • Community involvement and preparedness: Assam |
• To enable students to learn the importance of youth in NSS and NCC, • To make students understand the activities related to NSS and NCC and its importance, • To make students learn the basics of National Disaster Management and its importance. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV Skill Enhancement Course POL SE 4014: Panchayati Raj in Practice |
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| I. Strengthening Democratic Functioning of the Panchayats (16 lectures) a. Participation at village level, action plan and participatory method b. Need assessment and Micro Planning c. Devolution II. Panchayat Finances and accounting (16 lectures) a. Constitutional Provisions on Panchayat Finances b. Fiscal Decentralization and Audit system c. Social Audit. III. Problems and Needs of Disadvantaged Groups and their Participation (16 lectures) a. Women b. Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Casts and Minorities c. Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act |
• This paper will help students understand the importance of grassroots political institutions in empowering people. • This paper will highlight the complex challenges faced by PRIs in India and mechanisms involved to make it more participatory and inclusive in nature. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV Skill Enhancement Course POL SE 4024 Citizens and Rights |
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| I. Equality and non-discrimination (12 lectures) a. Gender: the protection of women against domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment b. Caste and Class: laws concerning untouchability and minimum wages c. Disability and equality of participation. II. Empowerment (12 lectures) a. Access to information b. Rights of the consumer. III. Redistribution, recognition and livelihood (12 lectures) a. Traditional rights of forest dwellers and the issue of women’s property rights b. rural employment guarantee. IV. Laws relating to criminal justice administration (12 lectures) a. Filing of a complaint, First Information Report (FIR) b. Detention, arrest and bail |
• To analyse the linkages between citizenship, law, rights and equality. • To understand the measures of discrimination, justice and empowerment and the ways to protect the same. • To evaluate the idea of justice and assess its relevance in context of contemporary India. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 5016 Human Rights |
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| Unit I: Introduction to Human Rights (14 lectures) • Concept of Human Rights – meaning, nature, importance • Growth and evolution of Human Rights • Classification- three generation of Human Rights Unit II: Approaches and perspectives (13 lectures) • Universal Approach • Cultural Relativist Approach • Marxian Perspective Unit III: Human Rights and UNO (16 lectures) • International Bill of Rights – UDHR, ICCPR, ICESCR, Optional Protocols • Conventions Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on Rights of the Child • Human Rights Council Unit IV: Human rights and the role of NGOs (12 lectures) • Amnesty International • Human Rights Watch • International Committee of the Red Cross |
• To describe the basic concepts of human rights • To comprehend different approaches regarding human rights • To familiarize the role of UNO in the growth and development of human rights • To describe different measures taken for the protection of human rights |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 5026 Public Policy in India |
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| I. Introduction to Policy Analysis (12 Lectures) II. The Analysis of Policy in the Context of Theories of State (12 Lectures) III. Political Economy and Policy: Interest Groups and Social Movements. (12 Lectures). IV. Models of Policy Decision-Making (12 Lectures). V. Ideology and Policy: Nehruvian Vision, Economic Liberalization and recent developments (12 Lectures) |
• To be familiarized with and gain knowledge about the processes of public policy making in India • To assess the functioning of the government and the administration in ensuring a citizen centric welfare administration in India. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 5036 Understanding Global Politics |
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| I. What Makes the World, What it is? (30 lectures) a. The Sovereign State System (10 lectures) i. Evolution of the state system. II. The concept of Sovereignty b. The Global Economy (13 lectures) i. Discussing the Bretton Woods Institutions and WTO ii. Ideological underpinnings iii. Transnational Economic Actors c. Identity and Culture (7 lectures) II. What Drives the World Apart? (10 lectures) a. Global Inequalities b. Violence: Conflict, War and Terrorism. III. Why We Need to Bring the World Together? (8 lectures) a. Global Environment b. Global Civil Society |
To describe the key concepts underlying the idea of world order and their historical evolution. • To comprehend diverse approaches to understand global political and economic problems. • To demonstrate relevance of international actors in understanding world politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER V DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 5046 Select Constitutions - I |
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| Unit I: Constitution and Constitutionalism (12 lectures) • Constitution - Meaning and Importance • Classification of Constitutions • Constitutionalism - Concept Unit II: United Kingdom (14 lectures) • The British Political Tradition • Parliamentary Government— i. Monarchy ii. Cabinet iii. Parliament • Political Parties and Interest Groups • Rule of Law and the Judicial System Unit III: United States of America (14 lectures) • Making of the American Constitution • The Federal System • National Government— i. The President ii. Congress iii. Supreme Court • Political Parties and Interest Groups in USA Unit IV: Comparative Study of UK and USA Constitutions (12 lectures) • British Prime Minister vs USA President • House of Lords vs Senate • Speaker of House of Commons vs Speaker of House of Representatives |
• Students will be able to understand the importance of constitutions • This paper is an integral part of public services examinations • Students will be introduced to the various types of constitutions and the forms of governments from different parts of the world. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER VI DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 6016 Human Rights in India |
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| Unit I: Origin and Development of Human Rights in India (13 lectures) • Ancient, medieval and colonial period • Human rights and the Constitution of India • Protection of Human Rights Act,1993 Unit II: Institutional Mechanisms for Protection of Human Rights (12 lectures) • National Human Rights Commission and Assam Human Rights Commission • National Commission for Women • National Commission for S.C and National Commission for S.T Unit III: Emerging issues of human rights (13 lectures) • Terrorism in NE India • Rights of Indigenous People • Environmental Issues – Narmada Bachao movement, Chipko movement Unit IV: Human Rights of vulnerable groups (10 lectures) • Women • Children • Minority |
• To describe origin and development of human rights in India • To comprehend different measures adopted by India for the protection and development of human rights • To familiarize the emerging issues related to human rights |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER VI DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 6036 Women, Power and Politics |
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| I. Groundings (14 lectures) Patriarchy a. Sex-Gender Debates b. Public and Private c. Power Domains of Patriarchy a. Family b. Community c. State II. Feminism (12 lectures) Different Perspectives: Liberal, Marxist & Radical III. Movements and Issues (12 lectures) History of the Women’s Movement in India Violence against women: ➢ Domestic Violence ➢Femicide➢ Human Trafficking IV. Work and Labour (12 lectures) a. Visible and Invisible work b. Reproductive and care work c. Sex work |
• To explain key concepts that offers an understanding of gender inequality. • To appraise the historical evolution of the Women’s movement in India and issues addressed by it. • To underline the contemporary issues that affect women’s participation in politics |
| Course | Outcome |
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SEMESTER VI DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE POL HE 6046 Select Constitutions – II |
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| Unit I: Peoples Republic of China- I (14 lectures) • Revolutionary Legacy: Communist Revolution and the Cultural Revolution • Structure of Government ➢ National Peoples’ Congress ➢ The President and the State Council ➢ Peoples courts and Peoples Procuratorates Unit II: Peoples Republic of China- II (11 lectures) • Rights and Duties of Citizens • Party System and Role of the Communist Party Unit III: Switzerland- I (14 lectures) • Swiss Political Tradition • Swiss Federalism • Structure of Federal Government ➢ Legislature ➢ Executive ➢ Judiciary Unit IV: Switzerland- II (9 lectures) • Direct Democracy • Political Parties and Interest Groups |
• Students will be able to understand the importance of constitutions; • This paper is an integral part of public services examinations. • Students will be introduced to the various types of constitutions and the forms of governments from different parts of the world |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER I GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 1016 Introduction to Political Theory |
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| 1. Theorizing Political (11 lectures) a. What is Politics? b. What is Political Theory and what is its relevance? 2. Concepts: Democracy, Rights, Gender, Citizenship and Civil Society (36 lectures) 3. Debates in Political Theory: (13 lectures) a. Is democracy compatible with economic growth? b. On what grounds censorship is 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? |
• To introduce the key concepts in political theory • To make students understand the aspects of conceptual analysis • To engage the students in application of concepts and their limitations |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER I GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 1026 Politics in North-East India |
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| Unit I: Colonial Policy of Annexation and Administration (18 lectures) • Geo-Strategic Location and Socio-Cultural Diversity of North-east India • Expansion and Consolidation of Colonial Rule: Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas: Inner Line Unit II: Post-Colonial Developments ( 12 lectures) • Separation of Sylhet and Problems of Refugees. • Emergence of Separate States: Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram. UNIT III: Political Developments in Assam (8 lectures) • Language Politics • Rise of Insurgency UNIT IV: Changing Nature of State Politics in Assam (10 lectures) • Emergence of Regional Party • Coalition Politics | • To introduce the students with the region and nature of its politics • To engage them with historical development of the region • To understand the contemporary developments of the region |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER I GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 1036 Governance: Issues and Challenges |
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| Unit 1. Government and Governance: Concepts (12 lectures) Role of State in the Era of Globalisation State, Market and Civil Society Unit 2. Governance and Development (12 lectures) Changing Dimensions of Development Strengthening Democracy through Good Governance Unit 3. Environmental Governance (12 lectures) Human-Environment Interaction Green Governance: Sustainable Human Development Unit 4. Local Governance (12 lectures) Democratic Decentralisation People's Participation in Governance Unit 5. Good Governance Initiatives in India: Best Practices (20 lectures) • Public Service Guarantee Acts • Electronic Governance • Citizens Charter & Right to Information • Corporate Social Responsibility |
• To introduce major concepts and debates of Governance • To enable the students to relate governance with globalization, environment and development • To make students explore good governance initiatives in India |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER II GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 2016 Indian Government and Politics |
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| Unit 1. Approaches to the Study of Indian Politics and Nature of the State in India: Liberal, Marxist and Gandhian (09 lectures) Unit 2. Indian Constitution: basic features, debates on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (09 lectures) Unit 3. Institutional Functioning: Prime Minister, Parliament and Judiciary (09 lectures) Unit 4. Power Structure in India: Caste, class and patriarchy (07 lectures) Unit 5. Religion and Politics: debates on secularism and communalism (06 lectures) Unit 6. Parties and Party systems in India (05 lectures) Unit 7. Social Movements : Workers and Peasants (10 lectures) Unit 8.Strategies of Development in India since Independence: Planned Economy and Neoliberalism |
• To appreciate the approaches to the study of Indian politics and the changing nature of the state • To understand the basic features of the Indian constitution and its institutional functioning • To examine the changing role of caste, class and patriarchy and their impact on politics • To understand the dynamics of social movements in India. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER II GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 2026 Feminism: Theory and Practice |
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| I. Approaches to understanding Patriarchy (22 Lectures) • Feminist theorising of the sex/gender distinction. • Biologism versus social constructivism • Understanding Patriarchy and Feminism • Liberal, Socialist, Marxist and Radical feminism II. History of Feminism (22 Lectures) • Origins of Feminism in the West: France, Britain and United States of America • Feminism in the Socialist Countries: China, Cuba and erstwhile USSR • Feminist issues and women’s participation in anti-colonial and national liberation movements with special focus on India III. The Indian Experience (16 Lectures) • Traditional Historiography and Feminist critiques. Social Reforms Movement and position of women in India. History of Women’s struggle in India • Family in contemporary India - patrilineal and matrilineal practices. Gender Relations in the Family, Patterns of Consumption: Intra Household Divisions, entitlements and bargaining, Property Rights • Understanding Woman’s Work and Labour – Sexual Division of Labour, Productive and Reproductive labour, Visible - invisible work – Unpaid (reproductive and care), • Underpaid and Paid work: Methods of computing women’s work , Female headed Households |
• This course on gender studies will open up the structural and institutional basis of patriarchy as well as establish that gender identity and gender injustice cannot be understood in isolation, but only with reference to caste, class and religious community identities. • Understand the history of feminism and its origins in different parts of the world • Appreciate the Indian Women's Movement and its role in foregrounding important issues relating to women's position in the society, economy and polity |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 3016 Comparative Government and Politics |
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| Unit 1. The nature, scope and methods of comparative political analysis (10 lectures) Unit 2. Comparing Regimes: Authoritarian and Democratic (6 lectures) Unit 3. Classifications of political systems: (15 lectures) a. Parliamentary and Presidential: UK and USA b. Federal and Unitary: Canada and China Unit 4. Electoral Systems: First past the post and proportional representation (7 lectures) Unit 5. Party Systems: one-party, two-party and multi-party systems (9 lectures) Unit 6. Contemporary debates on the nature of state: (13 lectures) a. Human Security b. Changing nature of nation-state in the context of globalization. |
• To make students have a basic understanding of comparative political analysis, • To make students learn the classification of political systems from a comparative politics framework. • To make students learn the classification of governments and the political behavior of institutions and the changes in the nature of the nation-state. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 3026 Gandhi and the Contemporary World |
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| I. Gandhi on Modern Civilization and Ethics of Development (8 lectures) a. Conception of Modern Civilisation and Alternative Modernity b. Critique of Development: Narmada BachaoAndolan II. Gandhian Thought: Theory and Action (16 lectures) a. Theory of Satyagraha b. Satyagraha in Action i. Peasant Satyagraha: Kheda and the Idea of Trusteeship ii. Temple Entry and Critique of Caste iii. Social Harmony: 1947and Communal Unity. III. Gandhi’s Legacy (16 lectures) a. Tolerance: Anti - Racism Movements (Anti - Apartheid and Martin Luther King) b. The Pacifist Movement c. Women’s Movements d. Gandhigiri: Perceptions in Popular Culture. IV. Gandhi and the Idea of Political (8 lectures) a. Swaraj b. Swadeshi |
• To make students understand relevance of Gandhi and his philosophy in modern times • To familiarize students with Gandhian ideology and leadership • To make students learn Gandhi’s critique on modern civilization and development • To make students understand Gandhi’s political strategy and philosophy |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER III GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 3036 United Nations and Global Conflicts |
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| I. The United Nations (29 Lectures) a. An Historical Overview of the United Nations b. Principles and Objectives c. Structures and Functions: General Assembly; Security Council, and Economic and Social Council; the International Court of Justice and the specialised agencies (International LabourOrganisation [ILO], United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation [UNESCO], World Health Organisation [WHO], and UN programmes and funds: United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR]) d. Peace Keeping, Peace Making and Enforcement, Peace Building and Responsibility to Protect e. Millennium Development Goals II. Major Global Conflicts since the Second World War (20 Lectures) a. Korean War b. Vietnam War c. Afghanistan War d. Balkans: Serbia and Bosnia III. Assessment of the United Nations as an International Organisation: Imperatives of Reforms and the Process of Reforms (11 Lectures) |
• To make students learn the importance of United Nations as an organization • To enable students to have a basic understanding of the political processes of the United Nations • To make students to learn the relevance of United Nations and its intervention in global conflicts critically. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 4016 Introduction to International Relations |
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| 1. Approaches to International Relations (27 lectures) a. Classical Realism (Hans Morgenthau) and Neo-Realism (Kenneth Waltz) b. Neo-Liberalism: Complex Interdependence (Robert O. Keohane and Joseph Nye) c. Structural Approach: Dependency School (Andre Gunder Frank) d. Feminist Perspective (J. Ann Tickner) 2. Cold War & Post-Cold War Era (20 lectures) a. Second World War & Origins of Cold War b. Phases of Cold War: ➢ First Cold War ➢ Rise and Fall of Detente ➢ Second Cold War ➢ End of Cold War and Collapse of the Soviet Union c. Post Cold- War Era and Emerging Centres of Power (European Union, China, Russia and Japan) 3. India’s Foreign Policy (13 lectures) a. Basic Determinants (Historical, Geo-Political, Economic, Domestic and Strategic) b. India’s Policy of Non-alignment c. India: An Emerging Power |
• To demonstrate basic understanding of scientific methods of inquiry in international relations. • To understand how international relations influence societies. • To demonstrate a basic understanding of the foundational theories and concepts in international relations. • To analyse the current world events and their implications on the Indian Foreign policy decision making process by applying prominent theories of international relations and generate substantial research question on the topics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 4026 Understanding Ambedkar |
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| I. Introducing Ambedkar (10 lectures) a. Approach to Study Polity, History, Economy, Religion and Society. II. Caste and Religion (12 lectures) a. Caste, Untouchability and Critique of Hindu Social Order b. Religion and Conversion. III. Women’s Question (9 lectures) a. Rise and Fall of Hindu Women b. Hindu Code Bill IV. Political Vision (10 lectures) a. Nation and Nationalism b. Democracy and Citizenship V. Constitutionalism (9 lectures) a. Rights and Representations b. Constitution as an Instrument of Social Transformation VI. Economy and Class Question (10 lectures) a. Planning and Development b. Land and Labour |
• To analyseAmbedkar’s views on caste, class, religion, nationalism, gender and constitutional democracy. • To understand contribution of Ambedkar to political thought in modern India. • To evaluate political ideas of Ambedkar and assess its relevance in context of contemporary politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 4026 Understanding Ambedkar |
|
| I. Introducing Ambedkar (10 lectures) a. Approach to Study Polity, History, Economy, Religion and Society. II. Caste and Religion (12 lectures) a. Caste, Untouchability and Critique of Hindu Social Order b. Religion and Conversion. III. Women’s Question (9 lectures) a. Rise and Fall of Hindu Women b. Hindu Code Bill IV. Political Vision (10 lectures) a. Nation and Nationalism b. Democracy and Citizenship V. Constitutionalism (9 lectures) a. Rights and Representations b. Constitution as an Instrument of Social Transformation VI. Economy and Class Question (10 lectures) a. Planning and Development b. Land and Labour |
• To analyse Ambedkar’s views on caste, class, religion, nationalism, gender and constitutional democracy. • To understand contribution of Ambedkar to political thought in modern India. • To evaluate political ideas of Ambedkar and assess its relevance in context of contemporary politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 4036 Politics of Globalization |
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| 1. Concept of Globalization: (8 lectures) Globalization debate- for and against. 2. Approaches to understanding globalization: (8 lectures) a. Liberal approach b. Radical approach. 3. International Institutions/Regimes (9 lectures) a. World Bank b. International Monetary Fund c. The World Trade Organization 4. Issues in Globalization: (10 lectures) a. Alternative Perspectives on its nature and character, b. Critical dimensions: economic, political and cultural 5. Globalization and democracy: (8 lectures) State, sovereignty and the civil society 6. Globalization and Politics in developing countries (12 lectures) a. Globalization and social movements b. Globalization and the demise of Nation State c. Globalization and human migration 7. The inevitability of globalization: (5 lectures) Domestic and Global responses |
• To analyze the historical evolution of globalization. • To understand social, economic, cultural and political impact of globalization. • To evaluate the idea of globalization and assess its relevance in context of contemporary politics. |
| Course | Outcome |
| SEMESTER IV GENERIC ELECTIVE POL HG 4036 Politics of Globalization |
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| 1. Concept of Globalization: (8 lectures) Globalization debate- for and against. 2. Approaches to understanding globalization: (8 lectures) a. Liberal approach b. Radical approach. 3. International Institutions/Regimes (9 lectures) a. World Bank b. International Monetary Fund c. The World Trade Organization 4. Issues in Globalization: (10 lectures) a. Alternative Perspectives on its nature and character, b. Critical dimensions: economic, political and cultural 5. Globalization and democracy: (8 lectures) State, sovereignty and the civil society 6. Globalization and Politics in developing countries (12 lectures) a. Globalization and social movements b. Globalization and the demise of Nation State c. Globalization and human migration 7. The inevitability of globalization: (5 lectures) Domestic and Global responses |
• To analyze the historical evolution of globalization. • To understand social, economic, cultural and political impact of globalization. • To evaluate the idea of globalization and assess its relevance in context of contemporary politics. |