POITICAL THEORY: CONCEPTS AND ORGANISATIONS

(AN INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE)

First Semester Number of Hours - 60 Credits-3

OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE CONTENT:

As an introductory subject, the course intends to provide and understanding to Politics as a

process pervading over all aspects of life. Politics besides being the ‘master of all Sciences’, it is
the ‘Mother Science of Law’. Law is the brainchild of a political system. Politics is the basis of
law. The legal system needs to keep pace with the contemporary changes in the political system
and pattern of the community. State which is the main subject matter of Political Science,
functions through Law. Hence Political Science and Law are in very close relationship. The
concept of State and its Evolution, Legitimization of its Authority, its Organization, Functioning
and various perspectives of Ideologies are analyzed to understand State and action. It aspires to
provide insights into key players in the political processes like political Parties, Interest groups,
Social Movements, which play significant role in Policy Making.

Course Content

MODULE-1 Number of Hours

Introduction to the study of Political Science
1.1 Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Science 2
1.2 Political Science and allied studies 4
-Sociology,Economics,History,Ethics,Jurisprudence
and Public Administration
1.3 Approaches to Political Analysis – Traditional 4
approach, modern approach, Post modern approach,
Behaviorlism, Post behaviorlism, Systems approach,
Structural Functional analysis, Input and Output
approach
MODULE-2
Origin and Development of State
2.1 Theories of origin of State – Divine Right Theory, Force 4
Theory, Patriarchal and Matriarchal Theories, Social
Contract Theory, Evolutionary Theory, Evolution of
Modern State and Postmodern State
 2.2 Elements of State – State and Sovereignty, John 4
Austin’s theory of sovereignty and pluralistic theory of
sovereignty – Sovereignty and Constitutional Law,
Sovereignty and international Law
2.3 Meaning, Nature and Scope of Citizenship – Global 4
Citizenship –Methods of acquiring and losing of
Citizenship
2.4 Rights and Duties of Citizens – Classification and 4
Theories of Rights – Human Rights
MODULE-3
Political Concepts
3.1 Law, Liberty, Equality and Justice – Philosophical 4
foundations- Constitutional protection and limitations
3.2 Modern Schools of Jurisprudence – Sources and kinds 2
of Law – law and morality
3.3 Aspects and Safeguards of liberty –Liberty and law, 3
Dimensions of Equality – Liberty and Equality
3.4 Dimensions of Justice – Relationship between Justice, 2
Liberty and Equality
3.5 Power, Authority and legitimacy 4
MODULE-4
Political Ideologies
4.1 Liberalism : Classical and Modern 2
4.2 Socialism and Communism 2
4.3 Feminism : Politics, Gender justice and Empowerment 2
4.4 Nationalism : Evolution and Consequences 2
4.5 Multiculturalism and Ecologism 2
MODULE 5 2
Evolution, Forms of Government and Political
Processes
5.1 Classification of Government, Aristotle’s and Modern 2
Classification
5.2 Democracy, Dictatorship and Welfare Governments 2
5.3 Constitution of India – Salient features 2
5.4 Forms of Governments – Unitary, Federal, 2
Parliamentary and Presidential
5.5 Separation of Powers, Uni and Bicameral Legislatures 2
5.6 Role of Political Parties and Public opinion 1

Essential Readings:
1.Prof. A.C. Kapoor : principles of Political Science, S.Chand & CompanyPVT. Ltd, New
Delhi,2016

2.Rathore.L.S & Haqqi : Political Theory and Organization, Eastern Book Company,
Lucknow,2008

3.Dr. V D Mahajan : Political Theory, S.Chand & CompanyPVT. Ltd, New Delhi,2016

Suggested Readings:

1. A. Appadorai : The Substance of Politics, Oxford University Press, 1975

2. A. C. Kapoor : Principles of Political Science, S.Chand & CompanyPVT. Ltd, NewDelhi,
3. H.J.Laski       :   Grammar of Politics, Surjeet Publications, New Delhi,2008
4. J.W.Garner : Political Science and Government, The World Press PVT Ltd, Calcutta,1951
5. Dr.Preetam V.Jain : Political Science-1(Plitical Theory),Central Law Publications, 2016
6. Rathore.L.S.&Haqqi:Political Theory and Organisation, Eastern Book
Company,Lucknow,2008
7. O.P. Gauba (2008): An Introduction to Political theory Macmillan India Ltd., New Delhi.