FACULTY OF ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF ALLAHABAD
Prayagraj-211002
ba syllabus
NEP 2020
first semester
2025-26
B.A. SEMESTER-I (2025-26)
PAPER-I
POLITICAL THEORY (4 Credits)
(Syllabus Drawn Vide Registrar’s Notification No. 05/R/670/2025 dated 07.08.2025)
Course Objectives:
▪ To introduce the students to the idea of political theory, its history and approaches, and an
assessment of its critical and contemporary trends.
▪ To reconcile political theory and practice through reflections on the ideas and practices related
to democracy.
Course Outcomes:
On Successful completion of this course students would be able to:-
▪ Understand the various traditions and approaches of political theory and appreciate how they
get reflected in organizing social living
▪ Understand multiple frames by which the idea of political community is debated
▪ Understand the significance of theorizing and of applying theory into practice
UNIT-I
Definition: Nature and Scope of Political Science. Political Science as study of State
Government, as study of Power, as study of Political System.
Nomenclature: Political Science, Politics, Political Theory, Political Philosophy, Comparative
Politics.
UNIT-II
Approaches: Different approaches to the study of Political Science, e.g. Historical,
Philosophical, Behaviourial and Post- Behavioural.
UNIT-III
State:
Meaning and Elements, Dominant Perspectives- Idealistic, Liberal and Social Welfare,
Contemporary Libertarian Concept, Gandhian Concept and Marxian view of the State
UNIT-IV
Origin of the State – different theories, e.g. Divine-origin, Force, Social Contract,
Evolutionary. Globalisation and Challenges before Nation-state
UNIT-V
Concepts: Sovereignty, Liberty, Equality.
Essential Readings:
Bhargava, R and Acharya, A. (2008). Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson
Longman.
Bellamy, R. (1993) ‘Introduction: The Demise and Rise of Political Theory’, in Bellamy, R.
(ed.) Theories and Concepts of Politics. New York: Manchester University Press, pp. 1-14.
Glaser, D. (1995) ‘Normative Theory’, in Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. (eds.) Theory and Methods
in Political Science. London: Macmillan, pp. 21-40.
O. P. Gauba (2021). An Introduction to Political Theory. Delhi: Mayur Books.
Sanders, D. (1995) ‘Behavioural Analysis’, in Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. (eds.) Theory and
Methods in Political Science. London: Macmillan, pp. 58-75.
Chapman, J. (1995) ‘The Feminist Perspective’, in Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. (eds.) Theory and
Methods in Political Science. London: Macmillan, pp. 94-114.
Bannett, J. (2004) ‘Postmodern Approach to Political Theory’, in Kukathas, Ch. and Gaus, G.F.
(eds.) Handbook of Political Theory. New Delhi: Sage, pp. 46-54.
Vincent, A. (2004). The Nature of Political Theory. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004,
pp.19-80.
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B.A. SEMESTER-I
PAPER II
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MODERN GOVERNMENTS
(UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CHINA) (4 Credits)
Course Objectives: The purpose of this course is to equip students to understand government and
politics though a comparative perspective. The course is expected to bring to the students a thorough
understanding of the historical contexts in which political systems and institutional structures take
distinct forms and acquire unique features. The course aims at acquainting students with the manner in
which comparison is used as a method to understand the historical transformations in governmental
forms, regime types, and political systems.
Course Outcomes:
On successful completion of the course, students would be able to:
Understand the nature, evolution and characteristics of the political systems
Understand the methodology of comparisons and an acquire an analytical approach towards
understanding similarities and differences among key political institutions
Develop critical understanding about regimes, structures, functions and processes in politics
Understand patterns of governance and political diversity/complexity around the world
UNIT I – BRITISH CONSTITUTION
a) Salient Features, Conventions, Monarchy
b) Parliament: Organization, Powers and functions.
UNIT II – BRITISH CONSTITUTION
a) Prime Minister, Cabinet and Party System
b) Judiciary: Power and Functions
UNIT III – AMERICAN CONSTITUTION
a) Salient Features, Federalism
b) President and the cabinet & Party System
UNIT IV – AMERICAN CONSTITUTION
a) Congress: Organization, Powers and Functions
b) Supreme Court: Organization, Powers and Function, Judicial Review
UNIT V – CHINESE CONSTITUTION
a) Salient Features
b) Communist Party of China &President
c) National People’s Congress
d) Supreme People’s Court
Essential Reading
Bagehot W. & Taylor M. (2001). The English constitution. Oxford University Press.
Bomb wall K. R. (1964). Major contemporary constitutional systems ([2d ed.]). Modern
Publications.
Cameron M. A. & Oxford University Press. (2013). Strong constitutions: social-cognitive
origins of the separation of powers. Oxford University Press.
Dicey A. V. (1959). Introduction to the study of the law of the constitution (10th ed.).
Macmillan; St. Martin's Press.
Hamilton A. Madison J. Jay J. & Shapiro I. (2009). The Federalist Papers: Alexander Hamilton
James Madison & John Jay. Yale University Press.
Harvey J. & Bather L. joint author. (1972). The British constitution by j. Harvey and l.
bather (3d ed.).
Jowell J. & Oliver D. (2011). The changing constitution (7. ed.). Oxford University Press.
Kapur A. C & Mishra K. K (2022) Select Constitutions, Chand and Company Ltd.
Levy L. W. Karst K. L. & Winkler A. (2000). Encyclopaedia of the American constitution (2nd
ed.). Macmillan Reference USA.
Ogg F. A. Ray P. O. & Young W. H. (1959). Ogg and Ray's Essentials of American
government (8th ed.). Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Pad field C. F. & Byrne T. (1987). British constitution made simple (7th ed.). Heinemann.
