The Department of Political Science is one of the most sought-after Departments of the College which strives to provide an ambience for quality teaching and learning. Since its inception in 1969, the Department has traversed a long and eventful journey and currently carries out teaching activities with 16 academically proficient faculty members from various spheres of specialization in Political Science.
The Department of Political Science strives to combine teaching, and research to educate students to Think critically and systematically about government and politics across local, national, and global settings, with regular internal assessments via class tests, tutorials, group discussions, research projects, PPTs, and assignments. To provide our students with academic exposure, the department has established many sub-societies like Knowledge club, Sambal, Cinemates along with Peer mentoring and Research programmes. These societies help our students to explore current socio-political issues and encourage interaction among students and faculty. We also believe in nurturing our students to do something for the society. We have an Outreach Programme to connect our students with the society and giving back to the society. The Department also tries to equip the students with the practical ability to utilize the theoretical knowledge to understand the functioning of political institutions and political happenings around them.
The department also organizes career counseling workshops at regular intervals to prepare the students for further studies and successful careers in education, law, research, public service, politics, journalism, international affairs, and numerous other fields. The Department frequently offers lectures, webinars, workshops and short-term courses exploring contemporary political issues in Indian and international politics. Since 2016, CBCS (Choice Based Credit System) has been implemented which marked the genesis of change in the University Education System. Besides, the routine three-year honors and program courses - the discipline of Political science also offers papers to other courses outside their specialization in the form of GE courses (Generic Elective). We also offer SEC (Skill-Enhancement Course) and AECC (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) through which the students get the flexibility to select not only inter disciplinary but also intra disciplinary and skill-based courses.
The Department makes all possible efforts in maintaining an inclusive system incorporating the twin goals of democracy and empowerment as well as nurturing young minds to imbibe the values of hard work and self-discipline. We strive to train our students to become responsible citizens and contribute to the well-being of the community, Society and the Country at large.
‘Polimates’ is the name given to the student body of Political Science. It maintains aFacebook page and all around the year the society is actively involved in organizing various academic and cultural activities of the Department. Debates, mock parliament, group discussions, spoofs and Damsharads are some of them, of course all along they are encouraged and guided by the faculty.
The student council of the Department consists of 4 office bearers- President, Vice-President, Secretary and Joint Secretary, selected each year by a majority. In July 2017, for the first time, the Department experimented with carrying out the exercise of formal elections.Candidates made formal presentations to woo their fellow students. Voting was done through secret ballot with the use of ballot boxes. Witha set of instructions all in place, this formal democratic exercise was a great learning experience for the students.
To give further impetus to the Society ‘Polimates’ – students who excel in academic and other activities throughout the yearare given certificates and trophies as was done in the ‘Young Achievers Award Ceremony’ in April,2018.
“Voice” is the E-Journal of the Political Science Department of Mata Sundri College for Women.In October 2016, the Department of Political Science broke fresh grounds by inaugurating its debut E journal titled “Voice”. This was no small achievement. The very first issue was an effort to commemorate 70 years of Indian democracy as well as it was a tribute to the Golden jubilee year of this esteemed institution. If the first issue had a lofty aim, the Second issue in November 2017 was not far behind and was dedicated to women who created history.
There is no denying that gender and popular culture intersect at odd angles and create enough room to engage in serious deliberation. Currently, the Third issue is in progress. Taking the narrative forward, the Department E-journal is an eclectic amalgamation of articles, essays, poetry, cartoons, political satire and the like. Besides, the journal also reflects upon the activities undertaken by the department. It is a creative platform where the students can express their ideas on a plethora of issues as well as it is a humble attempt to impart training in methodologies of doing research. The editing team comprising of a few students and teachers, are engaged throughout the year. Visiting places of public importance, conducting interviews, undertaking environment friendly drives, raising questions about set patterns- an attempt is made towards constructive social change. While working on the second issue pertaining to women empowerment, the students had conducted an interview with the Former Mayor of Delhi and the argument that finally carried the day was -‘Gender is a fluid category and can be reshaped through persistent questioning and participative actions’.
The students are required to attend not less than 67% of the lectures, theory and practicum courses, separately during each semester in order to enable them to appear for university examinations.
A continuous process of internal assessment takes place during each semester that includes theory as well as practicum courses. The assessing procedures usually include written assignments, projects, house exam and presentations. Final examinations are held in the month of November and May.
It is mandatory for a student to secure minimum 40% marks in each theory paper during final examinations, 40% in the internal assessment, 40% in all Practicum courses taken together and 40% in the aggregate for each semester, to pass the examination.