Imagine being part of a world without rules. Chaos will arise in every part of the world. Political science helps students to understand these issues and how they have been shaping our lives. Think of it as a roadmap where you will learn about power, governance, and how politics function. SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, provides students with a strong path to explore an important field.
For students who are web searching: ‘What is political science and its scope?’, this guide covers it all. Political science is the study of politics and power. It shows the decisions that are made in groups, from small towns to entire countries. It also studies the relationships between the countries. Political scientists focus on why people behave in a particular way in this political world.
The word “politics” comes from the Greek word “polis,” which means city-state. Science defines the careful process of studying things. When you put them together, you can get precise knowledge about how cities and countries are running. Political science uses surveys, data, and careful thinking to understand the political environment.
Historical Context of Political Science
Political science is a field which has roots in Ancient Greece. It was formalised in the 19th century. Some key historical figures are:
- Niccolò Machiavelli
- John Locke
- Karl Marx.
These professionals focused on pragmatic governance approaches, social contract theory, individual rights, and class struggle as political frameworks. As time passed, political theories changed from classical to modern ideologies, with the influence of events like the Enlightenment and major revolutions on political thought.
Key Concepts in Political Science
Some important ideas in political science are marked below:
Sovereignty
It is the power of a country to rule itself. For instance, the United States can make its laws without another country telling it what to do.
Legitimacy
When people accept the right to rule the government, the government is considered to be legal when people trust their leaders.
Power
It is nothing but the ability to do something they might not want to do. A president has the power to veto a law.
Authority
Authority is all about the right to use power. A police officer has the authority to arrest someone who breaks the law.
Justice
Justice is fairness in the way people are treated. Laws must be fair and equal for everyone.
Core Areas of Political Science
Political science specialises in the following core areas:
- Comparative politics: It analyses the political systems in countries.
- International relations: This field studies the interactions between nation-states.
- Political theory: It explores the philosophical foundations of politics
- Public administration: This area focuses on implementing government policy and managing public agencies.
Methodologies in Political Science
Political science focuses on the following methodologies:
- Qualitative research methods analyse political phenomena accurately
- Quantitative methods come up with statistical techniques for generalisation.
- Case studies offer a detailed overview of specific instances
- Surveys and public opinion research are vital to learning about the attitudes and behaviours of the students.
Political Science in the Modern World
Political science in the modern world specialises in the following global political trends:
- Populism
- Nationalism
- Polarisation
- Multilateralism
- Impact of technology on politics
- Social media usage
- Data Analytics
- Voter targeting
- Cybersecurity challenges
- Social movements
- Global movements like climate activism
- Intersectionality in social justice movements
- Impact of grassroots on policy change.
Political Science Education
The field of political science discusses core elements like political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, with electives on public policy, political economy, and human rights. Students can gain proper knowledge about political systems and develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Moreover, it increases your abilities in public speaking and debates. The structured course module offers vital skills to understand complex political systems.
SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat’s Political Science Programme
The political science programme of SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, offers a diverse course module in international relations, public administration, and political theory with opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. The programme focuses on faculty expertise, research opportunities, and access to research projects and publications. Moreover, students can be part of extracurricular activities and active political science clubs and get the chance to do internships and community service projects.
Career Opportunities in Political Science
Political science graduates offer different career opportunities in the government, non-profit, and private sectors. Graduates can be associated with the following fields:
- Policy analysis
- Legislative assistant
- Public affairs specialist
- Programme Coordinator
- Advocacy director
- Research Associate
- Corporate social responsibility manager
- Political risk analyst
- Lobbyist
- Academics
Political science is needed to know about governance, public policy, international relations, law, journalism, and education. It offers analytical skills that are used in the business and technology sectors. Internships and networking opportunities are vital for students. Moreover, student career services are beneficial for job placements and internships.
Challenges in the Field of Political Science
Ever thought about what would happen if you could predict the next election? Being associated with the field of political science gives you the perfect tools needed. There are several challenges that students can face. Students must know about the changing world events. They should understand the data and have the skills to argue. SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat helps students by offering them vital skills. The institute provides students with the chance to study real-world cases. Moreover, SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat, focuses on research methods and critical thinking. These skills help them to tackle real-world problems easily.
Conclusion
Readers are now well aware of what is political science and its scope. Aren’t you?. Studying political science can help students learn about the world. Students can learn skills like critical thinking and knowledge about governance. As the political landscape changes, it is crucial to continuously explore the progress of society. This offers valuable perspectives on current events and future challenges. SRM University Delhi-NCR, Sonepat has the best political science programme. Explore the programme and advance in a career in political science