Department of Political Science

Objectives

"To be ruled by a constitution is an act of salvation and not an act of slavery." (attributed to Abraham Lincoln)

Knowledge of the political system is indispensable today. Democracy, a fashion in the 18th century and a passion in the 19th, has since become almost a way of life, and remains the best available form of government for involving every person in public affairs. Its success demands politically aware and active citizens, and India, as the largest democracy in the world, needs a politically mature people.

The department therefore teaches the political ideas of ancient, medieval and modern thinkers, the constitutions of India, the USA, the UK, France, Switzerland and other countries, and how to understand and analyse political developments in India and abroad.

History of the department

Prof. P. P. Hegde, a renowned scholar of political science, was the first teacher and Head of the Department. He laid a solid foundation by attracting many students to take Political Science as a minor and major (optional) subject.

• Lakshman M. Naik, M.A., guest lecturer, appointed 22 June 1995
• Narayan T. Naik, M.A., guest lecturer, 1 July 2001 to 2018
• Prof. Basalingappa Aravalad, M.A., K-SET, 2018 to March 2023

Vision and mission

Vision: To develop the department on modern lines, reflecting current political trends, so that students understand Indian democracy and become creative and responsible citizens.

Mission: Learner-centred education of excellence, developing adaptability to technology to meet the challenges of a changing global village.

Subjects taught

• Indian government and politics
• Ancient Indian political ideas and institutions
• Basic concepts in political science and political theory
• Modern political analysis
• Western political thought
• Indian national movement and constitutional development
• Public administration
• Political process and institutions in India

Activities

• Electoral Literacy Club and Liberty Club
• State-level seminars on the relevance of Hegde's views on the federal system and Centre-State relations, and on the modern concept of India and the relevance of Ambedkar's thoughts
• Case studies, project work, talent competitions, workshops and special lectures
• Student seminars on ancient Western political thought, the Indian national movement, the Government of India Act 1935, the Indian Independence Act 1947, the UNO, SAARC and David Easton's input-output model of the political system
• Central library reference books and N-LIST e-journals