The Political Science curriculum at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts offers a comprehensive understanding of governance, policy, and global affairs. Courses like Introduction to Public Administration and Public Policy explore administrative theories, policy formulation, and evaluation. Global Justice examines ethical and philosophical debates in international contexts, while Peace & Conflict Studies focuses on political philosophy, Indian and Western traditions, and conflict resolution. Catch 22 in Politics and Comparative Politics engage students with real-world dilemmas, ethics, and the functioning of contemporary governments. The pedagogy emphasizes interactive discussions, research, presentations, and critical analyses, preparing students for nuanced understanding of politics globally.
Introduction to Political Science introduces students to the study of politics and its key concepts. The course covers the state, sovereignty, liberty, equality, democracy, rights, power, authority, legitimacy, and civil society. Students learn to critically analyze political systems and contemporary issues through discussions, case studies, and group activities. This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to understand political dynamics and engage as informed global citizens.
Western Political Thought introduces students to the foundational political philosophies that have shaped politics in the Western world. The course traces the evolution of political thought from ancient thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle, through Renaissance and Enlightenment theorists like Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, to modern and contemporary philosophers including Marx, Mill, Rawls, and Nozick. Emphasis is placed on understanding these ideas within their historical contexts and relating them to present-day political debates. Through interactive discussions, presentations, and continuous assessment, the course develops students’ critical thinking, interpretative skills, and ability to connect theory with contemporary politics.
Political Process and Dynamics of State Politics in India examines the evolution and functioning of state politics within India’s federal framework. The course analyzes the rationale behind linguistic reorganization of states and explores how region, language, and identity shape political processes and development. It critically engages with constitutional provisions, centre–state relations, regional parties, and movements, as well as the impact of globalization and economic reforms after the 1990s. Through comparative perspectives, case studies, and continuous evaluation, students gain insights into contemporary challenges facing Indian federalism. An interactive pedagogy encourages critical analysis, research skills, and a nuanced understanding of regionalization and nation-building in India.
The Comparative Politics course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems across the contemporary world. It introduces the development of comparative politics as a field and examines various forms of government, including absolute and constitutional monarchies, parliamentary and presidential systems, federal and unitary states, military regimes, and theocracies. Through interactive class discussions, group research, presentations, and case studies, students analyze the functioning, strengths, and weaknesses of different polities. The course emphasizes critical thinking, practical application, and comparative analysis, enabling students to evaluate global political structures, understand governance challenges, and develop informed perspectives on political systems worldwide.
This course introduces students to public administration and policy-making in political and administrative contexts. It covers the evolution of administration, key theories, public-private partnerships, and policy processes including formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Through discussions, case studies, and multimedia resources, students learn to analyze government processes, assess policy impacts, and engage critically with contemporary issues in governance and public administration.
India’s Political Economy and Development examines the complex relationship between politics, institutions, and economic change in India. The course analyzes the nature of the Indian state, historical legacies, and centre–state relations while exploring how social structures such as class, caste, and religion shape democratic practice. It critically engages with planning, liberalization, sectoral growth, poverty alleviation, and state-led development initiatives. Contemporary issues in India’s political economy are studied through research-based inquiry, encouraging students to link theory with current debates. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and presentations, the course builds strong analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of India’s development trajectory.
