Department of Political Science

About the Department

The Department of Political Science was established in 1968 with the objective of providing students with a systematic understanding of political institutions, governance, democracy, constitutional values, and contemporary political developments. Since 1990, Political Science was taught as a Minor subject, and at present, it is offered as one of the optional subjects.

Prof. B. H. Havaldar was the pioneer faculty member of the department and served the department with dedication until his retirement in 2000. After his retirement, Shri B. M. Turadagi served as a Guest Faculty till 2001. Dr. P. H. Uppaladinni joined the department as a permanent faculty member in 2001. With the increasing number of students and academic workload, the department expanded its teaching and academic activities. Shri S. H. Jainapur joined the department as Guest Faculty in 2019.

Teaching and Learning Practices

The department follows a student-centred approach and uses various teaching-learning methods to make Political Science interesting and relevant. Along with regular classroom teaching, students are encouraged to participate in:

• Classroom seminars and student presentations.
• Project work and assignments.
• Special guest lectures by subject experts.
• Seminars and workshops on contemporary political issues.
• Discussions on national and international political developments.
• Activities related to the Indian Constitution, democracy, human rights, and electoral awareness.

These activities help students develop critical thinking, communication skills, analytical ability, leadership qualities, and political awareness.

Academic and Career Development

The department conducts classroom seminars continuously to encourage students to study beyond the prescribed syllabus and prepare themselves for higher education and competitive examinations. Special lectures and academic interactions are organized to provide students with additional exposure to political science and contemporary issues.

The department also encourages students to understand current affairs and develop an informed perspective on national and international events. This helps students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world political and social developments.

Important Activities of the Department

The department regularly organizes programmes to create awareness about constitutional values, democracy, citizenship, and human rights. Major activities include:

1. Celebration of Indian Constitution Day

The department celebrates Indian Constitution Day to create awareness among students about the Constitution of India, its fundamental principles, rights and duties of citizens, and the importance of constitutional democracy.

2. Celebration of International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day is observed to sensitize students about human rights, equality, dignity, freedom, justice, and the importance of protecting the rights of every individual.

3. Celebration of National Voters' Day

The department celebrates National Voters' Day to promote electoral awareness among students and encourage them to understand the importance of voting and responsible participation in the democratic process.

Objectives of the Department

The Department of Political Science aims to:

• Develop an understanding of political institutions and democratic processes.
• Create awareness about the Indian Constitution and constitutional values.
• Develop interest in national and international political affairs.
• Promote awareness of human rights and social justice.
• Encourage responsible and active citizenship among students.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Prepare students for higher education and competitive examinations.
• Encourage students to participate in seminars, discussions, projects, and other academic activities.
• Develop leadership, communication, and decision-making skills among students.

Vision

To develop informed, responsible, and democratic citizens with knowledge of politics, the Constitution, and society.

Mission

• To provide quality education in Political Science.
• To create awareness about democracy, constitutional values, and human rights.
• To develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills among students.
• To encourage students to participate actively in democratic and social activities.
• To prepare students for higher education, competitive examinations, and responsible citizenship.

Contribution to Student Development

The Department of Political Science believes that education in Political Science should extend beyond the classroom. By organizing seminars, workshops, guest lectures, projects, role plays, and awareness programmes, the department provides students with opportunities to understand political concepts in relation to real-life situations.

The department strives to nurture students who are politically aware, socially responsible, constitutionally conscious, and capable of making informed decisions. Through its continuous academic and co-curricular activities, the department contributes to the holistic development of students and promotes the values of democracy, equality, justice, liberty, human rights, and responsible citizenship.