PSIR Syllabus Division

The Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) syllabus is divided into two broad sections: Political Theory and International Relations. Each section focuses on different aspects of the discipline, providing a comprehensive understanding of political science and its various subfields.

Political Theory:
Political theory encompasses the study of political ideologies, concepts, and theories. It delves into the historical and philosophical foundations of political thought, enabling students to analyze and evaluate different perspectives on governance, power, and authority.

The syllabus for political theory includes the following topics:

1. Political Ideologies: This section covers the major political ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, communism, conservatism, feminism, and postmodernism. It explores their historical development, key theorists, and core principles.

2. Nature and Scope of Political Theory: This topic examines the nature and purpose of political theory, its relationship with other social sciences, and its role in understanding political phenomena.

3. Concepts and Theories: This section introduces students to important concepts and theories in political science, such as sovereignty, power, legitimacy, equality, justice, and rights. It explores different theoretical perspectives and their application in analyzing political systems.

4. Political Thinkers: This part focuses on the contributions of prominent political thinkers throughout history, including Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Gandhi. It analyzes their ideas and their relevance in contemporary political discourse.

International Relations:
International Relations (IR) deals with the study of interactions among states, non-state actors, and global institutions in the international system. It examines the dynamics of power, diplomacy, conflict, cooperation, and the role of international organizations in shaping global politics.

The syllabus for international relations includes the following topics:

1. Theories of International Relations: This section explores different theoretical approaches to understanding international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and feminism. It examines their assumptions, principles, and applicability in analyzing global events.

2. International Organizations: This topic focuses on the role and functioning of international organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and regional organizations like the European Union and ASEAN. It examines their structure, decision-making processes, and effectiveness in addressing global challenges.

3. Foreign Policy: This section analyzes the formulation and conduct of foreign policy by states. It explores the factors influencing foreign policy decisions, the role of diplomacy, and the impact of domestic and international variables on state behavior.

4. Global Issues: This part examines contemporary global issues such as globalization, human rights, terrorism, climate change, and migration. It analyzes their implications for international relations and the responses of states and international organizations.

Overall, the PSIR syllabus is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political theory and international relations. It equips them with the analytical tools and knowledge necessary to critically analyze political phenomena at both the national and international levels.