Political Sociology

Paper Code: 
24SOC223(A)
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course will enable the students to  develop an awareness of their status and role as citizens of the state and analyze the prerequisites of sound democratic political system and its vulnerability.

 

12.00
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course

title

 

 

Political Sociology  (Theory)

CO48:.Analyze the interrelationship between political system and society

CO49:Evaluate the concepts of political culture and political socialization

CO50: Analyze the role of pressure groups and  bureaucracy in socio-politicalcontext

CO51: Explore the features of poltical parties and  evaluate the role of caste and religion in politics

CO52: Examine the role of various factors in  formation of public opinion and politization of social life

CO53:  Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

 

Approach in teaching: Lecture and Classroom discussions (Tool-Power Point Presentations), Interactive session.Classroom discussion

 

Learning activities for the students:

Exposure to socio-political situation through case studies

Continuous Assessment test on the topic/quiz, student presentations and assignments

 

 

Unit I: 
Political Sociology, State and Society
  • Political Sociology: Definitions and subject matter; distinctive approach of Political Sociology, relationship between political system and society
  • The State: Meaning, features, elements and types

 

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Political Culture and Political Socialization
  • Political culture: meaning and significance
  • Political socialization: meaning, significance and agencies

 

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Pressure Groups and Bureaucracy
  • Pressure Groups and Interest Groups: Nature, bases and political significance
  • Significance of Bureaucracy in political development with special reference to India

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Political Parties and Political Processes
  • Political Parties: Characteristics and social composition
  • Political Process in India: Role of caste, Religion, Regionalism and Language in Indian Politics

 

 

 

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Public Opinion
  • Public Opinion: Role of mass media, problems of communication in illiterate societies; its reference on parties and polity
  • Politicization of social life

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Dowse, R.E. & Hughes, 1971: Political Sociology, New York: Basic Books
  • Horowitz, Irving L., 1972: Foundation of Political Sociology, New York: Harper and Collins
  • Runciman, W.G., 1965: Social Sciences and Political Theory, London: Cambridge University Press
  • Eisenstadt, S.N. (ED.), 1971: Political Sociology, New York: Basic Books

 

 

References: 

SUGGESTED READINGS:

  • Kothari, R., 1979: Politics in India, New Delhi: Orient Longman Ltd.
  • Key, V.O., 1964: Politics, Parties and Pressure Groups, New York: Crowell
  • Biswas, Dilip Kumar, 1989: Political Sociology, Calcutta: Firma KLM Private
  • Marris, Jones, W.H., 1982: Government and Politics in India, Cambridge
  • Jangam, R.T., 1980: Text Book Political Sociology, New Delhi: Oxford and IBH Publishing Co.

 

e-RESOURCES:

 

JOURNALS:

  • Contemporary Sociology, Sage Publications
  • Economic and Political Weekly

 

 

 

 

Academic Session: