Polity and Society in India

Paper Code: 
25GSOC301
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
4.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objective:

This course seeks to introduce the students to the study of Indian politics from a sociological Perspective. It attempts to acquaint the students with theories, categories and conceptual tools to understand politics in relation to society in general.

 

12.00
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

Title

25GSOC301

Polity and Society in India

(Theory)

CO1:.Analyze the interrelationship between political system and society

CO2:Analyze the role of political identities in shaping personal opinion about political parties

CO3: Evaluate the political processes with reference to democratic system and electoral reforms.

CO4: Evaluate the dynamics of resistance and change in Indian society

CO5: Examine the role of various factors in  formation of public opinion and politization of social life

CO6:  Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Debates,Tutorials, Reading assignments

 

 

Learning activities for the students: Self- learning assignments, Effective questions, Simulation, Seminar presentation.

 

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation
 

 

Unit I: 
Unit I: Introduction to Political Sociology
  • Political Sociology: Definitions and subject matter; significance , relationship between political system and society
  • The State: Meaning, features, elements and types

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit II: Political identities
  • Religion
  • Caste
  • Ethincity

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit III: Political Processes

Democracy: Features, Principles and Types

Bureaucracy: Features, Types, Functions Power and Authority: Sources,Types and Difference between Power and Authority

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit IV: Protest and Resistance

Pressure and Interest Groups: Characteristics and Types

Farmers Movements: Characteristics, Types and Impact

Women’s Movements in Contemporary India

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit V: Politicization of social life
  • Public Opinion: Role of mass media, problems of communication in illiterate societies

 

Essential Readings: 

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: 
2025-26
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