Vivekananda College for Women

A brief Dossier of the Department

The Department of Political science was introduced in the year 1961 the same year the college was founded. The beginning was with Pass Course, Honours course is being offered from 1985 with 100% success rate.

Capacity Building Initiative 

The Department of Political Science is truly dedicated and believes in developing and strengthening the skills, abilities and resources of the department and of the students so that all can simultaneously grow and do their jobs competently. It also strives to strengthen the governance process so that it can achieve the objectives. The measures taken for capacity building are:

Developing skills and competencies-

• The students are encouraged to explore beyond their prescribed curriculum to go for experiential learning  and by exposing them to various seminars, extension talks, lecture series etc., which are a regular feature of the department
• Teachers also use ICT Tools and audio-video media to make the theory come alive within the classroom and also help students relate their course work with experiential knowledge regularly
• Special attention is paid to each students with continuous assessment during tutorials, where they are taught how to write an answer to a question, how and what to look up in a reference book, do library work, submit projects and prepare for university exams
• The Department provides a rich Seminar library to the students and encourages them to read the text, analyse data, do proper research for their subject related topics

Improving knowledge and tool 

• The students are encouraged to take on Add On Course on-- Gender, Violence And Legal Framework: An Indian Perspective And Human Rights Framework In Indian Perspective to sensitize and teach ethical values and skill enhancement to the students in odd and even semesters.
• The department participates in Youth Parliament Competitions conducted by the Department of Parliamentary Affairs Government of India and Government of West Bengal regularly in order to enhance the interests of young generation in the parliamentary democratic processes, 
• The students are also encouraged to participate in the Electoral Literacy Club doing seminars, presenting research papers, poster presentations, surveys conducted on electoral literacy so as to understand the working of the democratic process

Changing attitudes and behaviours

• With continuous mentoring a close bond is developed between the teachers and the students where they not only come up with their academic difficulties but also other related issues if any.To overcome them counselling is done by the teachers to help them cope up with challenges in life. 
• The students are well looked after for all their needs both academic and psychological to strengthen their all-round capabilities and enhance their growth both academically and as good human beings
• Besides academic activities students engage in Art and Poster making, wall magazine on current events which helps them in problem solving and processing skills. 
• Participation in Annual College Sports and Inter – College Sports competitions provides opportunities for team work friendship building and learning life skills of competition and cooperation. 

Maximizing participation and knowledge exchange

• The department is committed to provide varied exposure to students and encourages them to not only participate in seminars in other colleges but also exposes them to the larger world by participating in Inter College competitions, Community Outreach Programmes, NSS and NCC activities.
• Students are encouraged to participate in other institutions for academic enrichment exercise, paper presentation, exchange of ideas and knowledge among themselves to horn their skill of public speaking and social communication

Strengthening management and governance of the department-

• The Department has a high  compatibility  with NEP/ New Education Framework 2022 and is ready to deliver the results with more vitality and vigour with highly experienced faculty members of the department 
• The Department has a well-knit, committed and vibrant faculty, who apart from being proficient teachers are also instrumental in maintaining a strong bond and a high level of interaction with students at all levels.
• The faculty of the department has adopted varied teaching methodologies to make the classroom environment receptive and interesting for its students.
• The faculty members engage themselves in Orientation Programme/ Refresher Course/ national and international seminars/ paper presentation to keep them up-to date with changing pattern of the subject and also horn their skills on teaching- learning process.
• Parent- Teacher Meeting is held for each semester to keep the Guardians aware of the progress of their wards. Participation of the stakeholders is highly solicited.

1. State-of-the-Art Facilities

The Department of Political Science is a technology friendly department both for the students and faculty members. It provides a range of ICT tools and facilities designed to enrich and enhance the teaching-learning and overall academic experience.  The ICT and teaching –learning facilities available to the students are:

• ICT-Enabled Classroom: The department features a modern, technology-equipped classroom, fostering interactive and dynamic learning experiences for students such projector/ projector screen/desktop/ keyboard/ mouse/ amplifier and sound system with microphone.
• Computer Facilities: Students have access to well-equipped computer in the central library with Wi-Fi facility providing essential tools for research, collection of data, data analysis and library work to assist their studies.
• Seminar Library: A well-equipped seminar library offers a diverse collection of books, materials, print resources and open access ensuring that students have easy access to the latest literature on politics and international relations as well as current research materials.
• Optimal Teacher-Student Ratio: The Department maintains an ideal teacher-student ratio which enables personalised attention and effective mentorship. There are four full time faculty members in substantive post and one SACT teacher. The teacher-student ratio in the department is 1:30
• Disciplined and Qualified Faculty:The Department takes pride in highly qualified and dedicated and disciplined teachers, amongst them there are three PhDs holders and two faculty members with post-graduation degrees 
• Spacious Departmental Classroom: The departmental classroomis one of the largest and most spacious classrooms available in the institution. The rooms are so designed to provide ample natural light and ventilation creating a lovely ambience and positive environment for learning and intellectual growth.

1. Academic Activities

Academic activities of the Department includes the following activities such as:

• Classes and Lectures: Faculties teach a range of courses covering political theories, political process, international relations, foreign policy, research methods, data analysis and specialised topics.
• Extension lectures and Webinars: These forums allow for in-depth discussions of political concepts and research related discourse. Renowned Experts/Social scientists from different fields of knowledge deliver their lectures on specific political topics, current affairs specific to Course Curriculum.
• Fieldwork/ Educational tours: The Department undertakes fieldwork/ educational tours/ surveys and data analysis to gather data for research, assigned by the University as a part of Curriculum.
• Project Submission: Honours Graduate students work on a dissertation, based upon their project topic in partial fulfilment of their undergraduate syllabus
• Academic Guidance: Faculty members provide academic guidance to the students on their paths to peruse academic excellence and prepare them for higher studies and life skills 
• Capacity building and learning life skills: Besides academic activities students engage in Art and Poster making which helps them in problem solving and processing skills. Participation in sports provides opportunities for team work friendship building and learning life skills of competition and cooperation. 

Best practices in Political Science 

Best practices in the field of Political Science can be varied and interesting depending on the specific context and specialised techniques applied, but here are somegeneral tendencies to consider:

• Seminars: Regular seminars and special lectures are conducted on specific course related topics for specialized theory building
• Rigorous Methodology: Use robust research methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative, to collect and analyse data. 
• Literature Review: Conducting comprehensive literature review to build on existing knowledge and avoid repeating previous works
• Interdisciplinary Perspective: Considering interdisciplinary approaches while studying complex and interrelated political theories and processes that may involve aspects of History, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Environment and more related disciplines
• Extension lectures and Webinars: These platforms allow for in-depth analysis and discussions of political concepts and research. Subject Experts/Social scientists from different fields of academic discipline deliver their lectures on topics specific to Course Curriculum.
• Youth Parliament Workshop& Training:The department participates  in Youth Parliament Competitions conducted by the Department of Parliamentary Affairs Government of India and Government of West Bengal, regularly in order to enhance the interests of young generation in parliamentary democratic processes
• Electoral Literacy Club: The students are also encouraged to participate in the Electoral Literacy Club doing seminars, presenting research papers, poster presentations, surveys conducted on electoral literacy so understand the democratic process and governance 
• Add On Course: The students are encouraged to take on Add On Course on-- Gender, Violence And Legal Framework: An Indian Perspective And Human Rights Framework In Indian Perspective to sensitize and teach ethical values and skill enhancement 

Student progression

The progression of students in the Department of Political Science typically follows a well projected path, entering into undergraduate course and potentially continuing to postgraduate levels.Each Year nearly 50% of the students’ progress to higher studies or professional courses or sit for competitive exam to secure jobs. 

Teaching learning methods in Political Science 

Teaching and learning methods in the Department is diverse to accommodate various topics, course curriculum, student backgrounds, and learning objectives. The Department takes pride in incorporating Blended Mode of Study to reach out and maximise the highest potentials of the students. Here are some common teaching and learning methods used in the Department of Political Science:

• Chalk & Talk method: the department believes in traditional method of teaching which is made up of TEACHER-student centered system and course centered system because neither teacher, student, nor teaching material is possible without teaching. This method is used as a brainstorming strategy to access prior knowledge and understanding on the subject. 
• Online Learning Methodologies: Incorporating online platforms (Google meet, zoom/ WhatsApp/ LMS), discussion can enhance accessibility and flexibility in the learning process. The Departments maintains YouTube channels where we share webinars, extension lectures, students' cultural performances, and content related to departmental activities
• Research/ Projects/Dissertations: Assigning research projects allows students to conduct independent research, formulate research questions, collect data, and analyse findings. It also inspires them to think out of the box for problem solving. 
• Educational Tours/Fieldwork and Observations: Educational Tours/Field trips, fieldwork, and observations in real-world settings can provide students with first-hand experience in political research and data collection and develops their experiential learning skills
• Seminars/ Extension lectures and Webinars: Inviting noted social scientists who are experts in specific sociological areas can provide students with real-world insights and networking opportunities.
• Students Seminars: Students Seminars are conducted to discuss course based topics to help them horn their academic discipline, stay up to date on current events, understand concepts and build their network, work on public speaking and learn problem solving. 

Project Submission/Dissertations: 

Writing research papers for project submission or a dissertation in the Department of Political Science is a significant academic exercise typically required for the partial completion of Honours Degree program. Here are the key steps and considerations involved in completing project submission are: 

Selection of Research Topic: The students of each semester are offered few research topics to engage themselves in reading study materials and gather data to substantiate their hypothesis

Research Projects: Assigning research projects allows students to conduct independent research, formulate research questions, collect data, and analyse findings develop problem solving 

Distinguished Alumni Name With Whereabouts

• Name: DebamitaMajumder- Bengali News Reader In Doordarshan Kolkata

Link: Https://Www.Youtube.Com/Live/Kdj2slhd9zc?Feature=Share

• Name: Barshali Chatterjee -- Bengali Film Director 
• Name: Abira Chatterjee Currently Working As Promo Producer At Star Jalsa, Currently Working With Notable Film Personalities Of Bengali Film Industry 
• Name: Rakhi Daw , Digital Creator And Currently School Teacher At K.E.CarmelBehala Kolkata, Also Self Entrepreneur of  D’ Cake Pallet 
• Name: Sweety Karmakar Professional Singer At Sa Re Gama Pa Indian Idol Contest 2022 
• Name: Priyanka Mitra Currently Working As Senior Customer Service Representative at Essilor India Pvt.Ltd 
• Name: Nabanita Goswami Biswas-- Currently Working As School Teacher at Rishi Aurobindo Mission School
• Name: Puja Paul; Currently Working As Advocate At Law Legium Associates and Bar Practice As Advocate At Alipore Police & Session Judges Court
• Name; Rimpa Ghosh-- Assistant Sales Executive At Senco Gold And Diamonds Kolkata .