Politics

Political Systems and Issues: India

Module code: L2093
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay

Politics and governance concentrates on the relationship between political institutions and the wider society. This module looks at the ability of institutions such as structures of governance, bureaucracies and political parties to adapt to changing circumstances, and respond to demands from interest groups while dealing with the ongoing pressures of social and economic development in India. 

The module will be divided into two main parts. The first part will deal with India's political history and independence with a focus on analysing the institutional mechanisms of governance in the country. We will look at the design of the Indian constitution at independence, examining its key features such as

  • federalism
  • secularism
  • the choice of political and electoral system.

The module will also examine and evaluate how key constitutional features have functioned in India to support governance and its democracy. We analyse the evolution of the party system in India focusing on its key features, attributes, determinants and the linkages between the national and the sub-national party systems. 

The second part of the module will analyse the key instruments of governance in India:

  • the legislatures
  • bureaucracy
  • judiciary
  • army
  • the election commission.

We will examine the ability of these institutions to support governance in a highly complex political and social environment. The focus will be on the relationship between politics and economy, politics and society, and politics and conflict. 

The module primarily uses an empirical approach but also presents relevant theoretical constructs and some comparative analysis to provide you with a rich insight into the politics of governance in India.

Module learning outcomes

  • Analyse the structure and operation of an aspect of contemporary Indian politics
  • Locate and evaluate academic literature related to a particular topic in contemporary Indian politics
  • Identify and research a key issue or question relating to contemporary indian politics