MPS MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN POLITICAL SCIENCE Assignments (M.A. Second Year Courses) July 2018 and January 2019 Sessions School of Social Sciences Indira Gandhi National Open University Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068 1
OPTIONAL COURSES: M.A. II Year (Political Science) Dear Student, You will have to do a Tutor Marked Assignment for each of the courses in the Master s Degree Programme in Political Science. Each assignment has descriptive and short category questions. Descriptive Category Questions (DCQs) are meant for writing essay type answers, with an introduction and a conclusion. These are intended to test your ability to describe your understanding/knowledge about the topic in a systematic, to-the-point and coherent manner. Short Category Questions (SCQs) require you to first analyse the topic in terms of arguments and explanations and then write the answers in a concise manner. They are meant to test your understanding of the concepts and processes, and your capacity to critically analyse them. Before you attempt the assignments, please read the instructions carefully provided in the Programme Guide. It is important that you answer all the TMA questions in your own words. Your answers should be within the approximate range of the word-limit set for a particular section. Remember, writing answers to assignment questions will improve your writing skills and prepare you for the term-end examination. This booklet has assignments of all II year courses in Political Science. Do the assignments of only those courses for which you are enrolled and leave the rest. Submission: You need to submit all the assignments within the stipulated time for being eligible to appear in the term-end examination. The completed assignments should be submitted as per the following schedule. Last date of Submission September 30, 2019 for January 2019 Session March 31, 2019 for July 2018 Session Whom to submit The Coordinator of the Study Centre allotted to you Please obtain a receipt from the Study Centre for the assignments submitted and retain it. If possible, keep a xerox copy of the assignments with you. The Study Centre will return the assignments to you after they are evaluated. It has to send the marks to the SR&E Division at IGNOU, New Delhi. 2
GUIDELINES FOR DOING ASSIGNMENTS We expect you to answer each question as per guidelines mentioned in the assignment. You will find it useful to keep the following points in mind: 1) Planning: Read the assignments carefully, go through the Units on which they are based. Make some points regarding each question and then rearrange them in a logical order. 2) Organisation: Be a little selective and analytic before drawing up a rough outline of your answer. Give adequate attention to your introduction and conclusion. Make sure that your answer: a) is logical and coherent; b) has clear connections between sentences and paragraphs, and c) is written correctly giving adequate consideration to your expression, style and presentation. 3) Presentation: Once you are satisfied with your answer, you can write down the final version for submission, writing each answer neatly and underlining the points you wish to emphasize. Make sure that the answer is within the stipulated word limit. Wishing you all the best, 3
INDIA AND THE WORLD (MPSE-001) Course Code: MPSE-001 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Briefly examine the approaches to the study of India s foreign policy. 2. Discuss the changing patterns of international trade and investment in the era of globalisation. 3. Trace the evolution of India s relations with the European Union in the post-cold War years. 4. Examine the major achievements of India s foreign policy during the early years of the 21 st century. 5. Comment on India s approach to bilateral relations with particular reference to Russia, China and Japan. 6. a) Evolution of India s world view b) Domestic milieu as a factor in shaping India s foreign policy 7. a) Structure and functions of the Ministry of External Affairs b) Political parties and their role in foreign policy making 8. a) Elements of India s nuclear policy b) Role of MNCs in contemporary international economic relations 9. a) India s security connections with Southeast Asia b) India s security concerns in Central Asia 10. a) Indo-Latin American relations in the Post War years b) Indo- Africa relations 4
STATE AND SOCIETY IN LATIN AMERICA (MPSE-002) Course Code: MPSE-002 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Examine the impact of colonial economic structures on the socio-economic development of Latin America. 2. Explain the main characteristics of political traditions in Latin America. Analyse their relevance in the contemporary political processes. 3. Explain the role of church in the development of the Latin American society. 4. Discuss the rise and fall of Pampas as Food Basket for the European countries. 5. Describe the features of the Peasant and Land Rights movement in Latin America. 6. a) Economic liberalisation and global dependency in Latin America b) Import Substitution Industrialisation (ISI ) adopted by Latin America 7. a) Features of populist movements in Latin America b) Cyclical pattern of the transition of democracy in Latin America 8. a) Bolivian revolution (1952-1964 ) b) Nicaraguan Revolution 9. a) Democratic regimes in Latin America b) Civil Society in Latin America 10. a) Women s mobilisation in Latin America b) Latin America and Third World movements 5
WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT (From Plato to Marx) (MPSE-003) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MPSE-003 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION I 1. Examine the interrelationship of political thought and political science. 2. Discuss Plato s theory of justice. 3. Write a note on Aristotle s views on property, family and slavery. 4. Explain St. Augustine s influence on western political thought. 5. Discuss Machiavelli s classification of government. SECTION II 6. a) Thomas Hobbes on the rights and duties of the Sovereign b) John Lock on social contract and civil society 7. a) Rousseau s theory of General Will b) Edmund Burke s critique of natural rights and social contract 8. a) Immanuel Kant on perpetual peace b) The Panopticon 9. a) Alex De Tocqueville on women and family b) J.S. Mill on representative government 10. a) Hegel s Dialectical Method b) Marx s view on Communist society 6
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL THOUGHT IN MODERN INDIA (MPSE-004) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MPSE-004 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION I 1. Discuss the nature of state and sovereignty in ancient India. 2. Write a note on nationalism and colonial modernity. 3. Trace the trajectory of Muslim thought in 19 th and 20 th century India. 4. Elaborate the political religious ideas of Dayanand Saraswati. 5. Examine the importance of Lal-Bal-Pal in the nationalist movement. SECTION II 6. a) Swami Vivekananda nationalism b) V.D. Savarkar s views on social change 7. a) E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker as a social reformer b) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan on Hindu-Muslim unity 8. a) Jaipal Singh on championing Adivasi identity b) Gandhi on the relationship between means and ends 9. a) Jawaharlal Nehru s views on scientific temper b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on reason and rights 10. a) Rabindranath Tagore s critique of nationalism b) Establishment of Communist Party of India 7
STATE AND SOCIETY IN AFRICA (MPSE-005) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MPSE-005 Assignment Code : ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Examine the pattern of European colonisation of Africa and its economic impact. 2. Explain the salient features of post-cold War politics in Africa. 3. Describe the major problems of development in Africa since 1950s. 4. Examine factors responsible for change of regime from one party to multi party in Africa. 5. Discuss the major challenges to nationalism and integration in Africa. 6. a) Role of Military in Africa b) Foreign Direct Investment in Africa 7. a) Africa s contribution to the NAM b) United Nations peace keeping operations in Africa 8. a) Conflicts and conflict management in Africa b) Human Security 9. a) Responsive violence and Alienating violence b) Regional initiatives in sub-sahara Africa 10. a) Regional economic integration in Africa b) India-Africa relations 8
PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (MPSE-006) Course Code: MPSE-006 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION I 1. Examine the relevance of human nature in the study of peace and conflict. 2. What is war? Explain the idealist and realist view of war? 3. How do CBMs contribute in the maintenance of peace? Examine the effectiveness of CBMs in Sino-India relations. 4. Assess the role of United Nations in the maintenance of peace and security. 5. Write an essay on the role of civil society in conflict resolution. SECTION II 6. a) Kenneth N. Waltz on war. b) Insurgency and its various forms. 7. a) Gender and peace. b) Nuclear deterrence. 8. a) Regionalism and conflict prevention. b) Role of International Court of Justice in settlement of disputes. 9. a) Difference between arms control and disarmament. b) Gandhi s Ahimsa. 10. a) Human security in the age of globalisation. b) Evolution of peace movements. 9
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND POLITICS IN INDIA (MPSE-007) Course Code: MPSE-007 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Discuss the features of new social movements. 2. Critically evaluate the Gandhian approach to social movements. 3. Write an essay on the idea of social transformation after independence. 4. Asses the impact of globalisation on farmers in India. 5. How do you relate state, market and social movements to each other? 6. a) Meaning of Dalits b) Politics of reservation 7. a) Primordial and instrumentalist approaches to study ethnic movements b) Regionalism 8. a) Difference within the agrarian classes b) Genesis of farmers movements 9. a) Fisher folks organisation b) Appiko movements 10. a) Limitations of formal democracy b) Relationship between social movements and democracy 10
STATE POLITICS IN INDIA (MPSE-008) Course Code: MPSE-008 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Compare the systemic and Marxian frameworks to study state politics. 2. Examine the principal features of state politics in India since the 1990s. 3. Discuss the nature of nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and criminals and its impact on electoral politics. 4. Write an essay on the relationship between freedom and development. 5. Critically examine the nature of boundary disputes in India. 6. a) Social Capital b) Sustainable Development 7. a) Post-Modernist framework b) State and Economic Reforms 8. a) Determinants of electoral behaviour b) The self-determination movements 9. a) Politics of water disputes b) Ethnic minorities and politics 10. a) Role of caste in politics b) Drawbacks of Indian electoral system 11
CANADA: POLITICS AND SOCIETY (MPSE-009) Course Code: MPSE-009 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION-1 1. Describe the nature and basic features of the Constitution of Canada. 2. Examine the status and position of aboriginal community in Canadian society. What steps have been taken towards the aboriginal self-government in Canada? 3. Describe the nature of federal system in Canada and explain the distribution of power in Canadian federalism. 4. Explain the salient features of Canadian policy of multiculturalism and bring out its importance. 5. Write an essay on the role of political parties and pressure groups in Canada s political system. 6. a) Nature of Canadian Party system. b) Challenges in Canada-India relations. 7. a) Powers and functions of Canadian Parliament. b) Asian immigrants in Canada. 8. a) Ideological and social basis of Quebec nationalism. b) Judicial system in Canada. 9. a) Anti-globalisation movement in Canada. b) Environmental movements in Canada. 10. a) Reforms in Canadian public administrative system. b) Civil society in Canada s policy process. 12
EUROPEAN UNION IN WORLD AFFAIRS (MPSE-011) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MPSE-011 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION-1 1. Discuss the formation of European Economic Community. How did the European Community help in European integration? 2. Explain different stages in the evolution of Economic and Monetary Union. 3. What is Common Agriculture Policy (CAP)? Discuss the reforms in CAP. 4. Why is the Maastricht Treaty considered as the treaty of European Union? 5. The European Union is generally described as an economic giant and a political dwarf. Explain this statement in the context of recent developments (Euro Crisis, Refugee Crisis and Brexit) in Europe. 6. Write notes on the following in about 250 words each: a) European Council b) European Commission 7. Critically analyse the issues and challenges in the EU s eastward enlargement. 8. Examine the limitations and prospects of India-EU strategic partnership after the introduction of Single currency (Euro) in 2000. 9. Analyse the following in about 250 words: a) Single European Act b) Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) 10. Write Notes on the following in about 250 words each: a) Development policy of EU b) SAARC and EU 13
STATE AND SOCIETY IN AUSTRALIA (MPSE-012) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MPSE-012 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Critically examine the challenges to multiculturalism in Australia. 2. Examine the ethno-cultural identity of the Indian diaspora in Australia. 3. Describe the relation between immigration and economic prosperity in Australia. 4. Write the following in your own words: a) Main characteristics of the Australian population b) Evolution of White Australian policy 5. Examine the current challenges Australia faces in the world economy. 6. a) Australian colonial policy towards aborigines b) Multicultural policy and its impact on migration 7. a) Identity and citizenship in Australia b) The referendum of 1999 8. a) Nationalism in Australia b) Financial powers of the Australian Commonwealth and States 9. a) Liberal Party in Australia b) Pressures Groups in Australia 10. a) Restructuring of the domestic economy b) Growth of the welfare state in Australia 14
AUSTRALIA S FOREIGN POLICY (MPSE-013) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MPSE-013 Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Describe the determinants of Australia s foreign policy. 2. Explain the orientation of trade and invest of Australia since the 1990s. 3. Describe the changes in the political and diplomatic relations of China and Australia during the Cold War years. 4. Examine the nature of Australia s economic relation with ASEAN. 5. Briefly discuss the features of environmental legislation in Australia. 6. a) Australia and the Indian Ocean b) Australia s Nuclear arms control policy 7. a) Australia on Environmental Movements b) Australia s economic relations with ASEAN 8. a) Foreign Direct Investment b) Australia s relation with the USA 9. a) India-Australia relations after the end of Cold War b) Nature of Australian economy in the era of globalisation 10. a) Australia and its neighbours in the South Pacific b) Contemporary migration to Australia 15
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES (MED-002) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MED-002 Assignment Code: Asst/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION I 1. Explain the concept of Sustainable Development. What are the indicators of unsustainable development activities? 2. Examine environmental legislation and its implementation in India. 3. Explain the role of civil society in protection of environment sustainable development. 4. What do you understand by carrying capacity? Explain how equality of women is related to sustainable development. 5. Explain the following in your own words: a) Parameters of Sustainable Development b) Patterns of industrialisation 6. a) Role of scientific and traditional knowledge for sustainable development b) Use of traditional and indigenous technologies for sustainable development 7. a) Global issues and their implications for sustainable development b) Global warming and the rise of sea level 8. a) Indicators of inequality b) Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) 9. a) SAARC initiatives in protection of sustainable development b) State initiative for sustainable development 10. a) United Nations initiatives for environment and sustainable development b) Importance of people s cooperation and participation for sustainable development 16
GLOBALISATION AND ENVIRONMENT (MED-008) Tutor Marked Assignment Course Code: MED-008 Assignment Code: Assignment/TMA/2018-19 Answer any five questions in about 500 words each. Attempt at least two questions from each section. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION I 1. Discuss the contribution of the Indian judiciary towards environmental protection. 2. Explain the role of MNCs and TNCs in the era of economic globalisation. 3. Explain the major concerns of South Asian countries towards environment and sustainable development. 4. Describe the impact of North vs. South dynamics on the development of international environmental law. 5. Explain the following in your own words: a. Environmental calamities and their impact on society b. The WTO and Environment 6. a) Chilka Bachao Andolan b) Narmada Bachao Andolan 7. a) Bio-diversity Convention 1992 b) UN Convention on desertification 8. a) NGOs and their impact on global policies b) Bangladesh experience with environment and sustainable development 9. a) Mining project in Sri Lanka b) indicators of sustainability and food security 10. a) Human Resource Development Approach b) Green consumerism 17
GANDHI S POLITICAL THOUGHT (MGP-004) Course Code: MGP-004 Assignment Code: MGP-004/ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Critically examine Gandhi s views on Citizenship. 2. Examine Gandhi s conception of the Gram Swaraj. 3. Explain Gandhi s concepts of Liberty and Equality. 4. Explain Gandhi s concept of Nationalism. 5. Examine Gandhi s concept of Power. Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words: 6. a) Gandhi s non-violent struggle against Colonialism b) Gandhian Pacificism 7. a) Gandhi s views on Liberalism and Constitutionalism b) Gandhi s views on fascism 8. a) Gandhi s views on War. b) Satyagraha in the 21 st Century 9. a) Gandhi s views on Socialism and Communism b) Satyagraha as a tool of conflict resolution 10. a) Gandhi s criticism of Industrialisation b) Gandhi s views on Ends and Means 18
NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENTS AFTER GANDHI (MGPE-007) Course Code: MGPE-007 Assignment Code: MGPE-007/ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Critically examine the outcomes of Non-Violent Movements of the Gandhi. 2. Briefly explain the social and ecological issues that are affecting the mankind today. 3. Explain the major concerns of liquor policy and public health issues in contemporary India. 4. Discuss the New Farmers Movements influenced by Gandhian ideology. 5. Explain the significance of Civil Rights Movements in the United States. Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words: 6. a) Contemporary relevance of Bhoodan Movement b) Jai Prakash Narayan s Total Revolution 7. a) Gandhi s views on protection of nature and environment b) Dam construction in India 8. a) Importance of Silent Valley Movement b) National Water Policy in India 9. a) Meaning and significance of the concept of Civil Rights b) Green Peace Movements in the 21 st Century 10. a) Gandhi s contribution in Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa b) Honour Killing 19
GANDHIAN APPROACH TO PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (MGPE-008) Course Code: MGPE-008 Assignment Code: MGPE-008/ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks. SECTION- I 1. Critically evaluate the different approaches of peace building. 2. Briefly evaluate the role of military in the politics of Myanmar. 3. Write a short note on the following in your own words: a) Importance of Tolerance and Harmony b) People s participation in peace process 4. Examine the relevance of Gandhian technique of Non-Violence. 5. Examine the concepts of Gandhian thought and practice for conflict resolution. SECTION- II Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words: 6. a) Sources of conflict b) Gandhian approach to conflict resolution 7. a) Gandhi s views on Shanti-Sena b) Different Approach to the study of peace 8. a) Insurgency in Assam b) Problems of Nation Building 9. a) Non-Western Approaches to Conflict Resolution b) Self- employed Women s Association (SEWA) 10. a) Negotiation process of resolving conflicts b) Gandhi s ideas of fearlessness 20
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, TRANSFORMATION AND PEACE BUILDING (MGPE-010) Course Code: MGPE-010 Assignment Code: MGPE-010/ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Examine the role of United Nations in eradicate conflicts. 2. Critically examine the nature of conflicts in the society today. 3. Explain the following in about 250 words each: Elements of conflict analysis Concept of Conflict Management 4. Briefly explain the various approaches to conflict transformation. 5. Give an account of the problem of violence in Punjab. Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words: 6. a) Sources of conflict b) Structural violence 7. a) Gene Sharp s strategic non-violence b) Gandhian alternative to modern civilisation 8. a) Role of Civil Society in peace building b) Gandhian Satyagraha in Champaran 9. a) Post-conflict-reconstruction b) Gandhian vision on conflict transformation 10. a) Role of International Community in Afghan reconstruction b) Role of women in Re-habilitation 21
HUMAN SECURITY (MGPE-011) Course Code: MGPE-011 Assignment Code: MGPE-011/ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks. 6. Examine the Human Rights approach to Development and Security. 7. Examine the relation between Human Security and Peace Building. 8. Explain the following in your own words: Status of Human Security in India Gender. Development and Human Security 9. Discuss various features of Gandhian vision of Human Security. 10. Discuss the various dimensions of structural violence. Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words: 11. a) Concept of state violence b) State-violence in India 12. a) Characteristics of Terrorism b) Urban unorganised labour 13. a) Global Warming b) Food Security for India 14. a) Empowerment of child labour b) Human security and poverty eradication 10 a) Gandhian vision for international cooperation b) United Nations for Human security 22
CIVIL SOCIETY, POLITICAL REGIMES AND CONFLICT (MGPE-013) Course Code: MGPE-013 Assignment Code: MGPE013/ASST/TMA/2018-19 Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks. 1. Examine the concept and meaning of Civil Society. 2. Discuss Hegel notion of Civil Society. 3. Briefly explain the impact of War on Terrorism, Neo-liberal Market Economy and Political Regimes. 4. Discuss different theories on the Modern State. 5. Briefly explain the nature of Global Peace Movements. Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words: 6. a) Importance of Human Rights Education b) Gandhi s views of empowerment 7. a) Relevance of civil society in Asia b) Anti-Nuclear protest movements 8. a) Gandhian civil society and globalisation b) Anti-Globalisation Movements 9. a) Role of NGOs in peace process b) Peace Movements in India 10. a) Approaches to the study of Panchayati Raj Institutions b) Mobilising voluntary action through social movements ************************** 23