mps iind year 2014-15 english (mpse) final(1)

MPS

MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMME

IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Assignments

(M.A. Second Year Courses)

July 2014 and January 2015 Sessions

School of Social Sciences

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068

2

OPTIONAL COURSES: M.A. II Year (Political Science)

Dear Student,

Starting this academic session, you will have to do only one Tutor Marked Assignment

for each of the courses in the Masters 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 write the answers to 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 Whom to submit

March 31, 2015 for July 2014 Session

September 30, 2015 for January 2015

Session

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. Please

insist on this. The Study Centre has to send the marks to the SR&E Division at IGNOU,

New Delhi.

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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,

4

INDIA AND THE WORLD (MPSE-001)

Tutor Marked Assignment

Course Code: MPSE-001

Assignment Code: ASST/TMA/2014-15

Marks: 100

Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section.

Answer each question in about 500 words. Each question carries 20marks.

SECTION I

1. Examine the features and relevance of the interdependence approach to the

study of Indian foreign policy.

2. Describe the mechanisms and institutions that play an important role in

shaping Indias foreign policy.

3. Critically examine Indias initiatives to strengthen arms control and

disarmament.

4. Examine the role of MNCs in contemporary international economic relations.

5. Describe the major developments in India-China relations since the 1970s.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words.

6. a) Indias interests in Central Asia

b) Areas of tension in India Bangladesh relations

7. a) Indo-US relations in the new millennium

b) Rationale and implications of India and Pakistans nuclear tests of 1998

8. a) Political parties in foreign policy decision making

b) India ASEAN relations during the cold war

9. a) Structure and functions of the Ministry of External Affairs

b) Religion in post-Communist societies

10. a) Significance of BIMSTEC

b) Realist approach to Indian foreign policy

5

STATE AND SOCIETY IN LATIN AMERICA (MPSE-002)




Marks: 100

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. Identify the significant features of populist movements in Latin America.

2. Critically examine the historical role of the Church in Latin America since the

days of Iberian colonisation.

3. Examine political democracy and economic development in the context of recent

Latin America experience.

4. Examine the features of the Peasant and Land Rights Movements in Latin

America.

5. What do you understand by dependency? Compare the theory of dependency

with other major theories of development and growth in Latin America.

SECTION II

Write a short note of each part of the question in about 250 words each.

6. a) Plantation economy in Cuba

b) Neo-liberal economic policies adopted by Latin American countries in recent

years

7. a) Revolutionary movements in Latin America and their causes

b) Women's movement in the transitional democracies of Latin America

8. a) Peasant and the land rights movements in Latin America

b) Consolidation of democracy in Latin America

9. a) Latin America and the Asia Pacific Region

b) Latin America and India relations

10. a) Legacy of the institution of slavery in Latin America

b) Jose De Sam Martin

6

WESTERN POLITICAL THOUGHT (From Plato to Marx) (MPSE-003)




Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Discuss the relationship between political thought and political science.

2. Comment on Platos place in western political theory.

3. Write an essay on Aristotles theory of revolution.

4. Examine St. Thomas Aquinas views on the relationship between the church

and the state.

5. Discuss Machiavellis classification of forms of government.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words:

6. a) John Locke on social contract and civil society

b) Thomas Hobbes on civil and natural law

7. a) Rousseaus critique of civil society

b) Immanuel Kant and perpetual peace

8. a) Edmund Burkes critique of natural rights and social contract

b) The Panopticon (Jeremy Bentham)

9. a) Hegels views on history

b) Alexis de Tocqueville on women and family

10. a) John Stuart Mill on womens equality

b) Karl Marxs theory of Alienation

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SOCIAL AND POLITICAL THOUGHT IN MODERN INDIA (MPSE-004)




Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Write an essay on state and sovereignty in Ancient India.

2. Write an essay on construction of India in the 19th century.

3. Discuss the trajectory of Muslim thought in early colonial India.

4. Examine Jyotiba Phule as a social revolutionary.

5. Compare the Moderate and the Extremist ideologies in colonial India.

SECTION II


6. a) Swami Vivekananda on social change

b) Sri Aurobindo on passive resistance

7. a) Hindu nationalism of V. D. Savarkar

b) Political ideas of M. S. Golwalkar

8. a) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on Hindu-Muslim unity

b) Maulana Maududi on Nationalism

9. a) Pandita Ramabai on contesting patriarchy

b) Jaipal Singh and Adivasi movement

10. a) Gandhis views on the relationship between religion and politics

b) Jawaharlal Nehru on scientific temper

8

STATE AND SOCIETY IN AFRICA (MPSE-005)



Assignment Code : Asst/TMA/2014-15

Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. In what ways did colonial rule alter the domestic and international economic

relations of the African continent?

2. Trace the changing nature of state in Africa.

3. Assess the efforts towards regional economic integration in Africa.

4. The White Rule in South Africa was responsible for repressive and alienating

violence. Comment.

5. Trace the different phases in the evolution of Cold war in Africa.

SECTION II


6. a) Objective and Subjective schools of nationalism

b) Response of the colonial powers to the rise of nationalism in Africa

7. a) Impact of the two world wars on Africa

b) Human security situation in Africa

8. a) Emergence and growth of political parties in Africa

b) OAU role in building peace and democracy

9. a) Debt problem in Africa and response of the international agencies

b) Factors influencing the 19th Century Indian migration to African colonies

10. a) Driving factors of India-Africa relations in the post Cold war years

b) Islam in Africa

9

PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (MPSE-006)




Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Describe the main methods of peaceful settlement of international disputes

giving suitable examples.

2. Examine the methods by which the traditional state and the contemporary

civil society seek to achieve peace.

3. What is war? What strategies were adopted by the superpowers to fight or

deter an nuclear war?

4. What is peacekeeping? Assess the peacekeeping role of the United Nations.

5. Critically examine the neorealist and the postmodernist approaches to

human security.

SECTION II


6. a) Doctrine of Just War

b) Composition and functions of the International Court of Justice

7. a) Non-proliferation Treaty

b) Insurgencies and Civil Wars

8. a) Role of regional organisations in conflict prevention and conflict

resolution

b) Waltzs analyses of the causes of war

9. a) Gandhis concept of Shanti Sena

b) Operational and structural aspects of civil war

10. a) Theories of War

b) Resource scarcity and conflict

10

SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND POLITICS IN INDIA (MPSE-007)




Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Discuss the features of new social movements.

2. Critically evaluate the structural functional approach to social movements.

3. Write an essay on the idea of social transformation in India after Independence.

4. Analyse the impact of globalisation on farmers in India.

5. How do you relate state, market and social movements with each other? Explain.

SECTION II


6. a) Meaning of Dalits

b) Politics of reservation

7. a) Primordial and instrumentalist approaches to study social movements

b) Regionalism

8. a ) Differentiation within the agrarian classes

b) Genesis of farmers movements

9. a) Fisher folks organizations

b) Appiko movement

10. a) Limitations of formal democracy

b) Relationship between social movements and democracy

11

STATE POLITICS IN INDIA (MPSE-008)




Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Compare the systemic and Marxian frameworks to study state politics.

2. Discuss the post-colonial experience of development of state system in India.

3. Analyse 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 breakdown of the Congress System.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words each:

6. a) The social capital

b) The Union-State relationship

7. a) Determinants of electoral behavior

b) Self-determination movements

8. a) Cooperative societies

b) States and economic reforms

9. a) Politics of water disputes

b) Ethnic minorities and politics

10. a) Role of caste in politics

b) Drawbacks of the electoral system

12

CANADA: POLITICS AND SOCIETY (MPSE-009)




Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Discuss the basic features and nature of the Constitution of Canada.

2. Describe and evaluate the distribution of powers between Federal and

Provincial governments in Canada.

3. Analyse the distinctive features of the Party System in Canada.

4. Write an essay on the nature, role and limitations of civil society

participation in Canadas political process.

5. What policy measures have been undertaken by the Canadian

Government towards realisation of Aborginal selfgovernment?

Elaborate.

SECTION II

6. Analyse the ideological and social bases of the separatist movement in

Quebec.

7. Describe the objectives and the ideology of the multiculturalism policy as

adopted in Canada.

8. Define Human Security and analyse Canadas integrated approach to

development.

9. What do you understand by Liberal Internationalism? Briefly explain the

salient aspects of Canadian liberal internationalist middle-

powermanship.

10. Explain Canadas contribution towards a strong rulebased multilateral

trading system of WTO.

13

EUROPEAN UNION IN WORLD AFFAIRS (MPSE-011)




Marks: 100



SECTION-I

1. Describe the main characteristics of treaties of Amsterdam and Nice.

What role have these played in the formation of the European Union?

2. Discuss Consociationalism as a statecentric model of European

integration.

3. Examine the contribution, functions and role of the European

Commission.

4. Analyse the main features of a Single Market and its effects on European

Union members.

5. Describe and assess Germanys approach towards European unity

movement.

SECTION-II

6. Examine the factors that facilitated the development of a Common

European Security and Defence Policy.

7. Write an essay on the Fifth enlargement of European Union from EU-15

to EU -25.

8. Europe needs the US and the US needs Europe. Explain in the context of

EU- US relations.

9. Analyse the basic objectives of European Unions development policy.

10. Compare the nature and utility of regional integration in Europe and

South Asia.

14

STATE AND SOCIETY IN AUSTRALIA (MPSE-012)


Course Code: MPSE 012

Assignment Code: Asst/TMA/2014-15

Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Briefly explain the changing colonial attributes and policies of the Aboriginal

Community in Australian society.

2. Explain the origins and evolution of the White Australia policy.

3. Discuss immigration, formation of identity and citizenship rights in Australia.

4. Describe the role and powers of the Australian Senate as stated in its

Constitution.

5. Examine the division of powers in the Australian federalism.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of question in about 250 words

6. a) Electoral System and the Changing Dynamics of the Australian Party

system

b) Rise of Nationalism in Australia

7. a) Characteristics of nationalism and National Identity in Australia

b) Ethic and cultural complexity of Australia Society

8. a) Post Second World War development strategy in Australia

b) Australian Economy in the era of Globalisation

9. a) Growth of welfare state in Australia

b) Trade liberalization through Multilateralism

10. a) Immigration and economics prosperity in Australia

b) Womens Political participation in Australia

15

AUSTRALIAS FOREIGN POLICY (MPSE-013)




Marks: 100


Answer each question in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks.

SECTION I

1. Examine the changing trends in the Australian foreign policy.

2. Discuss the structure, process and policy implementation of Australias foreign

policy.

3. Explain Australias contribution towards a strong role based multilateral trading

system of the WTO.

4. Critically examine the impact of economic reforms on Australias trade and

investment.

5. Examine Australias role in Americas war against international terrorism.

SECTION II


6. a) Australia China Relations: 1980 - 1990s

b) Economic cooperation between India Australia

7. a) East Timor in Australia Indonesia relations

b) Australias peacekeeping role in ASEAN during Cambodian crisis

8. a) Australias role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

b) Australian immigration policy and war on terrorism

9. a) Environmental movement in Australia

b) Australian policy towards Human Rights

10. a) Australias nuclear non-proliferation and arms control policy

b) Australia uranium export policy

16

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES (MED-002)


Course Code: MED-002


Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Explain the concept and dimensions of sustainable development.

2. Discuss the principles of Intra-generational equity and Justice for sustainable

development.

3. Discuss the various parameters to be considered for assessing sustainable

development.

4. Explain the progress of industrialization and its impact on sustainable

development.

5. Explain the following in your own words:

a) Eco-system approach.

b) Living in harmony with nature.

SECTION II


6. a) WTOs policies for Sustainable Development.

b) Biodiversity towards Sustainable Development.

7. a) Constitutional provisions for environmental protection and sustainable

development.

b) Regional initiatives for environment protection and sustainable

development.

8. a) UNs initiative for environment and sustainable development.

b) Civil society initiatives for sustainable development.

9. a) Integration of scientific and traditional development knowledge for

sustainable development.

b) Human Resource Development for sustainable development.

10. a) Traditional and indigenous knowledge for sustainable development.

b) ICT in sustainable development of the rural community.

17

GLOBALISATION AND ENVIRONMENT (MED-008)


Course Code: MED-008

Assignment Code : Assignment/TMA/2014-15

Marks: 100



SECTION I

1. Explain the changing nature of globalization and its effects on environment.

2. Discuss the impact of environmental calamities and its impact on society.

3. Examine the role of MNCs and TNCs in the era of neo-liberal economic

globalization.

4. Explain the importance of Rio declaration on environment and development.


a) Man-made disasters

b) Global warming

SECTION II


6. a) Environmental law and standards on South Asian States

b) Bretton Woods institutions in environmental protection

7. a) Role of the WTO and World Bank in protecting the global environment

b) Environmental concerns in South Asia

8. a) NGOs and their impact on global policies

b) Indian initiatives for environment and development

9. a) Seed Suicides (India)

b) Enron Power Project (Nepal)

10. a) Biodiversity protection in India

b) Key elements of the human development approach

18

GANDHIS POLITICAL THOUGHT (MGP-004)


Course Code: MGP-004

Assignment Code: MGP-004/ASST/TMA/2014-15

Marks: 100


Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries

20 marks.

SECTION I

1. Examine the grounds on which Gandhi criticized the West.

2. Explain the Gandhis concept of Gram Swaraj.

3. Discuss the nature of Indian political institutions and practices during British rule.

4. How do you explain Gandhis assessment of Indian National Congress?

5. Examine Gandhis views on the importance of Ends and Means.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words each.

6. a) Power and Authority

b) Concept of liberalism and constitutionalism

7. a) Gandhis non-violent struggle against colonialism

b) Gandhis views on Fascism

8. a) Meaning of Socialism and Communalism

b) Importance of constructive programme

9. a) Gandhis views on structural violence

b) Meaning and Techniques of Satyagraha

10. a) Main elements of Gandhian pacifism

b) Gandhis views on War

19

NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENTS AFTER GANDHI (MGPE-007)


Course Code: MGPE-007

Assignment Code: MGPE-007/ASST/TMA/2014-15

Marks: 100


Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20

marks.

SECTION I

1. Discuss the achievements and shortfalls of the social resolution in India.

2. Examine the Bhoodan movement as propounded by Acharya Vinoba Bhave.

3. Critically examine the ecological issues that are affecting mankind today.

4. Discuss the major concerns of liquor policy and public health related issues in

India.

5. Explain the main features of Total Revolution.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of the question in about 250 words each.

6. a) Globalisation and farmers movement

b) Chipko movement

7. a) Women and Civil Rights movement

b) Civil Rights movement in United States of America

8. a) Narmada Bachao Andolan

b) Silent Valley Movement

9. a) Types of Non-violent movements

b) Eco Feminist movements

10. a) Non-violent solidarity movement in Poland

b) Anti-apartheid movement in South Africa

20

GANDHIAN APPROACH TO PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

(MGPE-008)




Marks: 100



marks.

SECTION I

1. Explain the concept of peace and conflict transformation in ensuring peace.

2. Analyse the different solutions put forward by Gandhi to deal with intolerance.

3. Write a short note on the following in your own words:

a) Gandhian vision of community peace

b) Understanding tolerance and harmony

4. Briefly examine Gandhis scheme of world federation and peace among nations.

5. Critically examine the concept of mediation and its utility in conflict resolution.

SECTION II

Write short notes on each part of the question in about 250 words.

6. a) Gandhis vision of community peace

b) Explain the role of SEWA and its notable features

7. a) Fasting for conflict resolution

b) Gandhis views on industrial conflicts

8. a) Bring out the relevance of dialogue and negotiation in the contemporary

world

b) Explain the features and facets of reconciliation

9. a) Importance of dialogue and negotiation in conflict resolution

b) The idea of Shanti Sena

10. a) North-East India and efforts towards peace

b) Nation-building in Tibet, Myanmar and Bhutan

21

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT (MGPE-010)




Marks: 100



marks.

SECTION I

1. Peacebuilding is a long term effort that requires diligent designing and painstaking

execution from different perspectives. Elucidate.

2. Examine the role of United Nations in strengthening the conflict ridden societies.

3. Explain the following in about 250 words:

a) Challenges of conflict assessment

b) Sources of conflict

4. Explain the main causes of terrorism in Punjab.

5. Discuss the non-violent approach to conflict transformation.

SECTION II

Answer each part of the question about 250 words.

6. a) Notion of structural violence as laid out by Galtung

b) Gandhis idea of Swaraj

7. a) Gene Sharps approach to strategic non-violence conflict transformation

b) Indias role in reconstruction of Afghanistan

8. a) Gandhis criticism of modern civilization

b) Gandhis educational experiment in South Africa

9. a) Describe the Satyagraha campaign led by Gandhi in South Africa

b) Non-western approach to conflict transformation

10. a) Briefly explain post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation

b) Explain the factors responsible for the continuing conflict in Afghanistan

22

HUMAN SECURITY (MGPE-011)




Marks: 100



marks.

SECTION I

1. Discuss the concept of Human Security and its dimensions as suggested in the Human

Development Report 1994.

2. Explain the State of Human Security in India.


a) Post-conflict Peace Building

b) Gandhian vision of human security

4. Write an essay on Human Security and Human Rights.

5. Critically examine state violence in South Asia.

SECTION II

6. Critically comment on the linkage between Development and Global warming.

7. Briefly explain the significance of environmental concerns for India.

8. Write a short note on the following in about 250 words each:

a) Problems of unorganized labour in the country

b) Empowerment of child labour in India

9. Describe the practices of Gandhian Thoughts for International Cooperation.

10. Distinguish between traditional security and human security.

23

CIVIL SOCIETY, POLITICAL REGIMES AND CONFLICT (MGPE-013)




Marks: 100



marks.

SECTION I

1. Explain the classical notion of Civil Society and what lead to its breakdown.

2. Critically examine the changing relations among the market, state and civil

society.

3. Critically analyse the anti-globalisation movement.

4. Examine the early and recent non-violent protest movements.

5. Explain Gandhis view on the individual initiative and autonomy.

SECTION II

Write a short note on each part of the question about 250 words.

6. a) Swaraj as self-reliance and self-government

b) Relationship between state and civil society

7. Discuss the role of NGOs in mobilizing voluntary action.

8. a) Evolution and Developments of Human Rights

b) Grameen Banks efforts towards eradication of poverty and hunger

9. Describe the approaches to the Study of Panchayat Raj Institutions.

10. Gandhis views on capacity building and women empowerment.

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mps iind year 2014-15 english (mpse) final(1)

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