MASTER OF ARTS (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
2019 / 2020
MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
(POLITICAL SCIENCE)
2019 / 2020 DEGREE PROGRAMS
PROSPECTUS
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA
SRI LANKA
1. Introduction
Department of Political Science of the University of Kelaniya has been conducting Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Social Sciences (MSSc) degree programs since 2002. The courses have been designed according to the general regulations for postgraduate degrees offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya.
Master of Arts Degree Program in Political Science by Course Work
One Year Degree Program
Master of Social Sciences Degree Program in Political Science by Research (Course Work + Thesis)
Two Years Degree Program
2. Entry Qualifications
Master of Arts in Political Science (MA)
Bachelor’s Degree (General or Special) from a recognized University or any other academic or professional qualifications approved by the Board of Study, Faculty of Social Sciences and by the University Senate.
Master of Social Sciences Degree Program in Political Science (MSSc)
Bachelor’s Degree (Special) with a Class from a recognized university with Political Science as a subject or any other academic or professional qualifications approved by the Board of Study, Faculty of Social Sciences and by the University Senate.
Course Units
MA in Political Science Degree Program
| Course Code | Course Unit Title | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLS 53015 | Politics & International Relations in South Asian Countries | C | 5 |
| POLS 53025 | Advanced Political Theory and Analysis | C | 5 |
| POLS 53035 | Contemporary Political Sociology | C | 5 |
| POLS 53045 | Political Economy of Transition in the Sri Lankan Context | C | 5 |
| POLS 53055 | Comparative Public Administration and Policy Analysis | O | 5 |
| POLS 53065 | Contemporary Local Government and Management | O | |
| POLS 53075 | Research Methods for Political Science | O | 5 |
| POLS 53085 | Independent Dissertation | O | |
| Total Number of Credits | 30 | ||
C = Core course unit
O = Optional course unit
O = Optional course unit
MSSc in Political Science Degree Program
| Course Code | Course Unit Title | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLS 53015 | Politics & International Relations in South Asian Countries | C | 5 |
| POLS 53025 | Advanced Political Theory and Analysis | C | 5 |
| POLS 53035 | Contemporary Political Sociology | C | 5 |
| POLS 53045 | Political Economy of Transition in the Sri Lankan Context | C | 5 |
| POLS 53055 | Comparative Public Administration and Policy Analysis | O | 5 |
| POLS 53065 | Contemporary Local Government and Management | O | |
| POLS 53075 | Research Methods for Political Science | C | 5 |
| POLS 6301W | Thesis | C | 30 |
| POLS 53015 | Total Number of Credits | 60 | |
C = Core course unit
O = Optional course unit
3. Course Structure
Master of Arts Degree in Political Science (MA) - One-Year Degree Program
This degree program consists of,
Year 1
This program consists of,
1. Five compulsory course units (POLS 53015, POLS 53025, POLS 53035, POLS 53045, POLS 53075) and
2. One optional course unit from (POLS 53055, POLS 53065)
And
Year 2
In the second year, all candidates must produce a research thesis (POLS 63015 W). The thesis should be based on an original research under a topic approved by the Board of Study (BoS) of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University Senate. Supervisor/s for each research student will be appointed by the Board of Study (BoS) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and by the University Senate.
A viva voce examination will be held after evaluation of the thesis by examiners appointed by the Board of Study (BoS) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and by the University Senate.
This degree program consists of,
- Four compulsory course units (POLS 53015, POLS 53025,
- POLS 53035, POLS 53045) and
- One optional course units from (POLS 53055, POLS 53065) and
- POLS 53075 course unit or a dissertation with 8,000 – 10,000 words.
Year 1
This program consists of,
1. Five compulsory course units (POLS 53015, POLS 53025, POLS 53035, POLS 53045, POLS 53075) and
2. One optional course unit from (POLS 53055, POLS 53065)
And
Year 2
In the second year, all candidates must produce a research thesis (POLS 63015 W). The thesis should be based on an original research under a topic approved by the Board of Study (BoS) of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University Senate. Supervisor/s for each research student will be appointed by the Board of Study (BoS) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and by the University Senate.
A viva voce examination will be held after evaluation of the thesis by examiners appointed by the Board of Study (BoS) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and by the University Senate.
4. Postgraduate Criteria
4.1 Postgraduate Certificate (Political Science)
Eligibility for the Award of a Postgraduate Certificate
i. For award of a Postgraduate Certificate, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 20 credits within three consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a Postgraduate Certificate with Merit, a student must accumulate Grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 20 credits within one academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
4.2 Postgraduate Diploma (Political Science)
Eligibility for the Award of a Postgraduate Diploma
1. For award of a Postgraduate Diploma, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 25 credits within three consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a Postgraduate Diploma with Merit, a student must accumulate Grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 25 credits within one academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
Note: A student who fulfills these requirements stipulated under 5.1 above may be considered by the Board of Examiners for the award of Postgraduate Certificate.
4.3 Master’s Degree in Political Science by Course Work
Eligibility for the Award of the Master’s Degree (MA) by Course Work
i. For award of a Master’s Degree by Course Work, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 30 credits within three consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a Master’s Degree with Merit, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 30 credits within one academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
Note: A student who fulfills the requirements stipulated under 5.1 and 5.2 above may be considered by the Board of Examiners for the award of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma respectively.
4.4 Master of Social Sciences Degree in Political Science by Research
Eligibility for the Award of the Master’s Degree
i. For award of an MSSc Degree, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 60 credits of which at least 30 credits must be obtained within four consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a MSSc Degree with Merit, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 60 credits of which at least 30 credits must be from each academic year within two consecutive academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
Note: A student who fulfills the requirements stipulated under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 above may be considered by the Board of Examiners for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree with Course Work respectively.
Eligibility for the Award of a Postgraduate Certificate
i. For award of a Postgraduate Certificate, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 20 credits within three consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a Postgraduate Certificate with Merit, a student must accumulate Grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 20 credits within one academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
4.2 Postgraduate Diploma (Political Science)
Eligibility for the Award of a Postgraduate Diploma
1. For award of a Postgraduate Diploma, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 25 credits within three consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a Postgraduate Diploma with Merit, a student must accumulate Grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 25 credits within one academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
Note: A student who fulfills these requirements stipulated under 5.1 above may be considered by the Board of Examiners for the award of Postgraduate Certificate.
4.3 Master’s Degree in Political Science by Course Work
Eligibility for the Award of the Master’s Degree (MA) by Course Work
i. For award of a Master’s Degree by Course Work, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 30 credits within three consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a Master’s Degree with Merit, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 30 credits within one academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
Note: A student who fulfills the requirements stipulated under 5.1 and 5.2 above may be considered by the Board of Examiners for the award of Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma respectively.
4.4 Master of Social Sciences Degree in Political Science by Research
Eligibility for the Award of the Master’s Degree
i. For award of an MSSc Degree, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 60 credits of which at least 30 credits must be obtained within four consecutive academic years with a GPA of 2.70 or greater.
ii. For award of a MSSc Degree with Merit, a student must accumulate grades of B- (B minus) or better in course units aggregating to at least 60 credits of which at least 30 credits must be from each academic year within two consecutive academic year with a GPA of 3.70 or greater, and obtain grades of A or better in course units aggregating to at least 50% of total credits for the course units considered above.
iii. A student who does not obtain a grade B- (B minus) or better in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination of that course unit in the following academic year in order to improve the grade. The best grade obtainable by a student in this instance would be B- (B minus). In the event a student obtains a lower grade while attempting to better the grade, he/she will be entitled to the previous grade.
Note: A student who fulfills the requirements stipulated under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 above may be considered by the Board of Examiners for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree with Course Work respectively.
5. Grade Point Average
Grade Point Average (GPA) is the credit-weighted arithmetic mean of the grade point values. The GPA is determined by dividing the total credit-weighted grade point value by the total number of credits.
For example, a student who has completed six course units each of 5 credits with grades A, A-, B+, B, C+, and C respectively, would have the GPA.
For example, a student who has completed six course units each of 5 credits with grades A, A-, B+, B, C+, and C respectively, would have the GPA.
6. Grading System
| Range of Marks | Grade | Marks Levels |
|---|---|---|
| 85-100 | A+ | 4.0 |
| 70-84 | A | 4.0 |
| 65-69 | A- | 3.7 |
| 60-64 | B+ | 3.3 |
| 55-59 | B | 3.0 |
| 50-54 | B- | 2.7 |
| 45-49 | C+ | 2.3 |
| 40-44 | C | 2.0 |
| 35-39 | C- | 1.7 |
| 30-34 | D+ | 1.3 |
| 25-29 | D | 1.0 |
| 20-24 | E | 0.0 |
7. Subject Curriculum
| Course Type | : | Core |
| Course Code | : | POLS 53015 |
| Course Title | : | Politics & International Relations in South Asian Countries |
| Learning Outcomes | : | - On completion of this course unit, students will be able to; - Describe the nature of the politics and interstate relations in South Asian countries; - Analyze the factors that affect and determine the interstate relations in South Asia; - Analyze the issues and challenges faced by developing countries. |
| Course Contents | : | Historical prospect of political process in South Asian countries; The impact of historical background on governance and international relations; The formulation of the nation and state in the region; A comparative study on changes and trends in government and politics; contemporary political and economic trends and cooperation in the region under the global and regional environment. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | : | Lectures and Assignments / Class Tests |
| Methods of Evaluation | : | Written Examination 80% Assignments 20% |
| Course Type | : | Core |
| Course Code | : | POLS 53025 |
| Course Title | : | Advanced Political Theory and Analysis |
| Learning Outcomes | : | On completion of this course unit, students will be able to describe and analyze the Western and Eastern political theories that have been formulated in ifferent contexts. |
| Course Contents | : | Study of the Western and Eastern political theories, concepts and approaches comparatively, comparative study on ancient- Indo-Sino, Anglo-European political philosophies and modern political philosophers and their impact on political and government changes in relevant contexts, Feminism and development of post-modernist political theories concepts and thoughts, |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | : | Lectures and Assignments |
| Methods of Evaluation | : | Written Examination 80% Assignments /Class Tests 20% |
| Course Type | : | Core |
| Course Code | : | POLS 53035 |
| Course Title | : | Contemporary Political Sociology |
| Learning Outcomes | : | On completion of this course unit, students will be able to: - Describe the functions of the society to generate the political power and determine its behaviors; - Demonstrate the knowledge on thoughts and ideas related to the political sociology; - Analyze the political process and socio - political Issues. |
| Course Contents | : | Theories and concepts on power and distribution of power; Development of the state and its impact on society; Capitalism and social classes Political socialization; Political parties; Pressure groups and their functions in society; Modernization movement and ethnic conflict; Political violence in South Asia. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | : | Lectures and Assignments |
| Methods of Evaluation | : | Written Examination 80% Assignments /Class Tests 20% |
| Course Type | : | Core |
| Course Code | : | POLS 53045 |
| Course Title | : | Transition of Political Economy in Sri Lankan Context |
| Learning Outcomes | : | On completion of this course unit, student will be able to: - Describe concepts and theories on political Economy, - Analyze the political economic policies, reforms and transitions introduced by successive governments and their impact on society and politics in Sri Lanka. |
| Course Contents | : | Theories, concepts and approaches about the political economic transitions; Transition of market economy into public sector and its socio-political impact; Relationship between economic related policies and politics; Market forces and the factors that affected the transition to state sector and their different types; Establishment of liberal, democratic, political and economic structure, mechanisms and functions of the state sector to enhance the efficiency of the public good and services; Economic growth; Disparity of distribution and allocation of resources; Macroeconomic policies; Response of the public sector against market economy and their efficiency; Imposing tax and issues related to tax, foreign loans and aids. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | : | Lectures and Assignments |
| Methods of Evaluation | : | Written Examination 80% Assignments /Class Tests 20% |
| Course Type | : | Core |
| Course Code | : | POLS 53055 |
| Course Title | : | Comparative Public Administration and Policy Analysis |
| Learning Outcomes | : | On completion of this course unit, students will be able to describe the historical and contemporary development of the public administration in advanced and developing countries. |
| Course Contents | : | Introduction to public policy, policy analysis and public administration; Historical, constitutional, political, social and economic factors affecting the structure and function of public administration in developed and developing countries; Principles of public service system; Resource allocation for the government, other institutions and departments and the functions of public enterprises and local authorities in that context; Devolution of power; Relationship between decentralization and representation; Recruitment, training, coordination and staffing of various levels of public service; Administrative justice and administrative reform in the context of changing functions of government and private sectors. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | : | Lectures and Assignments |
| Methods of Evaluation | : | Written Examination 80% Assignments /Class Tests 20% |
| Course Type | : | Core |
| Course Code | : | POLS 53065 |
| Course Title | : | Contemporary Local Government and Management |
| Learning Outcomes | : | On completion of this course unit, students will be able to: - Critically analyze the functions and structure of local government and states and, - Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles to understand the local governance in European and Asian region. |
| Course Contents | : | Introduction to concept of decentralization and types of decentralization; Theoretical and conceptual background of decentralization, Concept of local government and local governance; Structure and functions of local government in Europe, China, Britain, United States, India, Sri Lanka and Japan; Historical development of local governance in Sri Lanka; Central-local relations; Local finance; Urban government; provincial council system in Sri Lanka; Issues and challenges, trends and way forward of the modern local government. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods | : | Lectures and Assignments |
| Methods of Evaluation | : | Written Examination 80% Assignments /Class Tests 20% |
8. Contact details
Academic Staff of the MA / MSSC Degree Programs
Senior Lec. Yamuna Mendis (Head - Department of Political Science)Prof. T. W. K. Oshantha Nayanapriya (Programe Coordinator)
Dr. R.D.P. Sampath Rajapakshe
Senior Prof. Y.M. Sunanda Madduma Bandara
Senior Prof. Upali Hettiarachchi
Retired Prof. M.O.A. De Soyza
Prof. (Ms) Ajitha Thennakoon
Senior Lec. Terence Purasinghe
Prof. M.M. Gunatilake
Prof. W.M. Semasinghe
Prof. H.M. Nawarathna Banda
Dr. Ajith Dissanayake
Dr. Chaminda Abeysinghe
Senior Lecturer M.Y.N. Mendis Head of the Department
T.P. - 011 2903833
Prof. T. W. K. Oshantha Nayanapriya Programe Coordinator
T.P. - 0718106709
Email: osantha@kln.ac.lk
Department Home Page:
http://www.kln.ac.lk/socialsciences/depts/Political Science/
Note: Time table and all other massages relevant to the postgraduate program will appear in the department website and the official social media websites of the University.