In Pakistan, when you do not get anything to study, you choose Political Science. Most of the students don’t even know what this major is about and what will they learn through it. This has reduced the value of this degree. Usually, a subject is valued on the basis of the quality of its graduates. But when students enroll themselves just to get a tag of a degree, we do not find quality.
However, Political science is a vast subject that can make you an intellectual and a social scientist if you study it the way you should. Here are a few things that you should consider before choosing a major in Political Science.
It does not have to be your last choice
With the improving education system, Political Science is no more a subject that can be passed by studying nothing. It is a philosophical and highly theoretical subject that requires you to put all your interest. You are going to need to study books, long readings, come up with your critical analysis, and many other things. In such a case, if you do not know anything about it, you might get stuck in the middle of the degree.
Reading habits
You have to have good reading habits in order to choose Political Science. Like every other social science subject, you have to read a lot to be perfect in it. In terms of reading, if we compare pure science subjects and social science subjects, the latter one is tougher. Like science subjects, there is not just a confined syllabus that you have to be good at. Instead, there are millions and millions of books. The more you read, the lesser it is. So, don’t choose it if you cannot put in that hard work.
Future job prospects
Look at the future prospects before choosing any major. In the case of Political Science, you have to put a lot of effort after the degree to secure a job. Well, there are many job opportunities for you out there. From administrative jobs in public sectors to lectureship, social scientist positions at national and international institutes, and academia, you can work anywhere according to your interests.
An interest in philosophy
Usually, this major does not sound like philosophy. But political science is more about philosophy than that of Pakistan studies as people think of it. So, if you are choosing it after running from philosophy, know that they are both closely related subjects. I would suggest you to look at all the modules that you are going to study in it before making a decision.
You must have an insight into the political and social dynamics
You cannot rely solely on the notes and a few readings if you are a student of Political Science. You have to be actively involved in the political dynamics around you and have a point of view about it. Moreover, it is not necessary but suggested to be a part of the social activities that can make you a better analyst. Join study circles, book discussions, and public debates.
An interest in writing analytical presentations
Writing analytical assignments and making quality presentations require strong analytical and writing skills. Not just that you will need these skills in assignments and presentations but also at the time of thesis. Your thesis defines the quality of your work and how well you learned the basics of your degree. So, you will have to put all your efforts into it.
Be ready for debates in the class
In most universities, debates are an important part of the classes in the political science department. So, if you think you can get through it without having to give your input, you are wrong there.
In conclusion, you cannot take any degree just for granted as the attitude of most students is in Pakistan. Political Science is a great subject that requires your intellectual powers. So, make sure you choose it before considering these facts.
