(Elective Course)
The “Society and Politics” course is part of the BBA curriculum for the 8th semester at colleges affiliated with Pokhara University, designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the societal and political factors that influence business operations in Nepal. This course covers essential areas such as social dynamics, political structures, and their implications for the business environment, with a detailed syllabus outlining the topics and skills students will engage with.
The “Society and Politics” course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the political and social institutions in Nepal and their impact on business operations. By analysing the challenges and implications of Nepal’s political, social, and economic development, the course enhances students’ analytical skills, preparing them to make informed decisions in their future careers. It encourages exploration of various theories related to civic engagement and active citizenship, emphasizing the importance of being responsible community members. Through this course, students will develop the capacity to navigate diverse values and identities within their communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and civic awareness essential for effective participation in society.
Table of Contents
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to help students understand the Nepalese political and social institutions and government system and analyse the challenges and implications of Nepal’s political, social, and economic development. This course is therefore characterized by an exploration of different ideas regarding the most appropriate means and ends of human participation in civic, social and political life. The course aims to enhance the student’s capacity to engage in active citizenship, informed by the insights and skills of social and political sciences. Being an active citizen implies that students are aware and responsible members of a community.
Course Description
This course will present an overview of the political and social developments in contemporary Nepal. The first part of the course consists of a chronological analysis of Nepalese politics and international relations. In the second part the focus will be on various facets of contemporary Nepalese society, which may include education, women and gender issues, nationalism, religion, the environment, the ageing and shrinking population, popular culture, and ethnic and social minorities.
Course Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Understand the social systems within which people act, locally, nationally and more widely;
- Know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to Nepalese society, government and politics;
- Understand the importance of human rights and responsibilities for human dignity and for democratic modes of governance;
- Develop interest and capacity for active participation in the social and development activities;
- Discuss the gender, equality and empowerment issues;
- Explain the concept and practices of public affairs management and policy formulation process;
- Develop a sense of care for others and a respect for and a valuing of diversity in all areas of human life within the parameters of human rights principles.
Society and Politics Contents
The following themes or topics are included:
- An overview of Nepalese political and social systems
- Political parties, interest groups, and mass media
- Institutions of Government of Nepal
- The organizational structure of government(s) in Nepal, including local, district, regional and national levels
- Public affairs management and policy formulation process
- Human rights and civil liberties
- Rural society and inclusiveness issues
- NGOs and development
- Citizenship practices, civil society, and the state
- Diversity, social partnership and participation in development
- Governance issues
- Gender, equality, empowerment issues
- Nepal in the world arena
- Contemporary political and social issues in Nepal
References
- Lewis, D. The Management of Non-Governmental Development Organizations: An Introduction, Lynne Rienner, London.
- Howell, J. and Pearce, J. Civil Society and Development: A Critical Exploration. Lynne Rienner, London.
- Drake, M. S. Political Sociology for a Globalizing World. Cambridge: Polity Press.
- Nash, K. Contemporary Political Sociology: Globalization, Politics, and Power, Oxford and Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, Inc.
- Abraham, M. F. Modern Sociological Theory, OUP, New Delhi.