BPSC-131 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope and Syllabus Overview

BPSC-131: Introduction to Political Theory

This course is a foundational offering under the IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (BAG) curriculum, designed to critically engage students with core principles, debates, and conceptual frameworks in Political Science. Aligned with the School of Social Sciences (SOSS), BPSC-131 explores the evolution of political thought, normative theories, and contemporary debates while fostering analytical skills essential for understanding governance, power, and justice. The syllabus is structured to balance historical context with contemporary relevance, ensuring students grasp both classical and modern perspectives in political theory.

Key Syllabus Units and Topics

• Block-1: Introducing Political Theory: This block examines the origins and foundational questions of political theory, including the nature of the state, sovereignty, and the social contract theory. Students analyze seminal works by thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Hobbes to understand the philosophical underpinnings of political systems.
• Block-2: Concepts of Power and Authority: Focuses on the dynamics of power, legitimacy, and authority, exploring theories of authoritarianism, democracy, and the role of institutions in maintaining political order. Key debates include the relationship between power and morality.
• Block-3: Justice, Equality, and Rights: Delves into normative theories of justice, emphasizing Rawls’ Theory of Justice, Nozick’s libertarianism, and feminist critiques. The block examines how societies define and enforce rights, equality, and social justice.
• Block-4: Debates in Political Theory: Addresses contemporary controversies such as global justice, multiculturalism, and the ethics of political representation. Students evaluate conflicting perspectives on liberalism, communitarianism, and postcolonial critiques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are marks distributed in the BPSC-131 Term-End Examination (TEE)?
A: The TEE for BPSC-131 typically carries 100 marks, with a mix of objective and subjective questions. Past papers indicate a weightage of 40% for short-answer questions, 40% for medium-length answers, and 20% for essay-type questions.

Q: What is the minimum passing percentage for BPSC-131 assignments and TEE?
A: Assignments contribute 30% to the final grade, requiring a minimum of 40% marks to pass. The TEE alone demands at least 50% marks, with no individual component (e.g., questions) carrying less than 5% of the total weight.