Welcome to Department of Social Sciences

About the Department of Social Sciences

The Department of Social Sciences is one of the oldest and largest departments in the Faculty of Arts and Culture at Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Its origins can be traced to the establishment of the Faculty of Cultural Studies in 1988, which was subsequently expanded and renamed the Faculty of Arts and Culture in 1991. With this transition, the Department of Social Sciences was established, introducing Political Science, Philosophy, and Sociology and Anthropology as academic disciplines.

From 1993 onwards, the Department began offering full-fledged specialization programmes in Political Science and Philosophy. In addition, Sociology and Anthropology was introduced as a full-fledged Special Degree programme in 1997. Continued academic growth led to the establishment of the Department of Philosophy and Value Studies on 2 January 2017 and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology on 14 May 2026 as separate academic departments.

Following these developments, the Department now focuses exclusively on Political Science. In recognition of its current academic focus and disciplinary identity, the Department is expected to be renamed in due course, subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.

Political Science

Political Science has been one of the most popular and well-established academic programmes in the Faculty of Arts and Culture since 1991. Since its inception, the programme has benefited greatly from the contributions of the distinguished Sri Lankan political scientist, Professor Ambalavanar Sivarajah of the University of Peradeniya, who played a pivotal role in establishing and developing Political Science as an academic discipline at Eastern University, Sri Lanka.

The Department currently offers both the Bachelor Degree Programme in Political Science and the Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree Programme in Political Science. Furthermore, it provides academic expertise and research supervision for MPhil and PhD programmes in Political Science in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. In addition, the Department offers a Diploma in Human Rights (SLQF Level 3) in collaboration with the Centre for External Degrees and Extension Courses (CEDEC).

Through its teaching, research, and outreach activities, the Department continues to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of skilled graduates in the fields of political science, governance, human rights, and public affairs.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive and flexible learning experience that equips students with the theoretical foundations, analytical skills, and practical competencies required for careers in government, public administration, diplomacy, law, journalism, education, research, civil society organizations, international organizations, and the private sector.

The Department also promotes active participation in research, field-based learning, and community engagement activities that complement classroom instruction. Field studies and internship programmes enable students to apply theoretical and methodological knowledge in practical settings, fostering professional skills and career readiness.

Bachelor Degree Programme in Political Science

As a component of the Bachelor Degree Programme, Political Science examines political power at local, national, regional, and international levels and analyses its influence on political, economic, and social developments. The concept of power serves as a distinguishing feature of Political Science, setting it apart from other social science disciplines.

Objectives

• Develop students' knowledge of political theories, concepts, institutions, and processes.
• Enhance understanding of political systems, governance structures, and public policy at local, national, and global levels.
• Examine the historical, constitutional, and institutional foundations of the Sri Lankan political system.
• Explore comparative political systems and contemporary political developments.
• Promote critical engagement with political ideas, democratic values, and human rights principles.
• Cultivate civic responsibility, ethical awareness, and respect for cultural diversity.
• Strengthen analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills relevant to public and professional life.
• Prepare graduates for employment and further study in public service and related fields.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

• Describe key concepts, theories, institutions, and processes in Political Science.
• Explain major political theories and their relevance to political analysis.
• Discuss the constitutional, historical, and institutional foundations of the Sri Lankan political system.
• Compare political systems, ideologies, and governance models across different contexts.
• Apply political theories and analytical frameworks to contemporary political issues.
• Analyze political behavior, governance practices, and policy developments.
• Examine relationships between political, economic, social, and cultural factors in shaping political outcomes.
• Investigate leadership, conflict management, and decision-making processes in political settings.
• Evaluate political arguments, policy alternatives, and governance approaches using relevant evidence.
• Assess the effectiveness of political institutions and public policies in addressing societal challenges.
• Conduct basic research using appropriate methods in Political Science.
• Interpret political data, scholarly literature, and policy documents.
• Communicate political ideas and research findings effectively in written and oral forms.
• Demonstrate civic responsibility, ethical conduct, and respect for diversity in social and professional contexts.

Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree Programme in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree Programme in Political Science provides students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills required to understand, examine, and critically evaluate political systems, institutions, processes, and public policies at local, national, regional, and global levels.

Objectives

• Develop advanced knowledge of political theories, concepts, institutions, and processes.
• Examine political systems, governance structures, and public policy processes from comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Enhance understanding of international relations, global politics, conflict resolution, and development issues.
• Strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills for the study of political phenomena.
• Develop research competencies in qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Cultivate ethical reasoning, democratic values, civic responsibility, and respect for diversity.
• Promote effective communication skills for academic, professional, and public engagement.
• Prepare graduates for leadership, research, public service, diplomacy, and advanced academic study.