Doctoral Students' Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Political Science in Addressing Functional Challenges in Iran

Salehi Vasigh, Mohammadreza; Akbarpour Almeh Joghi, Ali

doi:10.22034/ipsa.2025.537

Doctoral Students' Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Political Science in Addressing Functional Challenges in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mohammadreza Salehi Vasigh ¹

Ali Akbarpour Almeh joghi ²

¹ Doctoral student of Political Science, University of Tehran, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Tehran, Iran

² Master of Political Science, Payam Noor Qochan University, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/ipsa.2025.537

Abstract

This research explores doctoral students' perspectives on the effectiveness of political science in addressing Iran's functional challenges through an in-depth qualitative investigation. Employing Brown and Clarke's thematic analysis method, the study conducted comprehensive interviews with 18 doctoral students in political science from Tehran's public universities, selected using purposive sampling and theoretical saturation techniques. The data analysis uncovered seven critical themes: theory-practice gap, research and methodological challenges, interdisciplinary collaboration, academic isolation, critical thinking skills, the role of political science in policymaking, and field implementation barriers. The findings reveal significant structural challenges within political science curricula in Iran that substantially limit the discipline's capacity to respond to the country's real-world needs. The most prominent challenges include misalignment between educational approaches and local contextual conditions, research limitations, the impact of international sanctions, traditional teaching methodologies, and an imbalance between domestic and international perspectives. The study concludes that political science in Iran requires fundamental transformation—a profound reconsideration of theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical interventions to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. To address these challenges, the research proposes strategic recommendations such as comprehensive curriculum review, expanding applied studies, strengthening connections between academia and policymakers, developing critical thinking skills, and enhancing scientific collaborations. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the urgent need for a systematic approach to reimagining political science education to effectively contribute to solving Iran's functional challenges.

Keywords

Political Science

Higher Education Effectiveness

Functional Challenges

Iran

Applied Political Science

20.1001.1.1735790.1403.20.1.5.2

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