Government and Politics

Course summary

What makes Politics different as an academic subject is its emphasis on debate, discussion and argument. If Politics exists because people disagree, studying Politics must mean studying how, why and when people disagree and taking an interest in these disagreements. What is more, we study these things not as neutral observers but at active participants. Facts (what is) and values (what should be) are so closely entwined in Politics that it is often impossible to prise them apart Politics is therefore particularly likely to suit students who 1. Have an interest in the world around them ? ones who want to know more about the society they live in, how it works and how it could work 2. Enjoy debate, discussion and argument ? ones who are comfortable with the fact that in Politics there are no simple ?rights? and ?wrongs? 3. Like to think for themselves ? ones who want to develop their own views, rather than accept the views of others.