Politics?

by Kiara worth

I have found that whenever someone asks what I am studying and I tell them ‘politics', there is a slight nod to the head and the arching of eyebrows, followed by the response, “So you want to be a politician, eh?” I always meet this with a slight sigh, and try to explain that the study of political science goes far beyond the tainted profession of politics, and that it involves looking at a variety of theories and countries while seeking to understand what makes relations between and within those countries happen the way they do. Not only does this explain certain trends and behaviours, but it also allows you to formulate your ideas about how the world should work. This explanation is generally met with a blank look, another nod, and swiftly moving on to something else. For those that have actually studied politics, you may understand what I am saying.

With only two exams left to complete my degree, I have spent the past three years in the politics department gathering a variety of extremely interesting and useful information. There are excellent lecturers and modules within the department, and those focusing on rural development and international relations have been among my favourite. I have a particular interest in the progression of African development, and the different methods that can be utilised in order for development to occur. I have found that the Rural Resource Management classes, on the mysterious and unknown Agric campus, have been excellent in furthering my understanding of how development works and the requirement of practical application has allowed me to put that understanding to the test. With the knowledge then supplied by the politics department, I feel that after three years of studying, I have had a well-rounded and rich experience.

There are, of course, pros and cons to every situation. While I do genuinely feel that I have gained much from my interaction with the politics department, there are certain assessment procedures that I do not find just by any means. Group essays at third year level should not be enforced as they do not give an adequate reflection of individual capability and to base exams on disorganised group presentations does not make sense to me at all.

But at the end of the day when I return to the Hex steps to ask my friend Louise what we're going to do for the rest of day, she always has the same reply: get another cup of coffee and try to take over the world. It's all just politics in the end.