Why should you study Politics?

Politics has always been regarded as an activity that has the potential to be a little ‘dirty’. American journalist Ambrose Bierce went as far to define politics as ‘a means of livelihood affected by the more depraved portion of our criminal classes’. This sentiment is echoed, in part, in our experience of British Politics. Here, our politicians are increasingly seen as evasive and dishonest; obsessed with ‘spin’ and image rather than with the process of making good policy. One result of this, some argue, is political apathy – as reflected in the dramatic decline in voter turnout 65.1% in the last election compared to 83.9% in 1950.

Regardless of what we think about politicians, however, we ignore the workings of government at our peril. Unless we understand how government works we will never be able to play a full and active part in society. We will always be on the receiving end of other people’s wisdom, rather than being in a position to advance our own agenda.

Who should study the subject?

Government and Politics is a subject which should appeal to students who take an active interest in current affairs, who are prepared to watch political documentary programmes on television and read a good newspaper regularly.

RET Moore, Head of Politics

Upper College Extension Classes

• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Socialism
• Nationalism and Racism
• Fascism and Nazism
• Anarchism
• Feminism
• Environmetalism

Recent Departmental Activities

• 50 members of the department went to listen Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, talk at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
• Mr Richard Graham MP for Gloucester spoke to the Upper College and all Politics students.

Forthcoming Activities

• The Politics department is visiting the House of Commons on 6th December. Mr Martin Horwood MP for Cheltenham is also then giving a question and answer session.

News Podcasts

As a method of keeping up to date in this subject which requires being on top of the news constantly, here are a few suggested podcasts provided by the BBC which should be of use.  

Americana: inside the USA

An insider’s guide to the stories shaping the USA today. From Washington DC and broadcast every Sunday, at 7.15pm, Matt Frei is your host. On offer, discussion and insight from some of the best known names and voices in America.

Law in Action

With wit, authority and insight, Joshua Rozenberg presents radio's celebrated and award-winning legal affairs programme. From police powers to how judges sentence offenders and from the problems of ensuring access to justice to the quirks of international law.

Weekly Political Review

Top political commentators reflect on the week's political events in discussion with MPs, Peers and others.