Why study political science?
Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behaviour. Political science subfields include political theory, political philosophy, political ideology, political economy, policy studies and analysis, comparative politics, international relations, and a host of related fields. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools and a variety of methodological approaches to examine the process, systems, and political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world.
There is no single reason to study politics. We may have an interest in the workings of government, or some questions about the civic nature of our society. Or, some event – either domestic or international – may arouse our interest, making us want to know more than just what we are able to learn through television or newspapers. There may be deeper questions on our mind, such as the true nature of political systems, or how pressing problems may be overcome. Perhaps we just want to know why humans tend to divide themselves and be so antagonistic to others.
We can, of course, gain an insight into all of these matters through studies of other disciplines, such as history, sociology, law, and economics. Politics, though, offers something that these other perspectives do not: a specific understanding of the political nature of human organisation – our governments, political parties, interest groups, trade unions, business associations, and international institutions. Human interaction results in a struggle for goals and objectives, and political science seeks to explain and understand the basis of this struggle.
The study of politics allows us to become a participant in the process, and not a mere observer. Political science gives us greater insight into our daily lives, and the world around us. The aim of the political analyst is not just to point out the wrongs of the world, but also to present ways to improve conditions for future generations. This might sound naive, but to have any other objective would be to resign ourselves to our current, imperfect, state of affairs.
Studying politics means studying the real world and developing the skills to make sense of that world. A degree in political science is not geared to any particular type of job. It will prepare you for many forms of employment or further study. You will gain analytical and practical skills, invaluable in today’s competitive employment market. Political science graduates are recognised as flexible people who can fit into a variety of positions in modern life.
A degree in political science will equip you for all sorts of careers: political activity, management, retail, banking, in government departments, local government and international organisations. Political science graduates work in the media and for pressure groups, become consultants and go on to lecturing and research posts at universities. Others become teachers in secondary schools. One thing is clear: studying political science provides you with many choices of what to do when you graduate.
For more reasons to study politics go to:
http://www.studypolitics.org/ (prepared by the Political Studies Association in the UK)
http://faculty.tcu.edu/rmillsap/WhyStudyPolitics.htm
http://faculty.tcu.edu/rmillsap/WhyStudyPolitics.htm (prepared by the American Political Science Association)
