What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
Comparative Politics trains you to become a critical member of society. It challenges you to change perspectives and not take anything at face value. The programme touches on a broad spectrum of theories and perspectives in political science and philosophy, and based on these theories, you can get as specific as you want in your Master's thesis.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
The Political Science department of the Radboud is involved with their students. Not only when it comes to your academic development, but also when it comes to you as a person.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
In comparison to my Bachelor's degree (Political Science at the Radboud University), this programme trains you to move past what is written, form your own opinion, and it forces you to become way more analytical than in your Bachelor's.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Extinction Rebellion announced that they are going to block the A12 Motorway in The Hague every day starting on September 9, 2023. In my Master's thesis, I address the political evaluations of these activists. In other words, what do they think of democracy as a principle? How do they think democracy is functioning? And do they think the contemporary political elites are even able to adequately mitigate the environmental crisis? These are questions I am particularly interesting in for my thesis.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
Political scientists are able to move away from the issues of today, zoom out and identify trends and anomalies in a 'zeitgeist' where politicians seem to be only interested in the latest fuss on Twitter.