What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you?
Political Theory is a great Master's if you like to discuss a range of topics, and form critical opinions on those topics. This masters has taught me how to build better arguments, but also how to listen to others, and learn from them. The specialisation is not just learning facts, it is about "why does X happen?" and "what should be happening?". Passive participation is not enough anymore, so everyone is really involved with the subjects. This makes the discussions much more interesting.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
Almost all of the classes are in seminar-form. This means that it is mostly the students who are talking. Everyone is always partaking in the conversation, because it is very accessible to just join in. The teachers are there to help and to make sure that we stick to discussing the actual topic. They know all of our names and are really involved with the programme. We have seminars not only with Political Theory students, but also with students from different specialisations, such as Comparative Politics and the Diversity Master. This way, we can learn from each other, while all focusing on what we personally like the best.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
What I found difficult in the beginning is the amount of reading. For most courses, it is two or three texts a week. But, for most classes we have small assignments which give an incentive to really read it. Because it is necessary, I learnt very quickly how to read efficiently. And, having done the readings actually adds a lot of value to the seminars!
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I am writing my master thesis on the gender perspective of recognition theory. What is so fun about Political Theory is that you can pick any topic you want, if you can relate it to PT. So, this can also relate to other fields such as comparative politics, international relations, or gender and diversity theory.
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?
This degree is not only theoretical, even though that is in the name. We get assignments that are very hands-on, such as writing a policy brief or presenting research findings. People with a Political Theory degree have that extra critical thinking attitude, with the capabilities to also substantiate their positions.