A Close Study of UK Election, Italian Parliament
A Close Study of UK Election, Italian Parliament
The Department of Political Science offers students a multifaceted exposure to American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political philosophy and theory. We see thousands of students in our introductory classes. Many fulfill their requirements and move on. For others the introductory classes whet their appetites, and they return for more.
We have more than 800 political science majors and minors. It is the goal of the department to provide students with a broadly based, critical examination of politics near and far. Of course, the bulk of that instruction comes in a traditional on-campus classroom setting. Occasionally, though, students can extend the classroom, or more precisely, they can step out of it. We seek to create memorable experiences to inspire as many students as possible.
The department supports two study abroad programs in Western Europe that enable students to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and vivid politics of the United Kingdom and Italy.
Election Time: UK Edition
Eighteen students took part in the 2024 London Summer Program, during May and June. The program focuses on the constitutional future of the United Kingdom and the possibility of a Disuniting Kingdom as pressures for Scottish independence and the reunification of Ireland have been joined by a surge in interest in Welsh independence. While still a clear minority position, both the rise in Welsh public support for independence and the decision by Plaid Cymru (the Party of Wales) to support such a move have placed the issue of independence on the political agenda for the first time in centuries.
Students ordinarily meet with members of Parliament (MPs) from the main unionist parties (Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour) as well as nationalist MPs from the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein. Last year, however, within days of arriving an election was called and Parliament dissolved. There were no longer any MPs to meet. That said, getting to observe a British election campaign unfold made for a wholly new and engaging experience for students.
In addition to visiting the houses of Parliament, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Churchill War Rooms, and Hampton Court Palace, plus the regular day trip to Bath, for the first time the group spent a day visiting Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle.
Nine of the students stayed on to undertake five-week internship placements including at a barrister’s chambers, two law firms, two charities, and an auction house.
Students Experience La Dolce Vita
Fourteen students traveled to Italy in May 2024 for the political science Florence Summer Program. For five weeks, the students lived in beautiful downtown Florence, Italy, experiencing the city’s art, history, and food while learning about political philosophy and comparative public policy.
As the students learned about Italian government, they had the chance to witness it up close. For the first time, students were able to visit the Italian Parliament and saw the Chamber of Deputies arguing over a contentious piece of legislation. They also visited the Italian Senate and were able to sit in the senators’ seats and see how the voting system works on the floor.
Along with the program’s faculty director, Assistant Professor Kirsten Widner, the students also saw the historic sites of Rome and visited beautiful hill towns including San Gimignano, Orvietto, and Florence’s historical rival, Siena. Tours in Florence took students through secret passageways used by Renaissance nobles and to the Palace of Justice to see the modern Italian court system in action.
In 2025 the program will be led by Assistant Professor Wayde Marsh. Students interested in joining this signature program in 2026 should visit the Vols Abroad Office for more information or look online.