Politics @ Otago
Everything in this world is, in some way, political. International relations, business, the environment, the legal system, and even sport are political institutions. It is difficult then to grasp the world around us unless we understand politics. Studying politics at Otago has taught me how to view, process and assess the world from a political standpoint - a standpoint that has universal application. In my case I will be taking these skills to Oxford to research further into environmental law and policy. But the quality of teaching at Otago means that you have the skills to pursue a career in any field whilst also being an interesting and well-informed individual.
Laura Fraser, Politics graduate and 2009 Rhodes Scholar
Latest News
Prof Patman on TVNZ
Prof Patman spoke to Greg Boyed (News at 8) on President Obama's State of the Union address. Click on the chapter 2 segment for the interview in question. (28 Jan 2010)
Prof Patman talks to Greg Boyed (News at 8) on the Democrat defeat in Massachusetts. Click on the chapter 2 segment for the interview in question.. (21 Jan 2010)
William Kennedy Prizes in Politics for 2009
Gemma Cornelissen, for the best honours dissertation. Gemma's dissertation was entitled 'Trade and Human Rights: The Case of the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement'
Leigh Harding, who has been offered the award for the best performing 300-level student, proceeding to 400-level Politics.
Leah Rangi, who has been offered the award for the best performing Maori 300-level students, proceeding to 400-level Politics.
Prof Patman on Breakfast TV
International Relations expert Professor Robert Patman of the University of Otago Discusses how much damage the goal of achieving democracy in Afghanistan has done.
Five doctorandi for Politics in 2009
The Department has had its best year so far in terms of completed PhDs. Four successful candidates received their doctoral degrees at the Graduation ceremony on 16 December, while a fifth will receive his degree early in 2010.
Special Summer School paper
The Department of Politics at the University of Otago will have a special visiting lecturer for its upcoming Summer School session. Professor Stan Taylor, one of America’s leading experts on intelligence and counterintelligence will teach a course (POLS 331) entitled “U.S. Intelligence and National Security".
He brings a unique combination of high-level policy experience as well as years of teaching experience. Taylor was one of the first senior staff members of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee. He played a key role in drafting the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978, the controversial legislation that President George W. Bush decided to ignore in the wake of 9/11.
