Hi Guys,

I hope everyone is well, and all of you had a great Christmas period. It’s a quick stop in for me – just to update you all on what I will be up to this term. 

Today I had three deadlines, of a total of 14,000 words which I had been working on over Christmas. I feel a great amount of relief to have them in, as I felt as though I didn’t really stop over Christmas. I didn’t get much opportunity to work on my dissertation, but I feel like I’m in a relatively good place with it at the moment so I’m not too worried. Plus – having taken a break from it might (hopefully) give me a fresh perspective. 

Nonetheless, I’m really excited to start some new modules this term. These are:- 

• Philosophical Questions in the Study of Politics and Economics 
• Aesthetics
• Reading Political Theory

My first choice was inspired by the Economics for the Real World module I took last year, and really enjoyed. Prior to this module even the word economics made me cringe – I wouldn’t have dared pretend I knew anything about it. Professor May made a seemingly impenetrable subject exciting to learn about. I would highly recommend this module if you are offered it in second year. My motivation for taking that module was simply because I knew nothing about the subject, and was curious. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you think you aren’t “good enough” for them – you might find something you are passionate about. 

Aesthetics I have never studied, and am curious about, I’ll keep you updated on whatever it is I am working on. 

As for Reading Political Theory, we are reading Rawls’s Theory of Justice. I just received my copy in the mail today – it is vast to say the least. Anyway, I’m really rather looking forward to tackling it, as I have always enjoyed implementing Rawls’s ideas into my essays: I’d say he was one of the first to spark my interest in politics. We’re also studying Young’s Politics of Difference, frankly, I’m not entirely sure of Young’s political position, but I believe her ideas are feminist in orientation. Feminist philosophy is a module I regret not taking last term, so I am really happy that I can at least explore some feminist thought this term. 

That’s all for now: I will catch up with you guys very soon, I hope everyone has a great week. 

Ellie