This summer, the Department of Politics and Canvas jointly present Sheffield’s essay competition. A growing discourse suggests that we are at a critical juncture in politics: the MPs’ expenses scandal, broken promises, international cover-ups uncovered (Wikileaks), seemingly futile student protests, falling voter turnout across the globe, a lack of trust in politicians everywhere, and peculiar ‘dodgy’ dossiers have put politics into disrepute. What has happened to politics both nationally and internationally? Could one argue that politics is fundamentally broken? These are significant questions in contemporary political culture.
The issues brought up above are at the heart of academic work, and crucially, form part of the political discussions across the globe. With this in mind, the Department and Canvas pose our essay question: Is it possible to defend politics in the twenty-first century?
Why Participate?
* Looks great on your CV
* Fantastic experience in an intellectual environment
Prize of £80.00 to the winner, and two £20.00 prizes to two runners up (in Amazon vouchers).
Details:
* 2,000 words (five per cent margin)
* You must be an undergraduate student at the University of Sheffield
* All essays will be marked by two judging panels, composed on the Canvas editorial board, the Deputy Head of Department of Politics at Sheffield University, and former MP and author, Chris Mullin.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us: canvas[at]sheffield[dot]ac[dot]uk.
Submissions must be emailed to canvas[at]sheffield[dot]co[dot]uk. The deadline is 5pm on 12 June 2011.
Contact Information:
For inquiries: canvas[at]sheffield[dot]ac[dot]uk
For submissions: canvas[at]sheffield[dot]ac[dot]uk
Website: http://canvas.union.shef.ac.uk
