Dr Edwin Bacon wins Birkbeck Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr Edwin Bacon from the Department of Politics has won the 2012 Birkbeck Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of Social Sciences, History and Politics for developing a popular, innovative and interactive module to connect students with the world of political practice.
‘The Practice of Politics’ module forms part of a developing movement reconsidering the content of undergraduate politics degrees, which traditionally have contained little about how to practise politics.
The content enhances students’ awareness of the world of political practice from the perspective of their own values and skills, and explores ways, both professionally and voluntary, in which they might engage with that world. The module also seeks to undermine disillusionment with politics.
In particular, the curriculum provides opportunities for students to increase skills of constructive political discussion, public speaking, lobbying, and enhance their employability and career awareness. Sessions are interactive, and assessment occurs throughout, including via posts on a politics blog, writing a policy brief, and critiquing a political speech.
Dr Bacon said: “Students have been tremendously positive about the module, as evidenced by engagement both in class and between classes on the online discussion board. It has taken them out of comfort zones to experience new practices, and to assess their own skills and values. The module employs the notion of ‘student as producer’, with the students themselves playing a key role in shaping module content and direction.”