Politics, International and European Studies

Advantages: Diversity
Disadvantages: Haven't got there yet!!

...being a campus based one that is near two big cities - Leicester and Nottingham! *Personal Experience* I suppose I actually had no idea of what I wanted to do; I had previously wanted to be a chef, then a lawyer, then a journalist (I hope you can understand how difficult this is to achieve with only one personal statement!!). Finally, I settled on a choice that allowed me some bredth and diversity, without being too general and become a so called 'nothing degree'. Basing it on the options I was doing at school, I knew I already had a passion for current affairs shown through my interest in both economics and politics and so this was the best possible choice for me. At the time though the course was my main priority rather than the uni (perhaps a little stupid) and as a result, I was a little erratic with my choices and probably...

tashat 19.05.2005 · Read review
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Review of Politics

Ricky Gervais - Politics

Advantages: Gervais does it again!
Disadvantages: Well, may be a bit "distasteful" for one or two...

...And so, after reviewing both series of the Office, I thought why not continue the Ricky Gervais trend by having a gander at one of his stand-up shows - "Politics"... After the world-wide success of the Office, picking up award after award, and then the unprecidented sell-out success of his first ever stand-up show, "Animals", Gervais came back with another attempt, this time, somewhat vaguely, looking at the world of Politics... ...The show opens up with a pre-recorded sketch with Gervais outside the Houses of Parliament and an appearance with Ash (his surname evades my memory at the moment, but he produced the Office with Gervais), who himself is "a bit racial" - Gervais' words, not mine - and then opts to prod fun at him, being disabled and originally from Egypt, in a somewhat faux-pas kind of way. The slightly crude, maybe even...

carl.mcqueen 18.07.2006 · Read review
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Review of Ricky Gervais - Live - Politics (DVD)

the Political Animal

Advantages: Informative and anecdotal style makes for easy reading
Disadvantages: Overlaps in chapters, repetitive phrasing, slightly out of date.

...A well-researched and anecdotal book about the men and women who think it is a good idea to help run the country. The book is funny in places and educational in others. Some facts in the book will be known to people with a basic grasp of the political system, but there is enough information in here for most people to learn a few things. Paxman does have a few 'stock' phrases that he uses several times over that gives you the impression that you have read something like that before, and some topics come up in more than one place in the book, however, generally the book is well-written and informative in the motivation, conviction and ego of the politician and what makes them tick. The book was published in 2002 so does not cover the last election or more recent political scandals. The ten chapters are divided as thus: *Chapter One...

Essexgirl2006 10.03.2006 · Read review
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Review of The Political Animal - Jeremy Paxman

Bodies or politics?

Advantages: A good read
Disadvantages: none

...well organized and some possibly good in theory as all these societies seem to but it is just as corrupt as usual. Sex sessions are arranged. Crime is virtually non-existent? So I can hear you question ?A crime novel without a crime? Well of course there is! Characters Quintilian (Quint) Dalrymple (Don?t let the name put you off as it did my husband, he?s missed an excellent book!) is the man ordered by the Council of City Guardians to investigate and solve a series of murders. Naturally he has his sidekick, his driver who helps him. Without giving too much away there are other characters but he is the main one, all the characters are believable. The plot develops well running alongside a guilt that Quint has to live with. I found it an easy read and found it hard to put the book down. It is excellently written...

teacherofhooch 09.03.2004 · Read review
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Review of Body Politic - Paul Johnston

Thorough, non bias summary of the mainstream political ideologies

Advantages: Non bias, covers most ideologies, very indepth
Disadvantages: Some political concepts could be further explored

...For me, Heywood's political Ideologies provides a brilliant overview of the main political ideologies - Liberalism, socialism, conservatism, anarchism, nationalism, feminism, fascism, multiculturalism, ecologism, religious fundamentalism - and goes onto mentioning the sub-ideologies within - libertarianism, nazism etc - as well. Heywood maintains a calm, neutral tone throughout and focuses upon the ideologies in theory as opposed to in action. He also summarizes the political theorists and their relevance to the ideologies on a whole, such as Mill with liberalism, or Marx with socialism. Heywood also introduces perspectives regarding different political concepts, so when freedom is covered when explaining anarchism, he then goes onto describing the perspectives of other ideologies regarding the concept of freedom. He also brings about...

William-N 29.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Political Ideologies: An Introduction (3rd edition) - Andrew Heywood

Making politics interesting again!

Advantages: Well written, impartial, clear and structured analysis of poltical ideologies.
Disadvantages: None.

...Andrew Heywood is a well established political theorist and his views have considerable clout in political circles in the UK and USA. As he is an A-level chief examiner for Edexcel Government and politics, this book is a must-have for all politics students, especially those following the ideological route. I was "lucky" enough to be one of those people and this textbook played a significant role in my A grade. The book provides a very clear, concise and understandable introduction into numerous political creeds, paying particular attention to liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism and fascism as well as the less discussed anarchism, feminism, ecologism and religious fundamentalism. The major ideologies are allocated a hefty 50-60 page slot, whilst the less major ideologies still enjoy a substantial 20-30 page chapter...

mkkreuk 29.12.2007 · Read review
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Review of Political Ideologies: An Introduction (3rd edition) - Andrew Heywood

Politics isn't just Democracy

Advantages: Clear concise overview of the development of the concept
Disadvantages: Obviously can't go into much depth, but neglects contemporary debate in favour of historical overview

...than to write at length? (p.3-5). For the most part, he succeeds admirably, and this book will no doubt serve many well as part of an introduction to politics. Where he does stray, however, is in a propensity to, if not digress, bring in extraneous information but make little of the point. Too often an analogy or obscure reference is cited only to be almost instantly dropped (and often with too little reference to sources). It is as if the author were trying to show off his breadth of knowledge; or perhaps more like listening to the rambling anecdotes of an aged lecturer ? whose meanderings, while interesting and informative, sometimes obscure the point he is trying to make. The argument, it seems, follows Aristotle; holding democracy necessary but not sufficient for good government, nodding also towards Benjamin Constant?s distinction...

a-true-ben 26.01.2003 · Read review
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Review of A Very Short Introduction to Politics - Bernard Crick

Politics - Brilliant

Advantages: A hilarious comedy package with brilliant extras.
Disadvantages: None!

...dumpty, don't call your first born humpty...he's already an egg!'. Although this doesn't sound hugely political, its still fantastic and Ricky does somehow manage to include references to Hilter, Ghandi and Marxism. So, if you missed this on TV the other week, buy it now! Its worth it just for the extra features!...

katherine18 04.06.2005 · Read review
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Review of Ricky Gervais - Live - Politics (DVD)

Politics by name, Politically incorrect by nature

Advantages: Pulls no punches on sensitive areas
Disadvantages: Might be too full on for some

...A lot has been said about Ricky Gervais, the majority of which is very positive, but which principally relates to his hilarious invention, The Office. However, we must realise that as well as having the ability to orchestrate the squirmy, off note, painful comedy found in The Office that propelled it to instant aclaim, Gervais has got stand up down to a T. Politics is his second attempt at taking the stand up world by storm, and he certainly manages to pull it off with some panache. The taste of some of his jokes may be more than slightly offensive to some, such as his opening film clip with his wheelchair bound producer, who is described as "leg mental, not head mental." Whilst this really sets the tone for the rest of the piece, the 18 certificate should prevent the younger and more impressionable viewer from approving of material...

Rik12345 06.06.2007 · Read review
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Review of Ricky Gervais - Live - Politics (DVD)

Look Out, He's Behind You! - not a pantomine

Advantages: Offers interaction with a familiar story
Disadvantages: None

...Look out he?s behind you! is a book I took out of the library a few weeks ago for my grandchildren to read while visiting me for the day. They thoroughly enjoyed it inspite of there agea of 2 and 3 years which has led ne to write this review. RRP - £5.99 Publisher - Frances Lincoln Books ISBN - 978-1-84507-734-1 Format - 20page paperback Ages - 4 -8 years The front cover of the book features a young girl in a bright red coat and hat holding a basket with a wolf watching from behind a tree. On the back cover the wolf is more prominent and appears to be saying ?sssssh!? as the young girl disappears into the distance. The story is obviously the tale of Red Riding Hood who is on her way to visit her sick grandmother with a basket full of goodies. The story starts by introducing the different characters in the book , Little Red Riding...

colliedog2 19.10.2009 · Read review
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Review of Look Out, He's Behind You! - Tony Bradman