Political Science

Alongside Economics and Sociology, Political Science is one of the core social sciences. Political Science at the University of Tampere is primarily concerned with the complex nature of the phenomenon and the manifestations of its unceasing changes. Politics and changes therein are approached on a broad front, but still from a defined perspective with a focus on new forms of political activity and established political institutions and the changing significance of activities. The intensification of globalisation and European integration present an important research and teaching challenge. The main point of departure is seen to be the scrutiny of politics, which seeks different alternative conceptions of politics and develops alternative approaches as analytical tools in the phenomenon of politics.

Political Science seeks novel interpretations for the traditional core concepts such as politics, politics and power. The segmentation of politics, for example into economic, environmental and integration has been seen to be too restricted, and a special political dimension which permeates the whole of society has been sought. Thus politics cannot be conceived of as merely the actions of parties, government and parliament.

In the development of teaching and research, special attention is paid to the reform of teaching methods, among other things by taking advantage of the new technology. International co-operation in teaching is being developed so as to create more and different opportunities to take part of the studies abroad.