Political science students’ perspectives on the UN : different universities, different perspectives?

Abstract

This study maps how the UN as an organization is perceived by students of political science at universities in Norway. Through examination of students at different universities, we can achieve an understanding of students’ knowledge and perspectives about the UN and aspects of the organization’s work. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with nine students from three different universities in Norway who offer studies within political science. The interviews focused on getting data on the subjects’ individual understanding and evaluation of the UN and how their perceptions have been influenced by their universities. The result can help create an understanding of the future of political science as a field in Norway. It will outline how students have come to possess their views, whether discussions as a teaching method affect their perspectives, and to which degree universities produce specific knowledge in their students that differ from other universities.