My post earlier on a key debate in feminism caused some controversy which is good. Some have asked what it had to do with uni life, and my answer is simple.
Beyond the bars, clubs & societies, sports and cultural events is what uni life is really about: learning.
University is one of the few places in society where you are actively encouraged to think, debate, critique and respond openly with ideas. The key debate in feminism I wrote about was something we had investigated in several of my subjects, from disciplines as diverse as sociology, social policy, gender studies, English, law and government and international relations.
The particularly charming thing about university is summed up by one phrase: "academic freedom". Basically this means, that within the academic world - which every student becomes a part of - every person has the freedom to fearlessly put out their opinions and report on the evidence collected by their research. Once those opinions are out there, they are judged on their merits and debate ensues. Academic freedom allows people as diverse as Keith Windschuttle to Germaine Greer to make their statements; at which point the academic process begins. People engage with these ideas; discredit them; find more evidence to support them and so on...
I do a combined Bacholer of Arts/Bachelor of Laws degree. This 5-year degree is jam-packed with opportunities to question and interrogate what you believe and why you believe it. Most importantly, learning how to structure your beliefs and support your arguments is a key skill you will learn in any degree. The Arts degree in particular has a strong emphasis on engaging with the social world - through contemporary events such as the ones I wrote about - and debating issues that go beyond merely one-off events. Uni life is about 30% outside the classroom and 70% inside the classroom - debating, writing, arguing, challenging assumptions and researching.
Some of the subjects I have picked in my degree include "Sociological Theory" (Sociology), "Social Inquiry: Reseach Methods" (Sociology), "Key Debates in Australian Social Policy" (Social Policy), "World Politics" (Government and International Relations), "Australian Politics" (Government and International Relations), "Gender, Media and Popular Culture" (Gender Studies), "Bodies, Sex and Sexuality" (Gender Studies) and "Human Rights and Australian Politics" (Government and International Relations). All of them encourage debates on key issues in society - in fact, class without debate and discussion becomes boring.
So when you come to university expect to be challenged, engaged with and listened to. In return, you also have a responibility to challenge, engage and listen as well. That's why I love this place.