Theory and Thought Project
What is Theory and Thought?
The Theory & Thought project, part of the student-led discussion network (SLED), shares many similarities with SLED1 which was successfully trialled last year. Like SLED1, the sessions entail lively facilitated debate, in an atmosphere which encourages questions and ideas to be put forward.
How is Theory and Thought different?
The project runs over three second year modules:
- Theories of Political Morality
- Age of Ideology
- Theories of Justice
These modules have been chosen precisely because the complexities of the ideas, and the contentious nature of the topics, often leave students expressing a desire to continue the debate, or discuss ideas longer than seminars allow.
The sessions take the form of a discussion facilitated by two leaders focused upon the relevant weeks lecture topics, but are designed with a flexibility in mind which allows students to direct the topics towards those areas most beneficial to them.
Students are encouraged to express ideas, ask questions, involve themselves in debate, and generally pull together to ensure that the daunting task of mastering difficult theoretical concepts is not only possible, but can in fact be enjoyable.
Two core ideas underpin Theory & Thought sessions:
- The usefulness of debate
Explaining your views, defending them, listening to other arguments, changing your mind (and then changing it back again), really helps you to learn this stuff inside out!
- An open and friendly atmosphere
If you can't get something, you can be almost certain that someone in the room will be able to help you understand. Likewise you can be almost as certain, that at some point you will be able to help them with a question, and return the favour.
Three former SLED1 leaders developed and co-ordinated the Theory and Thought Project : Kate Sully, Piers Gibran and Jack Smith. Here Piers gives his thoughts on the project:
"This project could make a real difference to how well students do in the modules it covers. For me, it is something I wish had been available during my second year. Too often we leave seminars with questions, and too often we don't take those questions any further. Equally often I fear the marks we get for our work suffers for that...
These modules are great, but demanding. I am convinced that the types of questions thrown at you – 'Is torture permissible', 'Do we deserve the inequalities we enjoy over others', are not only made for debating, but that it is the most fun and productive way to deal with them also."
Student-Led Discussion Network (SLED)
SLED is a network of student-led discussion groups that give students a space to engage in open discussion, explore their understanding of module content and benefit from the input of their peers.
The network of groups provides a unique arena for undergraduates to test out ideas and work collaboratively in a relaxed atmosphere.