This is a past event
This event is perfect for anyone getting ready to vote, or simply curious about what difference the outcome will make.
Malcolm Harvey from the University's department of Politics & International Relations and Bettina Petersohn from the Scottish Centre on Constitutional Change will analyse both sides' claims.
Voters have complained it’s hard to weigh up the often-exaggerated claims of the “Yes” and “Better Together” campaigns.
As such, University of Aberdeen academics have been analysing the claims and will offer a balanced view of the issues that are really at stake in the Referendum.
Dr Trevor Stack, Senior Lecturer in the University's department of Hispanic Studies said: "Scotland is blazing a trail by lowering the voting age in the Referendum to 16. Austria is the only other European country that has given 16 and 17-year olds the vote. Yet only a handful of researchers are looking at the consequences. Among them is the Centre for Citizenship, Civil Society and Rule of Law (CISRUL) at the University of Aberdeen.
"CISRUL has been doing research in Aberdeen City and Shire schools on political engagement among S5 and S6 pupils. Drs. Trevor Stack, Nadia Kiwan and Rachel Shanks have found that most 16 and 17-year old pupils feel that they lack information on which they base their decision. Many were looking to schools to provide a balanced account of the issues, but felt that their schools are not fully meeting pupils’ expectations, outside of Higher Politics and Modern Studies.
"This led CISRUL to team up with Professor Michael Keating, who heads the ESRC “Future of Scotland and the UK team, which has been giving public presentations of the issues. Team member Malcolm Harvey, supported by CISRUL Director Trevor Stack, has been delivering Referendum presentations to schools in the Aberdeen area. So far over 1000 pupils have taken part.
"Now Professor Keating’s team, supported by CISRUL, will deliver a similar presentation on Monday 8 September at 3.30 pm in the Arts Lecture Theatre. The presentation will offer a balanced view of the issues that are really at stake in the Referendum. It will be geared to our undergraduates but is open to all staff and postgraduates, as well as anyone getting ready to vote, or simply curious about what difference the outcome will make for Scotland.
"CISRUL will continue researching after the Referendum, regardless of the result, to assess pupils’ experience of voting, and its impact on their broader political participation."
- Speaker
- Malcolm Harvey
- Hosted by
- University of Aberdeen
- Venue
- Arts Lecture Theatre
- Contact
-
Free to attend.