University of Calgary student Richard Kuperis chose a course on Alberta politics this year due to his interest and schedule alignment. He anticipated it to be like his other political history classes but found the timing significant with an upcoming referendum affecting his life.
Albertans will vote on various issues like immigration, the Constitution, and the province’s status in Canada in just over a week. CBC News visited a University of Calgary political science class to explore how students are engaging with the ongoing referendum.
Kuperis, a third-year political science student, highlighted the unique opportunity to study the referendum in real-time, unlike his usual history-focused classes. Despite some finding the independence debate divisive, students like Maia Rajic embraced differing perspectives through studying the referendum live.
Rajic, a double-major in business and political science and a Calgary native, acknowledged the value of understanding diverse viewpoints from classmates outside her usual social circle. She emphasized the importance of open discussions and mutual learning.
Professor Lisa Young, who teaches the course, emphasized the broader context of Alberta’s political history leading up to the referendum. She encouraged students to consider multiple viewpoints and engage in civil discussions despite personal beliefs.
Elizabeth Raymond echoed the sentiment of appreciating diverse perspectives in an academic setting, enhancing her understanding of where Alberta stands in Canada. Young reflected on the referendum’s historical significance for Alberta and Canada, drawing parallels to her experience with past political events.
Sam Virk, a student, valued the real-time analysis of the referendum, highlighting its personal impact compared to other academic experiences. He anticipated future political science classes referencing their current experiences, underscoring the class’s importance in shaping their university journey.
