OU News
News from The Open University
- Home
- Category: Arts and social sciences
Category: Arts and social sciences
What conspiracy theories have in common with fiction – and why it makes them compelling stories
In an era dominated by “fake news” and disinformation, conspiracy theories are coming to play an increasingly influential role in modern politics. During the recent impeachment hearings in the US, for example, former National Security Council official Fiona Hill warned that “fictional narratives” pushed by Russia were undermining American security. But what’s the difference exactly […]
Why Christmas ghost stories have such enduring appeal
Sally O’Reilly, Lecturer in Creative Writing at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the popularity of ghost stories at Christmas. Our fascination with ghostly tales around Christmas time goes back thousands of years and is rooted in ancient celebrations of the winter solstice. In the depths of winter, pagan traditions included a belief […]
Read more about Why Christmas ghost stories have such enduring appeal
Expert reaction to Boris Johnson’s General Election victory
Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party has won a large majority in the 2019 general election. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that he will not lead his party in any future elections but will stay on during a period of reflection about what happened in this campaign. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson has lost […]
Read more about Expert reaction to Boris Johnson’s General Election victory
“I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”
Twenty-two years ago, Rebecca Bungay, 40, started her journey to higher education like most students, but found the road well-travelled was not for her and left university after only six weeks. Years later, determined to achieve her lifelong goal, Rebecca embarked on a degree course with the OU. Last month, Rebecca received her degree in […]
Read more about “I’ve just graduated at 40 and feel that the world has become more open to me”
Climate crisis: six steps to making fossil fuels history
Dr Stephen Peake, Senior Lecturer in Environment at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the climate crisis. In shouting “system change not climate change”, young people understand that the 3-4℃ warmer world we’re headed for would be far more painful, costly and disruptive than any short-term costs or inconvenience we face from taking […]
Read more about Climate crisis: six steps to making fossil fuels history
UK election 2019: a choice between low-tax, individualism or generous state with unknown price tag
Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the tax implications of the upcoming general election. Brexit may be the main reason for the UK’s upcoming general election, but voters are also invited to choose between two radically different types of social system with different […]
From the Iliad to Circe: culture’s enduring fascination with the myths of Troy
Dr Jan Haywood, Staff Tutor and Lecturer in Classical Studies at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the legend of Troy. The story of the epic war fought over a woman has been told many times. It now lies at the heart of an exhibition at the British Museum opening on November 21. […]
Read more about From the Iliad to Circe: culture’s enduring fascination with the myths of Troy
To say the OU changed my life is an understatement
OU student David Breakspear had been in the criminal justice system since he was a child. Determined to break the cycle, he began studying during his sentence and is now an active and passionate campaigner for criminal justice and social reform, using his experiences to help inspire and educate others. As one of the speakers […]
Read more about To say the OU changed my life is an understatement
“Education has changed my life”
Mark began his journey with the OU whilst serving a life-sentence in prison. Through his studies he discovered a passion for learning and since his release has enabled him to turn his life around. Now he uses his own experiences to help other prisoners learn. We spoke to Mark to discover more about how the […]
If politicians are serious about tackling inequality they need to properly overhaul the tax system – here’s how
Dr Hanna Szymborska, Lecturer in Economics at The Open University writes for The Conversation about inequality in the UK’s tax system. Inequality has shot to the top of the agenda across the political spectrum. Politicians, activists, and even billionaires increasingly call for more radical measures to tackle the problem. Britain’s Conservative government proclaimed the end to austerity in its […]
Page 29 of 52
Explore
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Policy
-
Follow us on Social media
-
