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Category: Arts and social sciences

Does Santa exist? The dilemma for the caring professions

Does Santa exist? The dilemma for the caring professions

Marc Cornock is an academic lawyer and Senior Lecturer at The Open University, and he also writes regularly for the Nursing Standard. In this article, he explores the dilemma faced by those in caring professions when asked “is Santa real?” The Santa question isn’t just for parents It’s the question many parents dread in the build up […]

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The choirmaster whose carols became the sound of Christmas

The choirmaster whose carols became the sound of Christmas

At 3pm on Christmas Eve, millions of radios around the world will be tuned to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College Chapel in Cambridge in time to hear the pure voice of a single boy chorister singing one of the hardest solos of the church calendar, the first verse of “Once […]

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‘Twas millennia before Christmas

‘Twas millennia before Christmas

Who doesn’t love Christmas? The tree standing proud, adorned with baubles, lights, and surrounded by gifts; the radio singing festive songs, whilst the turkey slowly roasts in the oven; and the family gathered around the television with the grandparents eagerly awaiting the Queen’s Christmas Speech. Where did it all begin? Reader in British History at […]

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Coping with depression and the Christmas blues

Coping with depression and the Christmas blues

For many, this time of year isn’t always full of glad tidings and joy. Open University Psychologist, Professor Darren Langdridge talks about the Winter blues, practical ways to manage your mood, and how to deal with the expectations many have around Christmas time. Listen to Darren Langdridge’s podcast  

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The free speech battle that forced Britain’s 18th-century radicals to flee

The free speech battle that forced Britain’s 18th-century radicals to flee

Main picture: “The Friends of the People”, Isaac Cruikshank (1764–1811), Mary Mark Ockerbloom While emigration into Britain has often been (and still is) associated with fear of oppression and escape from conflict, there is a general perception that emigration out of the country has been a rather more positive pursuit. Leaving Britain has long been associated […]

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How Star Wars music lets us feel the Force

How Star Wars music lets us feel the Force

Main image © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. When I finally see the new Star Wars film, I will be keeping my ears open. Although the initial trilogy was justly celebrated for its use of groundbreaking visual effects, for me, the sound of the films has always been more significant. Even in the woeful prequel […]

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From Achilles to Hilary Benn: what Homer might have thought of the Syria air strikes debate

From Achilles to Hilary Benn: what Homer might have thought of the Syria air strikes debate

When David Cameron, the UK prime minister, stood up to speak before colleagues in the British parliament on Wednesday to argue in favour of air strikes on Syria, he was initiating a political activity – debate – that’s familiar to all democratic societies. He was also stepping into a role that stretches all the way […]

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OU classicist recognised as “one of the leading Hellenists of her generation”

OU classicist recognised as “one of the leading Hellenists of her generation”

Laura Swift, lecturer in classical studies at The Open University, has been awarded the Philip Leverhulme Prize for her research. This prestigious award is one of the highest honours in academic research and is awarded by The Leverhulme Trust to only 30 individuals each year across a range of academic disciplines. Dr Swift received the award […]

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Asking whether porn causes sexual violence is the wrong question

Asking whether porn causes sexual violence is the wrong question

­ The idea that pornography causes – or is at least linked to – sexual violence is often simply accepted without question. We hear the association in court cases, political debate and media coverage of crimes, where the connection is often implied just by listing the kinds of pornography a defendant has watched, if not made […]

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Money and financial graph. Image credit: Thinkstock

What you need to know ahead of the Spending Review

The third major economic statement of the year will be surprisingly tough for a government now boasting a growing economy and a Commons majority. Chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne will deliver the details of the Autumn Statement and Spending Review on Wednesday November 25 2015. A five-year view of the government’s spending plans, it […]

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