The Open University's posts

Dickens first love wasn't writing, it was acting. In this programme we look at Dickens love of acting and the theatre

Free learning from The Open University: History of reading: An introduction to reading in the past http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4387

How Dickens started his reading career with A Christmas Carol - a reading he did for charity - in Birmingham Town Hall.

Free learning from The Open University: History of reading: An introduction to reading in the past http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4387

On the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Cape Matapan, 89 year old codebreaker Mavis Batey talks to Bletchley Park trustee and author of 'Station X', Michael Smith, about her time at Bletchley Park during World War 2.

http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/

Author Iain Banks talks to Open University Lecturer in Creative Writing Derek Neale about the digitisation of books, his writing process, the impact of world events on his work and much more.

Can a human being kick a football into orbit? Gemma Bessant asks this and other less barmy football-related questions to John Zarnecki, Professor of Space Science at The Open University, member of the UK Space Agency leadership Council, and football fanatic. Professor Zarnecki is so keen on the game that he saw all but one of England’s “euphoric” 1966 World Cup run. Here, he talks about his memories of England’s unsurpassed win, his unfaltering optimism about England’s chances this time around and answers more of Gemma’s slightly absurd questions…

Mick McCormick - Lecturer in Social Work at The Open University - talks about how mental health care has changed over the last 100 years, and what the Victorians actually got right.

Prime Ministers have tremendous power and since Margaret Thatcher politics has become all about strong leaders. Over the past 100 years, only two British Prime Ministers have left Number 10 entirely voluntarily; the electorate has booted most of them out. So why do PM’s so rarely leave the job or office on their own terms?

Politicians have to appeal to many different interests and a good performance – one that looks good, sounds good and is convincing can be crucial to convey that appeal. Oscar winning Actor Glenda Jackson believes all the world is a stage for today’s political leaders. So do politicians have any choice but to be performers on a stage?

The 2010 degree ceremony programme kicked off in Brighton earlier this month and saw Martin Bean inaugurated as Vice-Chancellor of The Open University. Speaking at the ceremony at The Dome in Brighton, Chancellor of the OU Lord David Puttnam inaugurated Martin Bean as Vice-Chancellor of the OU, and invited marshals to robe him in the official gown of office. This podcast also includes a brief introduction by University Secretary Fraser Woodburn on the role of a Vice-Chancellor.

Open University academics Dr Joe Smith and Dr Stephen Peake discuss the question:

"Would holding meetings on Climate Change in say, The Maldives or Bangladesh, rather than trendy, chic watering holes in the Northern hemisphere bring about a greater sense of urgency and action by the World Leaders?"