HISTORY of the OU New Website Seeks Your

Sesame

A magazine for the Alumni community The Open University Summer 2011 Issue 248

wikileaks Is whistleblowing ever justified?

history of the ou modules your help needed New website seeks New module Can you aid the OU’s your OU recollections in psychology future students now? Advertisement

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TRAV1104194 Sesame Bruges.indd 1 21/4/11 16:29:31 Sesame Welcome Welcome Contents

S e s a m e THE SUMMER ISSUE is packed full of fantastic Update

A magazine for the Alumni community The Open University Summer 2011 Issue 248 content, including intellectually stimulating All the latest news from The Open University 4

WIKILEAKS Is whistleblowing ever justiﬁ ed? articles, and interviews with students past and New OU History website seeks your recollections 8 present, academics and honorary graduates. Your letters 10 One of the biggest events in the past BBC/OU co-productions 12 12 months has been the activity the release of DVD release of Opium: a blessing and a curse 15 hundreds of thousands of confidential diplomatic communications made by US Study HISTORY OF THE OU MODULES YOUR HELP NEEDED New website seeks New module Can you aid the OU’s your OU recollections in psychology future students now? embassies, which exposed a series of New post-qualification social work programme 17 unguarded comments and revelations. Professor of Media Studies The latest modules from the OU 18 Richard Collins answers our questions on the WikiLeaks issue and New module Discovering psychology 21 also related aspects such as censorship and the right to protest. We also focus on not one, not two, but three new initiatives People from the OU: the History of the OU project website (p8); a new Prize-winning student Deborah Regal 23 fundraising project to help disabled students benefit from the Platform: new look, new features, join in 26 building of a new Access Bus (p32); and Platform (more on that in Opinion: entrepreneurial mothers 29 a moment) – and we want your help and contributions for all three. Honorary graduate: Anthony Frost 30 As many of you are aware, the Spring issue of Sesame was How you can work with the OU to help disabled students 32 cancelled so we could focus our attention on the relaunch of the Award-winning student and actor Stephen McGann 34 new improved OU community website Platform (see p26). It has Opinion: does you hair and hairstyle define you? 35 been an exciting time with many new areas of activity on the site Interview with Sir Mark Elder 36 and so much more for you to get involved with and benefit from. Member benefits 38 Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is most welcome. It is a new era, and one that has meant that we have had to Research review carefully where we can best invest our time and money The latest OU research news 39 – particularly in response to the reduction in government funding. Research focus: WikiLeaks and whistleblowing 40 As a result, the difficult decision has been made to reduce the frequency we send the alumni community Sesame magazine and Support we are also considering the implication for the student community. Study support: most common student queries 45 While not the end of Sesame, it is a new chapter... Careers: tips on job applications and interviews 47 You can contact the team at [email protected] For inclusion in the Letters pages please mark ‘Letters’ in your subject header.

Editor Scott Russon 40 Contributors Yvonne Cook, Richard Cooper, Jane Henderson, Robyn Slingsby Head of Stakeholder Communications Jane Matthews PEFC/16-33-444 Design Glen Darby http://www.pefc.org Published by The Open University The Open University General Enquiries +44 (0)1908 274066 The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA Email [email protected] Website www.open.ac.uk/sesame Printed by Artisan, distributed by Packpost Advertising Square7Media 29 Email [email protected] Telephone +44 (0)203 283 4055

The editorial content of this magazine was correct at the time of going to press. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission of the publishers. Views expressed in articles are those of the k

contributors and not necessarily of Sesame and The Open University. oc Publication of an advertisement or loose insert in Sesame does not imply The ©ist Open University’s recognition or approval of the goods or services advertised. 21 e COVER:

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 20112010 | Sesame 248245 3 Update

All the latest news from The Open University

funding REVIEW

Fighting for Update on OU module fees part-timers AS the fees and funding situation for universities in OU impact of government education cuts yet to be established... England continues to develop, Phil Berry, the OU’s Senior Manager, Fees and Resources, As Sesame went to press, said: “We do not yet know the the situation still remained full impact of the planned cuts to unclear on new fees and funding teaching funding in England on for universities in England the OU. We are reviewing our coming into effect from fee policy to see if we need to September 2012. increase fees to compensate for Despite welcoming Lord reductions in government grant. Browne’s recommendation in “We intend for OU courses to October 2010 to create parity be cost-effective in the new between full- and part-time funding environment ‒ just as students, The Open University OU study currently represents has continued to campaign and good value for money compared lobby on behalf of current and with undergraduate degrees future OU students. offered elsewhere. In the run-up to the vote in “The review includes detailed Parliament in December 2010 research into what our students on changes to student finance most value in the services we in England, the OU focused offer now or could offer in the efforts on making student loans future; how they currently fund available to as many part-time their studies; and what they students as possible. The hard would find affordable. work paid off with Vince Cable “We hope to be able to announcing that eligibility for announce how much OU loans would be extended to The OU Students Association protest against education cuts courses starting from September include those studying at 2012 will cost by spring 2012.” 25 per cent of full-time intensity kept front of mind. Following a aspects such as the importance The long-awaited Government rather than 33 per cent intensity briefing of Labour MPs in 2010, of widening participation ‒ a Higher Education White Paper originally. This means that the Martin met with Tory backbench particular OU concern. Martin is is expected to appear this 40-credit threshold for eligibility MPs in January, while a briefing also due to highlight concerns at summer, at which point things for full financial support was for Lib Dem backbenchers is The Future of Higher Education should become clearer for revised to 30 credits ‒ the level also planned. BIS Select Committee. universities and students alike. of many OU modules. Focus has now shifted to the For the latest information Future fees and funding in OU Vice-Chancellor Martin broader range of issues that see the Four in Ten website Scotland, Wales and Northern Bean has been busy meeting could affect part-time students, (http://fourinten.org) and Ireland are also unclear, and ministers, MPs and Whitehall with Martin Bean presenting www.open.ac.uk/platform/ are likely to be affected by officials to ensure the impact of evidence to the Education Bill news-and-features/latest-fees- events in England and national change on part-time students is Committee in March, highlighting and-funding government elections.

4 Sesame 248 | Summer 2011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Award-winning partnership Part oftheteamcollectingawardincludingOU’s Professor Alan Tait (left) OU andUNISONjoinforces... OU celebratespartnershipthathasseenmorethan11,000 programmesmade established to increase Education Awards. of the Year atthe Widening ParticipationInitiative UNISON has been named T mainstream viewers and take remain educational but engage programming designedto evolved intoprime-time and, since the 1990s, have recorders werewidelyinuse the early hours when video new distance-learning OU. students enrolled with the provide visual teaching to available to watch them, to when students would be night lectures, transmitted OU/BBC in2009/2010alone. than 300m viewers tuning in to BBC partnership, with more produced as part of the OU and radio programmes have been 7,000 television and 4,000 in January 1971, more than BBC. Since that first broadcast University broadcast on the anniversary ofthefirstOpen Forty years withtheBBC mul Widening P he Open University and T Late night lectures moved to Late nightlecturesmovedto Broadcasts began with late A par This he partnership was timedia year saw the 40th tnership articpation Read thelatestOUnews atwww.open.ac.uk/platform T igher imes Higher between

An earlyOUlecturebeingfilmedataBBCstudio cuts hit the public services, cuts hitthepublic services, General Secretary, said: “As OU coursesandtraining. than 5,500peopletoaccess and has so far helped more among publicsectorworkers participation in education and guidance on the topics scenes providing expert advice mostly foundbehindthe and OlympicDreams. James May’s BigIdeas Robinson FixtheNHS?, Child ofourTime, Can Gerry Science, Seven Ages ofBritain, Bang GoestheTheory,Rough programmes suchasCoast, education to the masses, with Dave Prentis, UNISON Dave Prentis,UNISON T oday, OUacademicsare T o findout moreabout modules, gotowww.open.ac.uk/study S

camera ormicrophone. being featured in front of the production. expertise and high-quality way tocombineacademic with the BBC provides a unique said: “ the OU’s Open Media Unit, national federation ofunions. to winthathonourfromthe activities –thefirstuniversity union learnerengagement the Wales received aQuality Award from Open University in Wales has ac.uk/choose/unison ways tolearn:www.open. learning resources and different about funding, courses, free members to provide information has beendevelopedfor UNISON/OU website,which can be found on the new partnership and what it offers their potential.” thousands more staff reach continue thispartnershiptohelp than everandwehopeto training isneedednowmore www.open.ac.uk/openlearn to millionsofpeople.” online content brings education Andrew Law, Directorof On a similar theme, Information about the T he OU’s partnership T T UC for its trades V, radio and

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Just in... Continuing Continuing and not for the Centre of Sussex the University Autumn issue of Sesame of issue Autumn on p25 asof reported the in annual awards. Institute for I prestigious award at the (U101) received a OU. Oxford University and the including ‘degrees’ from and degreecertificates, variety of counterfeit exam Birmingham, offered a been jailedforthreeyears. and other certificates has selling fakeOpenUniversity who ran an online business A graphicdesignr ‘Fake’ degrees Institute of was of in the Director fact Stuart Mary Professor Correction learning pioneered by U101. achievements in online recognised the significant OU module OU Good design call 01908653003. [email protected] or Ceremonies centre at Qualifications and to contact the OU’s Credit, OU certificate are invited the authenticity of an else wanting to check Court lastyear. at BirminghamCrown of fourcountsfraud ummer 2011 |Sesame248 T David Fox,51,from mployers or anyone Employers oranyone T raining Services, raining Services, he award, for Innovation F ox was convicted E Design thinking Design E T ducation at ducation Update ducation, ducation,

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News

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Steven Primrose- a hop from southern Italy to Smith, 40, from the Isle Greece and, obviously, to each of Man, is combining his of the islands.” love for cycling and learning Steven hopes to meet with by pedalling 31,000 kilometres as many OU students as around Europe... while also possible along the way. He’s Best documentary tackling two degrees with encouraging OU students who A documentary produced The Open University. live in mainland Europe to by the OU for BBC FOUR, Steven, a former IT befriend him on Facebook or which focused on the reality technician, wants to email him via his www. of being sectioned, has been demonstrate that you can UniCycle50.com website. named ‘best documentary’ study and see the world at “My family think I’m mad at the MIND Mental Health the same time. His challenge, – but it’s something I have Media Awards. which will take around three always wanted to do.” Sectioned followed the years, started at the end of Steven is also cycling to lives of three men (who had Steven vists the OU en route March, and will see him raise money for charities The been detained under the studying a BSc in Mathematics proves more difficult than Blood Pressure Association, Mental Health Act) as they and a BSc in Physical Science I imagine then I don’t fall too Action for Animals and OUSET strove to leave the mental with the OU. far behind,” he said. (the Open University Students health system behind for Steven spoke to Sesame As well as working towards Educational Trust). good and regain control before he set off: “The gear two degrees, Steven aims to Steven is doing a regular of their lives. side of things is more or less visit 50 European capitals by blog about his epic journey www.open.ac.uk/ organised. More serious bike: “The only transport I on Platform – see how he openlearn/sectioned preparations involve trying to intend to use on the trip apart is getting on at www8.open. get ahead with my OU courses from my bike is an occasional ac.uk/platform/blogs/ so that if studying on the road ferry, to and from Scandinavia, the-unicyclist

AWARD Award for OpenLearn Use of social media impressed judges Japan Prize thinking and debate on political The OU, the BBC and Lion issues influencing our vote. We Television series Syrian also wanted to raise awareness School has won the of the courses the OU offers in prestigious Japan Prize 2010 this area, for those who want ‒ the second year in a row to pursue their interest.” it has been won by an OU/ 92 Rewind delivered regular BBC co-production. tweets on news headlines from The Japan Prize is an the 1992 election that occurred international educational at the same point in time in the programme contest aimed election cycle, reflecting on at improving the quality of similarities and differences. educational programmes Tweets were supplemented around the world and

The OU’s OpenLearn site provides free learning resources with short blog posts on the contributiung to the website, a podcast series, development and fostering of OpenLearn, The Open Election with the aim of driving short videos on YouTube international understanding University’s open educational traffic to political content and links to politics courses. and co-operation. resources portal, has won an available on OpenLearn. The judging panel said: Syrian School is a five-part E-Learning Award in the best Laura Dewis, Head of Online “We were impressed by the series portraying primary use of social media category, Commissioning, explained: completely open nature of and secondary pupils from for the 92 Rewind project. “We wanted to engage the OpenLearn’s project.” varying backgrounds. stock 92 Rewind was launched in public in learning about politics Visit OpenLearn at the run-up to the 2010 General and to encourage critical www.open.ac.uk/openlearn Photos: I

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 7 Update History of the OU

recollections History of the OU A new website from The Open University is looking for your recollections and contributions to help produce a fascinating account of the University’s development during the past four decades...

Since the first students who is heading the History of unpacked their course materials the OU project. “We can’t hope and switched on their televisions to have the full picture sitting in January 1971, nearly two here in an office in Walton Hall. million people have studied with The website will enable more The Open University. Now past voices to be heard. It breaks and present students are being out of that convention of the called on to help write the single authoritative voice. history of the OU. “We are looking for people A website www.open.ac. to give us their stories, uk/researchprojects/ memories and perspectives, historyofou has opened to via the website. We also want take contributions towards the people to comment on what most comprehensive and is already on the site, possibly ambitious account of the OU’s to challenge it. development so far. “We particularly want to “This is not going to be a hear people’s stories about conventional institutional the OU’s impact on them. It history,” says Dan Weinbren, might be personal, political, (0 intellectual, ideological... there’s a whole set of ways Collecting a diversity of archive. As well as bringing Voices from the OU past in which this institution has ‘Open University voices’ is only together sources which have Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper, the had a significant impact.” part of the mammoth project, not been positioned together OU’s Director of Publishing As well as the website, which will run until 2012. before, Dan is looking forward 1969‒1984 which will be a permanent Another major task facing to the website providing new “We had one short, very resource for future researchers, Dan and project manager and exciting material. small bookseller in Kent who Dan is writing a history of Rachel Garnham is mining In addition to written was an OU stockist, and he documents there is a wealth was in his shop one day and “We want to hear about the OU’s of audiovisual material going an enormous man came in back 40 years to the earliest and said ‘I’ve been looking impact on people ‒ whether personal, OU broadcasts. Reflecting the for you!’. The bookseller sort political, intellectual or ideological” OU’s position at the cutting of hid behind his bookshelf, edge of educational and the man said ‘I’ve been The Open University book the wealth of archive material technology, the project’s in my submarine for four which will draw on website about the OU. sources also include podcasts, years and you’ve sent me contributions and a multitude Key records relating to the vodcasts and microblogging. every book I’ve needed’. This of other sources. OU are scattered across Some would say the history man had been doing an OU It will not be a weighty different institutions: Michael project is long overdue – degree and had turned up to tome, though, he says. “It Young, credited with first considering how influential the meet the bookseller who was will be accessible, and address proposing an ‘open university’ OU has been in the world of busy getting all the books for academic debates, in a way back in 1962, left his papers to higher education, remarkably him. We had stories like this that makes it interesting to an Cambridge; while the papers of little has been written about its from the book trade all audience which wants to know Harold Wilson, who willed the history. Walter Perry, the first around the country.” where the OU is going, as well OU into existence, are at Vice-Chancellor, wrote a book as where we came from.” Oxford. The BBC has its own about the OU’s first 10 years

8 Sesame 248 | Summer 2011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study “Did You Know?Discuss Elessi. OU Orem modules dit aliquam at www.open.ac.uk/platform ad magniamcommy nonulput la feu facin ulpute mincin” Update History of the OU

biofuel in Britain; Jatropha plant research; an Ethanol biofuel factory in the USA; Brasil Ecodiesel; and a wood-powered biofuel power station in Scotland but there is little in print about Another first for the project of widening participation will events of the ’80s and beyond. will be to put the OU in a wider inform the debate.” Voices from the OU past But Dan argues that context, looking at the impact Contributions to the History Peter Piper, OU student distance lends perspective. it’s had on the world of higher of the OU website can be 1971‒77; AL in the Yorkshire “In some ways it is easier to education and adult education written, recorded or you can region from 1986 understand what was going on in general. upload a video – details are “...the wonderful thing then in in the past now, when the dust This is particularly timely on the site. Says Rachel: “We the early ’70s was the home has settled a little. At the time, because of the convulsions want to hear from you. As a experiment kit. A lorry would you’re really engaged with the higher education system national organisation we have appear at your door and a what you’re doing, but when is currently undergoing, says this great resource – people all fella would come out and say you look back on it, you see ‘I’ve got three big boxes for things differently. “In some ways it’s easier to understand you, and I mean three big “Another advantage of doing boxes’. In those boxes it was a history project now is we what was going on in the past now, like a laboratory. There were can draw on information we when the dust has settled” chemicals, equipment, wouldn’t have had access to Bunsen burners, absolutely before, such as Cabinet Office Rachel Garnham. “We are over the country. We want to everything. But this was the proceedings, which are living in interesting times. The reflect the tradition of not simply days before Health and protected under the 30-year Browne Review, higher fees, being a transmitter, we are Safety took over, so you rule. There have been lot of the reversal of the post-war encouraging people to learn could have all these things stories over the years about consensus – which has stood together. That’s an idea the – a bottle of concentrated who said what to whom in since the OU was formed – OU has long promoted.” acid, poisonous chemicals Cabinet – now more than 30 that higher education should For more information – you could do all these years later we are in a position be expanded. Looking at what visit www.open.ac.uk/ wonderful experiments.” to check them out.” impact the OU has had in terms researchprojects/historyofou

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 9 Update Letters We’ve got mail!

If you’d like your letter or email to Sesame to be considered for inclusion in the Letters pages, please email [email protected] or write to Sesame at The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters may be permanently available to read online at www.open.ac.uk/platform

a later phase of life and will no opening doors longer be able to do this. This I read with interest the recent letters page (Sesame, Winter 2010) seems to defeat the original much of which has a resonance with my academic life. After purposes for which the OU was leaving school with bad results in 1960 I did manage to study at created. Perhaps there will be night school on my way into being accepted for training for the some provision for those who priesthood. The necessary examinations were passed (DV) are older and on low incomes and that was the end of it all, I thought. who study for personal Ministry in the British Army brought interesting challenges, development reasons only? not least of which was one from a regimental training officer university fees Jo h n Sh e a r e r , v i a e m a i l to study for an OU degree. Travelling between Germany, UK, I have just read the Sesame Northern Ireland and Canada made the study interesting, Winter edition and was Rajay Naik, Head of to say the least, and there was great gladness when the BA especially impressed by the Government Relations, was awarded. I was and am grateful to the tutors and staff for letter from Pauline who at 65 responds: Thank you for your coping with my peripatetic lifestyle. has passed her first examination email, John. The OU Student Of course, one never stops studying really: after leaving with the OU. I am a little ahead Budget Account (OUSBA) the army and settling in Lincolnshire, a fellow priest was very of Pauline at age 69 and I would offers an alternative way to persuasive about a Masters Degree. A delight to graduate be lost in retirement without my spread the costs of your course again, and had it not been for The Open University I would never OU study programme. I am now for students not eligible for have attempted such a programme. Thinking that was the end concerned, however, as around government loans and hope of study, and especially as a move to the Isle of Wight (island life, 10 per cent of your students for confirmation of this in the with its joys and sorrows) followed and was settled into. will be, that the new loan White Paper. We don’t expect The bishop (an academic) felt, however, that more study was Government system will be to see an upper age limit for of the order of the day, though was a little surprised at my choice matched by a doubling or trebling government loans and hope for – a degree in Canon Law. Study such as this had been forbidden of fees and I, and many of my confirmation of this in the White by Henry VIII in England, but luckily the University of Wales do peers, will no longer be able to Paper. Students, however, things their own way. A mind-stretching course – but the delight afford to study with the OU. may not be eligible for a loan at attending St David’s Hall, Cardiff, to graduate as LLM (Master I am pleased for the young depending on their module, of Laws) having been there 16 years before for the OU graduation people who will benefit from whether they already hold a was huge. the new system but I am higher education qualification My thanks to the OU for opening the door to such study! concerned for the people and the intensity at which Fa t h e r Ma l c o l m , Wi n c h e s t e r like Pauline and I, who are they study. We intend for OU completing our education in modules to be cost-effective in

an intriguing read Thank you for the latest issue of Sesame ‒ I was particularly fascinated by the interview with Michelle the student skier and also the ‘cyber threats’ article. I was also wondering when you will be including the latest set of course results ‒ I may be wrong but I don’t think I have seen any for a while and I find them most interesting, as I know others do? El a i n e Ro b e r t s , v i a e m a i l

Scott Russon, Editor of Sesame, responds: Thank you for your email, Elaine, and your kind comments. In answer to your question, the module results are no longer published in Sesame but you can find the 2009 module results at the OU’s online community site, Platform. Just head to www.open.ac.uk/platform and look in the ‘News and features’ section. The 2010 results, which are expected to be available soon, will also be on Platform.

10 Sesame 248 | Summer 2011 To find out more about modules, go to www.open.ac.uk/study Got something to say? Email Sesame at [email protected] with ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the subject header Update Letters

the new funding environment I have recently retired but If you read this, Joanne, be taking a ‘business’ route, and ‒ just as our current offer look back with gratitude to the congratulations on achieving seems to be focusing more on presents good value for money OU for giving me the opportunity your ambitions, you certainly an attempt to capture school compared with undergraduate I never had when in my teens deserve it! And, thank you leavers rather than the traditional degrees offered elsewhere. We and twenties. It is tough doing so much for inspiring me to student demographics. I are currently focusing on the a responsible job and studying take that first step, too. recognise, though, that we are details of how the process of but I can commend it to today’s Su e Du n n , Br o m l e y living in tough economic times. transition will work and how undergraduates. I suggest An n e Ah e r n e , v i a e m a i l long the transitionary period keeping whatever your final goal OCTOBER Surprise will apply. We will, of course, is in mind, to help drive you on I read Julia Lewis’s letter in OCTOBER most welcome keep our staff, students and when times are hard. the Winter edition of Sesame With reference Julia Lewis’ supporters updated on progress. Da v e Re i d , Fi f e regarding the change in start letter, in which she queries date from February to October. whether the new October start THANKS I was surprised by Dr Brown’s dates are due to the influx of It was the late seventies when response that “the majority of younger students. I thought you I graduated with a BA (Hons) students prefer and perform and she may like to know why from The Open University. I was better on modules which run October starts appeal to one of the early students and from October to June”. someone who isn’t quite young. took six years to complete my Having spent the past number As a mother of three children degree, owing to new jobs, a of years taking courses that I find studying quite demanding new baby and house moves. start in February, I have found at the best of times, but during Following my degree, I was studying from October school holidays it becomes soon promoted to senior extremely difficult. With an almost impossible. Half terms, management in a large plc good neighbours October start both the mornings Christmas and Easter see me followed by further promotions I read the letter from Miss J E and evenings are dark and not staying up until ridiculous times and subsequent job changes. Luce (Sesame, Autumn 2010) having natural daylight to study of the night trying to complete At my graduation in Glasgow, with great interest. Some years has caused me great difficulty to TMAs whilst it’s quiet (why do in front of a suitably large ago I was Joanne’s neighbour the point of being demotivated. TMAs always seem to fall on throng, my young son sitting and she often helped me by In conversations with other half term week?), so the thought in the balcony close to the babysitting my young son. I students this was their opinion, of trying to study over the platform group managed to learned about studying with too. Like the majority of summer break brings me out in drop a programme which the OU through her, and applied students, I work full time and a cold sweat! I know that this is seemed to very slowly flutter to take my first course,Open the morning/evening was when the case for many mums who to the floor coming close to mathematics (MU120), in 1999. I studied. In the winter I had to are trying to study, some of hitting the somewhat sober Now 11 years on, I have pack my study into the few whom are also trying to juggle ‘celebrities’. A few of us recently taken my final exam hours of daylight at the a job and childcare. struggled to contain our mirth and if I pass I will achieve my weekends, which is not good. Sa r a h Wi c k s , at the irony of the situation! BA (Hons) in Humanities. I feel that the OU appears to No r t h Yo r k s h i r e

ordinary mortals study, too! I really admire the people (mostly women it hear from other people with stories more seems) who manage to get a degree in three similar to mine. years while bringing up children/moving house/ Ca r o l i n e Be a t t i e -Me r r i m a n , v i a e m a i l fighting court battles/having several jobs to name but a few examples. But could you also Scott Russon, Editor of Sesame, responds: feature some ordinary mortals (like me, for Thank you for you email, Caroline. As journalists example!) who simply couldn’t afford to take we at Sesame are naturally drawn to what appear that much time off family life, and who find that to be the richer stories ‒ so huge life challenges running several lives and doing an OU degree balanced with the commitment and succesful quite enough of a challenge? It’s just that while completion of studying just leaps out as a great

these people’s stories are inspirational, they are case study. That in no way should diminish all OU ck to also daunting. Over the years I have found, students’ efforts, whatever their circumstances.

mainly through the OU forums, that whatever The articles shouldn’t been seen as daunting ures/is t I’m wrestling with turns out to be something that because it is a hard slog for everyone and, as you others are wrestling with too, and I’d also like to state, the articles are intended to be inspirational. PHOTO:©rex fea

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011| Sesame 248 11 Update Television

damned if they do Child protection

A new hard-hitting documentary from the OU follows the activities of child protection social workers. Despite being uncomfortable viewing, academic consultant Dr Barry Cooper explains why it is a must watch...

everybody hates them if they don’t. The series, however, will also show what social workers routinely do well, and the high levels of skill and professional values involved. “When something goes wrong it is too easy for social workers to be cast as the villains even though in the most high-profile cases, like those of Victoria Climbié and Baby P, a range of agencies are involved, including the medical profession and the police.” The series is a “must watch”, he says, for anyone thinking of going into social work or interested in what social work does in children and families services. The series has been filmed in co-operation with Damned If They Do follows the work of child protection social workers during the course of a year Bristol City Council, the first large city council in England Few topics are more avoid the conclusion that, are being put into incredibly and Wales to have its services harrowing than child abuse. without an injection of difficult situations, probably too to keep children safe, and for And a new OU/BBC series resources into child protection, soon, because of the pressure children in care, judged to be following the day-to-day work of things may become worse still. of work,” he says. “It will show ‘good’, according to the latest child protection social workers, Because of the increasing the sheer complexities of independent inspection by pulls few punches. Damned If demands on social workers, intervening in family life and Ofsted, published at the end They Do is a follow-on to the thresholds for intervention trying to help the life chances of 2010. The TV film crew have Someone To Watch Over Me, are getting higher.” of children, which few people secured access to work with a powerful 2004 documentary Part of the purpose of the are aware of. Social workers families that the public normally series which revealed the series, he says, is to raise public have legal and professional never sees. They will follow a pressures on the system range of unfolding cases responsible for safeguarding “Social work’s difficult realities involving both children in need vulnerable children in inner-city and those subject to care Bristol. And it won’t make for are rarely conveyed in the proceedings. comfortable viewing, says Dr media outside of easy headlines” “A key part of this is we can Barry Cooper, series academic use material from the series consultant and a former child awareness of the profoundly obligations to investigate and in the new postgraduate and family social worker. complex dilemmas that provide help to families and programme on Professional “The pressures upon child surround interventions into protection for children where Practice (children and protection services are getting families where there are it’s needed. We don’t like our families) (K830). We will worse and the kind of absolutely concerns about neglect and cosy notions of ‘happy’ family be using real-life videos of ghastly cases that are high- abuse of children. Another part life to be challenged and so practice to which no one profile seem to be more is to throw light on what a tough social work’s difficult realities else has access.” common than when I was a job social workers have and are rarely conveyed in the Damned If They Do is social worker in the 1980s. why their role is so important media outside of easy scheduled to be broadcast “And at a time when there and needs to be supported. headlines where it appears as as three one-hour episodes are cuts to public services right “It will show how relatively though everyone hates them on BBC2 this autumn. across the board, it’s difficult to newly qualified social workers if they have intervened, and www.open.ac.uk/openlearn

12 Sesame 248245 | Summer 20112010 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study See more broadcast-related features at www.open.ac.uk/platform Update Television

TV round-up Documentary development Coming soon How Damned If They Do came to be produced...

The background to Damned If They Do is more than a decade of scrutiny and criticism of childcare social services following the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbié in the London borough of Haringey in 2000. A subsequent enquiry by Lord The Story of Laming highlighted the dangers Electricity (TBC) of excessive social worker case BBC Four loads, and introduced a more Electricity was once integrated multi-agency seen as a magical power – Lord Laming with the Victoria Climbié inquiry report approach and the first national one that could slay the living, database of children at risk. were low, which had the effect human error unlikely to be revive the dead and bend In 2004 the OU/BBC One of pushing case loads up. repeated elsewhere, providing the laws of nature. It is now documentary Someone To In 2007 after the death of local authorities adopted the the lifeblood of the modern Watch Over Me revealed Peter Connelly (Baby P), also recommendations of the world, fuelling our day-to-day that the pressures on child in Haringey, Lord Laming held a Climbié report. Damned If existence and underpinning protection social workers in second inquiry and concluded They Do will put Lord Laming’s every aspect of technological Bristol hadn’t abated following that the system was not conclusions to the test, as the advancement. Lord Laming’s report. Staff deficient. He said the death of series follows Bristol’s child Following on from his recruitment and retention levels baby Peter was the result of protection teams for a year. BAFTA-nominated series Chemistry: A Volatile History, Surrey University Professor made in britain Jim Al-Khalili tells the electrifying story of our Production prowess quest to master nature’s most mysterious force. New series looks at how Britain is still a manufacturing powerhouse...

computer chips and software, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, JCBs and jet engines. Evan explains that as we become more productive, manufacturing inevitably employs fewer people. And he shows where value is created in the modern economy: Towns sometimes in factories; BBC2 sometimes through the sale What gives a town its A locomotive outside the transport pavilion at the Festival Of Britain, 1951 of services; sometimes in the distinctive character? For years, both China in low-cost production, research and development of Coast presenter Nicholas optimists and pessimists in and haven’t attempted to, we ideas; and sometimes in ways Crane unravels the DNA Britain have shared a powerful can’t live without manufacturing. that combine all three. of four contrasting British myth – that we are no longer Manufacturing accounts Made In Britain marks the towns – Perth in Scotland, an industrial nation. But they’re for around 12 per cent of the anniversaries of the Empire Scarborough in North wrong, argues economist and modern economy – larger than Exhibition (1911), Great Yorkshire, Ludlow in ck

presenter Evan Davis. the financial services sector. Exhibition (1851) and the Shropshire (above) and to /is

Made In Britain is a new Productivity has doubled in the Festival of Britain (1951), Totnes in Devon – looking S series revealing how Britain past decade, and 2.5 million which each celebrated at the social, economic remains a manufacturing people work in manufacturing. Britain’s achievements as and natural forces that powerhouse – the seventh Half of our exports are the ‘workshop of the world’. have made them what biggest in the world. Although manufactured goods: not Made In Britain is due to be they are today.

we can’t afford to compete with just whisky and tweed, but broadcast this summer on BBC2 PHOTOs:©REX FEATURE

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 20112010 | Sesame 248245 13 Advertisement

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TRAV1104196 Sesame Prague.indd 1 21/4/11 16:40:57 Read more about BBC/OU co-productions at www.open.ac.uk/platform Interview Television

DVD The high life Originally created as part of the Level 3 undergraduate course Crime and justice (DD301), the DVD release of Opium: A Blessing and a Curse explores the uses and abuses of the drug...

and For Pain’ ‒ the painkilling crime and violence. Is it possible and pleasure-giving effects of to completely wipe out drug opium have been known and addiction? celebrated in ancient cultures In Afghanistan, poppy for millennia. With the invention growers are turning against of the hypodermic syringe NATO forces, as the farmers during the American Civil War, have no other way to feed opiates really came into their their families when their crops own as both powerful painkillers are destroyed. The War on on the battlefield and as drugs Drugs has also affected of abuse and addiction. access to legal opiates for In the west, prescription drug medicinal use. This has addicts often develop the same created a huge workload sly behaviour that is typically for medical staff and has left associated with ‘street junkies’ patients in unnecessary pain. in their quest for drugs. The consequences, however, can Opium: a blessing and be very different, depending on a curse is now available on the user’s race and class. DVD from www.amazon.co.uk Episode 2: ‘Traders and and www.ouw.co.uk as a Traffickers’ ‒ today it is three-part, 90-minute series Afghanistan that is synonymous with the War on Drugs and the War on Terror, but it hasn’t Module connection always been that way. A trade war with China in the mid-19th

A member of the Afghan Public Protection Force destroys opium poppies century made the British Empire the biggest drug traffickers Opium is a drug with two such as Afghanistan have led in the world. distinct sides. It causes violent to deadly clashes with local Nowadays, the major disputes, wars and crime, but growers. Yet nature has given producers and distributors Crime and justice can make life worth living for us no better form of pain relief, of opiates in Afghanistan sell those with terrible illnesses. and opiates are critical in the their drugs packaged, branded (DD301) Opium: a blessing and a curse treatment of cancer. But has and labelled with guarantees, Crime, disorder, and justice is a three-part series available fear of addiction led to patients mimicking the marketing of are pressing concerns across only on DVD, exploring the suffering unnecessary pain? legal forms of the drug. Yet the world. Fear of crime and two faces of this drug. Opium: a blessing and the legitimate companies proliferating global threats Before opium was a curse represents a new are in trouble themselves contribute to an increasing synthesised into heroin, medical approach to programme for aggressive marketing, sense of insecurity. Local use of the drug in China evolved making for the OU. Produced which left hundreds of people concerns such as street crime into recreational use in opium as part of the study material for addicted to the opiate-based are now accompanied by painkiller Oxycontin. 21st-century global concerns Afghanistan producers and distributors Episode 3: ‘The War on about human trafficking, Drugs’ ‒ the evidence from cyber-crime, terrorism and of opiates sell their drugs packaged, the streets around the world human rights violations. In is causing people to question DD301 you’ll explore crime

branded, and labelled with guarantees tion/istock the War on Drugs, started and justice in both global a dens, and poet Samuel Level 3 undergraduate module for political reasons by US and local contexts. Taylor Coleridge saw his Crime and justice (DD301), the President Richard Nixon. Some Call 0845 300 6090 or visit visions of Kubla Khan in content has been adapted for former narcotics officers are www.open.ac.uk/study © Press Associ s: a drug-induced dream. general TV viewers, working convinced that the crackdown for more details.

Recent attempts to destroy with an independent producer. has actually encouraged the Photo fields of poppies in countries Episode 1: ‘For Pleasure kind of networks that produce

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 15 MMW4574 OU Advert April 11.pdf 19/04/2011 14:35:10 Advertisement

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The latest information on new and exciting modules

New module Childcare qualification

A new post-qualification social work programme designed for practising childcare workers is piloting a radical study timeframe that offers increased flexibility...

Students on the Diploma in Advancing new Professional practice NEW Professional Practice (Children (children and families) (K830) module and Families). post-qualification social work “Over the past few years we’ve programme will be able to had partnerships with a range progress as fast or slowly as of sponsoring employers and they like, and choose when we’ve been asked to develop they submit tasks for flexible post-qualification assessment – as long as programmes. This is the first,” they complete everything said Barry. “Children and within a two-year period. families is the area with the Designed for practising greatest need, and the highest childcare workers, K830 priority for government.” is piloting a radically more He says that, following the flexible study timeframe. OU setting up of the Social Work social work lecturer Dr Barry Reform Board in 2010, there Cooper said: “It’s long been are a number of high-level recognised that just about social work reviews ongoing, everybody has different including a review of frontline problems trying to fit into the child protection. same timeframe, so we thought “Our programme will help ‘why not ditch the timeframe?’,” social workers respond to “It chimes with the key the professional developments messages coming out of the “We are giving the responsibility that are emerging from these Social Work Reform Board reviews. This is possible reviews, that professionals back to students to determine because much of the need be responsible for taking their own study patterns” programme is student and forward their own continuing practice-led.” professional development. We other welfare setting, and options which include The study material also are giving the responsibility leads to a qualification, the safeguarding, parenting, includes unique BBC footage back to students to determine Postgraduate Certificate in communication, professional of real-life child protection their own study patterns.” Professional Practice supervision, working with work (to find out more see p12). The 60-point module K830 (Children and Families). marginalised communities is designed for professionally The module covers the and an open option related Module connection qualified childcare workers whole range of social care to their own practice. Professional practice es r

with at least one year’s post- work involving children and A follow-on course, (children and families) u t qualifying experience. It is families. Forty out of the 60 Advancing professional practice (K830) registration closes suitable for anyone working with credits of study are made up (children and families) (K841) 8 September for an October children in a social work, health of options, with students will start in October 2012, start. For more information,

care, education, youth justice or selecting two from eight leading to a Postgraduate call +44 (0)845 300 6090 PHOTO:©Rex Fea

To find out more about modules, go to www.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 17 Study Upcoming New modules Whether you want to develop your career path, retrain or just broaden your horizons, the OU has more than 570 modules for you to try. Here are some of the latest available...

INSIDE MUSIC (A224) Principles of music Enhancing the creative thought process...

New Level 2 60-point “The song-writing strand module Inside music (A224) will consist of exercises in will focus on an understanding composition, culminating in the of the basic principles of music writing of a complete song with and the development of skills instrumental accompaniment. to put them into practice. “Students will draw on the Said Module Team Chair knowledge gained in the Robert Philip: “A224 will harmony and form strands include, as well as western art to create songs that use the music (‘classical’ music), the procedures that they have study of jazz and popular been taught,” added Robert. music, and examples of music A224 assumes some basic from across the world. music literacy – knowledge of “Another new feature is pitches, rhythms, staves, key creative song-writing. This signatures, etc. will be one of three main Module connection strands running through the Inside music (A224) starts course, the other two being in October 2011; registration Inside music (A224) delivers an understanding of the principles of music harmony and form. closes on 8 September.

DIGITAL AUDIO (T150) Understand digital recording Create and share digital tracks...

Digital audio has “Others may just want some revolutionised the way we background knowledge to capture and listen to recorded help in selecting home sounds – and Digital audio entertainment equipment, (T150) will develop your ability or want to know how to create and share digital professional recordings are audio tracks, whether you are made out of general interest. just starting out or want to “Digital audio (T150) is highly improve your existing skills. practical. Students learn to Who is it for? Adrian Poulton, make quality recordings and Module Team Chair, said: use an audio editor. There is “Hopefully a wide range of a lot of interactivity, with people. Anyone who is students being encouraged interested in recording to share their ideas with presentations, interviews, each other online.” music, and sharing it on Module connection the internet. T150 starts in October 2011; ck “There may be others who registration closes on to are interested in sound in 24 September. For amateur theatricals and more information call

PHOTOs:©is musical performances. +44(0) 845 300 60 90. Learn to make quality recordings and use an audio editor with Digital audio (T150)

18 Sesame 248 | Summer 2011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study “Did You Know?Read Elessi. about Orem new dit modules aliquam at ad www.open.ac.uk/platform magniamcommy nonulput la feu facin ulpute mincin” Study Upcoming

DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL PRACTICE (DB124) Openings modules On the money IT options Combine knowledge and experience... The very flexible BSc (Honours) Computing and IT degree course offers a variety of study pathways, giving you the opportunity to specialise in computing and IT. There are five specialist options for you to choose from depending on your personal interests or career goals: ICT, Global challenge software development, Are you interested in global solutions development, environmental issues, how vendor certification or humans are changing the work-based learning. planet and are now The degree opens the way This module builds on touch module gives students a responding to the difficult to establishing or developing existing professional learning, great route to get credits challenges this brings? If so, using a combination of the towards their Foundation then Environment: journeys knowledge and experience Degree in Financial Services. through a changing world gained while achieving your “It’s delivered wholly online (U116) is the module for you. professional qualification and and allows students to extend It shows how people are the academic skills and and build on knowledge they seeking positive solutions knowledge from the two OU gained in their pre-university to environmental challenges modules, You and your money: vocational study of finance locally, in the Arctic, Africa, personal finance in context ‒ by combining that the Amazon and China. (DB123) and Introduction to professional understanding U116 starts October 2011; financial services (BD131). with that gained on other registration closes 8 a career in a wide range of Ian Fribbance, Qualification Foundation Degree modules.” September. sectors fundamental to the Director for the Foundation Module connection way we live, work, socialise Degree in Financial Services, DB124 starts in August 2011; and play – from the economy, says: “This innovative light- registration closes on 16 July. government, health, education and the ‘Third MY DIGITAL LIFE (TU100) Sector’, to business, gaming and commerce. Online revolution Call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 for more information. The past, present and future of the internet... Changing society Ten years ago there Are you interested in people was no Facebook or Twitter, and how they live their lives? while 15 years ago broadband Good counsel Do you wonder about how access to the internet in your The huge expansion of society is changing, and how home was an unimaginable counselling during the your life connects with other luxury. Just 20 years ago you past 20 years reflects the people across the world? still had to buy your books, changing nature of society: Understanding society music and feature films from an increase in the number of (Y177) explores questions like a high street shop. people perceiving a need for these. You’ll learn about key The digital revolution might years of computers and the professional help to deal with social science concepts and still be relatively young, but it internet – and you’ll get their problems. find out how social scientists has arguably brought about the hands-on experience of This 12-week online course work – while developing your biggest change in our lifestyles designing, building and Introduction to counselling study skills for further study. in the past 200 years. programming the small, (D171) provides an accessible This Openings course Where did it all begin? How ubiquitous computers that will and interesting introduction gently introduces you to does it work? Where is it become increasingly common to the theory and practice OU study – ideal if you’re a going? These are just some during the next decade. of counselling. beginner or returning to study. of the questions answered Module connection D171 starts October 2011; Call +44(0) 845 300 60 90 ck in My digital life (TU100). TU100 starts in October 2011; registration closes 7 October. for more information. to My digital life is your registration closes on

introduction to the next 20 8 September. PHOTOs:©is

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OpenUniversityApril.indd 1 7/4/11 14:59:43 “Did You Know?Read Elessi. about Orem new dit modules aliquam at ad www.open.ac.uk/platform magniamcommy nonulput la feu facin ulpute mincin” Study Psychology

new module Matters of the mind

The OU’s Dr Nicola Brace explains why the University’s range of psychology courses, including the new Discovering psychology (DSE141), are proving to be a huge hit with students young and old...

The OU’s first-ever a sense of ‘Oh, I’ve done this Psychology module at Level 1 before’. The way we’ve done NEW proved a smash hit with it is to focus on the ‘classical module students, attracting 3,400 studies’ – these are key studies to the first presentation in in psychology that students may November 2010, compared well have come across, but we with predicted figures of 2,000. put them in a broader context, Dr Nicola Brace, Chair of and look at the methods used Discovering psychology by the researchers, the (DSE141), said the changing particular issues they raise, student body prompted the and how future work has built Social Sciences faculty to on the original study.” break from the OU tradition As a way to introduce the of offering very broadly based breadth of the subject, the Level 1 courses, which act studies are considered in as an introduction to all the relation to one of three faculty’s sub-disciplines. questions fundamental to “With the higher proportion psychology: why do we harm of younger students, and the others? How do others increasing popularity of A level influence who we are and psychology, there are more what we do? And how do young students coming in we investigate psychological wanting to do psychology, and processes that cannot be do it from Level 1,” she said. directly observed, such as “Numbers taking our Level 2 memory or language? Psychology is unique in that it spans science and social science psychology modules have risen As Discovering Psychology from around 4,000 to 5,000 is only a 30-credit Level to teach or strengthen student something else, said Nicola. during the past three to four One course, the faculty study skills. For example, we “We cover basic study skills years. And we have been recommends students combine have activities that focus on that suit any student moving attracting a very high proportion it with either Introducing the observation or correlation on to Level 2. Discovering of new students – about social sciences ‒ part one that look at study skills such as psychology is a Level 1 option one-third of the intake. Also our (DD131), which ideally should referencing, or are specifically for many other awards. designed to support students’ “Psychology is unique in that Discovering psychology has been own TMA work.” it spans science and social Some students will use science, draws on the methods designed to cater for those with no Discovering psychology as of both those areas and gives previous knowledge of the subject a starting point for the Open students a clear understanding University’s Psychology degree of what we mean by evidence, Openings module in psychology be studied first, or Introducing (B07), which is a qualification and the use of quantitative and (Starting with psychology Y163) health sciences: a case study recognised by the British qualitative data. has been very successful.” approach (SDK125), which Psychological Society and a “A knowledge of psychology To take account of this, students can take before, stepping stone to a psychology- is relevant to so many careers Discovering psychology has after or alongside DSE141. related career. Discovering – health, human resources, been designed to cater for The printed text for psychology is not, however, teaching, social care and police those with no previous Discovering psychology a compulsory course in the work, to name a few.” knowledge of the subject and constitutes less than half the qualification, Nicola stressed. Module connection also those coming in from an study material, said Nicola, Other students will use it to Discovering psychology Openings or A level background. the remainder is all online. explore the subject and find (DSE141) registration closes

“We’ve tried to take a “We have drawn on structured out if they want to take it further. 13 October for a November ck complementary approach so content to create interactive The course also provides a start. For more information, call to those students who’ve done materials, to extend issues that good foundation for those who +44 (0)845 300 6090 or visit

A level or Openings won’t have are raised in the course book or want to go on to study www.open.ac.uk/study PHOTOs:©is

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Everything to do with you, from inspirational stories to fascinating interviews Career woman

In 2009, Deborah Regal was named in Management Today as one of the UK’s Top 35 under-35 women. She believes studying with the OU has helped her have the confidence to continue to learn and succeed...

“Throughout my degree, I promoting voluntary work as a worked part time, often turning means to gaining experience. up to lectures in my uniform “Voluntary work is really from the shop where I worked. important to me. I believe I also took on evening work at that whatever abilities I have one of the banks, preparing I should use them to benefit bond market research. I often society. I feel morally obligated worked until 2am or 3am.” to do something to help people, It’s perhaps no surprise that whatever it might be.” Deborah’s hard work paid off Her voluntary work to date and she excelled, working for has been wide-ranging: “I read a decade in the financial to primary school children in markets with Bloomberg and my lunch hour; I taught law to JP Morgan, which led to her young people in a local sports prestigious award. club; I wrote about the need “I was over the moon when to provide legal access to

Deborah Regal my dad opened The Sunday those who can least afford it; Times the weekend before the I became a custody visitor in my appearance in Management local borough visiting detainees Deborah Regal is an went back to the drawing board Today, and there I was!” post-arrest to ensure their OU student and successful and chose a 10-point course to But Deborah doesn’t put rights were not violated; businesswoman – named in regain my confidence. her success or career choices I became a trustee of a Management Today as one “I have continued to study down to good careers advice charitable theatre production of the UK’s Top 35 under-35 throughout the births of both at school. “I was asked what company; and I directed MPs women in 2009. She is, clearly, my sons. I have taken the I wanted to do, but I think the towards the free legal services not afraid of hard work and books with me abroad and, like more pertinent question is what available to support the less that’s perhaps why she got everyone else, I try my best to I wanted to do first. Careers well-off facing difficulties.” on so well as an OU student. get assignments in on time can develop during a lifetime, Deborah was also appointed “I have embraced every but I don’t always manage it.” although some people have a Independent Member of the opportunity the OU has to offer, Deborah gained a degree very clear view about what they Metropolitan Police Authority, want to do. In my view, it would chaired by Boris Johnson, in “It’s feasible to have more than have been more helpful to have 2008, and was named by the one career in mind... careers huge encouragement to take Attorney General as ‘Pro-Bono a risk, and to prioritise my Hero’ in 2008 for her legal tock s can develop during a lifetime” dreams. It’s feasible to have charity services work. i more than one career in mind. She says: “I believe the OU dipping into arts and science at City University Business “Part of living is experimenting: helped me so much to have eter Searle/

courses,” says Deborah. “I School, London, and dips in it’s okay to try out different faith and confidence to keep P plunged into study with a Level 3 and out of OU study to update things. Importantly, I believe learning, to give things a go © course, and quickly sank. I then her skills and widen horizons. careers advisers should be and to invest in myself.” photo:

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer2011 | Sesame 248 23 Advertisement

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15438 OU Legacy gift FP.indd 1 6/7/10 11:22:49 People Platform

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Platform is the website OU, Christine Thomas, talked for the OU community online. about how reducing food waste First launched in December could make a massive 2008, the site was revamped in difference to the environment February this year, offering and to your pocket. more community tools such as a noticeboard, comprehensive OU news events calendar, groups, polls, The impact of the Higher online events and forums. Education Review on the That’s on top of OU news, module fees charged by the OU subject-themed news, features, continues to be of interest to blog posts, careers and study the OU community. Platform support, plus a dedicated group includes regular updates on for alumni and an exclusive the funding situation and loans members’ area highlighting the for part-time students, while discounts and offers available also answering user queries to students and alumni. where possible, and now has The site also pulls in content an area dedicated to fees and from other areas of The Open funding FAQs. On p32 you can University – OpenLearn, the read more about how the OU OU podcast site and Open is considering what options Research Online – and you and course of action it can can share content via Twitter, take in order to maintain the Facebook and other social open access policy that has media networks... so bookmark been its core mission since it, rate it, tag it, email it to being established in 1969. a friend, and comment... Platform also hosts the latest OU course results, with 2010’s coming soon. And you can read Your subject Connect with other OU students and alumni easily with Platform Research conducted prior to people stories – watch a video the relaunch of Platform There is also the option to talked about the tsunami interview with OU graduate and showed clearly that you wanted create polls, debate forum topics, warning for the Pacific basin actress Romola Garai, find out to see subject-specific content. highlight events and invite friends after the earthquake; and OU which footballer scored a first As a result, we have acted to join the discussion. graduate Mark Wood shared class law degree and check in so that you now have the option his knowledge as a disaster on other sporting stars who’ve to read, see and hear much Current affairs telecommunications expert on studied with the OU. more material that is relevant to Platform follows the headlines mass-scale notification. the module you are studying or closely and presents an OU To tie in with March’s National Blogs have studied, or is just simply take on national and Climate Week, Stephen Potter, Read posts from Platform’s an area of interest. international issues. So when Professor of Transport Strategy three regular bloggers… The ‘Your Subject’ section tragedy struck Japan on March at the OU, explained why There’s student blogger is where you’ll find the broad 11 in the form of the country’s adapting your transport habits Carrie Walton who’ll update you range of academic interest biggest earthquake on record, to aid the environment really on many things, such as TMA areas – Arts and Humanities, Professor Mike Fitzpatrick, isn’t that difficult; Mathematics, versus exam weighting, the for example. In each group we whose research is in nuclear Computing & Technology highs and lows of studying, collate items such as news and structural materials and Lecturer in Technology joining a student protest, OUSA, features, relevant OU podcasts, residual stress analysis, Management Malcolm Fowles and how she has no intention of study units from OpenLearn, spoke to Platform about the offered advice on how to save giving up on OU study – even ck relevant OU research and also emergency situation at the energy in your work and home when she graduates. to link externally to complementary Fukushima nuclear power plant. offices; and Senior Research “I dropped out of school at 17, material from newspapers, Dr Dave Rothery, of the Volcano Fellow in Mathematics, half-way through my A levels,

PHOTOs:©is journals and credible websites. Dynamics Group at the OU, Computing & Technology at the and got a job. I’ve worked full

26 Sesame 245248 | Summer 20102011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.co.uk/study Chat with members of the OU community at www.open.ac.uk/platform People Fundraising

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can contribute news, ideas, and PHOTOs:©is

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Three issues ad.USE THIS.indd 1 18/11/2010 13:21 Discover more academic insight at www.open.ac.uk/platform People Opinion The family business Dr Marylyn Carrigan, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, discusses the realities of women entrepreneurs trying to balance their work and family commitments...

Popular literature Existing academic research constantly urges women to try into female entrepreneurship, out entrepreneurship as a however, tells us that the picture means of managing their is not always so rosy. Instead, work/life balance and getting research reveals contradictory out of the corporate rat race. experiences of what self- The idea of being a employment means for women. ‘mompreneur’ is often The ‘liberation perspective’ presented as an attractive presents self-employment as an solution to the difficulties of ideal work option: women gain combining motherhood and freedom and control and can work. Images of women working take charge of what they do and on their laptop as the children when they do it. This not only play peacefully nearby regularly brings financial rewards but Juggling the demands of family and work is a constant nightmare for any parent appear in the popular press. leads to greater fulfilment than is often available from more The study also highlighted school play. A note of caution, traditional employment. The that female entrepreneurs work however, should be raised. Module connection other side of the coin is the very long hours: answering email While the autonomy of ‘marginalisation perspective’ in their pyjamas before the kids self-employment does bring which highlights how self- wake up; managing the school with it freedom and control over employment can be an isolating, run; while meals, cleaning, and one’s life, it is also clear that unstable, and low-paying form after-school clubs, as well as flexibility is a mixed blessing of work that provides no ‘quality time’ with the children, for many women as it appears pension. By removing women are all fitted around heavy work they inevitably find themselves Investigating from the centre of corporate demands. Once the kids are in taking on greater responsibility power, self-employment bed, many return to their desk to for childcare and domestic entrepreneurial marginalises women as well opportunities (B322) as reinforces their domestic “Being a ‘mompreneur’ is often seen as responsibilities in the home. This module addresses the During a recent study we an attractive solution to the difficulties crucial first steps related to interviewed women who have of combining motherhood and work” developing new business set up their own business, many ideas, implementing of them working from their carry on where they left off chores. Working for yourself innovations and launching homes. Juggling the demands earlier in the day. can also bring greater job new ventures. It will develop of family and work is a constant Despite working these insecurity, lack of pension and business-planning capabilities, nightmare for any parent. How ‘second shifts’, nearly all the low wages – all of which can skills and understanding, do you cope with school women reported feeling happier, take their toll on well-being including market and holidays? A sick child or elderly more fulfilled and motivated to and quality of life. competitor research, and the relative? Time off to see the work than they had been in their Despite the financial and use of important financial school play? These are all previous jobs. This was partly emotional risks involved, though,

concepts such cash flow. familiar scenarios for women explained by the fact that they it would appear the freedom that ck to who today face intensifying were now able to call the shots comes from taking control of

Registration closes 13 Oct. es/is r

pressure to be both ‘good about when and how they your working hours has the u For more information call t mothers’ raising well-balanced worked without having to justify potential to deliver significant 0845 300 6090 or visit children, and ‘good employees’ their fragmented work patterns well-being and family benefits www.open.ac.uk/study who contribute to the economic to a grudging employer, or feel for those mompreneurs who

well-being of society. guilty about taking time out for a reinvent their working lives. PHOTO:©Rex Fea

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 29 People Interview

Anthony Frost

30 Sesame 248 | Summer 2011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Watch video interviews with well-known people at www.open.ac.uk/platform People Interview

Interview Living colour

Anthony Frost, became an OU honorary graduate for his services to art, has had an illustrious career, which has included working with schools and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Sesame met him at his studio in Cornwall to find out more about the man behind the art...

Abstract artist Anthony he noticed a strange letting sail company on the floor of generation with Frost’s son Frost attended Cardiff School go in my work after my father a local church hall. Luke now working as an artist. of Art. In 1990, he was a prize died a few years ago. Why “I’ve known Mark E Smith “He’s a minimalist, so you’re winner in the South West would I paint one shape when [the lead singer of The Fall] lucky if you get three colours Open exhibition, and was he’s alive and then another for 30-plus years. He used to out of him... and if you want also commissioned to produce after he died?” come down to Penzance for four, you’ll have to pay extra!” the cover for The Fall’s album Frost says the inspiration for his holidays and it’s always Since becoming an OU Extricate, as well as the stage his paintings comes from the been interesting. honorary graduate, Frost says backdrop for their world tour. materials themselves and the “I first wrote a letter to him he has put it to good use. In 2000, the Eden Project colours he sees in everyday life. when I heard their first album “It is fantastic because commissioned Anthony to “I’m constantly looking at Live at the Witch Trials on when I picked up my degree, produce a spectacular planting colour. It could be the bleached- John Peel’s show. I heard it and I said, ‘I am a Master of the design for the Fodder Crops out boats in St Ives with colour thought ‘bloody hell what’s this?’ Universe... ity! exhibit ‒ a living, growing peeling through colour. Or it I thought it was awful at first, “When the BBC said they painting. In 2009 he received could be in Marks & Spencer. but listened to it six times and would axe Radio Six Music, his honorary degree (Master I remember years ago you grew to love it.” I wrote a letter saying ‘as a of the University) from The would get these three packs Though having a close affinity Master of The Open University Open University at Plymouth of briefs and you would get with music, he describes himself ...’ I think that worked, because for Services to the Arts... these fantastic colours: jade as a “frustrated rock star”. just this week I’ve heard that green and cobalt blue.” “I had The Fall in my car they are saving the station.” Anthony’s studio in Penzance, Almost inseparable from once and I had the original Cornwall, is the combination his painting is music: in fact drummer Karl Burns in the Module connection of order and chaos you would a recent collection was called front smoking a fag and I was hope it to be. Huge vibrant The Sound of Colour. thinking to myself, ‘where are canvasses adorn the walls Many of his paintings are you going to put that out?’. That of the vast airy space, CDs named after favourite bands was when I realised I wasn’t are neatly piled on desks, and or songs. Boards of Canada very rock and roll at all.” dozens of bright pots sit on a is named after the Scottish Frost was born in St Ives, paint-spattered table. electronica duo; Green Mind Cornwall in 1951, the son of Bizarrely, there are more than after the albums by US the renowned abstract artist Making sense half a dozen tape-players and alternative rock band Dinosaur Sir Terry Frost. of the arts (Y180) digital radios, all set up with Junior, and Neon Neon, after The family of eight lived in a timers to record Anthony’s an off-shoot of the Welsh indie small house at Quay Street in This Openings course gently the town, playing on the beach introduces you to OU study “He’s a minimalist, so you’re lucky if and nearby rooftops. and introduces some of the Frost senior was one of key ideas and ways of you get three colours out of him… and a number of artists who lived thinking involved in studying if you want four, you have to pay extra” in the town, including Stanley the arts and humanities. You Dorfman, Ben Nicholson, will explore poetry, history favourite indie music shows band Super Furry Animals. Patrick Heron and Peter and art – at the same time as on Radio Six Music. And to However, his strongest Lanyon. Having moved away developing a range of study cap it all is a magical view of connection is with the late from Cornwall for a number of skills. No previous experience St Michael’s Mount. Radio 1 DJ John Peel’s years, Frost returned with his of studying is required; just “I don’t want my work to look favourite band The Fall. wife Linda some 30 years ago. that you’re interested in some like anything,” said Anthony. “I Frost has designed covers “Water is extremely aspect of the arts. want it to be completely abstract of two albums by the band: important,” he added. “We Registration closes and the shapes just happen. Imperial Wax Solvent and are surrounded by water here, 15 August. Call 0845 300 “I never know which way the Extricate. He even painted which is fantastic.” 6090 or visit www.open.ac. paints are going to go. The poet a backdrop for a tour using The artistic gene has since uk/study Simon Armitage told me that fabric supplied by a Cornish been passed to the next

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 31 People Disabled students The Open University Access Bus

disabled students A driving force for success

The Open University supports more disabled students than any other UK or European university. Find out how we do it, why it makes a difference and how you can help...

THE OU ACCESS BUS to the person, so an Many OU students have assessment can be multiple disabilities and conducted in the comfort of a assessing their individual student’s own home, or at a learning needs is essential convenient location nearby. if they are to benefit fully It also functions as a mobile from their studies. But training facility, so that some disabilities make it students can learn how to difficult, impractical or simply use the assistive technology impossible for people to travel appropriate to their needs. for an assessment, which “We are extremely proud of could make the difference our OU Access Bus,” says between deciding to take Malcolm Dixon, DSS Access up study or not. Centre manager. “Since being A mobile assessment built in 2002 it’s provided vehicle known as the superb service. The rising OU Access Bus has been costs of maintaining this travelling round the UK during specialist vehicle, however, the past five years. The has led to the decision to Access Bus demonstrates build its replacement. that, with the right tools and “We are now seeking support, disabled people can donations (see boxout, right) access higher education as in order to purchase and equip successfully as anyone else. a new Access Bus to continue The OU currently supports more than 12,000 disabled students The bus is equipped with to build on the positive work a wide range of assistive we have achieved during the Disability is no obstacle aspects of studying with the technology that students past nine years.” to academic success. The OU, including special can sample, with support For more information Open University offers a wide equipment, study resources from Access Centre staff about educational needs range of services enabling and assistance at day and who are trained to assess assessment, see www.open. disabled students to study residential schools. what an individual needs in ac.uk/access-centre on an equal footing. “We provide many of our order to study successfully. For more about services Thanks to its flexible learning materials in a range The bus takes the for Disabled Students, go to supported open learning of formats that meet the assessment facilities directly www.open.ac.uk/disability system, the OU has more majority of our students’ needs,” disabled students than any says Christina Anderson, other UK or European DSS Manager, Policy Planning university – currently more and Research. than 12,000 OU students have “Many disabled students declared one or more disability. require assistance, either These range from mobility, human or technological, to sight and hearing impairments help them study effectively. to mental health and learning “We make available a wide difficulties and health range of assistive technology, conditions such as heart such as specialist software disease, diabetes, HIV which can read text from a and chronic fatigue or pain. computer screen and provide Helping to ensure that the it in an audio format, CCTV to ck OU is open to them all is the magnify text and specialist to specialist Disabled Student ergonomic hardware and Services (DSS) team. It offers furniture to make study The Open University’s Access Bus has so far helped to assess more

PHOTOs:©is advice and support on all materials accessible.” than 700 people using more than 80 pieces of specialist equipment

32 Sesame 245248 | Summer 20102011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.co.uk/study Have your say on this issue at www.open.ac.uk/platform People Disabled students

my story I was an amputee. Little did resulted in me receiving a Can you I realise that by ticking one reserved car parking space box an OU machine would in their private car park; a help now? click into action. reserved seat in the classroom Shortly after, I was sent an that took into account my OU handbook “Meeting Your hearing problem, and a chair Needs” which was easy to read with arms on it so I could sit and very comprehensive and and stand more easily. included a comprehensive form The day of the induction to fill in. I filled it in and sent it arrived and so did I, that is at the back in a prepaid envelope. OU private car park. I pressed A few days later I had a the buzzer and told the security telephone call at home from guard my name, explaining I was an OU assessor. She asked attending an induction course. me if she could go through He was expecting me. my replies on the form to get Then out of the car and a greater understanding of through the back door to We need continued my needs. This process didn’t reception where the staff had support to keep fantastic take very long and it was a already been made aware of initiatives like the OU very positive and constructive my arrival and I was given the Access Bus in operation. discussion. The lady was going guided tour. If I had any Any financial gift, large or to set the wheels in motion to problems I was just to ask. To small, donated by you will make sure anything I needed my surprise, though, I was not make a huge difference to would be assessed and the only person who had been The Open University’s OU student Steve provided at little or no cost to me. given the red-carpet treatment. work with disabled students. McNeice (above) on his What could I say but “thank you The OU has lots of students And donations received OU experience so far... and we would talk again soon!” with individual needs, whether by Friday 29 July will go Within the week, the OU’s physical or mental, and they will even further thanks to a As an amputee at an Head Office was back on do as much or as little as makes Government Matched Amputee Support Group the telephone to make an you feel comfortable ‒ except Funding Scheme. This Christmas bash some years appointment for one of their for your studying of course! The combined with Gift Aid ago, I was sat there assessors to visit me at home day went extremely well. means that a £10 donation contemplating the soup or the to ensure that the University Shortly after, my assessment from a UK taxpayer is worth paté or was it the salmon or provided me with any help day arrived and so did the lady almost £17 to the OU. the turkey? Whatever it was, that I may need in order to from the OU. She assessed me “With more than 40 years’ it doesn’t matter now but complete my course. and apparently there is no cure! experience in making higher somehow we started chatting Shortly afterwards, the OU Only joking. Again, the whole education available to all, about college and study when invited me to an induction day experience was painless and the OU is perfectly placed to I dropped into the conversation at the regional OU centre so positive, and although I didn’t support the students that you that I was about to start a that they could chat to me about need too much the OU made will assist. Donations from degree with the OU. alumni and friends can make When the other amputees “The OU will do as much or as little all the difference to someone managed to pick themselves else’s life,” says Roz Allison, up off the floor and put their as makes you feel comfortable Head of Alumni Relations. limbs back on (ha ha ha!), ‒ except for your studying of course!” If you would like to donate somebody said: “you’re to The Open University so brave!” and I asked: “why?”. It the OU, what it is like being sure they had spent the time that we can make the most appeared that the perception an OU student, along with and effort to see what they of the Government Matched was, if you did any study by a couple of workshops on could do for me. If my Funding Scheme before it correspondence it would be reading, note taking and circumstances changed, the ends, please complete the very difficult because you would essay writing. door was left open and only donation form on the letter be on your own, struggling The OU machine once again a phone call away to have a that accompanied this through the materials, notes, kicked in, and a couple of days further assessment. magazine, visit our revising, forcing yourself to later a lady from the regional I would say to anyone website www.open.ac.uk/ tutorials and/or exams. The centre telephoned me to thank considering studying just go fundraising or email us reality is completely different. me for agreeing to come to the for it. You learn something; you at [email protected] On the enrolment form it induction and to go through any meet new people and make Alternatively, please call asked me if I had any special special requirements that I may new friends, and most of the The Development Office requirements. After considering or may not have. She was fully time it is enjoyable. It can also on +44 (0)1908 655044 alcohol, cakes and chocolate, aware of my condition and was give you something to focus before 29 July 2011. I ticked the box because I not afraid to talk about it, which on for the future as well as thought they may need to know is always a real positive. This a sense of achievement.

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.co.uk/study Summer 20112010 | Sesame 248245 33 People Interview

graduate story To BSc or not to BSc

Actor Stephen McGann studied computing with the OU to fulfil a long-held ambition. Since then, he has received a British Computing Society award and developed a second career as a corporate trainer...

back into education. The Open that is of use to them was way University allows you to come apart from the things I had back in a way which is more covered before. practical and forward-looking, “My brain is now wired and use some of the skills differently. My wife said to me, you’ve gained in your life, after about a year of the course: rather than feeling like you’ve ‘You’re thinking differently’. got to go back over old ground She’s an established before you can go forward. screenwriter and so she’s “I began my degree in the good at studying personality dining room: that was my study and character. area and my family, bless them, “I said: ‘What do you mean?’ allowed me this space. I think She said: ‘You argue – meaning my son was seven years old discuss – in a different way. when I started. You approach problems in a “I used to share the dining different way. You deconstruct room with his pet hamster Basil, issues in the newspaper in and the noise of Basil on his a slightly different way. It’s wheel helped me get through been very, very interesting the first two years of my for me to watch.’” computing degree before poor Stephen received his BSc Basil passed away. Honours in Computing in 2009. “In fact, I think I suffered in years 3 and 4 for want of the wheel. Seriously, the need for Module connection the whole family to be involved Actor and award-winning former OU student Stephen McGann in the commitment you’ve made is absolute. That’s why when Actor Stephen McGann me and a lot of other people in I graduated, to be able to bring has starred in musicals, and my business, it’s the only way my whole family down to say written and produced an you can study. On a deeper ‘look, see what it was all for,’ award-winning drama The level, the OU was something was really important. My digital life (TU160) Hanging Gale, as well as that had been with me since “Since I began my degree, playing Sean Reynolds in I was a child: it used to appear I’m doing something I would While you’re learning about ITV’s Emmerdale. Few people, in a strange mist on the TV and never have been able to do tomorrow’s technology why before. I provide corporate not help build it? My digital “The noise of Basil on his hamster training for the banking and life takes you on a journey capital market sectors. I saw from the origins of information wheel helped me get through the first an opening and I went for it, technology through to the two years of my computing degree” and I’ve worked overseas familiar computers of today, with some very august and on to tomorrow’s radical though, know he’s an Open it has always been associated institutions, providing soft skill technologies. You’ll get University Computing graduate for me with opportunity. services like communication hands-on experience of who in 2010 won an award from “You mustn’t underestimate and team building. designing, building and the British Computing Society. the power of the openness “Some of them pull upon programming small, ck Here he talks to Sesame about of The Open University. I had skills I gained in the arts, but ubiquitous computers. to studying with the OU... flunked my A Levels years a lot of them need skills that Registration closes es/is r

u ago, whilst I was becoming I gained through my science 8 September. For t “Why did I choose to study an actor. Of course, I was then degree. I’ve been a performer more information, with the OU? First of all, it was lucky enough to go on and be all my life so I could get up on call 0845 300 6090 or visit the right fit. I travel with my successful but, I guess like my feet and speak, but to deliver www.open.ac.uk/study

34 Sesame 245248 | Summer 20102011 To find out more about courses, go towww.open.ac.uk/study “Did You Know?Read Elessi. about Orem new dit modules aliquam at ad www.open.ac.uk/platform magniamcommy nonulput la feu facin ulpute mincin” People Opinion A cut and dry issue? People are judged by the way they look. But what does your hair say about your position in society? Research Associate Caroline Holland investigates…

“There has been and hairdressing seemed to something of a revival of symbolise very neatly many academic interest in what it of the dilemmas of ageing means to be living in an ageing in contemporary society.” body,” said Caroline Holland, Caroline is conducting a research academic in the some research around how OU’s Faculty of Health & Social hair can affect people’s Care. “Relatively little serious perceptions of you in old age. attention has been paid to “We became interested ageing hair and, indeed, it in greying hair as a result of might seem a trivial interest some work we did a couple given many other pressing of years ago on ‘everyday’ age issues about ageing discrimination (Research on populations. But the more we Age Discrimination: RoAD) thought about it, the more hair – those subtle or not so subtle OU research is looking at how your hair may influence the way you are treated slights that people often experience just because change over time. So hair In their journal article If I look Module connection they’re clearly a bit older. There styling and maintenance comes old, I will be treated old: hair was discussion about what to be associated with and later-life image dilemmas, some people identified as the belonging, vitality, and Caroline and her colleague ‘pensioner’s hairdo’ – short, desirability; for example, Richard Ward, of Manchester white, tight curls – and what this see the attractive girl flick University, discuss some of the said about images of the older her long smooth hair in the responses to a pervasive social woman, the realities of ageing shampoo commercial.” dislike of the look of age An introduction to bodies, and the kinds of More so in modern society, compared with the look of consumer products aimed at people attempt to hide the youth. To dye or not to dye health and social people in later life. care (K101) “Whether we like it or not, hair “Whether we like it or not, hair (or lack of it) says something We all depend on care about our position in society. In (or lack of it) says something services at some time in our all cultures people have used about our position in society” lives – at home; in hospitals; hairstyling, or in some cases in GP surgeries; in community covering hair, to make a effects of old age or actively – and if you do, when to stop? and residential settings. This statement. In Britain young try to make themselves Is there a time when shorter ck to key introductory Level 1 people in particular have appear younger – some hair looks better/is more module provides an used hairstyles to show their successfully, others not. age-appropriate? How does an mages/is I n

authoritative overview with allegiance to a group, style or “At some point the first few older woman navigate between o i t

real-life case studies, taking movement – crew cuts, bobs, grey hairs begin to appear, and looking frumpy and looking like cia o

you deep into the experience beehives, afros, dreadlocks, as they increase in number so ‘mutton dressed as lamb’? ss A of receiving care and mullets, to name but a few. does the reality of bodily ageing. “In later life, many women working in care services. “Adults working in certain Men as well as women are cannot manage their hair Registration closes businesses and professions affected by this, and some men without some help, and this are expected to conform to have the added challenge of becomes very important when

18 September. Call n Birdsall/Press

particular standards of styling receding hair, but by far the most ‘wild’ or dirty hair might be oh 0845 300 6090 or visit and grooming. Some styles are comment in the media and taken as a sign of inability to www.open.ac.uk/study considered ‘sexier’ than others product advertising is aimed cope or the onset of senility,”

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer2011 | Sesame 248 35 PHOTO: Simon Dodd People 36 Sir MarkElder S esame 248| Summer Interview 2011 T o findout moreaboutmodules, gotowww.open.ac.uk/study Watch video interviews with well-known people at www.open.ac.uk/platform People Interview

Interview A classical period

Sir Mark Elder, OU honorary graduate and CBE, is Music Director of Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra. He talks to Sesame about the power of orchestral music to tell stories and inspire children...

i recall when music seas and every seven years music, because the idea of at home and that is watching education was entirely spent he is allowed to come ashore. sound must enter into us be together. So you have to with putting children into concert There’s this woman waiting for everybody’s lives from when be at your best because people halls ‒ if you were lucky you him who gives her life for him they are a tiny baby. The idea are watching you. They may were in the front four rows. It because she is determined to is that sound should be readily have watched you last week was a very different experience save him. In order to save him available through the electronic and are watching you again, if you were with your smelly she kills herself. One child revolution. It’s very much with wondering why you are friends in the back row. I told this story to was crying us already: the business of slouching this week. Doesn’t I have been helping to because they didn’t realise downloading is, of course, he like the music? Doesn’t he encourage the interest in someone would do that for a highly contentious issue. like the conductor? Has he orchestral music of young love. I said to listen to the sea I think that the sound quality had a row with his wife? It people in schools through and the waves going up and of reproduction will go on could halt their enjoyment. storytelling and putting them down in the music. getting more sophisticated and To keep our audience we in touch with the source of the The music is so dramatic and the presence in your room or have to keep ourselves sound. The idea of bringing so vivid that it was introducing through earphones is going to engaged, and that is something children to the source means them very immediately to the be so well done that people will you just can’t get from a CD. that they are totally absorbed idea that their imaginations find it as easy to taste with their www.halleplay.co.uk in the creation of sound and could work and they could ears as they do with their usually haven’t had that be absorbed by their ears, mouths. My hope is that the Sir Mark Elder, OU honorary experience before. I think what not their brains, just listening. ease of enjoyment of music at graduate and CBE, is we try and give them, and I One of the best ways to home will just make the live Music Director of the Hallé think my orchestra does this do that is to play the greatest experience more and more Orchestra in Manchester. more than I do, is the sense that music. Never give them exciting. More and more sound is fascinating, that your Star Wars or something ‒ it’s a different people will look to the Module connection live experience to give them “What we try and give the audience something that they can’t get as they pedal away on their bike in is the sense that sound is fascinating, the gym. Whether they listen to that your ears can be gripped” rap or rock or classical music, it doesn’t matter. They are ears can be as gripped as joke because just the trumpets listening to some sound world, your eyes can be, or your play the theme. We must play and the concept that it will ever Start listening to tongue can be with taste. them the best we have at our replace the live experience is music (A179) The impact of a full-size fingertips. The most important completely unacceptable to me. symphony orchestra playing thing is to make the audience A performing musician is, in Have you ever heard a piece in a gymnasium in Glossop, feel the sound in their bodies a sense, a circus entertainer. of music and wanted to know Derbyshire, is something that without any amplification and I always think of the circus as more? How is it constructed? those kids will never forget hope that every time we do that being the most primitive pure Which instruments are because they were there there are some children’s lives form of entertainment. There playing? How does it relate when we made the sounds that are changed by it. could be sleights of hand but to the society in which it was for them. The first thing they The Hallé recently launched basically what you see is what created? This 12-week online all say is “I never thought it ‘Hallé Play’ (www.halleplay.co. you get. The skills and timing, course offers a foundation would be so loud!”. uk) with the OU as part of the variety and colour, and talent for understanding a wide What I love is the concept of Knowledge Transfer Partnership are as important in the range of music taken from telling the story of the music, project, where you can discover sawdust ring as in all forms of different historical periods picking carefully some of the the latest digital content from performance art. I talk to my and drawn from an exciting pieces that have a strong the orchestra. Online is a great players about this – how we variety of styles and genres. narrative thread or an emotional way to promote orchestras and have to be in the moment for Registration closes

force to them. One example is classical music. I see it as a the public. If they want to come 30 September. Call ck Wagner’s Overture to the Flying very important part of extending out on a cold November night in 0845 300 6090 or visit sto :©i Dutchman. I told them this story people’s confidence about how Manchester, they want to find www.open.ac.uk/study s

about a man who roams the much they can enjoy symphonic something that they can’t get PHOTO

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 37 Member Benefits Great discounts for OU alumni and students Visit our website for more information on these offers and for links to all discounts* – www.open.ac.uk/platform/services Please note you will need to sign in with your Open University Computer Username (OUCU) and password to view the offers...

Continuing offers

Cottages4you Cotswold Outdoor has joined up with has everything the OU to bring for the Outdoors you a 10 per cent enthusiast. They discount off your next cottage are offering a 15 per cent holiday. Cottages4you offers discount to members of the more than 15,000 cottages OU community on their range through the UK, Ireland, of camping equipment, walking France, Spain, Portugal and boots, GPS, Leki walking Italy. Cottages4you has a poles, travel luggage, travel fabulous collection of self- bags, travel clothing and catering properties to choose travel accessories). Great from that include cottages deep discounts available on a host of in the countryside, castles in outdoor clothing and equipment the rugged highlands to your from top brands, including very own Spanish villa with Berghausand The North Face. pool. Hi-Life Diners Club Navanti is offering 12 UK-based online months retailer Navanti membership for is offering the OU community only £34.95 (rrp £49.95) on APH Airport Parking a 10 per cent discount on its its dining card, which offers range of Ordnance Survey two meals for the price of and hotels Maps, GPS units, compasses, one at a vast choice of first aid kits and many other eateries – from Michelin-listed Pre-booking your parking packages often navigational accessories. establishments to high-street airport parking with APH can start just a few pounds Whether you are a hiking fan favourites. Visit Platform save you up to 25 per cent more than the cost of or more into a one day ramble for more information on ‒ as a member you will parking alone. As Navanti will have what you participating restaurants or receive an additional a member, you receive need to help you arrive with to apply for your 12-month 15 per cent discount. a 10 per cent discount confidence. membership at the specially With more than 60 car parks off all airport hotels and reduced rate. at 20 UK airports, you can be UK airport Lounges. Alumni Subscriptions sure to find a car park to suit Terms & Conditions Save up to Sea France your needs. Early morning apply: Parking must be 70 per cent The only French flight? Stay over the night booked at least 14 days on magazine operator on the before your flight in an airport in advance to claim subscriptions. As a member Dover to Calais hotel and arrive at the airport discount. Bookings subject of our university community, route is offering a 10 per cent the next morning refreshed to availability. Minimum you can take advantage of discount on the cross-Channel and relaxed. Airport hotel with stays/charges may apply. the lowest prices available on Dover-Calais route. You can subscriptions to magazines ck soak up the French atmosphere to * Reference in this publication/website to any specific commercial such as The Economist, Time, the moment you step on board! products, process, service, manufacturer or company does not National Geographic, Vogue You must depart from Dover. constitute its endorsement or recommendation by The Open University. and many, many more. PHOTOs:©is

38 Sesame 248 | Summer 2011 To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Research A round-up of the latest research news from The Open University

energy Growing pains

Benefits of biofuel production questioned...

research by The Biofuel cultivation has OU and the Transnational already created conflict with Institute questions whether environmental protection law biofuels will bring benefits to in Brazil and with traditional the environment and rural land rights in Mozambique. development, especially as It also has implications for their production changes EU policy, as Les explained: land use and has long-term “The EU has promoted biofuels detrimental effects. in the name of reducing Dr Les Levidow, Senior greenhouse gas emissions. Research Fellow at the OU, If conventional biofuel usage said: “For several years goes much above 6 per cent biofuels have been criticised of transport fuels, it will trigger as ‘agrofuels’ because of the large-scale indirect land use intensive, industrial ways they changes, which could are produced. Our research undermine the supposed found the harmful effects savings in greenhouse gas of biofuel cultivation could from substituting biofuels for significantly undermine the oil.” Download http:// environmental benefits.” crepeweb.net/?page_id=343 Biofuel production has a massive implication for land use

Other news Global Victims and Top spot Appliance warming offenders on iTunes U of science

Research led by the OU The result of a joint AN ou collection has Research by the OU is helping scientists understand seminar held in partnership with recently earned the top spot in and Nottingham University has how Earth’s carbon cycle may the OU has led to a report by the iTunes U charts, following shown that children who are respond to the current interval of the think-tank Independent the OU’s ‘Women in Science’ taught how to think and act global warming. It has uncovered Academic Research Studies contribution. ‘War, Intervention like scientists develop a clearer the likely cause of repeated (IARS) identifying key areas and Development’ looks at the understanding of the subject. episodes of natural global for improvement for restorative violence and destruction that The three-year project has

warming 50m years ago when justice – the area which focuses occurred in Sierra Leone during shown that students who S Earth last experienced elevated on the needs of victims and the 1990s. It is formed entirely took the lead in investigating temperatures and atmospheric offenders, and encourages of course assets taken from science topics of interest to CO2 levels predicted for the dialogue between both parties. the module War, intervention them gained an understanding end of this century. See the final report here and development (TU875). of good scientific practice.

To find out more about modules, go towww.open.ac.uk/study Summer 2011 | Sesame 248 39 Research Focus Material gain

The recent release by WikiLeaks of sensitive diplomatic information has highlighted the action of whistleblowing. Richard Collins, Professor of Media Studies at the OU, talks to Sesame about the issues at play and whether it is ever justified...

in the digital world a very effective form of holding information is produced easily, governments to account. consumed quickly and I don’t think anybody has read disseminated with ease. It is all of the material that WikiLeaks a new era and one that is has released, so any judgement reconfiguring modern life, is going to be a partial one and including the areas of journalism, my guess is that you could pick civil liberties and freedom of and choose from that volume of information, to name but a few. material as evidence to support One of the most significant whatever position you wanted. impacts so far occurred during One example that I think is 2010 when the WikiLeaks worth focusing on is the video organisation released a number footage of a US helicopter of US diplomatic cables to attack in Iraq where the respected media organisations. outcome was that 11 civilians, The confidential documents including two Reuters were revealing, both in tone journalists, were either killed and content: in the best case or injured. The video footage, embarrassing and in the worst which had been formally WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with related content covered in the Guardian case nothing short of damning. suppressed by the US Professor of Media Studies, government and military, domain raises levels of hatred, legitimised news organisations Richard Collins, an expert on showed quite unequivocally animosity, violence and so on to do it (El País in Spain; Le media ethics, policy and new that at least one American pilot seems to me to miss the point. Monde in France; Der Spiegel communication technology, was pretty careless about The point is that putatively in Germany; the Guardian in the talks to Sesame about this concern for collateral damage criminal activity took place, that UK; and the New York Times in latest WikiLeaks incident, and and injuries to civilians. The prior to this material being the US). It is a knitting together issues related to whistleblowing, sense was that these civilians leaked there was no holding of of established media privacy and protest... were coming into a war zone account going on – in that case organisations and they don’t and therefore what did they it seems to me absolutely right come with many better The release of information credentials than those five. by WikiLeaks has focused One of the difficulties for the attention on whistleblowing. “I think what WikiLeaks has done US government is finding a Some argue the leaks are is provide a very effective form of charge that will stick on Julian justified as they show Assange which won’t draw the numerous governments have holding governments to account” New York Times into the case. deceived their citizens; while expect. Of course, it was the that this information gets out This could be a real problem – others argue that the leaks pilot who defined what was a into the public domain and there is the first amendment of are jeopardising lives. Do you war zone: the civilians may just people can see that a crime the US constitution: Congress think the leaks are justified? have thought they were outside has been committed. shall make no laws abridging The big issue is what is the role their own homes. In that the freedom of the press. of the media in holding other particular case you have Is WikiLeaks operating in We also have a series of power centres, particularly a very useful and important the same way as a news analogies and precedents – in governments, to account? holding to account being organisation should do? the Sixties Daniel Ellsberg Depending on how much one done by WikiLeaks. It is hard to draw those clear made unauthorised copies of values that holding to account The issue for me is not boundaries. WikiLeaks has what were called the Pentagon function, then either you want bringing public attention to a been quite careful in choosing Papers. They were released a strong media or you want a crime but the commission of the how to get information into the through the New York Times weak media. I think what crime itself. To say that putting public domain. Essentially it has so that people understood much WikiLeaks has done is provide that material into the public used five extremely highly more clearly the nature of the

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time and will be fielding charges of irresponsibility. Overly reputable and overly responsible media pretty quickly become instruments of other centres of power, whether that is government or business, and so if one wants public media that is effectively going to act as a check on abuses of power, then you have to accept that there are going to be some cases in which a charge of irresponsibility will have to be answered.

So if only one organisation had received the information then the decision to release it might have been harder? In terms of getting the information out to the public it was a well chosen strategy. If the information had gone to one paper, then the paper would have been more likely to be subject to pressure. Collectively they are not under competitive pressures – i.e. if we don’t publish it then someone else will – and going to those five highly legitimated outlets provides effective air cover for WikiLeaks, which also publishes information independently. US policy in Vietnam: what There is still the sense that Would it have been a very the debates were, the what WikiLeaks has done different situation if the source Can there ever be a discontinuities between public is shady. Do you think the had gone directly to the New harmonious balance between statements and what actually same air would have York Times or the Guardian the media and governments? was being decided in the prevailed had the information rather than to WikiLeaks? And is it conceivable to see Department of Defense. come from, say, a reputable I would say probably not – the internet, with the power In the UK the most recent media investigation? although it might have been it provides citizens, being analogous case is the Daily If whoever it was who leaked easier for the US government to contained by governments? Telegraph revealing the details this information to WikiLeaks get the injunction to suppress. A harmonious balance from of MPs’ expense claims, where whose point of view? If one what the Daily Telegraph did “Overly reputable and overly responsible wants public media to was probably, and I stress investigate, to put information probably, unlawful because media pretty quickly become out in the public domain so buying the CD of the records of instruments of other centres of power” citizens can make better expense claims was almost informed decisions and to hold certainly a breach of confidence had leaked the information to The route that has been taken other centres of power to and might also have been a the New York Times or the is probably a much more account, then you are not in a theft. Nonetheless I think this Guardian, then I don’t think secure way of getting the situation of harmony and you has proved to be the biggest we would be in a radically material out. are not in a situation of balance. political story during the past different territory. What we Secondly, you use the term On the second question, we year and very few people see have is simply an online ‘reputable media organisation’. have had a very good case that public holding of account intermediary being interposed I’m on the record as saying study with the WikiLeaks of members of parliament, or in that chain between the don’t downplay the importance incident that has shown that the consequences such as leaker/whistleblower/criminal of irresponsible media. If you the single most powerful

reform of the procedure, who stole the data (or however are going to have media government in the world has ures t particularly in the House of you want to categorise them) performing that formal holding not been able to suppress Commons, and the prosecution and the main institution that to account role, they are going this information. Despite and jailing of at least one MP, has got this information out to be getting up the nose of the pressure on the web-hosting as being undesirable. into the public domain. powerful at least some of the organisations, notably Amazon, PHOTO:©rex fea

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media studies is whether the comedy ever be censored? media do actually influence Much comedy is transgressive, anyone, and in what the comedy comes through a circumstances and to what kind of playing with boundaries degree. If one was writing the and to ask for non-transgressive defence speech of Julian comedy is to ask for a lot less Assange, one might say that comedy than we currently have. what he has done is in a very Freedom of expression, and long-standing American tradition for me this is a more important and evidence the examples point, is an empty right unless it that you have given here. includes expression that some people may find offensive. If Student protests and anti- freedom of expression means capitalist protests have both only the right to say something resulted in scenes of violence that no one will ever be in London. While violence offended by, then it’s not much can’t be condoned, it has of a right. If one buys into the often been a factor in protests freedom of expression, then that have led to significant you are saying not only do I change for the better... have the right to say something This brings us to the starting that some may find offensive point of what is the influence of but I also have to accept the media and it is certainly the reciprocally that I am in a case that the media is much society where people may say more likely to report a protest something that I find offensive Film All The President’s Men reveals the investigation into Watergate that has incidents of violence, and that is just part of living in to take down WikiLeaks; despite How far do presentations whoever the violence is a democratic and free society. pressure on US banks, PayPal of whistleblowers in popular perpetrated by, than a That’s a better balance and and credit card companies to culture, such as the films sweetness and light bargain than the alternative. cease processing payments to All The President’s Men demonstration unless it is on I also think the world goes WikiLeaks; the domain name (Watergate); The Insider a huge scale. So we have a along better if we are not going registrar which provided the (tobacco industry); The China predisposition in the media, at around gratuitously offending WikiLeaks.org address, interests Syndrome (nuclear power least in the UK, to give greater each other all of the time: in the US who want to suppress plant threat cover-up); Erin salience to events where there so courtesy, recognition of this material, which is not quite Brockovich (pollution by is violence and that does difference, and mutual respect, the same as the US government, water company) influence incentivise some people at least come into all of this. But I don’t have not succeeded. What we and inform the practice of to act violently as a way of see those decencies as have is prima facie evidence whistleblowing? There that the internet has been a appears to be very little else “Freedom of expression is an empty game changer in this respect, to inform the understanding as print was 500 years ago. of what a ‘whistleblower’ is? right unless it includes expression Governments and other I think that’s right. It is really only that some people may find offensive” centres of power are always after the event that you can wanting to manage expectations decide whether that whistle- increasing the publicity and incompatible with the assertion and information that is put into blowing was a good thing or not. saliency of these events. One of the fundamental right for the the public domain. I think very People have different values on has to make a judgement on the freedom of expression. I would few people would say everything this and different conceptions of individual circumstances. There put the comedy issue into that should be out there, that there what is properly private and is a general disposition of the box and say one of the things is no right to privacy at all. confidential and what is not. media to more readily report that comedy does is play on the What the internet has done is Independently of whether the violent activities, including boundaries of between what is reconfigure those very long- media is involved or not, there violent protest, over non-violent acceptable and what is standing conflicts about what are a number of situations in ones, but one’s ethical transgressive ‒ and some will is properly private and what is which there are no clear assessment of the acts of find it offensive, others will find properly public; what areas of accepted guidelines on what is violence in question has to it defusing points of tension and government information are properly confidential and private be a very situated one. some people will just find it legitimately to be kept secret and what is public. That is why funny. Transgressive and and what should be brought out this question about whistle- There is a long-running sometimes offensive comedy into the public domain. Those blowers is an interesting one. debate about where, if at all, is just one of the things that go are always going to be points of All these heroic whistleblowers along in a society where we

ures you draw the line in comedy. t tension and I think the prospect probably do provide a little spur Comedy does evolve and acknowledge each other’s of them ceasing to be and there of encouragement, but I only what offends one person entitlements and freedoms. being harmony is too horrifying say probably because one of doesn’t necessarily offend

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