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Society, Politics & Law
From Brexit to the break-up of Britain?
This free course, From Brexit to the break-up of Britain?, sets the experience of Brexit in the context of the UK. It first analyses Brexit as a symptom of the political, economic and social geography of the UK, focusing on its uneven development in a country increasingly dominated by London and the South East of England. It then considers how the divisions within the UK (within England as well as between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) were reflected in the voting patterns of the 2016 referendum. Finally, the course reflects on the implications of these short-term and long-term trends for the UK’s future as a multinational state.
Society, Politics & Law
The Fifteen Billion Pound Railway
Ten thousand engineers and construction workers race to complete the Elizabeth line.
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Society, Politics & Law
Sexual orientation and gender identity
This free course examines legal approaches to people whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to that of the majority. This explores how legal and social/cultural attitudes have changed significantly over time, and demonstrates how much they have changed in recent years. Legal approaches to sexual orientation and gender identity cover a range of different areas of law including criminal, employment and family law. The focus will be on the approach of English law (which generally covers the law applying in both England and Wales), but reference will also be made to the approach in other countries.
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Society, Politics & Law
Sexual orientation and gender identity
This free course examines legal approaches to people whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to that of the majority. This explores how legal and social/cultural attitudes have changed significantly over time, and demonstrates how much they have changed in recent years. Legal approaches to sexual orientation and gender identity cover a range of different areas of law including criminal, employment and family law. The focus will be on the approach of English law (which generally covers the law applying in both England and Wales), but reference will also be made to the approach in other countries.
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Society, Politics & Law
Pro bono work and social justice
Pro bono (‘for the public good’ in Latin) involves lawyers and law students giving up their time on a voluntary basis to help people who need legal assistance but do not have the means to afford it. In this free course, Pro bono work and social justice, you will consider the role of pro bono in law schools. You will examine the relationship between pro bono and legal aid, and evaluate whether pro bono should be mandatory. The theme of social justice will be explored and you will examine how innovation can address the justice gap. You will consider the development of the online court and the role that crowdfunding may play in facilitating access to justice.
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Society, Politics & Law
Pro bono work and social justice
Pro bono (‘for the public good’ in Latin) involves lawyers and law students giving up their time on a voluntary basis to help people who need legal assistance but do not have the means to afford it. In this free course, Pro bono work and social justice, you will consider the role of pro bono in law schools. You will examine the relationship between pro bono and legal aid, and evaluate whether pro bono should be mandatory. The theme of social justice will be explored and you will examine how innovation can address the justice gap. You will consider the development of the online court and the role that crowdfunding may play in facilitating access to justice.
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Society, Politics & Law
What is crime?
The Open University's senior lecturer in Criminology, Dr David Scott discusses the concept and aspects of crime.
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Society, Politics & Law
The Scottish Parliament and law making
This free course, The Scottish Parliament and law making, explores the law making powers of the Scottish Parliament and examines its place in the UK’s constitution. It considers how, and why, laws are made by both the Scottish and UK Parliaments before exploring devolved matters, reserved matters, legislative competence, secondary legislation, and the work of MSPs and MPs. It discusses the characteristics of the constitution, the importance of the concept of the rule of law, how an Act of Parliament is structured and considers how and why members of the public are encouraged to become involved with the work of the Scottish Parliament.
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Society, Politics & Law
Can you prepare for Brexit?
With the right knowledge you can prepare for anything. Our interactive quiz will help to build your understanding of the forces and deadlines driving Brexit.
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Society, Politics & Law
Brexit Hub
Analysis and expert commentary on Britain’s changing relationship with the European Union and the global world.
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Society, Politics & Law
The secret life of T-shirts
Explore the secret life of T-shirts as we look deeper into how they are made, how the value is created and who benefits from this value.
Society, Politics & Law
Thinking Allowed 2019
Thinking Allowed explores how society works, with leading social science experts.