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Society, Politics & Law
What is politics?
This free course, What is politics?, introduces you to the world of politics. It is dedicated primarily to answering the question of what politics is. Although the question might seem rather simple, it elicits various, often contradictory responses. As you will realise, in politics as in much of the humanities and social sciences definitive ...
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Society, Politics & Law
The law-making process in England and Wales
This free course, The law-making process in England and Wales, introduces you to the sources of law in England and Wales. It examines the democratic law-making process and how and by whom proposed legislation is initiated, before introducing you to the Westminster Parliament, which creates legislation. It is within this Parliament that proposed ...
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Money & Business
Systems explained: Sir Geoffrey Vickers
One of the pioneers of systems thinkiing shares his vision.
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Society, Politics & Law
Driven to drink?
Has a stricter drink-drive legislation made people less social and what does this mean for voluntary associations?
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Society, Politics & Law
Lying and politics: a brief primer
Dr Philip Seargeant looks at the affectionate relationship between lying and politics.
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History & The Arts
Introduction to law in Wales
This free course, Introduction to law in Wales, gives a brief overview of the legal history in Wales from the 12th century, followed by an overview of devolution and referendums, the law making powers of the Welsh Assembly and the possible future for legal Wales.
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Society, Politics & Law
Nuclear power: friend or foe?
Are you for or against nuclear energy? The necessity to respond to climate change has put nuclear energy back on the political agenda as an alternative energy source. This is part of approaches to 'decarbonise' energy through a shift from coal to natural gas, nuclear energy and renewables. Yet, the recourse to nuclear energy is hotly debated. ...
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Society, Politics & Law
Passports: identity and airports
This free course, Passports: identity and airports, offers a sociological analysis of the modern airport. Using a lively mixture of videos, interactive exercises and readings, the course explores how the social world of the airport is made and maintained. In particular, it investigates how the processes that constitute this world - queuing, ...
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Health, Sports & Psychology
Cultural differences in mental health?
The OU's Jonathan Leach asks: Are mental health problems the same across the globe?
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Society, Politics & Law
What are the three types of Bill?
Laws start their lives as Bills in the Houses of Parliament. Here's a quick guide to the three type of Bill.
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History & The Arts
What is the difference between distributive and commutative justice: A one minute guide
What are distributive and commutative justice? What do the terms mean, and how are they different? We've got a really simple guide...
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Science, Maths & Technology
How to compare income across countries
When we want to compare figures from two different countries, what makes for a fair basis of comparison? Tony Hirst and Hans Rosling explain.