Fresh thinking brought to the fore in new look SSGS Magazine: Local & Global

While the future is far from certain, it’s clear we need fresh thinking, approaches and perspectives to tackle the societal challenges facing us, and experts in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) are striving to do just that.

Staff and students within The Open University’s School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) share ideas on the world we live in, as well as teaching and research highlights, in Local & Global, the fourth edition of the digital SSGS Magazine, re-branded, re-named and now published today, Monday 2 October.

This issue looks at highlights in research, teaching and BBC/OU co-productions, as well as new OpenLearn courses and qualifications, interviews, student contributions and even a guide to setting up your own podcast from someone who’s been there and done it.

Dr Dan Taylor, Lecturer in Social and Political Thought at The Open University, took on the role as Guest Editor of this year’s magazine for the second year running. He said: “The magazine has got something for everyone.

“As well as big picture updates from the Head of School and Director of Research, and highlights from our work with the BBC, new qualifications, staff members, scholarships and more, this issue introduces the OU’s new Open Societal Challenges programme.

“We’ve invited staff and students to cover a wide range of topics. Why is China interested in Africa? How can economics measure happiness? Should local government be run without management? How should we teach sensitive subjects? What are the pitfalls for UK universities becoming increasingly reliant on international students? And what can Renaissance woodwork tell us about elitism in the arts?

“The social sciences have a special place in helping us understand these global challenges, and these are only a handful of the tricky questions being explored by our colleagues and our students.

“People around the world are asking new questions about the present and the future. As you can imagine, it’s only a small snapshot of all the great work that is happening, but the magazine is a real pleasure to read.”

The magazine is now available to download for free, as are the previous three editions.