The Open University

Exams over… summer begins!

by Matthew
Epicurus

Meet one of my favourite philosophers Epicurus!

My module A222 – Exploring Philosophy is offically over. After a messy few weeks of revision, I took the exam on the 11th June. I had to choose 3 questions from six parts (2 questions each part which means 12 questions in total). You can only choose one question from each part and each part contained questions based from each of the course material books. All six! The exam lasted 3 hours.

The OU has released the question paper I completed and as much as I’d love to post it here. I can’t for obvious reasons. My results should be with me on the 2nd August if not before.

Overall, I found the module challenging. Not to mention the exam!! But it was good fun. It’s good things weren’t just a walk in the park with this module. I actually feel like I have gained so much through the space of studying A222. Most notably, Ethical stances, being able to open my mind up and question more rather then accept things at face value 🙂

So that’s it till October. I feel like my life is a tad empty until my next OU module in September.. when I start DD209 – Running the Economy. This should be as interesting as it sounds! I’ve got loads of time to go out and do other things I guess.

NO MORE EXAMS wooohoo!

I’m going away to Brussels in July for a bit but I’ll be back with some photos. I won’t leave it long! 🙂

The final book of my Philosophy module! Woo!!

by Matthew
All 6 Philosophy texts that have been studied. Not including the huge set book!

All 6 Philosophy texts that have been studied. Not including the huge set book!

I’m on the final book of my Philosophy module. Book 6: Political Philosophy.
Thank goodness. I’ve kind of liked and disliked this module. Like marmite! 🙂

Sometimes I’ve enjoyed the philosophical debates and thinking that I’ve done, and at other times just loathed it.

Political Philosophy seems interesting so far. I’ve covered political obligation and I’ve read part of the Crito. Which is a dialogue between Socrates and Plato on his obligations to the state, with Socrates arguing he should remain in the city of Athens and face his inevitable death sentence. The three arguments Socrates uses are first, a parental analogy, disobeying the state is like disobeying your parents. The second because the state where the authors of his education and thirdly, because he has made an agreement with the state to obey the law. I’ve enjoyed that first half of this book. A lot more then the others 🙂

Every day I get closer to the exam!! Today, I was meant to do some mock questions but I couldn’t. The library was busy and I wasn’t prepared. I’m a bit behind in reading for my final assignment on my module. Pressure is in the air but I’m cool as usual 🙂

I’ve not been writing much. Been busy with life and as a few of you readers may know. I’m really living life to the full now 😉

Hope all my readers are having fun and are in peace. Till next time.

TMA 2 just needs submitting then Christmas is here :)

by Matthew
Christmas Bells

Hope your having a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 🙂

I’ve completed TMA 2. Found it a challenge. Had a extension. It’s been rushed but being checked for grammar now! I’m now just waiting for Christmas and to be honest I can’t wait. I really, really must give myself more time for TMA 3. And I should not stress about not having a girlfriend (no time for one) or just sit around and procrastinate, hahah!!

One more day left of work then its Christmas Day.

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Updated 26/12/2012: Has this saved but not published. Christmas Day has come and gone. Food all in my belly for another year! Can’t wait for things to get back to normal.

Start going to the gym again but I’m not too keen on getting down to study though. Submitted my essay on the 23rd, I was given a three day extension. Could have done better really. Next essay is getting started early. I know I said that about the last TMA, but I really need to!

Next book to read is all about Ethics (Book 3). The study planner says I should start on the 29th. Will try to start a little earlier 🙂

Hope everyone has had a good Christmas Day and hope you all have a happy New Year 🙂

Barely Breathing!

by Matthew
Book number 2 - The philosophy of religion

The Philosophy of Religion – Très difficile 🙁

Don’t worry though it’s just a cold I got (I don’t often have them) and its not that bad.

I’ve still been around. Just not got around to posting much. Enjoying Exploring Philosophy but finding the module a real drag. The first essay was probably the worst piece of work I have ever submitted and was under the word count. Still I’m looking ahead to improve on the second. The second book is the Philosophy of Religion. I’m struggling mostly with the concept of putting an ‘I’ in an essay and forming arguments in philosophy more then before.

This module is gonna be a real struggle. I knew it anyway. My brain just doesn’t function the way a philosophers would. Yet, I’ll try. I need this module. It compulsary 🙁

Had my tutorial at the London School of Economics again yesterday. I think more of these sessions are needed its the discussion factor I am lacking. I don’t get to talk to anyone about the arguments or philosophy which you do need. That’s my one criticism. Overall, I feel negative about the whole module today. I just wanna get it out the way and onto Politics and Economics.

Outside the degree a bit..

I’m going to begin saving for a new car soon (woop). Ages before I can get one though. There were plenty of things I wanted to say, however when I opened up to start writing I forgot everything. Ah well.

Btw, For those wondering what module and degree I’m doing and where etc. I am aiming to achieve a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. You can find out more about my current module here.

The blog is running on a new superduper betterer server 😉 😀 😛
All high speed and stuff. Much better.

Peace all. My twitter thing on the left no longer works. I’ll get it fixed soon but you can see my instagrams 🙂

TMA 7 of DD101 gone.. and some new updates!

by Matthew

Politics and Philosophy books

Well, I just hurriedly sent off my last assignment for DD101 my first open university module. Happy to get it out the way. Feels like I just sent a heap of junk in though!

I went to a Language taster evening at the open university’s centre in Camden on Wednesday. I actually surprised myself with how much French I actually remembered!! Anyway the real eye catcher was the lovely girl opposite me and we kept stealing glances. She spoke perfect French as her grandmother was French. Very attractive!

I’m now fully registered up for A222 and officially started my next module exploring philosophy. I’m holding off on doing two modules as I really don’t want to overload myself especially as philosophy requires a clear mind!

I love Camden town and there are always so many things going on and pretty ladies.
The atmosphere and vibe is amazing, when I’m not sprinting to uni! I need to spend more time there 😀

I plan on joining the gym on payday too and actually going. So lookout for a fitter mixedmatt! Also in the not to distant future I hope to get my feet back into a go-kart again… When I have the time and funds. Hope all my faithful readers are fine…

Love you all 🙂

Received materials for my next module

by Matthew

Philosophy Material for Module A222

Not posted in a while. Sorry 🙁

I received my materials last week for A222 Exploring Philosophy (pictured) and DD203 Power, etc which I did put on hold until I finish A222 but the materials still came anyway. I need to contact the uni about that.

I purchased a iPad mostly for studying the second module. It’s been a bit cumbersome with all these books so I’m hoping I can unlock the power of the iPad to help me.

On a side note. If any one has recommendations for good applications please can you suggest some to me? Also I have a problem with iTunes not converting any film at all. Is this how it always behaves its such a pain in the neck.

Anyway staying on course. I’m excited to started A222 but nervous about finishing DD101. I’m planning the last assignment and it’s a little tricky. It’s about legitimising the state and democracy.

It all seems real. I’m starting another level 2 module again for the first time in a long time and I can’t wait. The Open University has shown me what real university education should be like so far. Well we pay enough for it. Traditional universities are far too complacent I believe.

If anyone can give me some assistance with the iPad and how to convert files. From both torrents and other means please post below. Thank you 😉