Welcome to the first edition of UC Online.
When we asked members what they wanted from the new magazine most said they wanted to see real, in depth debate about topical issues, great writers and an open space for the views of members too. In short a magazine that, in keeping with UCU’s heritage, would make you think, laugh, cry – and maybe, even on occasions, want to throw something at the computer screen! We hope you like it and want to get involved.
If you think you can do better or want to suggest something to cover in the next issue contact the editor at mwaddup@ucu.org.uk.
In this issue
- Welcome to your new UC Online UCU general secretary SALLY HUNT welcomes members to the first issue of the new UC Online magazine.
- In defence of our noble humanities The humanities are a satnav system for exploring civilisations across time and space says ANDY MARTIN
- The selfish giant generation? MICHAEL WHITE who was born in 1945 ‘near the front of what turned out to be a big queue’ for access to education wonders how we got here.
- Fees are the answer. Now, what was the question? JOHN RENTOUL, Chief Political Correspondent for the Independent on Sunday, argues that, despite what the UCU might think, tuition fees are here to stay.
- Everyone benefits from education. So why make students pay? Self-confessed ‘militant chartered accountant’ RICHARD MURPHY argues that it is big business who should pay university and college fees, not students.
- ‘We have not been in a prison, just a library . . .’ Professor JENNY HARTLEY has been running reading groups in prisons for ten years. here she tells UC why.
- The Executive Suite tendency PRIYAMVADA GOPAL says the new cry of vocational qualifications for the poor and university for the rich is tantamount to an education class war
- Coalition cuts take us back to the future Professor Keith Ewing argues that UCU members can learn lessons from the cuts inflicted on education in the ‘eighties.
- Equality really is better for everyone WILL HORWITZ of the Spirit Level Foundation argues that equality, not social mobility, should be central to public policy.
- Subprime education? Lessons from the USA The evidence from the USA shows creating a wild west style open market in education will be a disaster for students and staff says VICKY WILKS
- Don’t believe T.I.N.A There is an alternative to cuts and higher fees says ROB COPELAND
- EMA abolition: triumph of dogma over evidence? Was the Education Maintenance really a ‘deadweight’ as ministers suggested? JOHN OFFORD looks at the evidence.
- This is no time to be young ALAN WHITAKER reviews a ‘cogent, well argued and timely’ new pamphlet from UCU member Sean Vernell
- Hugh Langford Tribute to former branch secretary HUGH LANGFORD who died recently
- Kate Heasman Former UCU official KATE HEASMAN's untimely death from cancer aged 61 in July 2010, robbed us of a remarkable teacher, trade unionist and equality campaigner.
