Podcast: George Monbiot; How Did We Get Into This Mess ?

This podcast was recorded on 16th March 2016 at University of Edinburgh,for the Ragged University project by request. With thanks to Elaine and Tarlochan at Wordpower Books, and thanks to Stuart for being welcoming with technical support. Elaine from Wordpower Books, Scotland’s Independent and Radical Bookshop introduces the event they have produced in conjunction with the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh.

The main lecture is George Monbiot who is launching his latest book – How Did We Get Into This Mess. The Twitter hashtag which was set up was #thismess.

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Seeing Like a State suggested by Professor James Smith

As part of the Ragged Library, Professor James Smith – Chair of African and Development Studies, Assistant Principal, Global Development, University of Edinburgh suggested James Scott’s (1999) Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed, Yale University Press…

 
Scott’s work is extremely important in helping us understand the limits and limitations of development planning as the means to order society. Read more…

The Great Gatsby suggested by Steve Tilley

As part of the Ragged Library, Steve Tilley – Honorary Fellow; School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh suggested The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald…

The book I have settled on to recommend for the Ragged Library is much in the public eye just now. F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is the source of a film just released, and topic for lit pundits on radio and TV. I  read it  in 1968 for a course on American novels – part of a degree in American Civilization*.
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16th March: Language learning in children and adults; A day with Antonella Sorace

Bilingualism matters
Bilingualism matters

1400 to 1600 on the Mezzanine level of the Central Library on 16th March
A special day to hear Professor Antonella Sorace and ask her questions.

Language Learning In Children And Adults: Why It Always Matters

Antonella Sorace (University of Edinburgh and Bilingualism Matters)
Any child can learn more than one language without any effort. Bilingualism makes children’s brain more flexible, improves their attention, and gives them a range of benefits that last a lifetime. But what about learning a second language later in life?
Many people think it is difficult for adults to learn a second language well, but research shows that adults can reach very high proficiency levels and get many mental advantages too.