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Snow Day!

I got up at 6.30am this morning, not because of my anticipation of snow, but because today I was going to start working in some local school projects I am involved in with the University. At 7am I groggily peered out into the darkness of a winter morning, and continued on autopilot to get myself …read more

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Halfway there!

Amazingly, I’m now officially half-way through my 3 year degree! What a landmark to reach! I must admit that I’m really enjoying the Second Year, though I am feeling the stress, and it now seems a little sad that next year will be my last. However, I have decided to do a PGCE teaching qualification …read more

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It’s Christmas!

December again, and who knew it. A Christmas tree has appeared in Park Building, and an even larger one in the Guildhall. I even saw an evening carol service there the other night. It really got me into the festive mood! My weekend was spent pulling boxes of decorations from isolated attic cupboards, and this …read more

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Obama and Brazil – Progressing Through the Second Year

I am pleased that Mr Obama was successfully re-elected as the President of the United States of America for a second (and final) term. My prediction was correct, and I look forward to his future policies and actions as the President. For those interested in the Americas more generally, you can catch Michael Palin’s journey …read more

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A Topical Subject

What I really like about American Studies is that the subject is always changing, so there is always more to learn. No doubt you, dear reader, will be aware of Hurricane Sandy which has just wrecked its way through the Caribbean and along the eastern seaboard of the United States of America. It’s apparently the …read more

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And So It Begins Again

Wednesday and Thursday this week were the induction days for Year 2 students in the School of Languages and Area Studies. The lecturers did not waste any time in getting to the big topic – dissertations! As it turns out, preparation for our 10,000 word final-year piece starts early, and by the end of this …read more

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Reaching the End of August

Only a few months ago, returning to university seemed like an age away. And now we’re nearly at the end of August, and I am reminded that for students, this means the start of term is fast approaching. I know it’s a cliché, but where has the time gone? Whether you are a new or …read more

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Rewrite

“I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.” James Michener – American Author One of the biggest things I’ve learned from my first year of American Studies is how important it is to give yourself some extra time before an essay deadline. Checking the work over before the hand-in never fails to …read more

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Blake’s View: A Rainy Wednesday Afternoon

Last week, as the rain lashed and the wind gusted outside, a dry tavern provided the perfect space as a friend and I pondered a frustrating question: Why had we decided to spend more than three additional years in higher education? Perhaps this is a question you might be asking yourself. Although to some the …read more

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Exam Time – Need Tea!

It’s exam time, which means I’m trying very hard to concentrate on writing essays and studying. But after at least four hours of racking up words for an essay, and at least five cups of tea to keep myself going, I’ve finally succumb to distraction. After checking my email, and then Facebook, and then looking …read more

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