Friday, 2 May 2008
Module Evaluation...The end is nigh!!
Age?
26 (27 in 4 days time!)
Sex?
Female
What is your degree subject (both if joint)?
Social Care & Social Policy
Does ‘Being Bad’ relate well to the other modules you are taking?
Sort of in a broad way!
If so, how? And if not, why not?
I suppose it kind of related to the philosophy module I have recently finished called critical thinking, as the being bad module encouraged you to be open minded, and perhaps think differently about certain subjects, and to come of out your comfort zone on your opinions
Have you found ‘Being Bad’ too demanding, too easy, or at an appropriate level?
I've actually enjoyed this module more than any of the other 7 that I have done so far! It is certainly not easy as the blog in itself is time consuming. The grading criteria to get an A for the blog is 20 posts and 5 comments. With all of those posts you have to research your subject, include a picture, include a link, and then read everyone else's blogs to find something to comment on!The 20 posts is very time consuming to do this, and has been an almost daily maintenance! The two other pieces were OK to do too!
Do you think the list of topics covered on the module was appropriate?
Yes. They are all classed as bad behaviour to a certain extent so they were all relevant
Are there any topics not included in the module that you would like to see included?
Prostitution would be a good one, and if we are looking at bad behaviour in every day life, perhaps a class on abuse or domestic violence, which would certainly raise awareness and provoke discussion, as it is a hard subject for most to comprehend, and domestic violence is very common. Serial killers would also be great to look at, especially seen as though I have a morbid curiosity in devouring as much detail as I can about them!!
Do you think that the format for classes has worked well?
I think so for the most part, but some of the constant chatter was annoying at times
What did you think of the module team?
The module team were all good. I particularly liked the teaching style of two of the module tutors. The guy that did bad cinema was good as he took no messing from the class and everything was relevant. I also liked the guy who did the outlaws and bandits lecture. Although a lot of the bandits were way before my time and I would have liked to have seen more on modern day gangsters, the tutor seemed a lovely guy who was very approachable. The class that particular week were very rude and at least 15 people walked out. Talking was really loud and the bloke looked really embarrassed. I thought he was a great teacher who in the face of a lot of disrespect, did really well in presenting what he wanted to say. I was ashamed that week on behalf of all of the disrespectful people in the room, and think the man deserved a medal for his patience, manners and presentation. With the lady, Meena (I think?) I struggled to hear her as she wasn't very loud, and I was sat at the front, but to be honest, all of the tutors were good and were all confident in what they were teaching us (Another rant at the ignorant people in class I know, but I'm entitled to my opinion on my own blog ain't I?)
Do you think it would have been better to have had more:
Small group discussions?
Discussion and debate among the class as a whole?
Information and talk from lecturers?
I think the group discussions are a better idea as when there were small group discussions, they lasted far too long and the majority of them weren't even relating to the topic of that weeks lecture! The information and talk from lecturers was good, and anything that I missed or needed further clafication on was on wolf anyway.
The approach taken in the module is interdisciplinary (drawing on perspectives from English Literature, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Media Studies and Politics): do you think this a useful way of approaching the topics covered in the module?
Yes, because the module needs to appeal to students from all courses. It was broad ranging and incorporated every day life topics too, so, although I cannot speak for everybody, i found it quite versatile in who it related to
Do you think that interdisciplinary modules are a good idea?
Yes because in every degree, there are cross-overs with Politics, Philosophy, English etc, so it gives you a bit of a basis in most subjects, and may even highlight a subject area that perhaps you would wish to pursue at a later date
Do you think you have benefited from the interdisciplinary approach taken in the module?
Definitely. I enjoyed the whole module and have found some information to be beneficial in other areas of my study, especially in the critical thinking module
Would you like to see more modules that cover this kind of subject matter?
Yes. If all modules were like this one, I would be in my element! It is a much better learning style for me and appeals a lot better that stuffy lectures with boring essays at the end of it!
Are you planning to take the follow-up module PH2004 ‘It Shouldn’t Be Allowed’ at level 2?
Unfortunately not as it was not on offer on my course guide, so I have already selected my modules for next semester. If the workload wasn't so great in my other modules though I would do this one for fun as I've enjoyed it immensely!
Would you recommend ‘Being Bad’ to a friend?
The answer to this one is evident! A resounding YES!!!
Do you think that the blogs (web logs) were a good idea?
I have absolutely loved it and am going to be gutted if I do not get my A grade now!!! I have put a lot of time and effort into it and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was slightly difficult to think of loads of different subjects to write on...it's a good job that we live in such a bad society that supplies us with ideas! I wish all modules allowed blogs! I'd be enjoying my degree a lot more if they did!
What did you think of the other assessments (e.g. would it be better to have one longer assessment rather than two shorter ones?)?
I quite enjoyed having the option of being able to choose what type of work I submitted if I'm honest. I enjoyed doing the creative writing piece although struggled with my rationale to accompany it. The rationale criteria was vast and 300 words was not enough to cover all of the criteria that we were given to work to. I also enjoyed the essay. I didn't find the two pieces too demanding due to them both being short and submitted them both early, so it is certainly manageable!
What have you learned from the module?
That I am open minded and virtually unshockable! I've also made some great friends along the way which is a bonus.
What parts of the module have you found most useful and why?
I've enjoyed every part of it. None of it is useful information as such, due to these types of bad behaviour being in the media eye on an almost daily basis, but it is all good to know, and the classes were great in give us debating skills! Our social policy module encourages debate and I find it a really interesting skill to have...to be able to debate, argue logically, and listen to other poeple's opinions!
What parts do you think were a waste of time and why?
I don't really think any parts of the module were a waste of time. There were no particular subjects were I turned up and wished I hadn't! Some of the people in the room were a waste of time, purely because they had no interest in listening to the lecturer, but their loss, not mine! I don't want to expand too much further on this point!
Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding ‘Being Bad’?
That I have really enjoyed the module! I hope that for future reference, these questionnaires are put to good use, especially the feedback on what we thought worked and didn't work. That would be great for future students of the module.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Bad Behaviour - Benidorm!!!

Funnily enough, following on from my last post on the abuse of electric scooters, there is a

The reason I mention this programme is because it covers some of the bad behaviour modules that we have looked at, and also covers one of my pet hates…mobility scooters! Plus, I just wanted to say how fabulous the show is, and promote it to all of

A few examples of bad behaviour in series one was teen pregnancy, binge drinking, adultery, bullying, benefit fraud and swinging to name just a few! This second series is also proving quite eventful and is a definite to watch…lots of bad behaviour on offer!!! The storylines are really hilarious and I really hope that ITV keep making the show

Has anybody else watched it/been watching it? What are your thoughts?
I have enclosed a link to the website here where there is a cast list, a previews option to watch video clips, and an overview of what’s happened so far…have a read and start watching it now…its not too late to catch up! The photos on my blog page of my favourite characters in the show!
Monday, 28 April 2008
Bad Behaviour - Mobility Scooters!
It seems that wherever you go lately, you are dodging mobility scooters. They are everywhere and the people on them are just so ignorant that it is unbelievable.
It seems that these days, anybody can get one. Let’s face it, with petrol prices, car tax an

However, the main reason for this entry is that just about anybody can get one of thes

It also seems that as soon as you sit on one of these things you are king or queen of the road and nobody can get in your way. Manners seem to go out of the window when driving one of these. I do not have a problem with people who genuinely have mobility problems being on one of these. It is just a shame that the idle have cottoned on to this cheaper method of transport and are spoiling it for the genuine users. It is this idiot behaviour and bad manners that is getting mobility scooters a bad name.
Not only this but it is also getting hard to get in any shops or near any shop displays as there are scooters everywhere! I am hoping for tougher Laws on who these can be sold to some time soon!!!!!!! Get these lazy idiots off our streets!!!
Has anybody else noticed the rising amount of scooters on the streets?
I am including a link to a story that draws attention to the fact that these scooters are a nuisance and are causing injuries along the way
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/7224270.stm
Comment 6: Linda's Blog2 Blog

Linda asked the question of whether the Internet is a good or bad place to meet people. My answer...yes and no! I have never been on one of these sites so do not know the format apart from what I have seen on TV or heard of in newspapers, through friends or on the radio. More often than not I have seen Internet dating sites advertised as a sort of chat room. This is good for those that have difficulty making friends, are housebound, or even really shy. I suppose for some it is a link to the outside world and a way of feeling like they can belong and have no inhibitions. I don't think it is wrong to Internet date, however, there are a lot of nutcases out there so it is important not to give out too much information. I think it is always best to use your judgement and common sense in deciding whether to meet up with someone. Be prepared for the person you meet not to be like the person in the photograph! I have seen on TV that a lot of people hide behind the computer and create a fantasy land, but more often than not, the photograph and alter ego they create is nowhere near like them at all! There is a sinister side of these dating sites and chat rooms, as displayed on panorama not so long back. They can be used by paedophiles to groom young children. I think that if you ever do think that meeting up with somebody is sensible, use your head and ensure that you tell a friend where you are going and who with. That way, if you fall into trouble, somebody knows where you are. I think that the Internet has the potential to be a really useful tool...if used with caution and common sense. I don't think that it would ever be for me should I ever find myself single. I personally would rather go out and meet somebody and hope that fate bring us together...not search for someone in a chat room!
http://formybeingbad.blogspot.com/
Monday, 21 April 2008
Comment 5: XBeing Bad Blog

http://songbird-beingbad.blogspot.com/
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Comment 4: Being Bad 0 Blog

Saturday, 19 April 2008
Comment 3: Being a little bad blog

Friday, 18 April 2008
Comment 2: Becky's Being Bad Blog
The story about Emma Gough, the Jehovahs witness that refused a blood transfusion on religious grounds and dies following the birth of her twins was tragic. As a mother, I would do anything

I read Becky's blog and found that she broached the subject really well, and looked at it objectively. I cannot do this as I just love my daughter more than life, and couldn't imagine her growing up without a mommy!
http://www.beingbadwithbecky.blogspot.com/
Comment 1: Being Bad Blog

http://c-beingbad.blogspot.com/
Childhood Obesity



Sunday, 6 April 2008
Littering, Tipping, Spitting, Gum & Dog Mess!!!!
LITTERING!!!


http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/waste/1029679/1032559/?lang=_e



Graffiti & Reckless Vandalism




Thursday, 3 April 2008
Alcohol Abuse - Binge Drinking


Sunday, 30 March 2008
Prostitution

Prostitution is known as the oldest trade in the world. It is a big money business for pimps who supply prostitutes to meet demand.
This also involves human trafficking from other countries with not only adults, but underage children too. Prostitution not only keeps drug dealers in work, but also, people trafficking is on the increase because of it.
Traffickers take advantage of people who are looking for a better life, and maybe want to flee poverty, violence or war. Traffickers offer these people the promise of a better life and a passport. They are then smuggled into the country illegally, often in poor, cramped conditions and have their passports taken away. They are then pimped out to anybody that will pay for them. I found some really shocking information whilst researching this subject and it is horrendous to think that there are sickos out there that will take advantage of people like this.
Apparently, Prostitution in itself is apparently not illegal though? Did anybody else know that?
A few years ago, the government were on about supplying class A or class B drugs to addicts to stop them from selling their bodies or stealing. There was uproar about this, and the idea was soon scrapped.
However, when you think of the danger these women and children are put in every time they meet a stranger for sex, the idea of them being given the drug in a controlled and safe place does not seem so bad. I know a lot of people will just say that the addicts should be assisted to come off the drugs instead, but some people will not and will do anything to make money to feed their habit.
In 2007, 5 prostitutes were murdered by a man called Steve Wright in Suffolk. These women were all young women with one thing in common...drugs! They were all drug addicts and had all turned to prostitution to feed their habits. These five young beautiful women are now dead. If they had been offered help to get off the drugs, or help to obtain drugs and take them in a safe environment, would they still have been alive today?
Many will scoff at the idea and will say that the world has gone mad. Class A and B drugs are readily available on the street to anyone with the money to buy them. The drugs are often mixed with other chemicals so are not always safe drugs (not that any drugs are safe but some are cut cleanly and some arn't). The addicts that rely on drugs to get them through the day shoplift, commit burglary, mug, steal and prostitute themselves to get these drugs. The government were arguing that their drug taking could be controlled, and reduced over time to eventually quit. Yes, tax payers would have paid for this but then, tax payers currently pay for the above crimes committed by addicts anyway which would dramatically reduce if addicts could get their drugs for free.
Is this a good or a bad idea? I know this will be quite controversial as a subject but I'd love to know your thoughts on the government giving drugs to addicts to decrease crime.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/21/nsuffolk321.xml
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Illegal Drugs - Heroin Addiction
Drugs cost the British Taxpayer millions a year through shoplifting, prison stays, as well as the more personal costs that burglary or mugging may bring to you. Drugs are readily available in every town and city, and drug dealers do not care who they sell to either. Walking into shops you see a security guard whizzing past you chasing after a shoplifter who is more than likely stealing to fund their habit. Burglaries are also generally committed by an addict wanting goods or valuables to sell on for their next fix. There is no getting away from it, drugs are everywhere, and will never be stamped out completely.
The Home Office say that they will come down on drug dealers and any addict caught in possession of illegal drugs really hard with tougher sentencing. RUBBISH! How can they with prison overcrowding being as it is? Generally, addicts get away with a short prison spell or a caution. Most get a fine, which they then go out to steal to pay off!
Some people are past help and do not want to be helped. Some have been addicted for so long that they cannot see a way back. No amount of prison sentencing or rehab or methadone will get some to stay clean. There is help available to anybody that wants it, through GP's. That is not the issue as you can only do so much for actual addicts. I'm wanting to know what we can do for the younger generation where peer pressure gets greater by the day and children look for new ways to push the boundaries further and further
The best way to prevent drug abuse from a young age is to educate the young against the dangers. I don't just mean the feeble "So no to drugs " campaign that is outdated and has been recycled over the years. Tougher, hard line education is required in schools to really get through to kids. I would be more than happy for my daughter to receive drug education at school, with shock tactics included. I have enclosed a link to the story about 21 year old Rachel Whitear, who died of a heroin overdose in 2002. The fantastic thing about this story is it has been personalised and is more likely to strike a chord with people. Her very courageous parents have allowed the publication of pictures of their daughters body to be printed for all to see, and whats more, they are allowing the pictures to be used as drug education in schools. What a fantastic idea. Most have an image of a druggie in their mind, but now this has been personalised. This is a young girl who was very young and not the stereotypical image of a druggie. If this picture reaches just one young person then it has been worth it.
What is your stance on drugs?
The following link takes you to a story written from the perspective of a heroin addict.
http://www.blacktable.com/lang041104.htm
The following link takes you to the news story published shortly after 21 year old Rachel Whitear's death in 2002. This was as a result of heroin overdose.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/1848092.stm
Monday, 24 March 2008
Announced Cigarette Display Ban

Outlining the proposals, Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said it was "vital" to teach children that "smoking is bad".
Call me stupid but how is this going to deter children from smoking? Just because cigarettes are out of sight doesn't mean they are out of mind! How naive can you be? Children smoke because they are rebelling, and they are doing this 'cos they know it is bad. They smoke to look grown up. Hiding cigarettes wont deter children from smoking. To me, they will see it as a challenge. So far over the last two years, the government has banned smoking in public places, and increased the age limit on buying tobacco. It has done the usual price increase and tax increase and still, more and more people are smoking at a younger age.
I am an ex-smoker, and I only quit because I chose to. I would not have been forced into it by my parents, boyfriend, family, local shops or government. Hiding cigarettes will not have any difference whatsoever to a smoker in my eyes. If you are addicted to tobacco you will happily go into a shop and ask for cigarettes whether it be from behind or under the counter. A smoker will also brave the elements of any weather to smoke. The smoking ban that the government has thought up does not deter smokers at all. If anything, it promotes social inclusion. One of my fellow classmates told me that as a smoker he has met some great people whom he got talking to whilst being forced to smoke outside, as people cluster together and it is a more sociable affair.
The only difference this will make is expense to the shopkeeper who will have to have special cabinets made for under the counter, & further expense to the shop keeper who already has the current display cases which will now be redundant and end up in landfill. Cigarette manufacturers supply these displays to shops anyway, so surely the tobacco companies are at fault?
The only plus point that I can see is that if they are under the counter, it makes it harder for opportunist thieves to just lean over and swipe them!
What do you think? Anybody in favour of this latest government proposal? Let me know your thoughts and reasons behind them
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7310884.stm
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Celebrities Behaving Badly

People follow celebrities and some go as far as to centre their lives around them.
This module is called being bad, where we are looking at bad behaviour. The majority of the themes we are covering can be seen all over the newspapers nearly every day. The celebrities that people

Don't get me wrong, I haven't got a downer on celebs at all. I think that because bad behaviour does sell papers and magazines, this is what features the most, and a lot of it is hyped up by the media to get the sales. Look through a newspaper such as the sun and see how many articles about celebs doing good things feature. A lot of celebrities do loads for charity but this do


Friday, 21 March 2008
Bad Comedians

If if is about offensive comedians then bring it on 'cos I have one sick sense of humour!! The more offensive and sicker the better in my opinion and I'm not afraid to admit it!

Thursday, 20 March 2008
Being Too Religious


It doesn't tend to bother me really but I don't like being preached at. It makes me feel uncomfortable to have somebody preaching their beliefs to me in a town centre. It really annoys me that I have people knocking on my front door to tell me about god. I am 26 years old and know where to find god should I feel the need! Isn't he all around us anyway?


Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Tattoos - Body Modification

I do think that tattooing is an art though and it is very skilled and delicate work. The attention to detail is amazing and I could quite happily sit for hours studying all of the detail in some of the tattoos I've seen whilst researching the subject.

In the United States, they used to be gang symbols for the number of murders committed, but now they're more often used to symbolize loved ones who died while the wearer was in prison.