Need a break from studying or revising but don’t know what to do? Here’s what our staff and students have been watching, reading, and listening to.
We asked our economics lecturers what they’ve been enjoying! Dr Sylvain Barde is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Admissions Officer, Dr Amanda Gosling is a Senior Lecturer in Economics and also our Head of School, and Dr Amrit Amirapu is a Senior Lecturer in Economics.
Sylvain’s Picks
- “Anything Star Wars/Marvel on Disney+” – Sylvain
- The Mandalorian (TV Series) – a bounty hunter’s mission to protect a special child, Grogu, from the remnants of the Empire in the lawless galaxy.
- Andor (TV Series) – from a thief to a Rebel Alliance spy, Andor journeys through self-discovery and rebellion against the Galactic Empire.
- WandaVision (TV Series) – Wanda’s idyllic sitcom with Vision, navigating different TV eras while secrets and forces threaten their seemingly perfect world.
- Loki (TV Series) – the God of Mischief journeys through time, forges alliances, and pursues the threats to the fabric of reality.
- The Martian (Book) – a sci-fi novel about astronaut Mark Watney’s struggle for survival on Mars after being stranded, using science and wit to overcome life-threatening challenges and communicate with Earth for rescue.
- Fallout (TV Series) – a post-apocalyptic wasteland, uncovering secrets, and a mysterious artefact that could shift the world’s power balance.
- The Diplomat (TV Series) – a newly appointed US ambassador faces a race against time to avert war, whilst navigating a complex political web of conspiracies, diplomacy, and personal challenges.
Amanda’s Picks
- This Is Us (TV Series) – an emotional romantic dramedy exploring intertwined lives, love, personal struggles, and the power of connection in defining family and love.
- Women on the Edge of Time (Book) – authored by Marge Piercy, this book follows a wrongfully institutionalised Mexican-American woman who connects with a future utopia, addressing themes of racism, gender, and medical mistreatment.
- “I read this as a teenager and still makes me think.”
-
Hidden Figures (Film) –
- “Great story and illustrates so well the harms that discrimination does, not only on individuals, but also on a macro level.”
- “Some music that really reminds me of when I was a student (all very random) (I can practically smell the beer when I hear them!)”
- “Paid in full” – Eric B. and Rakim
- “Teenage Kicks” – The Undertones
- “Manic Monday” – The Bangles
- “I knew you were waiting for me” – Aretha Franklin and George Michael
- “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – The Clash
Amrit’s Picks
- Only Murders in the Building (TV Series) – True crime enthusiasts investigate a murder in their New York City apartment complex.
- Motherland (TV Series) – A comedic exploration of the ups and downs of parenthood and family life in modern-day London.
- Derry Girls (TV Series) – Teenage friends navigate the challenges of adolescence during the tumultuous 1990s in Northern Ireland.
- Panchayat (TV Series) – A city-bred engineer adjusts to rural life as he takes up a government job in a remote village.
- The Little Hours (Film) – Medieval nuns lead a simple life in an Italian convent until a handsome young servant arrives.
- Death of Stalin (Film) – Political chaos and power struggles ensue after the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1953.
- Gringo (Film) – A mild-mannered businessman finds himself in over his head while navigating the world of drug cartels.
- Solaris, Stanislaw Lem (Book) – A psychological drama exploring human consciousness and longing as scientists study an enigmatic planet.
- Stories of Your Life and Others, Ted Chiang (Book) – A sci-fi anthology exploring human nature, time, and communication through various tales.
- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson (Book) – An examination of the insidious role of caste systems in shaping societies, hierarchies, and power dynamics.
- Empire (Podcast) – A history podcast on the rise and fall of empires, their leaders, and their lasting impact on the world.
- This American Life (Podcast) – A radio and podcast series presenting thought-provoking, intimate stories of human experiences in America.
- Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me (Podcast) – A comedic news quiz show with celebrity guests and lighthearted trivia.
- Business Daily (BBC Radio Programme) – A daily BBC radio show and podcast offering insights into the world of business, finance, and work, covering trends, challenges, and success stories.
- “It’s a boring title I know but the show is anything but! Just like Economics – it’s not about business or money at all – it’s about people and the world we live in. It’s great!”