Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Bauhaus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Bauhaus - Essay Example The ability of the artist to combine space, form, and colour as well as the culture and tradition of the people within the society tells us something about an architectural design. In line with this matter, the author of Bauhaus discussed how the school became a strong influence in the training and development of craftmanship among the modern painters, achitects, and sculptors. One of the school’s strong influence of Bauhaus started when the school decided to effectively train the painters, architects and sculptors to become artistically inclined. This was done by enabling the students to understand the importance of combining their suggested ideas, concepts, knowledge on new materials and available technology including their individual skills when creating a new concept or design. In fact, one of the many goals of Bauhaus is to enable the readers to fully understand the importance of craftmanship especially when it comes to modernization of art designs. The Bauhaus started in Weimar between the years 1919 to 1925 when the school was temporarily closed because of the lack of financial capabilities to continue its operations. Between December 1926 up to 1932, the Bauhaus in Dessau became operational. Eventually, Bauhaus in Berlin managed to served the public only between 1932 to 1933 since the Bauhaus was closed down because of the political decisions of Hitler under the Nazi regime. The training provided by the Bauhaus to its students was not limited to designing on papers.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

What Causes Economic Growth? Institutions or Human Capital?

What Causes Economic Growth? Institutions or Human Capital? Introduction An increasing amount of empirical research has been focused on measuring and approximating the effects of historical variables on the economies of today. There seems to be a chicken or the egg story in the literature: Do political institutions cause economic growth or does economic growth, through human capital, lead to better institutions? There seems to be a gap in the literature around the colonization period concerning human capital and institutions. We would like to add to this debate by researching the period before the colonization, using empirical research. We would like to add to this debate by researching the period beforearound the colonization period: Could it be possible that the human capital people broughtbrought by people to the colonies was gained due institutions in their native countries and that therefore institutions cause better human capital and therefore growth? In this essay we will bring across a simple message: you first need institutions to create human capital, in order to foster growth.? First we will lay the foundation of our theory by discussing empirical works that cover theperiod before the age of imperialism. Then we shall discuss the empirical proof that institutions do cause growth, after which we will analyze refute the human capital side argument. Finally, we will sum up our findings and provide suggestions for further research. Reversal of fortune and the importance of institutions Acemoglu et al. (2003) deliver a detailed analysis on different outcomes of today’s post-colonial countries. It was found that the divergence in economic development that is observable among former colonies is caused by the way the settlers established institutions in the area. Indeed, it is easily seen that regions like North America have shown to perform much better than countries located in Central and Southern America and in other parts of Africa colonized by roughly the same populations. Essentially, in the areas where resources were relatively scarce and population density was low, the pioneers established institutions pretty similar to the ones they had in their homeland, implementing systems of property rights protection that stimulated investments. In areas where resources and indigenous inhabitants were abundant, the settlers created â€Å"extracting institutions†, where their goal was not a long lasting development, but just a depletion of resources. These in stitutions were based on property rights restricted to an enclosed elite that consisted of the European settlers, in which the indigenous population was not included. not of indigenous people but that excluded the indigenous people., who The indigenous peopley were forced to work, mostly in conditions of slavery, in order to yield the highest profit possible. This explains why countries which were prosperous before the colonization, are today performing much significantly worse than countries where institutions were accessible to by all the inhabitants. Therefore, what these findings really show is that human capital is not the ultimate deep cause of eof better institutionsconomic development, but that instead it is the proximate cause., Indeed the true cause of why some colonies thrived and others haven’t ofare institutions and these institutions which supplied the legal foundations, including property rights  being the ultimate cause. More evidence on thisin favor of our thesis is given by Acemoglu et al. (2014), who gathered data about the literacy of the different settlers. They showed that the conquistadores that who colonized South and Central America where much moresubstantially better educated (at least speaking about literacyusing literacy as a proxy for the level of education) than the English settlers colonizing North America. Nevertheless, the latter turned out to be better developed in the future. Acemoglu et al. (2014) finds again that the primethe reason forof this difference is into the kind of institutions that were in place. Besides this explanation, there is another key variable missing; the education these settlers received in their homeland. Institutions and human capital did not come out of the blue, but most of the papers written supporting the human capital argument assume everyone starts off from square one, so to say, when they arrive in the colony. For example, a person educated as an engi neer does not lose his engineering knowledge, once s/he arrives in the colony, like the human capital argument suggest. Furthermore, Acemoglu et al. (2014) show that there is no significant support for the human capital argument that differences in the human capital endowments of colonists have been a crucial factor in the institutional development of these institutions. The way institutions were established by the colonists was deeply influenced by the institutions in their home countries. Especially before those colonies became independent they were legally dependent on their homeland, with roughly the same institutions, the difference being that these institutions were reshaped in order to comply with territorial needs. The new communities established would base their institutions on the ones they were used to in their native country. Of course with time some switched to different systems, but the so-called seed that let the tree grow was coming from somewhere else. And this â₠¬Å"somewhere else† is indeed their country of origin and its institutions. Considerations on the human capital theory In this section we are going to better explain why we consider the claim that human capital is the prime cause of economic development is wrongeconomic growth causes better institutions is inconsistent. In a prominent human capital argument article by Glaeser et al. (2004) the relation between human capital and growth is the point of discussion. The authors claim that countries possessing more human capital in the past performed better than others, independently by which institutions they were established before the introduction of human capital. They affirm that human capital is not caused by institutions, but that instead it causes themhuman capital causes growth and therefore better institutions. Granted, Glaeser et al. (2004) has the same requirement as we propose for growth; property rights. However,We strongly disagree with that view. A population can have as much human capital as they can accumulate, but if it is not pushed to its real potential, it fails to improve a societyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s economic situation. we then wonder how a society can gain human capital, without well-functioning institutions that provide property rights. If that society does not protect property rights or does not give to all its components roughly equal rights, growth will be slower, if not completely absent. people will not invest in human or physical capital, since the payoff of the investment is uncertain. Think about a generic example: if a society does not protect anyone’s property but just the property of a closed elite, outsiders who might have groundbreaking ideas, will probably not get to develop their ideas, given that in this way they might not have the means to do so or they might just not be given the incentive to fulfill their potential. This is exactly what we think has happened in the extracting societies: even if the conquistadores were better (according to the literacy measurements made by Acemoglu et al.) were pretty educated on average, the indigenous popula tion wereas not allowed to participate in the society improvement process or to hold property; instead they were forced to work in conditions of slavery. The opposite happened in North America and we can see how ithistory tells how it turned out: most of the population was composed by emigrants from the Old Continent, whom wereto whom were given the same rights, and even if there were some minorities like the African American who were granted less rights, there were still more people enjoying the benefits of the institutions than in the countriesthe countries where extracting institutions persisted. Further evidence in support of our argumenton this topic is given by Weil (2013): when comparing a country’s wealth with its amount of human capital seen as education, he shows that there is no direct correlation. The difference in wealth is not entirely explained by education. If this was the case, for example, Mozambique would have had 43% of the U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per worker, but in reality it produces only 1.9% of it. Weil explains this discrepancy using the quality of education, which changes the effect of education on wealth drastically. These differences in quality of schooling are directly related to the institutions present; the students of richer countries learn faster and more effectively, because they are provided better educational facilities and means of learning. Conclusion As we have shown in this brief essay, in order to foster growth potential in the first place, one needs institutions that create and protect property rights. Indeed, we have shown, using empirical research, that human capital is caused by institutions in the first place, which then indirectly causes growth. However, we do not say that human capital cannot feed into the quality of institutions at a later stage, the relation is far more elegant and complex than that, we simply wanted to show that the institutions are the beginning of the story. Furthermore, we think that institutions placed in colonial countries did not directly originate there, but that they were derived from the institutions that were present in the native countries. As a final remark, we strongly urge that more research should be done on the development of institutions and human capital and how they compare to their native country around the colonization period, which has only been treated superficially in the lite rature. References Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S. and Robinson, J. (2002). ‘Reversal of Fortune: Geography and Institutions in the Making of the Modern World Income Distribution’. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 117(4), pp.1231-1294. Acemoglu, D., Gallego, F., and Robinson, J. A. (2014). ‘Institutions, human capital and development’. Unpublished working paper. University of Harvard, Cambridge. Glaeser, E., La Porta, R., Lopez-de-Silanes, F. and Shleifer, A. (2004). ‘Do Institutions Cause Growth?’. Journal of Economic Growth, 9(3), pp.271-303. Weil, D. (2013). Economic growth. Boston: Pearson, pp.170-197.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Chinese Kinship Systems Essay -- China Chinese Kin Kinship Essays

Chinese Kinship Systems Works Cited Missing It would be impossible to disagree with the statement that â€Å"Chinese kinship is based on male predominance†. In fact this statement may even be under-emphasizing the control and absolute power that males wield across all levels of Chinese society. Of course, where their power initially comes from though, is through the family or termed differently the â€Å"jia†. It is this extended or ideal family that cultivates the consistent patrilineal form of control/descent and dictates that residence in said â€Å"jia† is primarily patrilocal. That being said, what I hope to be able to create over the following pages is a clearer understanding of the ideal (Chinese) system of control. This ideal system,based on the ideal of male predominance, is outlined impeccably in the writings of Baker, Watson and Xiaotong. There are also excellent examples of an ideal â€Å"jia† and its power structure in Wolf’s ethnography, â€Å"The House of Lim†. But Wolfà ¢â‚¬ s ethnography also outlines examples whereby the ideal system of dominance is not always put into practice or is just not as smooth running as the writings of the 3 former anthropologists would have you believe. It is my aim then, to include examples of a patriarchal system encountering problems and realities that are difficult to explain in an â€Å"ideal† sense.There is little doubt, according to Baker, that the first and foremost aspect to understanding Chinese families and society at large is the importance placed on male relationships and descent that is traced through a male line. In contrast, women in Chinese society were given little thought and even less power. They were to be used as reproducers of the male line and to aid in home/farm labour, apart from this; women had only small amounts of power and responsibility. In fact, the patriarchal system demanded that a wife’s only connection with her husband’s family be through the husband himself. He r future then, was caught up with his and her sons only, and she is expected â€Å"to see her husband’s interests as paramount in importance† (Baker, 1979).Yet, women and childbirth, were essential to the continuation of the patrilineal system, which started with the birth of a son or sons to any kinship system be they peasant or gentry class. It was considered vitally important in Chinese society, that a wife bare a son as soon as possible not only for the... ...cumstances would be in Chieng-cua’s position –is still alive and now has a son (Lim A-bok) who is contributing a full share to the family budget. Undoubtedly this ambiguity in structure of the family influences the attitudes of Lim A-pou and her son†.This ambiguity was the eventual death of the united Lim family. Walls were mounted, positions dissolved and property/wealth were divided up as equally as possible. It was not though, the death of the patrilineal system. Patrilocal residence would continue for all of the Lim (future) families, ancestral worship would also continue and male dominance and gender inequality would still reign supreme. In fact very little underneath the surface or socially would change at all, the family would remain a residential and economic unit composed primarily of males. And in order to reproduce itself it would still be forced to import women as brides, and dispose of females born into it by marrying them off to other families. F inally, it would continue to lay heavy stress on relationships through males, and tended to play down those through females, while there was an accompanying stress on the importance of men as opposed to women (Baker, 1979).

Thursday, October 24, 2019

One child policy of China Essay

The issue of population growth has been one of the major problems faced by world over past century. The exponential population growth, popularly termed as population explosion, has led to unprecedented rise in human population, which has numerically grown by over 4 billion to 6 billion in the last hundred years itself. This enormous growth in human numbers has spawned social and economical problems of severe complexity, especially considering the fact that most of this growth has happened in economically underdeveloped countries of Asian and African region, particularly India and China, both of whom have seen their population growing past a billion mark. Supporting such huge number of ever rising population is indeed a challenge for any country, as natural resources threaten to run short, and economic privations become a general norm. Under such circumstances, population control becomes a necessary government objective, the validity, importance and meaningfulness of which are undisputable from environmental, economic and social angels. However, population control policies have always generated controversies from humanitarian and ethical viewpoints, the most noted example of them being the population control policy of People’s Republic of China that restricts couples to having just one child (Xue, 1996). Although highly effective under China’s strict state policies, it is indeed an extreme measure that has invited criticism from all over the world because for its forceful rather than coercive implications. Issues involved As stated earlier, unchecked rise in population is indeed an invitation to complex and unmanageable problems that no nation state can handle irrespective of its size and resources. However, the issues involved with China’s one child policy are very complicated and affect some basic concepts of right to life and existence China launched its aggressive family planning scheme in mid of 1970s when suddenly its policy makers realized the dangers of a rapidly growing population that had reached one billion mark by 1980s (Smith, 1991). In the previous two decades the government had failed to take in cognizance of growing population due to stability and improvement economic conditions, availability of medical facilities, medicines and drop in child mortality. More ominously, as demographers realized, the rapid growth of population in previous decades implied that by 1980 more than half the population was approaching marriage age, which meant that even under decreasing fertility rate, the Chinese population would reach 1. 4 billion by end of the century (White, 2003). This realization launched Chinese policy makers and government in a frenetic attempt to implement some of the strictest population measures that included a one-child policy per couple to contain the population under 1. 2 billion (Richards, 1996). This draconian measure was explained and justified from various social and economical angels, one of which was arguable shortage of cultivable land (Smith, 1991). As government argued, the cultivable land per person had come down from . 20 hectare in 1949 to . 10 hectare in 1980 due to almost doubling of population in the same period and hence the ensuing crisis demanded critical measures (ibid). Moreover the state infrastructure and its capacity to support such large population, provide adequate medical and educational facilities and ensure jobs for it would become increasingly difficult. As claimed by supporters of the one child policy, the policy was merely concerned with providing economic incentives and preferential treatment to families with one child such as paid pregnancy leave, lucrative salary bonus, and state sponsored or free educational and medical facilities, facilities that families with more than one child lack. Further disincentives created for larger families include financial penalty on birth of second and third child that are respectively 20 and 30 percent of the annual income of the family (Richards, 1996). The policy was tooth and nail opposed by a large proportion of Chinese people, and especially by those in rural areas but government decided to continue with it seeing its possible benefit in controlling the population question. One of the main problems disturbing Chinese leaders was China’s low GNP and very simple calculations showed them that to increase GNP in the longer run, they required to reduce or contain the number of people, which was the easy way against the hard route that involved working towards increasing the economic output (Feng, 1996). Containing population growth was presented was the single panacea that could increase per capita income, help achieve modernization plans, give impetus to the economy and solve the problem of additional resource requirements that rising population presented (Feng, 1996). The one child policy is considered officially successful and instrumental in significantly reducing birth rates, fertility rates, growth rates and death rates and its expected that soon the population would began to decline at a faster rate as children born after the implementation of the policy would have less desire to have a family of more than one child (Richards). Also to wash off its hand from the negative effect of the policy, such as increased number of female feticide, and suicides among Chinese females, the government insistently attributed them to backward and obsolete Chinese culture and customs. Conclusion Despite the claims of the supporters and the official government, it cannot be denied that the very concept of the one child policy involves flagrant violations of the rights to live, procreate and live socially. In its zeal to implement the policy, Chinese authorities permitted such extreme measures as forcible abortions and sterilization, which were openly illegal in every humanitarian statute (Xue and Xiaokang, 1996). By making childbearing an illegal act, the government forcibly tried to change the demographic dynamics with dangerous social consequences that threatens to create a mundane and homogenous society bereft of any relation except parents and in-laws. Also the one child policy triggered a large number of female-infanticide that threatened to dangerously alter male-female sex ratio in China. Of course the most cruel fate was reserved for those who were born outside this policy, that is the second and third child of the family who were denied any state support and facility in a perfectly state controlled society. In the wake of an economically prospering and comparatively stabilized China, it’s the call of the hour for Chinese government to finally abandon and bury its anti-people one child policy and work on creation of a more informed society.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Minimizing High School Dropouts: Social Perspective Essay

The purpose of this research paper was to record and analyze students’ experiences with dropping out of high school within a social perspective. Discussing the stories of high school dropouts provided valuable information related to the root causes of dropout behaviors in a social influence context. This information could be used to develop programs designed to increase social influence in schools, families, and communities, which can contribute to a decrease in dropout behaviors. High school dropouts are at a new record high in society today, it has been recorded that every second there is a high school student dropping out equaling close to 1000 students a month throughout the USA. What grade should be observed the most to avoid high dropout rates? Who does the high school dropout crisis affect the most? These are just some of the questions we as parents, teachers, administrators, government officials, etc need to really ask ourselves. Because this social problem is only going to keep growing if we as a nation do not start taking the proper steps to improve our school systems and communities. Graduation rates are one of the most troubling concerns, especially in the ninth grade. Meanwhile, the federal government has invested millions of dollars in researching at risk drop out students, which estimated in 2001 to over half a million students leaving before graduation. Unfortunately, this increase in the dropout rate has occurred at a time when there seems such a large emphasis on getting a college degree, much less a high school diploma and being able to compete in a global world (Neild, Balfanz, & Herzog, 2007). The ninth grade students accumulate the highest behavioral issues as well as poor grades, because it is the first time for many students having to earn passing grades in their core courses or even be responsible for their own actions. Researchers have started their target area with the ninth graders because this is a make or break stage in the students’ school years (Smith, Akos, Lim, & Wiley, 2008). With high school graduation requirements increasing throughout the states both involving the ninth grade and the transition from middle school to high school , a lot of data went into viewing the importance of the ninth grade year (Cooney, & Bottoms, 2002). Possible help tactics to ease the transition to high school included developing freshman academics and emphasis on students both before and after ninth grade, which could boost freshman success and possibly reduce high school dropout rates (Fulk, 2003). Challenging high school graduation requirements during the ninth grade year are only one of the many issues that many students face. With this being my 2nd year as an Administrator in high school, I am the individual that works closely to the ninth grade class developing transition skills from middle school to high school. And honestly at this level of high school they are the most challenging because they are still playful, immature, and lack the importance of high school. So implementing programs throughout their whole 9th grade year could help develop them into stronger students as well as individuals. Fulk (2003) mentioned high schools developing freshman academics so this way they are challenging them not making the transition complicating but strengthening them academically. High schools implementing this program could be a great idea however these students need to be motivated and strengthened mentally before expecting them to achieve the highest level of excellence academically. Because this situation is so publicized the school systems need to gather (etc; charter schools, public schools, private schools) to implement social psychological theories to these schools so this issue can start changing. But realistically, the schools can get onboard however if the parents do not drive this into their children it can be quite difficult to change their attitudes on their academic achievement. I would like to see more after school programs focusing on attitude adjustment and academic achievement. Socially, we as a nation need to address this social issue and create interventions for all schools to implement because there should not be that many high school dropouts daily throughout this nation. In addition, students need to have mentors not just their teachers, administrators, etc because this could be a drive that could change this social problem within the school systems. Cultural influences provided an exploration of the effect of neighborhood distress, which includes high poverty levels and crime rates, on the risk of dropping out of school. When all other variables were controlled for, white students were more at risk of dropping out of school than African American students were. In addition, students from families with higher incomes and levels of education were less likely to drop out of school and that household stability reduced the likelihood of dropping out of school. When neighborhood distress was added into the equation, Crowder and South found that African American students from disadvantaged neighborhoods were over twice as likely to drop out of school as white students from similarly disadvantaged neighborhoods, a finding which was independent of individual- and family-level characteristics. This effect was more pronounced for male African American students as the level of neighborhood distress increased, and was exacerbated by living in a single-parent household (Crowder & South). Among white students, females were more likely to drop out of school than males as the level of neighborhood distress increased (Crowder & South). The impact of socioeconomic factors in neighborhoods on the tendency for students to drop out of school was substantial, particularly for African American males in single-parent households and white females. The social influence and dropout behavior for different minority groups focuses on all aspects of social influence, which Latinos have been reported having an unsuccessful academic outcome. This family social influence translates into poor academic achievement because of the lack of community social influence and value placed on the potential of women in Latino society to produce economic wealth (Qian, & Blair, 1999). The purpose of this study was to record and analyze students’ experiences with dropping out of high school within a social perspective. Some of this data was collected over the past 4 yrs at my current high school where I am employed as Assistant Dean of Students; meanwhile, some is more current. As a researcher, I assumed students who have dropped out of school had something important to say about the social components they perceived as being lacking from their educational process and that student views had the potential to enrich discourse about social influence. My experience as an administrator responsible for dealing with students who have attendance problems contributed to my desire to tell the stories of such students. From this study, I examined how the level of social influence in each participant’s life affected the decision each made to drop out of school. Furthermore, I was able to develop a more complete definition of social influence as it relates to dropouts. Through this study, I gave a voice to the high school dropout and provided a context for the improvement of the level of social influence found in families, schools, and communities. The shared experiences of high school dropouts provided insight into the aspects of social capital that may contribute to the decision for the student to leave school. An examination of the stories of dropouts obtained in interviews gave a voice to those who were unable or unwilling to complete high school. In addition, it provided a forum for utilizing social theory to develop a future dialog for reduction of the dropout problem. As part of my experience as Assistant to the Dean of Students, one of my charges has been to implement consistency with our school’s attendance policy and to decrease the school’s dropout rate. During one of our weekly meetings, the school’s Department chairs and I decided to meet with six to eight at-risk students, and, when available, their parents. These meetings focus on determining why each of the students was not coming to school and developing a plan to get each student back on track for graduation. I have heard stories of family problems, academic difficulties, substance abuse, mental illness, and bad habits that shaped students’ perceptions of their realities in school. Participants The potential participants for this study included approximately 30 students, age18 and over, who dropped out of the school during the 2005-2009 school year. Meanwhile, five students were selected from this research study for face-to-face interview time. First, each student must have been a part of the general education population and not have had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed for them. Students with disabilities were not included in this study. There are a disproportionate number of dropouts with disabilities (Goldschmidt, 1999). According to a report of findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, approximately 30% of all students with disabilities dropped out of high school in 2003 (Wagner, Newman, Cameto, & Levine, 2004). The nature of the disability might be a reason for the dropout behaviors and may confound the data. However, further study needs to be conducted for IEP students because from what I have witnessed, their level of motivation is low and they tend to give up. In addition, once all candidates were interviewed, the Department chairs, Dean of Students and I chose our students for further research. Meanwhile, since some data from previous dropouts had already been documented the ethical consent forms were not necessary; however, ones being considered at risk dropouts were given an ethical consent form. Each candidate was informed of the nature of the study and asked of his or her level of willingness to participate. During the study, some questions were asked to guide participant into discussion: 1. Tell me about yourself. 2. Tell me about your high school experience. 3. Describe the ways you were encouraged to stay in high school The questions were intended to elicit stories that would provide information to answer the research questions, meanwhile, these responses were based on the main components of social influence that lead them to dropping out of high school.  Here are some gathered responses from the participants to answer the research question â€Å"Social Perspective on Minimizing Dropout Rates†. 1. Single parent home, does not get along with parents, no family support, illegal drug use, criminal activities, repeated two grade levels. 2. Skipping school and classes, not much desire to be in school besides socially, not involved in school activities, parents not knowledgeable of academics, behavior, etc, no high levels of expectations given by parents. 3.  Had several teachers, administrators riding him giving motivational speeches, encouraging him. Still no family support besides his friends doing nothing with their lives. Future Study The school systems are being held accountable for increasing graduation rates. While they are unable to control access to family and community social influences available to students, they can assist students by teaching them how to identify dysfunctional relationships and how to utilize social influences that is available to them through building positive relationships and seeking mentors. Further research into the development of successful intervention programs to provide support for social attainment throughout a child’s school career may be a proactive way to work with students who exhibit tendencies to drop out of school (Astone, 1991). One major setback encountered by the students was that they had not established long-term goals or had goals that were unrealistic. In this study, the students had difficulty answering questions about their goals and seemed to be unable to imagine prospects beyond the immediate future. Unfortunately, there was a lack of family social influence available to the students in this study. Quantitative studies have clearly identified components of social influence related to the family that are indicators of future dropout behavior (Fontana, 2002). Not many studies were found that analyzed the parental viewpoint on the development of family social influence. A research design study of the parents of dropouts and the stories they tell about their children may add to the future studies. Understanding how aspects of social influence appear in the stories that parents tell could provide information about how family social development breaks down in the lives of dropouts (Epstein, 2002). The theme found throughout this research project was that a lack of family and community social influence in the form of a deficiency in relationships with members of families or communities with the capacity to assist students in their endeavors to complete school might have contributed to dropout behaviors exhibited by students in this study. In addition, access to school social influence did not necessarily enhance the students’ potential to complete school. Developing social influence is a way to remove barriers for students and to build bridges that bring school personnel, community members, and families together to keep youth in school. Social networks among parents, educators, and community members are crucial to the success of each child, in addition to school social influence, family social influence, and community social influence. Nevertheless, it seems that in the cases of these students, school social influence was readily available, but they did not utilize it. To maximize the benefits received, students must understand how to use social influence available to them. School personnel have limited control over the amount of school social influence students may utilize. By increasing available school social influence, students should exhibit decreased dropout tendencies along with increasing community and family social influence, which has been shown to increase student achievement.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Tragedy of the Titanic essays

Tragedy of the Titanic essays The devastating loss of life on the night of April 14, 1912, caused the unsinkable Titanic to become both a captivating and historic event, which continues to be depicted through books, movies and plays developed from descriptions of the survivors. The Titanic disaster, especially these past few years, ceases to remain silent. It has become an influential topic of interest for society, and the media has captured our fascination with this tragedy making it symbol of "the good old days" (Biel 1). The Titanic was "a lost golden age of order, authority, stable social roles, and codes of behavior" (Biel 1). Jim Beckerman reported that there had been seventeen movies, nineteen documentaries, and over a hundred books and songs made about the Titanic. He also quoted a historical consultant who said, "The Titanic is the key part of our popular culture" (1). On April 12, 1912, the luxurious Titanic was ready to provide accommodations for the rich and new beginnings for the poor in America (McMillan and Lehrer 22). Excitement spread all over England about this "unsinkable ship" through posters and newspaper articles. Her voyage embarked from South Hampton, England to New York (McMillan and Lehrer 6). The Titanic was noteworthy for its extraordinary luxury. It possessed a first class dining saloon with seating for five hundred passengers. In addition, there was an "a la carte" restaurant for smaller private dinner parties. Each room had Jacobean style alcoves with leaded glass windows. In addition, over 127 thousand pieces of tableware, including bone china dinner plates and eight hundred crystal cut glass tumblers lined its closets (McMillan and Lehrer 52). Because of its design and workmanship, problems with the Titanic were not expected. Little did the crew or passengers know that just a gentle graze of an iceberg would be the beginning of the end. After the Titanic had collided with the iceberg, the crew did not expec...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Life as a Service (LaaS)...

Life as a Service (LaaS)... Do you ever get the feeling that your life is all about you and your own little world? I sometimes do, and when it happens I feel very small. Those are the moments where I think I need to travel the world or somehow make a bigger difference. But then there are moments where I understand on a deep level that my life is a contribution- and that every life is a contribution, whether human or plant or animal. In those moments there is no separation between me and the universe. Last week I managed to get outside of my small-brained thoughts for long enough to feel that magical connection, and to write a poem about it. My life changed for the better after writing this poem. People reached out to me more, congratulated me and affirmed me more, and even gave me free stuff! Here is my message My Life as a Blessing I am a host to the wind, the trees, the birds. It is my charge to care for every living creature. I hold space for the leaves to shake and shimmer. I hold space for the moon to shine, for the rain to cleanse the earth. I hold space for the sludge, the earthquakes, the fire ants. I wake up early to usher the sun to the sky. I make the bed for its setting. I pick up the litter. I pick raspberries for breakfast. Earth, do you have everything you need? Shall I put flowers in a vase by your bedside? A mint on your pillow? How may I serve you? How might I host you? Come on in. Rest your weary head. You are welcome here. ***** You, my reader, are welcome here on my site and as part of my work and life. What can I do for you? In the spirit of contribution and service, I invite you to ask yourself this question: How can I care for myself and the people and world around me? I look forward to hearing your thoughts. (For the non-techies out there, the title of this blog is a reference to cloud services such as Sales as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Maybe some of you geeks out there caught that!)

Sunday, October 20, 2019

What Is a Double Major Is a Double Major Right for You

What Is a Double Major Is a Double Major Right for You SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Going to college can sometimes feel like a series of tough decisions. Not only do you have to take standardized tests like the ACT or SAT, you also have to decide which colleges to apply to and write (practically) a million applications! After all of that, picking your major sometimes feels like the easy part. But not so fast! Many schools offer a variety of majoring opportunities, including a degree path referred to as a double major where you concentrate in not one, but two different subjects. This guide will take the mystery out of what it means to double major! We’ll explore the ins and outs of the degree path, including: Defining what a double major is...and what it isn’t, Discussing the pros and cons of double majoring, and finally, Helping you figure out whether a double major is the right choice for you. So without further ado...let’s dive in! Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash What Is a Double Major? A Brief Introduction Simply put: a double major is one bachelor’s degree with two concentrations, which are more commonly known as majors. But what does that mean, exactly? First, you need to understand the differences between a degree and a major. The Bachelor’s Degree Universities offer a number of degree programs at three different levels: the bachelor’s degree, the master’s degree, and the doctoral degree. The first degree you earn is a bachelor’s degree, which takes approximately four years to complete. There are different types of bachelor’s degrees awarded depending on your major. The two most common bachelor’s degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) A Bachelor of Arts is earned in any liberal arts related field. These include studies like history, philosophy, English, and foreign language. A Bachelor of Science is earned in science-related fields of study, like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some universities offer additional bachelor’s degrees, like Princeton’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E) or the University of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S). Regardless of what the degree is called, the most important thing to remember is that a bachelor’s degree is what you earn for completing all of your university’s requirements for a four-year undergraduate degree. The Major A major is a distinct area of concentrated study within your degree field. (Now that you know what a degree is, we bet this makes more sense!) So you can think of a major as an area of study within the scope of a degree! Here’s an example to make this even more clear: let’s say you go to Harvard because you want to be an engineer. But wait! There are multiple types of engineering, all of which require different knowledge and skills. That’s why Harvard offers seven different engineering majors: applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering sciences, environmental science engineering, and mechanical engineering. Since you want to work in cloud computing, you’ll probably choose to major in computer science...and once you meet all the program’s requirements, you’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree! The Double Major When you double major, you will be getting a single degree/diploma that lists concentrations in two majors. In other words, as a double major you will complete the graduation requirements for two separate majors, both of which are in a single degree field. Here’s what we mean: let’s say you want to go into politics, and you hope to work abroad as part of the U.S. Embassy in France. To do this, you know that you need a political science degree and you need to be bilingual in French. Luckily for you, your university offers a B.A. in French and a B.A. in Political Science. This could be a tricky situation if you had to choose between one major and another- it would be hard to determine which course of study is most important! That’s why most universities offer a double major: it lets you fulfill the requirements for both fields of study, both of which will appear on your diploma. So someone who only majors in political science will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, whereas your double major will result in a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French! But what does that look like from a practical perspective? Let’s take a look! Meet Sophia, who has just been admitted to Cornell University. She’s decided that she wants to double major in history and philosophy (which are both part of the Bachelor of Arts degree). As part of The College of Arts Sciences, Sophia’s first job will be to complete all of the college’s core requirements for graduation. After looking at the list, Sophia knows she will have to take at least sixteen classes as part of her core. After that, Sophia takes a look at what classes she needs to take to major in history and philosophy. The history department will require her to take nine history courses to earn a major, and a philosophy major requires a minimum of eight philosophy courses. In order to earn a double major, Sophia will have to meet all the criteria for each major as well as finish her core studies. While earning a double major might seem daunting, it’s definitely an achievable goal. In fact, 12.5% of college students graduated with a double major in 2015. We’ll talk a little more about how to decide if a double major is right for you in just a second, but first, let’s look at what a double major isn’t. sboneham/Flickr What a Double Major Isn’t A double major isn’t the only alternative to a â€Å"typical† four-year degree offered by most universities. (Yep, that’s right- there are even more choices!) While we’re only focusing on double majoring in this article, it’s important to have a brief understanding of the alternatives to avoid confusion! A Double Major Isn’t a Dual Degree A dual degree is exactly what it sounds like: instead of earning one degree with multiple concentrations, you will earn two separate degrees in two separate fields! This happens when a student completes the requirements for majors that confer separate degrees. For example, let’s say a student wants to study art history and biology. Because art history is a Bachelor of Arts and biology is a Bachelor of Science, this person will earn two separate diplomas (a B.A. and a B.S)! Dual degrees are considerably more rare than double majors because a student has to earn two separate degrees that often require different core courses. If students are interested in another area that falls outside of their degree field, many choose to earn a minor rather than a dual degree. A Double Major Isn’t a Minor The best way to think about a minor is as a â€Å"mini major† in another area of study that interests you! Minors usually require four to six additional courses, and they are specifically designed to help students develop a little more knowledge in another area of interest. That’s why minors are sometimes called â€Å"secondary† emphases! For many students, a minor lets them dig into a field that complements their major field of study. For example, someone studying American history might minor in African-American studies, especially if they’re interested in the Civil Rights movement. The important thing to remember is that a minor is like dipping your toe into a subject, while a major involves gaining in-depth knowledge. That difference is reflected in your degree. While a double major lists both areas of study equally, a minor is noted as such- if it appears on your degree at all. That means a double major carries more weight, which can be very important depending on your future career! A Double Major Isn’t an Emphasis Some majors require a student to pick an emphasis within the major itself. Unlike a minor, which is usually earned as part of a different program, an emphasis is a concentration on a specific subject area within a single major. For instance, many English majors are required to pick an emphasis because the field is so broad. These can be a certain time period, a certain genre, or even a specific skill (like grammar)! The goal of an emphasis is to offer more tailored study within a major without requiring additional coursework. Unlike a minor, which is totally optional, emphases are often required to earn certain degrees. For example, if you’re majoring in education, your department might require you to choose an emphasis like elementary education, secondary education, or even special education. Areas of emphasis vary between departments and universities, but keep in mind that an emphasis is the least intensive addition to a â€Å"typical† four-year degree. In terms of order of importance, a major carries more weight than a minor, which carries more weight than an emphasis! Put another way, a second major gives you much more in-depth knowledge about a subject than either a minor or an emphasis. Max Pixel/Max Pixel 5 Pros to Double Majoring Now that you know exactly what a double major is (and isn’t!), let’s talk about the perks of double majoring. #1: You’ll Develop Unique Critical Thinking Skills One of the cool things about being a double major is that you get to learn a lot about two subjects that really interest you. But that also means that you’ll have to learn to think in many different ways since the problem-solving strategies you’ll need to succeed in your first major are probably a little different than the ones you’ll develop for your second major. For example, let’s say you’re majoring in biology and chemistry. While many of the fundamental scientific concepts are the same, you’ll definitely have to use different skills to learn human anatomy than you’ll use when balancing equations! This helps you stretch your brain in new ways, which will make you a better critical thinker, strategist, and problem solver. #2: A Little Extra Work Can Reap Big Rewards This is especially true if you’re double majoring in related fields. Most schools allow you to count a certain number of classes toward two requirements. For example, if you take a sophomore-level chemistry course as part of your chemistry major, it might also count toward a molecular biology major, too! Because you can sometimes double-dip to fulfill certain major requirements, the difference between a single and a double major can sometimes be reduced to just a few courses. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead no matter what major you choose- you definitely don’t want such a prime opportunity to pass you by because you found out about it too late! #3: Double Majors Make You Stand Out in the Job Market It’s no secret that today’s job market is tough, especially for new graduates. A double major can definitely help you stand out from the crowd. Not only does it offer a business a second area of expertise, it demonstrates your ability to plan ahead, work hard, and overcome challenges. Additionally, your second major will allow you to bring unique and valuable skills to the table that your peers don’t have. All of this combines to make you a more competitive candidate for better jobs! Double majors can also give you a leg up if you’re applying to graduate school. Not only does it show that you can manage an intense workload- and make no mistake, graduate school is much harder than earning an undergraduate degree- it also shows admissions committees that you’ll bring new ideas to their department. This is especially true if you have a unique double major combination! For instance, a competitive Master’s of Business Administration program will likely find someone who double majored in advertising and psychology a more compelling candidate than someone with just a single business-related major. Nick Youngson/PicPedia.org #4: You’ll Have More Career Opportunities When you have to majors, you effectively open up a second career path. Your second major opens up more opportunities, which can be incredibly useful if you’re dream job is in a competitive industry. Here’s an instance of how this can work. Steven majored in geology and statistics. He had hoped to work as a petroleum geologist, but new laws and trade agreements have made those jobs pretty scare. Instead, Steven applies for (and land!) a role as a risk analyst for a major oil company. Now that he’s gaining experience in the oil and gas industry, Steven will be an excellent candidate for any geologist position that becomes available in the future. Additionally, a second major can help you secure more unique career opportunities. For example, someone who majors in Spanish and marketing has put themselves in a fantastic position to enter the growing Spanish-language advertising industry. Your second major will make you a much better candidate for a position like this than if you’d majored in Spanish or marketing alone. #5: You’ll Develop a New Perspective One of the amazing things that happens when you study new ideas is that it gives you a new, innovative perspective on existing problems. For instance, did you know that Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of YouTube, studied English and history at Harvard? Or that Rashida Jones- also a Harvard alum- graduated with a degree in religion and philosophy? Double majoring gives you a robust knowledge base lets you see things from fresh angles, which leads to unique ideas, concepts, and solutions that other people would have missed! That’s not only important for a successful career...it can help you change the world, too. 5 Cons to Double Majoring Now that we’ve discussed the pretty awesome perks of a double major, let’s take a closer look at some of the drawbacks of double majoring. #1: You Have to Plan Ahead We mentioned this already, but it bears repeating: if you want to double major, you absolutely must plan ahead. That means more than just looking at class offerings before you can register. We’re talking sitting down with your advisor the first weeks of your freshman year and mapping out your course of study for the next four years. Furthermore, you need to understand the requirements of each major from the get-go so that you can figure out how to maximize your courses. For instance, how many can count toward both majors? Are there summer courses you can take to help speed things along? These are just some of the questions you need to think about to make sure you’re making the most of your time and money. #2: It Can Take Longer to Graduate Is it possible to graduate with a double major in four years? Absolutely! But it takes careful planning, like using your elective credits toward your major. The four-year degree plan also gets more complicated if your majors are extremely different. For example, if you’re majoring in Middle Eastern Studies and sociology, you probably won’t have many classes that can count toward both programs. That can add eight (or more!) courses to your schedule, which might require an additional semester or two to complete. #3: Double Majoring Can Make College More Expensive Speaking of money...double majoring can be more expensive than earning a traditional degree because you’ll have to take additional courses. This means more than just a hike in tuition: you also need to consider the cost of books, supplies, and even gas if you’re traveling to campus more than usual. (This is especially important since many scholarships and grants only cover tuition!) Also, keep in mind that the total cost of college increases with each additional year it takes to finish school. While one year might not seem like a long time, it’s another year of rent, utilities, and food. This can add thousands of dollars to the total cost of your degree, so make sure you’re planning both your course load and your budget carefully. #4: You’ll Have Less Time to Explore Other Interests Many students opt to use their elective credits to help knock out some of the requirements for their second major. This is a great plan, but it also means that you won’t have the opportunity to take classes that interest you just for the sake of learning more about the topic. (Electives credits exist to serve this very purpose!) So if there’s a geology course on dinosaurs or an astrology class on sunspots that you’d love to take, you might have to pass so you can put that time and money toward your second major instead. #5: It Can Be Hard to Participate in Activities Outside the Classroom For many students, one of the most exciting parts of college are the things that happen outside of the classroom. Whether that’s cheering on your football team or joining an all-campus choir, universities provide students tons of extracurricular opportunities to learn, play, and grow. But when you’re double majoring, your time is precious; it can be hard to find enough time to join extracurricular activities and make good grades in your courses. If having a complete â€Å"college experience† is important to you, you might reconsider whether a double major is the right fit for you. Esther Tuttle/Unsplash How to Determine If You Should Double Major Perhaps you’re still on the fence about whether you should double major. Never fear: we’ve created a quiz to help you gain some clarity about whether a double major is right for you! Take a few minutes and answer each of the following questions. Make sure you’re being honest with yourself, especially since there are no right or wrong answers. When you open my school planner, you see: Detailed notes everywhere. My planner runs my life! I write down the major stuff. I carry it around with good intentions, but it’s pretty empty. When it comes to projects, I: Start a month ahead of time. Start thinking about it when it’s assigned, but I won’t start working on it until a week before it’s due. Pull a few all-nighters to get it in before deadline. Picking a major is overwhelming because: I have too many interests! It’s too hard to narrow down what I want to do. I want to have a chance to take classes in a few subjects before I make such an important decision. I’m pretty sure I’ll change my mind five times before classes start. I’d rather: Be early than late. Be right on time. Arrive once the party has started. How did you feel about meeting with your guidance counselor? I met with her a few more times than I needed to because I wanted to make sure I was on track. The meetings we had were helpful and brief. I thought they were a waste of my time. If I graduated in more than four years, I would: Not be super happy about it, but as long as I was setting myself up for success, I’d manage. I would do it if I had to, but graduating on time is pretty important to me.I want to get in and out of college in four years. I have big plans for my career, and I want to get started as soon as possible. Would you consider doing summer school? Sure! I took classes at the local community college in high school. Yes, but only if I had to in order to graduate on time or raise my GPA. It’s not an option for me. Okay, now it’s time to score your quiz! If Your Answers Are Mostly 1's You’re a great fit for a double major. You have a strong vision for what you want to achieve during college and after graduating. You’re also a very organized person who appreciates a good plan, which is critical when you’re double majoring since half the battle is sticking to your educational road map! It also sounds like you’re no stranger to hard work, which is important since double majoring means you’ll be taking harder classes more often. If Your Answers Are Mostly 2's A double major is still a good fit, but you might have to work on your study and/or organizational habits. If you answered mostly twos, you have all the fundamental skills it takes to be a double major! You’re a good student, take an active role in your education, and know what it means to work hard. But the increased workload of a double major means you’ll have to plan farther ahead than your used to. For example, starting projects a week in advance only works if you have one project due, but most college courses require either a final exam or a final project as a major part of the course grade. You’ll have to learn to be a little more proactive about both your study habits and your schedule if you decide to double major. If Your Answers Were Mostly 3's Think about minoring instead. It sounds like you’re not 100% sure about what you want to major in, much less what you’d like your future career to be. And you know what? That’s totally fine! Many people use their first year in college to explore their options before settling on a major or a career path. But because double majoring requires a lot of forethought and planning, it might make more sense to think about a minor instead. That way you can use your electives to follow your passions before deciding what you’d like to study! Anika Huizinga/Unsplash The Bottom Line: Is a Double Major Right for You? Even though double majoring is hard work, it’s far from impossible! But it is definitely a big commitment that requires planning, preparedness, and persistence. But earning a double major can definitely pay off, especially once you enter the job market. Right now, take some time to think about what you want your life to look like in ten years. Is a double major a critical step in achieving your dreams? As you consider your decision, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents, teachers, and counselors. They know you best and can give you valuable advice about whether a double major is right for you. Next Steps If you’re still not sure about what to major in, check out this handy guide that helps you determine what majors might be right for you as well as our list of relatively low-key college majors. Regardless of where you go to college, the goal of a university degree is to train you for your career. But not all job prospects are created equal. This list walks you through 26 majors with low employment rates and salaries. Trust us: your future self will thank you for reading this post. Like we mentioned earlier, a dual degree is another alternative to a double major that lets you earn separate degrees from different colleges at your university. Learn more about dual degree programs, and compare them with double majors to determine which path is right for you. Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

At the Construction Summit held in 2001 it was agreed that there was Essay

At the Construction Summit held in 2001 it was agreed that there was no quick solution to the industry's health and safety problems - Essay Example d on the Health and Safety Commission since 1974, after the Health and Safety at Work (HSW) Act; an Act based on the belief that ‘disease leads to the cure’, hence the bodies that create risks also carried the means to ridden themselves of them (Robens, 1972). This Act introduced a goal-oriented, practical approach that paved the way for local bodies to employ new regulatory frameworks which led to the promotion of Health and Safety. The HSW Act led to the creation of two new bodies, which were: The HSC served to secure health, safety and the general well being of the workers whilst creating general public awareness and HSE works alongside HSC and enforces health and safety laws and regulations. Since 1974, noticeable progress has been made and has led to impressive results such as the total and complete elimination of the hazard of construction yet issues such as Construction remain unabated which keeps the situation at a standstill. Management and workers need to be made aware of the impending risks of construction. In an effort to create concrete and substantial targets the government along with HSC launched the ‘Revitalising health and safety strategy’ in 2000. This was to directly highlight the occupational hazard in the work place. After the introduction of this strategy, the Construction summit took place on 27th February 2001, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott. The poor record of care and safety in the construction sector led to the realisation that measures needed to be taken to reform the state of affairs. The industry was obliged to commit to a change in performance that would practically be demonstrated. The intention behind this summit was to, catch the attention of the higher officials of the Construction Industry and to engage them in matters of health and safety which were a serious cause of concern for the work force. The government was encouraged to propose and adopt their own plans of dealing with matters that were

Friday, October 18, 2019

Cloud Computing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Cloud Computing - Essay Example Given the close linkages between financial services firms and cutting edge technology, it makes for eminent business sense to remain on top of the â€Å"convergence† that is happening between IT and financial services. Cloud computing is altering the way business is done and the way business services are provided by bringing about a paradigm shift in the way excess computing power and storage space can be used. Cloud Computing works by aggregating the computing power of individual computers and then centralizing the same so as to derive maximum advantage for the users. Since UVW does not have to invest in additional capacity whenever it takes on more users, we stand to gain from the double benefit of efficiencies from economies of scale and cost savings because of outsourcing our requirements to providers of cloud computing services. For UVW to remain competitive in the financial services market, we need to embrace next generation IT services like what other global financial conglomerates like Goldman Sachs are doing by renting out cloud providers to host their data and provide them computing power. The use of offshore datacenters by these financial services firms has helped them to cut their IT costs significantly. In the context of the financial services firms undergoing an era of rapid change in the way they do business, it is necessary for UVW to embrace innovation and be at the forefront of emerging technologies. By embracing cloud computing in its business, UVW can thus remain competitive as well as ride the wave of change that is sweeping the financial services

Argument essay about fast food Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Argument about fast food - Essay Example Behind them lies a simple explanation for why eating a hamburger can now make you seriously ill: There is shit in the meat.†    (Schlosser, p.196) No successful business, rather union, in this world would ever give away its most prized secrets in the name of benefit for humanity. Yet the consumers choose to ignore the bitter truth for a sweet taste. Their secret ingredients are full of not-so-secret health toxins that promote obesity, increased deposition of cholesterol promoting arteriosclerosis, hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes and other fatal cardiac disorders. A more sedentary lifestyle contributes to an increase in these rates. An office job has you hooked to a desk and a chair with a flat Liquid Crystal Display right in front of your eyes. Which means a highly sedentary life style; this when triggered with intake of only fast foods can build up toxin pressure inside the body and slow atrophy. â€Å"The war on foodborne pathogens deserves the sort of national attention and resources that has been devoted to the war on drugs. Far more Americans are severely harmed every year by food poisoning than by illegal drug use. And the harms caused by food poisoning are usually inadvertent and unanticipated. People who smoke crack know the potential dangers; most people who eat hamburgers don’t. Eating in the United States should no longer be a form of high-risk behavior.† (Schlosser, p.264) Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent each year in health care facilities, if a small portion of this percentage is allocated to restore health guaranteeing meat and other raw materials in the fast food or even if these fast foods are banned altogether a significant decline in mortality rate can be observed. Moreover consumption of fast food as a daily habit helps in generating a disabled world. Yes I completely agree

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 19

Leadership - Essay Example According to a definition cited by Stanley (2005, p.108), a clinical leader is a leader who holds quantifiable medical and scientific skills, knowledge and proficiency in nursing practice and one who employs the use of interpersonal proficiency to facilitate provision of quality care by nurses and other care providers. There are also other factors that are used in explicating nursing leadership. Further explication by Stanley (2005, p.109) asserts that excellence in clinical practice coupled with provision of a conducive or positive environment that empowers nurses are fundamental elements of nursing leadership. Another definition of nursing leadership asserts that a nurse leader is "A nurse directly involved in providing clinical care that continuously improves care through influencing others" (Stanley, 2005, p.109). In extrapolation, this definition of a nurse leader shows that it is not a prerequisite for nurse leaders to be higher-ranking officials in nursing practice. In other w ords, a nurse can be a leader despite the position held. There are a number of leadership theories that in essence categorises leadership. One of these theories is denoted by Curtis, Vries and Sheerin (2011, p.307) to include trait theory. This theory focus primarily on individual characteristics that facilitate leadership. The second theory is referred to as the behaviour approach that expounds leadership in a leaders viewpoint and in fact spotlights on leadership behaviours (Curtis, Vries and Sheerin, 2011, p.307). The third theory is the contingency approach that views leadership in the context of the interface and communication between a leader, existing circumstances and his or her actions (Curtis, Vries and Sheerin, 2011, p.307). Fourthly is the transformational theory that spotlights on the association or connection between a leader and his or her employees (Curtis, Vries and Sheerin, 2011, p.307). Though all the leadership theories and styles

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Criminal Justice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Criminal Justice - Assignment Example This specific crime prevention strategy consists of dissuading potential criminal offenders, with regard to specific targets. The basis of this strategy is that denial of access to a target prevents crime. Examples of this tactic are security guards and home security systems. A would be offender, on encountering these systems, would hopefully perceive that the risk of apprehension would far outweigh any potential benefit. However, this strategy could result in a displacement of crime (Siegel & Welsh 79). These measures endeavor to familiarize delinquents with the dire consequences that await criminal behavior. The rational criminal will be significantly deterred by the fear of punishment, and the realization that criminal activity could prove to be a costly affair. These strategies entail, aggressive policing, and compulsory sentencing. The difficulties envisaged by this group of strategies are that the offender may not fear punishment and the fact that the risk of being apprehended and punished is not very great (Siegel & Welsh 79). This strategy involves the adoption of draconian measures. For instance, an offender will be punished with great severity; and this will be of such harshness that these criminals would not recidivate. This entails incarceration in detention centers or maximum security prisons. This strategy was on occasion, seen to increase rather than decrease future delinquency (Siegel & Welsh 79). Another strategy to reduce crime, especially among the criminals who invariably recidivate, is to ensure that they do not obtain an opportunity to engage in crime. It can be achieved by imposing prison sentences that run for very long periods; and by incarcerating a much larger number of criminals. The difficulty involved with this strategy is that even non – dangerous offenders will be imprisoned for very long periods;

5 paragraphy report on Neoclassic & Romantic Periods Essay

5 paragraphy report on Neoclassic & Romantic Periods - Essay Example Neoclassicism looked for purity and control in art: boldly defined colors and re-workings of classical models from ancient Greece marked the best of Neoclassical art. Models and sculptures from Attica and Athens belonging to the fourth and fifth centuries were thought to be the ideal works that all artists should emulate and aspire for. Romantics, however, believed that true art was to be found in nature and the ‘common folk’ of the countryside. They held up novelty and individuality as supreme and rebelled against the oppressive, controlling forces of cultured society. The Neoclassicism movement began in France with the end of the ancient regime, or the old order of monarchy. Its preoccupation with Athenian democracy and Roman republicanism was associated with the ideals of heroism, clarity and stability that the Neoclassicists sought in their art. Napoleon Bonaparte used this style to embody his rule and enhance his image as a political leader. Jacques-Louis David, one of the most prominent Neoclassical painters, portrays in his Oath of the Horatii, an event that represented honor and self-sacrifice. Bonaparte emerged as a great patron for artists and sanctioned numerous triumphal arches to commemorate his victories. Arch of Titus is one of the prime examples of this trait of his. Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres’s painting of Napoleon in 1806 is another rich example of the art of this period: the red velvet, the gold and the ermine all engulf the emperor, a characteristic opulence of the neoclassicists. America’s revolt against her co lonizers and the consequent effort at breaking away from the ‘Georgian’ style led to an adoption of Neoclassical sentiments. This is exemplified in Thomas Jefferson who was immortalized by Jean-Antoine Houdon in a marble bust. Romanticism spread through West Europe and the USA in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It draws from the Gothic tradition, a longing for the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Criminal Justice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Criminal Justice - Assignment Example This specific crime prevention strategy consists of dissuading potential criminal offenders, with regard to specific targets. The basis of this strategy is that denial of access to a target prevents crime. Examples of this tactic are security guards and home security systems. A would be offender, on encountering these systems, would hopefully perceive that the risk of apprehension would far outweigh any potential benefit. However, this strategy could result in a displacement of crime (Siegel & Welsh 79). These measures endeavor to familiarize delinquents with the dire consequences that await criminal behavior. The rational criminal will be significantly deterred by the fear of punishment, and the realization that criminal activity could prove to be a costly affair. These strategies entail, aggressive policing, and compulsory sentencing. The difficulties envisaged by this group of strategies are that the offender may not fear punishment and the fact that the risk of being apprehended and punished is not very great (Siegel & Welsh 79). This strategy involves the adoption of draconian measures. For instance, an offender will be punished with great severity; and this will be of such harshness that these criminals would not recidivate. This entails incarceration in detention centers or maximum security prisons. This strategy was on occasion, seen to increase rather than decrease future delinquency (Siegel & Welsh 79). Another strategy to reduce crime, especially among the criminals who invariably recidivate, is to ensure that they do not obtain an opportunity to engage in crime. It can be achieved by imposing prison sentences that run for very long periods; and by incarcerating a much larger number of criminals. The difficulty involved with this strategy is that even non – dangerous offenders will be imprisoned for very long periods;

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Critical Thinking Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critical Thinking Development - Essay Example In our daily life we have a lot of decisions to make, important and ordinary both. One can use the techniques of critical thinking in solving the problems of daily life. As a citizen I can apply the techniques off critical thinking in my daily life. For example, in my daily life, how should I manage my priorities and my time, all these aspects are important factors of life that can be well managed by the principles of critical thinking. For example, my personal experience tells me that the moon is largest after it has risen over the eastern horizon or the time when it just sets on the western horizon. It is smallest when it is in the night sky above my head. It is clear to me that it is true; I have seen it several times with my own eyes. But what my personal experience tells me regarding this fact is false in a way. The apparent increase in the size of the moon when it is near the horizon is actually an optical illusion. In fact, the moon is neither closer to Earth nor does its actu al size increase when it is closer to the horizon than when it is directly above my head. For many of us, our personal experiences seem to be the most coercing kind of evidence on which to base our beliefs. But, as the example of the illusion of the moon shows us, compelling personal experiences may result us in believing which is not true. Here, critical thinking helps in searching for the right and correct conclusion which satisfies our mind. In case of teaching and learning, there can be several different strategies used in critical thinking like think/pair/share, jigsaw, one stay other stray, reciprocal teaching, mini-lecture, active lessoning and so on. Among these different strategies I have to select the appropriate method with regard to my subject, content and topic of instruction. Moreover, the main factors of the selection of strategy also depend upon the number of students, intellectual level of students, individual differences, geography of classroom etc. The education s ystem is the brain of society and is correctly called the backbone of any system. Similarly mathematics is called as the mirror of civilization and takes an important and considerable place in the curriculum of higher level of studies. These days, not only mathematics but also social sciences are becoming more and more mathematical. Therefore, teaching mathematics is very much important and essential in different aspects of learning. As a teacher, promoting critical thinking and problem solving in the subject of mathematics is crucial in the future development of successful students. Critical thinking and problem solving go hand in hand and in order to learn mathematics through problem solving, the students must know and learn how to think critically. In my belief, there are two values of teaching through critical thinking techniques. 1) Critical thinking focuses the students’ attention on ideas and sense making rather than cramming their course. 2) It develops the studentsâ €™ belief that they are capable of doing mathematics and that mathematics does make sense. The main objective is to help the students to become familiar of the fact that the problem solving is not a special area but instead it uses the same logical techniques to which they are already familiar with and use in their daily

Monday, October 14, 2019

Strategical approach of comprehension

Strategical approach of comprehension Disadvantages of the Strategical Approach of Comprehension For students of English, it is listening comprehension that usually seems to be the hardest to master among the different skills of language learning. Therefore, there are numerous theories published in order to make listening tasks more effective and to devise more useful types of practice. One of these methods proposes the separate improvement of particular sub-skills, of which listening comprehension is claimed to consist, and it also suggests the application of listening strategies, which theoretically make listening easier. It is not hard to realize, though, that however tempting they might seem, the strategic approach of listening comprehension means more needless work to students than improvement. To begin with, it has a negative effect on students results that this approach of comprehension underestimates the importance of practice. As Field (1998) formulates it, For fifteen years it has been axiomatic that more reading does not necessarily mean better reading. (p. 112). First, this can mean that the exclusive training of sub-skills does not allow comprehension to improve as a whole. Second, since different types of exercises require different strategies, learners might perform badly in the types not practised extensively. In summary, the subordinated role of practice can have a negative effect on students. The second reason is that the exclusive use of authentic texts can significantly slow down the progress of students at a lower level of proficiency. First, as the strategic approach fails to realize the importance of grading texts, it can be unnecessarily difficult although the more one can understand in a listening task, the more useful the particular task is, (Ridgway, 2000). Second, a less proficient student might lose motivation if the listening texts seem to be impossible to understand. Third, the theory of listening strategies suggests predicting the meaning and guessing unknown words from content; that, however, can lead to the reduced expansion of vocabulary. To summarize, the use of authentic texts can mean a definite disadvantage on certain levels of proficiency. Finally, one could say that listening strategies can prove extremely helpful for learners, but actually it consumes a significant amount of resources to practice these techniques. On the one hand, practising each of these techniques separately consumes a far larger amount of time than a student could afford at the expense of training other areas of language proficiency. On the other hand, the constant effort to choose the appropriate strategy can be very difficult and exhausting for students and is often futile; Field (2000) himself tends to admit this, as well, it seems that they may not be capable of employing it appropriately in relation to a particular listening text or of combining it successfully with other strategies that they have encountered. (p. 192). To summarize, the application of strategies requires more time and energy than the advantages it provides. In conclusion, it can be seen through various reasons that the strategical approach of comprehension is not as beneficial for students as it might seem in the beginning. First, it provides a smaller amount of practice for the students. Second, the extensive use of authentic texts suggested by this theory can be inappropriate for certain students. Third, the strategy-based approach is definitely more time- and energy-consuming than it is helpful. From the above mentioned points, it is clear that the use of different strategies is not required for effective language learning. References: Field, J. (1998). Skills and strategies: towards a new methodology for listening. ELT Journal, 52(2), 110-118. Field, J. (2000). Not waving but drowning: a reply to Tony Ridgway. ELT Journal, 54(2), 186-195. Ridgway, T. (2000). Listening strategies- I beg your pardon?. ELT Journal, 54(2), 179-185.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Home sweet home Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"Home Sweet Home†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are hundreds of people, young and old that live in my apartment complex and each of them have a different and unique story to share. My story is that I come from the typical middle-of -nowhere suburbia, where the grass is always green, and all of the houses look the same. In that community it is easy to become too comfortable, and forget that things aren’t so â€Å"perfect† in the rest of the world. When my step-dad past away, we sold the house and moved into town changing the way I lived my life. The city feels like a different community and it seems to have a different atmosphere than the one where I came from. While writing this paper, it is my objective to become comfortable with my surroundings, and accept this community as mine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The typical stereotype for apartment complexes is the children are constantly running around causing trouble and the walls are so paper thin that everyone knows every aspect your life. Here at Village at Van Mall, that couldn’t be any further from the truth. The children are confined to one area and the only time you hear from your neighbors is if you happen to run into them on your way out. The quiet community is tucked away in a hollowed out forest just off of Van Mall Drive. The towering evergreen trees provide a pleasing shade and from time to time a () rejuvenating breeze sweeps through the complex. The individual apartments are stacked two high and two across...

Saturday, October 12, 2019

How to cheat on your spouse :: essays research papers

How To Cheat On Your Spouse "Oh the weather outside is frightful, but your thighs are so delightful. She has no place to go, let her blow, let her blow, let her blow." I caught a bit of the holiday spirit on the way to the mall and began humming the Christmas song while driving down the highway. Somewhere along the way I changed the words a bit and laughed. Don't I wish! I mean, my secretary was a cutie, and yes, she would have made an excellent partner in the sack. But there was a little problem: I was married with three children, and the little woman at home frowned upon marital transgressions. I know that for a fact, because it wasn't all that long ago that she caught me in the act. That was not a pretty scene. After some time and counseling, we mended fences, but I got the ultimatum: even flirting with another woman was cause for her to give me the pink slip, kissing her, my kids, our house and most of our bank account, goodbye. I took those words to heart, and have been a model husband for more than half a decade. Then there are guys like Artie, a manager in the Accounting Department at the company where I'm employed. On the outside he's a pleasant enough guy in his early 30s with a wife and two lovely children. Behind the scenes, though, he's a wolf. A certifiable louse. He's strayed more times than a barnyard cat, and somehow has never been caught. I thought of this while driving to the mall, and given my past history, decided to ask him how he does it. I didn't think he would answer, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. So I did. Much to my surprise, Artie was agreeable, and over a few beers at our local Irish pub, we spoke about the ins and outs, so to speak, of cheating on one's spouse. What follows are his frank answers to my probing questions. Q: We've talked in the past about some of your, well, dalliances, and I wondered if you could answer a few questions, anonymously, of course. A: Ask away! Q: Do you love your wife? A: Of course. She's a darling, the mother of my children, and a great friend too. Q: Then why...? A: (Interrupting) Why do I, uh, stray?

Friday, October 11, 2019

Communication and management skills

Introduction:An individual, a family, and the society are engulfed in the cobweb of management skills and     pubic relations in every step of life. One is not actively aware of it. In this materialistic era of industrialization and internet civilization, public relations have not left any part of one’s life untouched. It creates better or worse effects. Public Relations is good in parts. It takes away one from the truth. Profiteering and Public Relations are alternative beats of the same heart. From the topics covered in James E. Grunig’s book, â€Å"Managing Public Relations,† one gets an idea of the domain of Management of Public Relations. The Public Relations Manager in any Organization is the key man; he has to present the best of the Organization, in all aspects to the individuals andInstitutions he is called upon to deal.Theme:The theme of any public relations exercise is ‘how to bell the cat.’ How to win over the other party to your view point! How to sell your product to the customer! How to face the competition! These challenges form the syllabus for public relations managers. The topics covered in the book are extensive and intensive. The book has enough resources for both the students and the professionals. It does the job of a knowledgeable teacher. Both the theoretical and the practical aspects are well taken care of. The Four Public Relations models defined by Grunig, deal with the core issues related to this topic.Main ideas/ techniques:The listing of the topics covered and enumerated is fairly long, but if one keeps out its printout, in the form of a pocket-guide, it will prove useful. The topics are, the concept of pubic relations, origin and contemporary structures of public relations, public relations and public responsibility, professionalism in public relations, elements of public relations management, defining and choosing goals and objectives, identifying organizational linkages and publics, budgeti ng and decision making, evaluation research, legal constraints, media relations, employee and member relations, community relations, public affairs and government relations, relations with active publics;consumers, environmentalists and minorities, financial public relations, promotion, fund raising and public communication campaigns, public relations writing, press releases, catering to the press, using radio, television and videotape, preparing to speak, brochures, fact sheets and   direct mail, newsletters, newspapers and magazines, photographs and illustrations, slides and multimedia representations, films, exhibits and special events, annual reports and financial writing, public relations advertising, lobbying and toward a mature profession.  So, that is public relations. Interesting and many times, annoying, because it is to deal with the public of various types of emotions, tempers and opinions.Evaluation:It is not possible to evaluate the issues involved in public relati ons within the perimeters of this small article. An effort has been made to discuss the most important aspect of it, in the prevailing conditions today– the management of media. Media is broadly categorized into print media and electronic media. In first flush of enthusiasm, all like media attention. But handling the media attention is not that easy. Mostly if anything adverse is reported, the readers and viewers believe it immediately.Contradicting the adverse reports is not an easy job; it is both expensive, and at times it invites further media wrath. News papers are published everyday. TV channels give the reporting 24 hours of the day. From where one can bring the enormous resources to meet the adverse challenge? The section of the viewers who have seen the adverse reports may not see your clarifications. They say, a lie reported from a platform a thousand times, becomes the truth. That is the position one would face while dealing with the media. It is necessary for you to evaluate whether the money that you are spending on image building exercise is hitting the right spot. A good press release is no guarantee for bettering the image. It may lead to both positive and negative results.People want to read what they want, not what you want. Every press release, every advertisement must have the sense of timing. You can’t advertise refrigerators for the Eskimos. You don’t advertise for woolen garments during summer, unless it is a heavy discount sale, and the people get attracted to the discount aspect. Pubic Relations, in the developing countries, is yet to take off. In the context of globalization, no business establishment can survive in isolation.The consumer is the king now, with so many brands of identical products available in the market. Fresh products arrive to provide stiff competition as for quality and cost both. It is not enough, what you produce is the best product. People need to know that it is the best product, and why it is the best product, in comparative terms. â€Å"Once you start promoting your business, don’t stop. A sustainable public relations strategy is a long-term endeavor. It can take months to capture the attention of targeted media venues. Plus, it’s important to remind the press about your business on a regular basis, so they don’t forget about you.†(Public†¦.)In Western countries, public relations are part of the top management function. It is the part of the agenda of the Board meetings. Management formulates its public relations policy. Continuous efforts are made by the public relations men to keep the organization on the high pedestal from the point of view of the public. Maintaining popularity is equally important as achieving the popularity.â€Å"We even shadow our own communications tactics trying to monitor their impact on audience perception — tactics such as face-to-face meetings, Internet and email, hand-placed newspaper and magazin e feature articles and broadcast appearances, special consumer briefings, news releases, announcement luncheons, onsite media interviews, facility tours, brochures and even special events like promotional contests, financial road shows, awards ceremonies, trade conventions, celebrity appearances and open houses — each designed to impact individual perception and behavior.†(The Fundamental†¦)Conclusion:â€Å"Now this soap has the juice of lemon, which nourishes your skin!† says an advertisement. Well, did you not know that lemon juice is good for your skin and in that case why don’t you squeeze a lemon get some juice and put it in the bucket of water and use it directly? Why buy the costly soap, just for the sake of lemon juice? And yet you buy! Why?-because the model engaged by the Company in the television advertisement has told you so. You pay for the soap and for their advertisement costs!   Yes, this is managing public relations!References Cited :Grunig, James E. Book: Managing Public RelationsHardcover: 565 pagesPublisher: Harcourt Brace College Publishers (January 1984)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0030583373ISBN-13: 978-0030583377Article: Public Relations Strategy on a Tight Budgetwww.startupnation.com/articles/1241/1/public-relations-strategy.Retrieved on December 9, 2007.Article: The Fundamental Premise-Public Relations-ezinearticles.com/? Public-Relations:-The-Fundamental-Premise&id=17377 – Retrieved on December 9, 2007.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Deconstruction of Trailer †Fight Club Essay

At the start of the trailer for Fight Club it starts with the logo stating â€Å"Regency† and next the trailer introduces the character named Tyler quoting â€Å"I want you to hit me as hard as I can, how much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight† this showing that Tyler Durden played by Brad Pitt is one of the main characters in the film as he is shown first and with the quote showing that it’s a hard hitting film and that it gives you a rough idea of what’s going to happen. Next would be the mise-en-scene the film starts off with the two main characters standing outside having a conversation. The whole trailer has quite a low saturation of colour so connotes that it a Rolla coaster of a film that includes elements such as dark humour, fights, mental illnesses such as Insomnia, Schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder and inappropriate scenes and also the second main character which would be The Narrator who doesn†™t have his name mentioned played by Edward Norton. In the film, sound plays a big role weather it being the narrator talking or the smashing of glass, shouting, songs it gives the film effect for example let’s start with the narrator and how he speaks it gives a sense of knowing and what the narrator says goes for example with the quote â€Å"This is your life and it’s ending one minute at a time† showing how he see’s things, how things are and that it isn’t all fantasy. Next would be the conversations, arguments and occasional smashing of glass this shows that by all of this being in the trailer it would make people watch from the beginning till the end as audience would want to know more of what they are about to watch. Lastly in the end of the trailer the song by â€Å"The Pixies; Where’s my Mind† this song is fitting to the whole story as the film shows all different mental disorders and how life is. First off I’m going to start off with the editing, with fight club It’s a good example of angels and shots a few I picked out from the film would be Shot Reverse Shot, Cross Cutting, Establishing Shot, Reaction Shot and also a POV Shot. In the first few seconds of the trailer it examples an Establishing shot where the two main characters are talking it’s a wide angled shot where it shows everything on what happening with the characters.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Social Network Essay

Social network essay Social networking can be a useful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family but when it is used to substitute it for actual face to face contact it can be a dangerous thing. You can't lie; social networking is a very large part of our lives. In September 2011 Facebook registered 800 million users. Social networking can have good effects on people and help them out but it can be used inappropriately and can have very disastrous effects on people’ friends that you want s lives.Social networking may have some cons but if used properly it can be a very useful device. When used properly it can help you stay in touch with people you wouldn’t normally be able to like friends or family overseas. Instead of having to call or write a letter you can just talk over the internet. It may not only be family or friends that you want to talk to, there might be someone that you like but don’t have the confidence to talk to them. You can build up your c onfidence over the internet and not worry about stumbling over your words.One of the arguments that people who are against social networking is that it can reduce face to face contact but if you use it well then It can actually increase it. You can organise things very easily compared to other ways like over the phone. Things like Facebook can be very helpful if used right but that can be the problem. People may feel they are being social but online interaction is no substitute for face to face contact. â€Å"Facebook is a tool. I compare it to a car: you can drive to isolate yourself from others or you can drive to meet people.If you use Facebook to increase face-to-face contact, it increases social capital. † It can help people but only if you do the right thing. This can be a really bad thing about social networking, it can promote loneliness. People will feel as though they are being really social but really they are becoming lonelier. People will feels as though no one r eally knows who they are and what they are really like. It can make people even worse when they see a new photo album or post saying â€Å"best day eva† tagged with some friends. That can make people feel left out and not part of a group.It can make people jealous of others and why they didn’t get invited. It isn’t always accidental when people get hurt though. Social networking can be good if it is used correctly but the problem is a lot of people don't. People don’t always realise that posting something when you ten or fifteen can come back to hurt you when you are twenty-five. You could do something or have photos of you on Facebook when you were younger and then you are going for a job and they find it you could end up missing the job just because of that. It can give kids a much easier way to bully their peers.In the schoolyard you can have teachers around to stop it but over the internet there isn’t someone there to stop it. You do have to be careful about who you are talking to because they might not always be who you think. You shouldn’t add people who you don’t know because you don’t know who they are and what kind of person they are. Social networking can be a good thing but it must be used correctly. Social networking is a good thing but it must be used correctly or else it becomes a very dangerous place for everyone. It can be a very useful and important device but it may be us who end up destroying it.