The Downfalls of Materialism in Alexander Popes The Rape...

The Downfalls of Materialism in Alexander Popes The Rape of the Lock Commodities have been a part of human culture from the start of the first civilizations. They can be crudely constructed or richly made works of art; they are still objects, however. Some people treasure their possessions more than anything in the world. These objects can become the driving force behind a persons life and desires. When someones prized possession is stolen, it may seem as though a disaster has taken place. Those who witness the aftermath of a stolen possession may comment on the triviality of both the theft and the owners reaction to the loss. In The Rape of the Lock, Alexander Pope is commenting on the triviality of a lost possession. Pope blurs†¦show more content†¦He continues to criticize the nature of the people in the poem in the lines, Slight is the subject, but not so the praise, / If she inspire, and he approve my lays (1.5-6). The first twelve lines in canto one set up the background of the poem, after which Pope begins his critical look at the poss essions that abound in the poem. He opens this critical look by observing Belinda sleeping. She is surrounded by personal possessions, such as the white curtains (1.13), the lapdogs (1.15), and the pressed watch (1.18). The watch is described as chiming with a silver sound (1.18), which illustrates the richness of Belindas possessions. Belindas guardian Sylph, Ariel, warns her in a dream of the triviality of worldly goods: Hear and believe! Thy own importance know, / Nor bound thy narrow views to things below (1.35-36). Ariel continues his warning to Belinda about the triviality of the desire for objects when he describes men, With varying vanities, from every part, / They shift the moving toyshop of their heart; / Where wigs with wigs, with sword-knots sword-knots strive, / Beaux banish beaux, and coaches coaches drive (1.99-102). According to Paul Baines, Men become a succession of metonymic objects, a series of external stimulants which substitute for desire in a heart which is itself no more than aShow MoreRelatedLiterary Analysis of The Rape of the Lock Essays1922 Words   |  8 Pages Author and his times: Alexander Pope was born in London in 1688. Because he was a Roman Catholic living in a predominately Protestant society, he was largely excluded from the university system and therefore was self-taught, for the most part. At the age of twelve, he contracted tuberculosis, a disease that left him stunted and misshapen. Consequently, he suffered a great deal of emotional trauma and social anxiety. His only tool for interaction was his incredible wit and talent for writing

Essay on Book Review on Dickens Great Expectations

There are reasons why novels become classics, and â€Å"Great Expectation† by Charles Dickens is certainly a beloved classic with an exceptional plot and a great deal of rich themes and symbolism. This classic is filled with eccentric characters, themes and symbolism. Themes play an important part in â€Å"Great Expectations†, there are a few major themes in this novel. Dickens explores the England social class system thoroughly, criminals (the lowest end of the system) to high aristocrats are described. We also even get to see a working class boy (Pip) get turned into an aristocrat. Also, the injustice of the penile system is also explored, how innocent people such as Magwitch can be unfairly put into the system. Dickens gives a wonderful†¦show more content†¦But near the end of the story, through Joe, Magwitch and Biddy, Pip realized that he shouldn’t look at things superficially, and what is â€Å"inside† is what matters. There are many interesting and eccentric characters in this novel such as Estella and Jaggers, but the most important and interesting character of all is Pip. He changes dramatically throughout the play, there are several stages of change. At first, he was untainted by things such as value and class, he cared for Joe and was not ashamed of who he is. After the encounter with Estella, he was humiliated because he is a blacksmith, he wore thick boots, had coarse hands and called knaves â€Å"jacks†. That was a turning point for Pip. After that, he became ashamed towards being a blacksmith, and starts to become ambitious, he longed to be noticed and loved by Estella. He started to care about education and the class system. After Pip started to get money from Magwitch, he becomes very superficial and involved in his aristocratic life (which isn’t very pleasant). Overall, in all three stages, Pip has a very simple and childish mind, as soon as he sees something that will ben efit him, he will do it with great expectations without thinking it thoroughly. He getsShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Struggle for Acceptance in The Cider House Rules1711 Words   |  7 Pagesexistence are part of a large symbolic link to the actual book itself.   Homer’s life as an orphan struggling for acceptance and to â€Å"Be of Use† is shadowed by The Cider House Rules struggle for acceptance in the mass literary market and its need to purvey its views on abortion.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After writing his first few books, Irving was left disappointed that although the literary critics embraced them, for the general masses his books fell on deaf ears.   (Hill 250) Unfortunately it is the generalRead MoreVictorian Novel9605 Words   |  39 PagesDEVELOPMENT OF THE NOVEL It was the Industrial Revolution that allowed not only cheap printing and papermaking but also rapid book distribution by rail at the time of flourishing reading population. Reading was some kind of a creative act for lower middle class with political connotation. A good example is the one of the pottery worker Charles Shaw who saved a space only for his books in spite of living in poky room. For such people printing was still not cheap enough, that is why reading aloud remained

Charleston Dance free essay sample

The period of the 1920s has a complex social and cultural history. From this history, derived the popularity of the upbeat Charleston Dance. Most people will associate this dance with the flappers and the speakeasy, despite its origins, because many young women used it as a way to mock the people who supported the Prohibition. As a result, the Charleston was considered to be a provocative and immoral dance during its time. In this paper, I want to briefly explore the dance’s history, its characteristics, how it reached popularity, how the social implications of the time affected the dance, and ultimately how the Charleston defined women and helped them change the social normative. The actual origins of the Charleston are long and obscure. First off, the Branle of 1520 is said to be quite similar to the Charleston. It is a French Renaissance dance that was generally performed outside. It is described to have a â€Å"winging step and anterior kick and swing, the lifting of the leg, the twisting of the feet and the side fling of the foot† (Watson). These movements are close to the characteristics of the Charleston. On the other hand, for an African American influential approach, many dance historians hold the Ash-Ante peoples of Africa as the originators. The walking movements, combined with the feet pointing in and out, are characteristics used in the Charleston (Asheante). Yet, it is further said that the series of steps have originated from the African Americans living on a small island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, while others say its from the Cape Verde Islands in western Africa. As a result, leading to the obscurity of the dances origins. (Watson) The characteristic Charleston beat incorporates the clave rhythm that is synonymous with the habanera and the Spanish tinge, and can be danced solo, with a partner, or in a group (Watson). It contains a simple, flexible base step that makes it easy to concentrate on styling, improvisation, and musicality. In whichever style, either solo or partner, the basic movement resembles the natural movement of walking, although it is performed in place. Meanwhile, the arms swing forward and backward, with the right arm coming forward as the left leg steps forward and then moving back as the opposite arm/leg begins its forward movement. The toes are not pointed, but the feet form a right angle with the lead at the ankle, and the arms are frequently bent at the elbow and the hands form a right angle for the wrist. Furthermore, the Charleston incorporates a bounce in its steps, which goes along with the beat in the music (Charleston Dance). The characteristics of the feet, arm, wrist, and ankle angles are synonymous with African dances, and thus why the Charleston is thought to have originated from them. (Watson) In partner Charleston, couples stand facing each other in the traditional European closed position. The leader’s, normally the male, left hand is place on the follower’s, normally the female, back between their shoulder blades. The follower’s left hand then rests on the leader’s shoulder or biceps. The leader’s left hand and the follower’s right hand are clasped palm-to-palm, and held at shoulder height or higher. For the basic step, the leader touches his left foot behind them, without shifting weight while the follower mirrors the motion by touching their right foot in front, without shifting weight. Next, both partners bring their feet back to a standing position and shit their weight onto the foot they have just moved, the left for the leader and the right for the follower. Then, the leader touches their right foot in front of themselves, while the follower touches their left foot back. Finally, both feet are brought back to the standing position. (Charleston dance) Lastly, in group Charleston, the dance is the most improvised. Often, it would be arranged in a loose circle on the dance floor in two long lines of facing dancers. Sometimes, a person will call out a designated step, or the individual dancers may choose to dance solo, and improvise in response to the music or other dancers around them. Despite the variances in ways of dancing the Charleston, one thing remained the same; it was a high-energy, high tempo dance. (Charleston dance) The Charleston was first performed as early as 1903 in the Southern States of the United States of America (Watson). As time went by, the steps were more gradually used and finally made its way onto the Harlem stage productions by 1913. In 1921, it was featured on a show called â€Å"Shuffle Along† and referred to as the â€Å"fasted dancers ever seen†(Watson). By 1922, the Charleston was introduced to the theater world in New York when the â€Å"Ziegfeld Follies† staged a dance act that incorporated the Charleston, which was choreographed by Ned Wayburn. Finally, the dance hit Broadway in the show â€Å"Runnin’ Wild† and hit its highest acclaim. At the height of its popularity, the dance changed things not only in the dance community, but also in the social lives of the people it encompassed. (Watson) In order to determine the relationship between the Charleston and society, information about the time period needs to be known. It was the interlude between the Great War and the Great Depression, a decade full of dissipation, jazz bands, bathtub gin, flappers, and dancers. World War One had shattered Americans’ faith in reform and moral crusade, and the younger generation proceeded to rebel against the traditional taboos, while the elders engaged in speculation. (Koritz). As a result, the 1920’s were a time of conservation and social change in fashion and politics. On January 16th, 1920, the United States went dry: breweries, distilleries, and saloons were forced to close their doors. It was the Prohibition (Giordano). It was believed that the prohibition would alleviate social problems, reduce crime and poverty, and boost the economy. However, many people disliked it and imbibed in unlawful nightclubs and speakeasies. In order to get into a speakeasy, one had to whisper a code word or name through a slot in a locked door to gain admittance, and thus spread disrespect for the law with illegal alcoholic activities. From such speakeasies grew out parties and dances with the hottest bands, and of course the flappers (Giordano). Flappers were women during the 1920s that changed the social normative. They stripped off the corsets and pantaloons and traded in for looser clothes to be able to move freely. They raised the hem of the skirts to just below the knee; something unheard of before this time. They are characterized as having short haircuts and wearing makeup, when makeup was previously associated with loose women (Rosenburg). Flappers lived the fast life and dared to smoke cigarettes, drink cocktails, and partake in sexual behavior. They wanted to be different from their parents and announce their departure from the older morals, thus shocking the older generation. They had a scandalous image as the â€Å"giddy flapper, rouged and clipped, careening in a drunken stupor to the lewd strains of a jazz quartet† (Johnson). Flapper culture wanted it all. The 1920’s came after one of the biggest wars in history, World War One, were everyone had lost their innocence. Women were discovering what life truly was like, and the flappers threw off the shackles of the Victorian society’s prudery and modesty, and opened the eyes of young women and the mouths of young men. For example, Louise Brooks, a famous flapper, was also an amazing dancer that had an appetite for alcohol, fashion, and sex. She was beautiful, smart, sexy, and â€Å"didn’t seem to give a damn what people thought of her† (Boland). She would do whatever she wanted, when she wanted, and with whom she wanted: An ultimate flapper. As a result, the Charleston dance quickly became a favorite for flappers. It was considered wild, and easily fit the fast-paced life-style. It allowed the flappers to show off their sexuality by shimmying, and flaunting sexuality. It also allowed them to rebel against old laws including the prohibition. Additionally, it broke down old social barriers. Rich people, ordinary folks, men, and women all danced together and chatted about their days through the dance. They shared a goal of having fun and getting the best illegal liquor around. Additionally, because of the Charleston and its appeal to flappers, sex lost its taboo nature. (Johnson) These social changes led to women achieving the right to vote, as well as becoming a larger part of the workforce. Before the 1920’s, women worked in domestic service, agricultural labor, and clothing trades. During the 1920’s, women held low-level clerical jobs in offices, but most importantly held jobs outside of the home. Women could now have work and marriage. (Johnson) In conclusions, the Charleston dance was more than just a social dance for people to gather with. For each individual the dance symbolized something. For everyone, the Charleston was a way to mock authority and rebel against the law. It harbored the rebellious nature and fast-paced lives of the younger generation.

The Best of Kansas free essay sample

This album takes you through 25 great years of Kansas’s hits, including â€Å"Carry On Wayward Son† and â€Å"The Wall.† It never gets boring, and I would know because I have played it for years. Kansas’ style is generally relaxed, but they use a lot of complex parts that most groups wouldn’t dare try. For example, the song â€Å"Fight Fire With Fire† boasts a heavy guitar line and powerful lyrics. On the other hand, â€Å"Song For America† is mostly instrumental and much lighter, but both are great tunes. A classic rock fan can’t lose. Kansas possesses a distinguished sound both in their vocals and instrumentation. They include a lot of challenging rhythms, especially complicated keyboard parts, including an organ/piano duet at the end of â€Å"Point of Know Return.† And then you come to what makes a great album great: the tunes. Every single track is unique in attitude and sound. We will write a custom essay sample on The Best of Kansas or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This set of songs is always easy to get into and really enjoy, whatever your mood. Find and buy â€Å"The Best of Kansas.† Anyone who enjoys modern or classic rock music will definitely love this CD.

Utopian Society The Giver Essay Example For Students

Utopian Society The Giver Essay What would your life be like in a utopian society? Jonas knows what it is like. He has lived in one for twelve years. At the age of twelve he is chosen to be the Receiver. + Through the essay one will be aware of the memories Jonas received, the results of the memories, and the wisdom he gained as a result of the memories. Memories play an important role in The Giver. For example, this is the first memory Jonas received: Then he shivered. He realized that the touch of the hands felt, suddenly cold. At the same instant, breathing in, he felt the air change, and his very breath was cold.(p.80) This was the memory of a sled ride in the snow. Although this memory is happy, as the book continues he realized memories arent all happy. Results play a major role in the conclusion and what makes The Giver end the way it does. This is when a major change in the relationship between Jonas and the Giver takes place: The Giver looked away as if he could not bear to see what he had done to Jonas. Forgive me, he said.(p.120) After this took place Jonas started to change and to realize a lot of things. Thus, some results are positive, but also some are negative. We will write a custom essay on Utopian Society The Giver specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Wisdom is the final topic discussed in the essay. Jonas learns a lot and becomes wiser throughout the book. It is easy to see wisdom through his actions that follow: Methodically Jonas hacked the fish in to pieces with a sharp rock and fed the raw shreds to himself and Gabriel.(p.173) This event took place after Jonas took Gabriel and ran away. Because of the situation he faced, Jonas had no choice but to rely on his wisdom. In a utopian society ones life wouldnt really be his own. No one really has a life or freedom in a utopian society. Through memories, Jonas learned a lot. The results of the memories gave him wisdom. The wisdom Jonas gained helped him and Gabriel survive. Of all the three topics discussed, wisdom plays the biggest role of all. English Essays .

Division Essay

Cell Communication/Death/Division Essay Cell Communication/Death/Division Essay CELL COMMUNICATION - animal cells = gap junctions to send signals (must be in direct contact) - plant cells = plasmodesmata - local signaling - signaling over a short distance - cell to cell recognition - local regulators - long-distance signaling - nervous/endocrine system in animals - plants use hormones, transported through vascular system - three stages of cell signaling - signaling molecule binds to the receptor protein - signal is converted into a form that can produce a cellular response - the transduced signal triggers a cellular response - G-protein receptors make up 60% of our cells - quorum sensing - capacity of bacteria to exhibited coordinated behavior in response to a particular population density CELL DEATH - apoptosis - controlled cell suicide - components are chopped up and packaged into vesicles = digested by scavenger cells - "blebbing" vs. apoptosis - triggered by death-signaling, DNA damage, protein misfolding - caspases - main proteases that carry out apoptosis - proteases - protein - digesting enzyme - necrosis - death by cell injury - cell bursts, â€Å"stuff† flies out - enzymes are unleashed into the ECF - results in inflammation, redness, pain, etc. - DNA is organized in chromosomes. -DNA is wrapped around histone proteins = chromatin (long thin fiber) -condenses further during mitosis = chromatin = chromosomes - mitotic chromosome = 2 sister chromatids -chromatids narrow at the centromere (not necessarily in the center) -homologous = same information - mitosis - divides the cell’s DNA between 2 daughter nuclei -4 phases = prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase - semi-conservative replication - conserve half of original piece = build two new ones - original piece is called the template strand INTERPHASE - G1 - 1st Gap - cell growth - S - DNA synthesis - chromosomes are copied -each daughter cell gets identical copy -error rate is about 1/100 million bases - G2 - 2nd Gap - further cell growth. organelles, proteins, membranes are created. Nucleus is well-defined, and DNA is loosely packed in long chromatin fibers (aka squiggly in the middle). PROPHASE - chromatin condenses = visible chromosomes - centrioles move to opposite poles of cell - spindle fibers go across cell to form mitotic spindle - microtubules - nucleolus disappears/nuclear envelopes burst TRANSITION TO METAPHASE/PROMETAPHASE - spindle fibers attach to centromeres - thus creating kinetochores - microtubules attach at kinetochores - connects centromeres to centrioles - chromosome begins to move METAPHASE - chromosomes align along the middle of the cell (metaphase plate) - spindle fibers coordinate movement - ensures that the chromosomes separate properly (1 copy per new nucleus) ANAPHASE - sister chromatids are separated at the kinetochores - move to opposite poles (pulled by centromeres) - microtubules lengthen as poles move further apart TELOPHASE - chromosomes arrive at opposite poles - nuclei form and chromosomes disperse - cytokinesis begins CYTOKINESIS - animal cells - constriction of actin microfilaments around equator of cell = cleavage furrow - splits cell in two - plant cells - cell plate forms - vesicles fuse = forms 2 cell membranes - new cell wall laid between membranes - new cell wall fuses with existing cell wall EVOLUTION OF MITOSIS - mitosis in eukaryotes likely evolved from binary fission in bacteria characteristics of binary fission: - single circular chromosome - no membrane bound organelles - no mitotic spindle REGULATION OF CELL DIVISION - multicellular organisms - must coordinate cell division across tissues/organs -timing,

Germany Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Germany - Essay Example These men, despite their desire for positive reform, were met with much opposition throughout their causes and careers. Frederick the Great ruled Prussia from 1740 to 1786. He has been remembered for many things, but some of those that stand out include his contributions as a brilliant tactician and military organizer, controlled grain prices so that the government stores good provide for poor families whose crops were unsuccessful, and beginning the first official school of veterinary medicine in Austria or Germany. He was, also, an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages, and talented musician. Most importantly, he is remembered for changing Prussia from an often forgotten European â€Å"backwater† location and into a thriving, economically strong and reformed region. However, again, much of the changes he attempted to implement were met with opposition; Enlightened Absolutism was not a favored position of all of the peoples of Europe at the time. (Wikipedia) Joseph the II of Austria ruled from 1765-1790. He had a very famous family member that should not be left unmentioned; he was brother to France’s Marie Antoinette. He was a well liked and influential leader, however he, like Frederick the Great, faced a great deal of opposition due to his attempt to reform Austria with the philosophy of Enlightened Absolutism. Some of the very important acts he is known for include, making public education more available for boys and girls, inspiring legal reforms throughout Austria, and attempted to reform the Catholic Church to make it more tolerant, more akin to his enlightened perspectives. He, like others who shared his political and social views, had a great deal of respect and support for the arts. In fact, such a well loved patron of the arts that, his funeral cantata was composed by Beethoven himself. (Wikipedia) Both men strived to make changes to their lands under the ideologies of

In the voice of Tita, write to Mama Elena and tell her how you feel Essay

In the voice of Tita, write to Mama Elena and tell her how you feel - Essay Example For all my life, I wanted nothing but your love and your care, but what you have given to me in return for all my selfless services? A broken heart? A tormented soul? Mama, I have never demanded anything from your other than Pedro in my life and what excuse did you give? You loved your traditions and old customs more than your own blood. For a mother, her child’s happiness means everything, but sadly, to you your old and out fashioned traditions means an entire world. Your unjust behavior and selfishness have left a hollow space in my heart. Mama, you should be ashamed of being a selfish mother; you should be ashamed of betraying your own daughter, your own blood over your traditions and stern behavior. With all the pain I have in my heart, I hold you responsible for every bad incident in my life. Its only you who have made me suffer for the rest of my life. I lost the meaning of life and happiness, and it is only because of you, mama. I regret making selfless sacrifices for you. The damage you have caused to my soul is irreparable. You have hurt me more than anyone in the world, and no one else can hurt me more than

Answer to case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Answer to case - Essay Example If the bill gets passed then it would force the search engines, the internet service providers to stop running business with the websites that deals with the online piracy. The old media users are of the opinion that the SOPA should be passed because every day the rogue websites is stealing immense number of creative things and that is why the Americans are losing their jobs in the creative field. On the other side, the opponents of the SOPA state that it can include the new unpredictable liabilities of the websites which can hamper the â€Å"private rights of action†. Facebook, Twitter and many others companies encouraged political protests through the help of social media. They were also engaged in the traditional protests like campaigning, letter writing. Stakeholder Theory Approach In a business, the importance of stakeholders can never be ignored. The different stakeholders have different opinions for the issue of SOPA implementation. There are two types of stakeholders p resent in the market namely the market stakeholders and non-market stake holders. Market stakeholders Employees: In case the bill is passed the employees would be majorly affected because the employees of the organizations like Facebook, Twitter consider the new media can be immensely hampered by the law. If the company would not get the permission to run specific functions due to the act then the possibility of major cost cutting may arise. In the cost cutting policies it is obvious to take a lay off initiative for the organizations. This can be a biggest threat for the employees. The employees’ salience is moderate in this case as the employees itself cannot change certain policies of the government. Managers: The managers of the opposition companies also can face high threat due to the government policies. The managers are the major decision makers of the business and the managers bargaining power is always high as they are well efficient in lobbying and manipulating polit ical powers in their favour. In case, the bill is passed in US House most of the managers would be affected hardly as they would have to miss their high remuneration due to the cost cutting and they have to take initiative to retrench the companies in the crisis situation. Customers: Customers always prefer the product which they can get in low cost. The popularity of pirated music and films increased because of the reason that the customers prefer the cheap products. Many customers would be barred from getting the opportunity of private rights of options. Many people will be barred from enjoying the creativity in low cost. Providing high cost for these services might not be possible for all kind of customers. The salience is very high for the customers, as they are powerful to force the government to take any decision, and their reaction will also be urgent as they are affected highly (Freeman, 2010, p.54). The non Market stakeholders Government: The government has the power to tak e all the decisions regarding this matter but it is not in a hurry to take immediate steps as it has taken the shape of power politics. By evaluating both side argument and political power game, the government would take its decision. Media: The opposition of this law are hugely using the media to display their protests. All the defending companies are using mostly the social media along with the other medias to present their views in front of government and community.

Kant And Mill Ethical Theories Philosophy Essay

Kant And Mill Ethical Theories Philosophy Essay John Mills Utilitarianism and Immanuel Kants Fundamental Principle of the Metaphysic of Morality present the two philosophers divergent views on the field of moral philosophy. Mills Utilitarianism is a more refined ethical theory compared to Kants breakdown of the metaphysics and its use in proving what is right and what is wrong. Kant employs his corroboration of the subsistence of metaphysics as a discipline in his ethical philosophy. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦if a law is to have moral force, i.e., to be the basis of an obligation, it must carry with it absolute necessity. (Kant preface). This dictum forms the base for Kants ethical theory. Mill disputes Kants assertion that our moral force must be driven by an obligation. Instead, Mill argues that humans are driven by a desire to be happy. Immanuel Kant utilized practical reasoning in his moral theory and suggests that there exists only one moral obligation; categorical imperative. He states, Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become a universal law (Kant second section). This obligation is derived from the notion of duty, and describes the categorical imperatives as the demands of moral decree, and further emphasizes that an individuals behavior ought to live up to the moral laws. These categorical imperatives should be the constitution governing all men; they should be the principles of human life. Kant argues that all ethical duties inherently expected of humans stem from these categorical imperatives, and it systematically follows that human obligations are put to the test. He goes on to state that employing these imperatives, an individual regarded as rational could be able to achieve specific ends using certain means. Kants categorical imperative forms the basis of the deontological ethics. The fundamental principle of the metaphysics of morals postulates that moral law is a base or foundation of reason in itself and it does not have to be influenced by other contingent factors. The biggest flaw of Kants moral theory is that it fails to mention the role of human desire in the choices individuals make. Kant theory succeeds only in highlighting moral versus immoral human actions, and specifically makes it easier in making choices that exclusively involves evil versus good. It does not provide insight into what an individual should do in case he or she is faced by two evils, a nd he or she has to make a choice between the two. For instance, what does one do when faced with the exclusive choices of either lying or killing? Mills ethical theory offers an insight. Mills utilitarian ethical theory provides a rule that illuminates this quandary. Utilitarian theory supports Machiavellis the end justifies the means; according to the utilitarian opinion, the end of human action, is necessarily also the standard of morality (Mill ch II). The greatest happiness principle proposes that humans should inherently choose the option that gives them the most happiness. Mill constructs a world where the happiness of humans is judged. Mill believes that the best happiness is achieved when everyone is happy; the absence of suffering and pain. He believes that true happiness must be moral or intellectual in nature. Physical happiness does not qualify as true happiness. Happiness is greater than feeling of contentment. Mill talks of different forms of happiness, high and low happiness. When an individual experiences both forms of happiness, he or she develops a preference of one over the other. Mill opines that simple pleasures are preferred by individuals who have not experienced greater ones. Nevertheless, he still holds that higher pleasures are really valued. Because happiness predetermines human desires, it is only logical that our actions are determined by will; will to be happy. Mill however posits that the realization of human desire can at times be subjective to the will of an individual or an individuals habit. Mills utilitarian therefore covers more on human motives as compared to mere indulgence. Every intrinsic human desire is a derivative of elementary human desires to be happy or achieve gratification. Sometimes the pursuit of basic human pleasures may result in pain as a result of sacrifices humans consciously or subliminally make. Such sacrifices for the sake of happiness in the en d are fully justified. A significant difference between Mill and Kant, based on the two writings, is the gradation of ethics. Under Kants metaphysics of science, an individual can be regarded as morally upright while still being selfish. Under Mills utilitarian, an individual cannot be morally right if he or she is selfish since Mills ethical theory requires humans to extend happiness to others. All honour to those who can abnegate for themselves the personal enjoyment of life, when by such renunciation they contribute worthily to increase the amount of happiness in the world (Mill ch II). Kant negates the utilitarian idea by stating that there exists a divergence between desires and ethics and that contemplations of human rights temper estimations of cumulative utility. Kant holds that everything in existence possesses a price or a dignity. He adds that whatever possesses a price can be easily replaced by something else of the similar value as it, but whatever has a dignity can never be replaced. Both philosophers have deep thought on the issue of morality. Mill has his thoughts based on utilitarian grounds, which is an elaborate system that revolves around happiness of people. It hypothesizes that an individual ought to act in a way that ensures the happiness of those around them. Kant has his philosophy of giving morality a good versus bad angle. He, on the other hand, hypothesizes that reasoning and human nature should be the determinants of morality and not human desires. Morality is the root of human interaction and without it, humans would not discern right from wrong. Morality is very important but between the two philosophers John Mill offers an upgraded version of ethical philosophy that is more elaborate and practical.

Henry David Thoreau`s concept of government Essay

Thoreau is one of the most influential thinkers of the world. His Civil Disobedience theory has inspired many leaders who employed it to acquire freedom for their colonized countries. Mahatma Gandhi was inspired by this essay and put it to practice in his Civil Disobedience movement during Indian freedom struggle. This method proved to be stronger than war with weapons.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thoreau’s motto is, ‘That government is best which governs least’. To him government is the ‘mode which the people have chosen to execute their will’. So people holding posts in the government need to reflect the choice of the people.   He hereby does not say that there is no need for a government but demands a better one which can reflect the needs of the people. He derides the kind of government that treats men like ‘movable forts and magazines at the service of some unscrupulous man in power’. Herein he is referring to soldiers at war who risk their lives against their conscience.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thoreau describes the situation of the countries invaded by America   where ‘a sixth of the population of a nation which has undertaken to be the refuge of liberty are slaves’ and under the subjugation of foreign army. He speaks against invasion of foreign lands. Million are against this kind of war and acquisition but no one raises their voice against this. Some times he says that people petition or give up their ’cheap vote’. He questions the citizen giving up their conscience to the legislator. Thoreau ridicules parliamentary elections and proclaims that only those who vote for the abolishment of slavery are real voters. Thoreau finds fault with those who are not able to tolerate unjust laws but at the same time are contended with mere petitioning. A common citizen meets government in the form of tax collectors once in a year. Thoreau does not support taxation which is created without any subjectivity. He does not mind paying tax for essential utilities but he does not find logic in poll tax. He refuses to pay for those that his conscience does not permit. Consequently he is put in jail later to be released on account of someone else paying for him. Thoreau upholds freedom of every individual and criticizes the government for treating individual citizens as a herd. He adds that every individual should be allowed his choice in the welfare activities he wishes to do. He blames the State of collecting tax in the name of welfare activities and using it to invade other nations putting thousands of lives in danger. How can a government that is closing its eyes on the evil of slave trade be trusted in welfare activities? His solution to tackle this issue is Civil Disobedience movement. Instead of waiting for others to start a movement or stop with petitions, every individual should rise up to the occasion with resistance towards the Government. He says, ‘There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.’ Thoreau admits that to this kind of government he will willingly submit himself and cheerfully obey. There has been a good change from monarchy to democracy. Now the change needs to be extended to progress towards true respect for the individual. The Government needs to find ways to recognize and organize the rights of man. He also recommends that the legislators could take instruction from the New Testament to make his governance better. This thought from Thoreau has had great impact in the world history. Many nations were made and strengthened by following Civil Disobedience. He recommends what is called as Bloodless war and this war is more powerful than that which is fought with arm and ammunitions.

Love Suicides at Amijima Essay

This paper discusses how suicide is viewed in Japanese society, and how a greater understanding can be gained of the Japanese viewpoint on voluntary death by a study of Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s famous drama â€Å"The Love Suicides at Amijima. † The writer provides an overview of Chikamatsu’s life, literary career and the era in which he lived in the second half of the 17th century. The theatrical traditions in which he wrote are described as well. His domestic tragedy, â€Å"The Love Suicides at Amijima,† is described in detail, and the writer explains the social and family obligations in which the protagonists are trapped and which ultimately lead to the double suicide at the end. The theme of the Love Suicides of Amijima respects the differences between American and Japanese culture with regards to views of suicide, duty, and honor, while still remaining accessible to its 21st century American audience. Passion, heartache, and sacrifice are narratives that have existed eternally. Another theme is love and self destruction. What I have from my notes is â€Å"the dichotomy of the beauty and brutality of love transcends place and time. † As â€Å"One of the best ways to understand a different culture is to read the literature it has produced for one is introduced to the world view in which the author operates. After all, each text is made up of the particularities of the world that reflects it. And there is nothing more extreme and intriguing example of such suicides than the love suicides or shinj popularized by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. It is defined as based on a pact between lovers trapped in a web of such intense turmoil they have no recourse save the ultimate destructive act. Although we recognize that the writer’s works originated hundreds of years ago and certainly values, motives and times have changed in the contemporary period, it can still serve as a literary starting point to understand the Japanese concept of suicide. † Furthermore the events, characters, and symbols were all interesting especially Osan’s character because she is fully aware of her husband’s love for Koharu, yet she still decides to stay with him. Her actions seem to baffle me. She comforts Jihei, although he is crying over another women. Also, when she reveals that she sent Koharu a letter asking to end her relationship with Jihei, she immediately asks Jihei to save Koharu instead of forgetting about the request. Furthermore, Osan gives Jihei money, (money that is necessary to be set aside for business and the children) to take care of Koharu’s ransom. I am quite confused as to why she would do this, considering she has been nothing but a loving wife and a caring mother.

Black African Studies essays

Black African Studies essays African's past can be dated back to millions and millions of years. People from every continent is a descendant of the African origin. This essay will explain African's isolation to the rest of the world and some of the famous contributions and some of Africa's contributions to our world. Researchers have found that African people were the home of the first human beings. They have found fossils and archaeological findings that support thus evidence and by genetic research. These findings date back to 4.4 million years ago in Ethiopia. Actually human beings date back to 40 thousand years, these people were discovered also in Ethiopia. Around 10 thousand BC the Fertile Crescent had a large agricultural lands that produced vegetation, economic wealth, and brought people together. 7000 thousand years later the land became unagricultural and started to look the way it looks today in the Sahara Desert. This divided the continent into 2 parts, the North and the South. This made trade and contact to others extremely difficult. Poor soils due to shortage of water have taken its toll on Africa too. This is because poor soils lead to bad vegetation, which leads to less food, and then there are fewer jobs and less wealth. Fewer good also lead to diseases related to not eating well. Also Africa doesn't connect to any particular place. It has no rivers leading into the seven oceans, so there is not transportation or communication to those in the middle of Africa. This means no imports or exports therefore, any economic wealth. Africa is made of 400 million people throughout 50 countries with 800 different languages, which is probably difficult for communication and understanding of each other's. Leading again to Africa taking power of the world. Europe had labeled Africa as the "Dark Continent" because they didn't know much about it. Even though thousands of years ago their customs and ways of doing things origi ...

Justify and explain how the complexities associated with the Web minimizes competitive business advantage essays

Justify and explain how the complexities associated with the Web minimizes competitive business advantage essays One of the most essential results of corporate strategy is for a business to create competitive advantages. This allows a business to differentiate from its competitors. The advantage can be a process, resource, copyright or an intangible asset. Furthermore, these competitive advantages should be sustainable for the company to have lasting success. The web has minimized competitive business advantages by limiting barriers to entry, while improving the flow of communication, and often simplifying The web has greatly changed the environments for many industries. It has increased communication, made information more accessible and has become a viable platform for commerce and trade. The Internet has affected business in many different ways. Relationships with suppliers and customers, information exchange with competitors and business processes are all altered by the Internet. As the web, and its users, continues to grow the capabilities of the web will expand and further change the landscapes In many industries the web has greatly limited the barriers to entry for new participants. The first mover advantage that many companies had uses as their competitive advantage lost some significance. Since start up costs to new businesses was often lower, companies' market shares were more easily challenged. For Instance, the publication Industry was dominated by a few huge conglomerates that held power and influence. The web gave rise to smaller news companies that could easily start their business for low costs and not fear the major players. Traditionally, many competitive advantages were successful and sustained because competitors were unsure of how to copy a process or strategy. The web brings down barriers and exposes more of company's processes. A challenging company can view the customers, product offering ...

Five issues in corrections Speech or Presentation

Five issues in corrections - Speech or Presentation Example At this time, inmates with special needs are not even identified, whereas other institutions have a very strict protocol for inmates who have a history of mental illness. When they are sent to a correctional facility, they undergo a very thorough physical and mental examination to evaluate the current condition in order to decide if the inmate requires therapy of some kind or a psychologists’ further evaluation to diagnose a mental illness if necessary, and decide on a line of treatment. The purpose of correctional institutions is to help these wayward individuals to become better individuals, preparing them to be part of society again. But with the way things are being done at this time it would seem highly unlikely that any of these inmates would regain any of their sanity at the rate at which they are going. We need a specific program which, firstly, allows us to identify what kind of mental illness an inmate might have. With each type on illness a set protocol should be in place as to how the inmate should be processed; i.e. one on one therapy, group therapy and drug therapy. And the length of the entire treatment required by each individual. This would, in my mind, be the sort of system which would improve the outcome of these inmates. Second matter for discussion is a very volatile one, of sexual victimization. Last year alone, there have been over a hundred reported cases of incidents among the inmates of a sexual nature. The institution houses over a thousand inmates at any given time, both male and female. Keeping in mind the sort of people we deal with today, most of these sexual incidences occur in correctional facilities. Even though there are very strict written policies against sexual victimization, and inmates are watched very closely, these incidences are very common. First I ask why and how? Why does it happen and how is it possible. In research articles, submitted with regards to such issues, there has been some headway as to the reason ing as to why it happening. It is used to ascertain dominance over one or many persons, ensure their position as the aggressor, or maybe just for the purpose of entertainment. Even the most vigilant correctional facility is not able to control these sexual victimizations. So at the end of the day an inmate who might have either been sentenced or in the pretrial phase (possibly innocent) might have to face such an incident. So again, leading back to the question is this rehabilitation or creation of a possible criminal. And it has also been rumored that most of the time the correctional officers also know about these incidences but most of the time look the other way, as it has become a norm in today’s facilities. So what of the victims in these situations? How are they to deal with such situations? Or are they meant to be scarred for life. Third on the agenda is the overcrowding of the correctional institutions in most states. Understandable that these days there are more cri minals that rehabilitated individuals, and there is a trend criminals being reincarcerated again and again, serving out their sentences, just to go back to their usual routines of being criminals. The major reason for the overcrowding is that the vision with which correctional

The Baroque Era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Baroque Era - Essay Example In particular, the various features of the Baroque style influenced my developing of interest in this type of art. Firstly, my interest in the style is due to its use of drama through contrasting dark-light effects in painting or film. Specifically, the drama in baroque style is full of exaggerated motion and clear details in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, and music interesting thus explaining my choosing of the style. That, according to (Carl & Charles 9), refer to the application of tenebrism technique in artistic language as evident in the Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith Slaying of Holofernes painting. In the painting, Judith has a sterling, broad and masculine face and physique in a fantastic way (Allen n.p). That can be construed to mean women are strong independent beings and as such the society should not view them as weak and fragile. Secondly, Baroque is interesting in that it uses direct, obvious, and dramatic iconography that intends to appeal above all to the senses and the emotions (Old Masters Society n.p.). That when put into use helps in producing a very high-contrast, dramatic atmosphere in dimly lit scenes in paintings as evident in various paintings, That, as (Carl, & Charles 3-6) contend, is evident in the use of different technique like "chiaroscuro," (interplay between light and darkness on paint portraits) as in the case of Paul Rubens’ painting, "The Massacre of the Innocents". Thirdly, the Baroque style is interesting in its description of dark.

Critical Appraisal of Contemporary Urban Housing Problems Essay

Critical Appraisal of Contemporary Urban Housing Problems - Essay Example This trend has been exhibited through a data of 464 tenants of the market for council housing (Nevin et al. 2001: p. 59). As per the social and economic features of tenants for the council housing, it seems that the customer-base is getting economically weaker as only 16% tenants are working full time, 37.4% are in search of employment and 86.4% are getting help from the state. In comparison to private rented sector where 64% tenants are working, only 31% of council’s ates the weaker economic graph of the tenants of city council houses. Tenants give top priority to such tenancies which are of their preferred size, are situated in the right localities, family and friends are easily reachable and environment is healthy (ibid: p. 60). Trends are similar in geographical diverse areas such as Knowsley, Wigan and Stockport. As per the 1999 housing investment data, the social rented housing in Knowlsey was high with a population of 154,562 (38%), out of which local authority possessed 19,187 units (31%) and housing association owned 4,344 (7.1%). In Wigan the difference between the local authority and the housing association in the social housing segment was 24%. It was quite vast with local authority houses 21% and housing association houses just 2%. In Stockport the percentage of social housing was 16 while council share was 11% (ibid: p. 63). Comparatively, council housing is easily available than housing association. In Knowsley, most of the housing stock of housing association is outside the borough, in Liverpool. In Stockport and Wigan, housing association accommodations are found to be in good numbers but even then insufficient (ibid: p. 73). In comparison to council houses, private rented houses are in good numbers, are easily traceable and offer better locality alternatives than council houses. Private properties are widely advertised through the local print media. The only hindrance in renting of private property

Using Picture Books in the Secondary Classroom Essay Example for Free

Using Picture Books in the Secondary Classroom Essay There are many reasons to use picture books in middle and high school classrooms (Albright, 2002, 418). Picture books are very useful in all subject areas and all content areas that are taught to secondary students (Albright, 200, 418). There are three stages of planning and implementing that must be considered and understood when utilizing picture books in instructing older children (Albright, 2002, 419). In order to effectively use picture books during read aloud, the secondary teacher must plan, prepare and produce (Albright, 2002, 419). A teacher must plan what book will go with what lesson and ensure that the text is age appropriate (Albright, 2002, 420). The teacher must also prepare a lesson that will make use of the picture book in such a way that students will be engaged in the text within the book (Albright, 2002, 421). Finally, the teacher must produce learning using the selected picture book. In other words, the teacher must be able to observe students learning the intended outcomes while listening to and learning from the picture book (Albright, 2002, 421). â€Å"The primary focus of using picture books in higher grades is to increase students’ literacy skills and ability to analyze short stories† (Tiedt, 2000, 1). Picture books have a great deal to offer middle and high school students (Tiedt, 2000, 1). There are four major reasons why teachers should consider using picture books in teaching secondary students (Tiedt, 2000, 1). The first is that picture books are useful resources for promoting good classroom discussions (Tiedt, 2000, 1). Second, picture books provide engaging models for teaching writing (Tiedt, 2000, 1). Third, students can improve their oral language skills as they read out loud, performance dramatic reenactions and tell stories (Tiedt, 2000, 1). Fourth, can use picture books as models to write their own picture books and therefore enhancing their own individual creativity (Tiedt, 2000, 1). There are many reasons why picture books are so useful and should be incorporated into secondary classrooms (Young, 1). The themes of many picture books are appropriate for all ages and they include many genres that cover topics of importance to students of all ages (Young, 1997, 1). Second, many new picture books are published each year and older students may not have had the benefit of reading these new books. Using new picture books in secondary school settings exposes older students to resources they may otherwise have missed as new picture books incorporate better artwork and more high quality metaphor and description (Young, 1997, 1). Third, picture books are incorporating many more real world events and topics than they have in the past. For example, more picture book writers are writing about such issues as war, global warming and nuclear destruction (Young, 1997, 1). Fourth, the short format of books allows for easy incorporation into lessons. The material in short picture books is easy for secondary students to comprehend and therefore students are able to quickly grasp the subject so they can move on towards creatively applying the material to the topic or subject being studied (Young, 1997, 1). Finally, picture books the pictures in picture books can be used as a comprehension aid for secondary students (Young, 1997, 1). In the current age of television and video games, secondary students have become accustomed to using pictures to make connections so picture books build on this ability. The visual cues in pictures allow students to easily comprehend what they are reading and use those applications in the lesson material (Young, 1997, 1). One subject where picture books can be enormously useful is in math (Spicer, 2004, 1). Typically, picture books that discuss math concepts are only used in the primary levels of school. However, there are a great many picture books that can get even high school students excited about math (Spicer, 2004, 1). For example, elementary school students will gain a firm grasp on geometric concepts when reading Sir Cumference and the First Round Table. The book details the efforts of Sir Cumference and his son Radius, in showing the knights how they can all sit peacefully at a square table (Spicer, 2004, 1). High school students would enjoy the silliness of this book as well as reviewing basic geometry concepts (Spicer, 2004,1). Similarly, there are many picture books that can be applied to high school life. One good example is The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics. This book is about a love triangle. The straight line is in love with the dot that is in love with the squiggle. By the end of the story, high school students will learn that when a line bends a little, a vector is created (Spicer, 2004, 1). Students of all ages love picture books (Spicer, 2004, 1). There are many fun and easy ways to incorporate picture books into secondary math lessons (Spicer, 2004, 1). Students can choose a book from a list provided by the teacher and write a report about the math concepts included in the story (Spicer, 2004, 1). They can also write mathematical sequels or prequels to books that are read aloud in class (Spicer, 2004, 1). Utilizing picture books as part of math lessons will ensure that weeks later secondary students recall both the story and the lesson (Spicer, 2004, 1). Another way that picture books are useful in the secondary classroom is in assisting struggling readers (McEwan, 2007, 1). Generally, high school students read very long and complex textbooks (McEwan, 2007, 1). The problem lies in the fact that struggling readers cannot use these textbook to learn because they are not fluent enough readers (McEwan, 2007, 1). Therefore, picture books can help struggling readers become better readers at the same time that they are learning the same concepts as the other students (McEwan, 2007, 1). In addition, background knowledge is important when teaching nonfiction concepts to secondary school students (McEwan, 2007, 1). Easy nonfiction books should be collected and provided to students who need alternative resources when textbooks are too challenging for them (McEwan, 2007, 1). Further, when students gain the necessary background knowledge and learn key concepts through reading easy nonfiction picture books, they are able to gain the confidence to try the more challenging textbook material (McEwan, 2007, 1). In order to assist struggling readers, a comprehensive list of nonfiction picture books aimed at math, science and other subjects should be compiled and made available to teachers and students (McEwan, 2007, 1). Writing is another subject area where picture books provide an enormous benefit to secondary students (Culham, 2000, 1). Picture books are a readily available but untapped resource that many secondary teachers are just beginning to discover (Culham, 2000, 1). Picture books can be highly visual and motivating in teaching students to become better writers (Culham, 2000, 1). Picture books can be used as models to help writing students organize their thoughts in meaningful ways, to explore new topics and share different viewpoints about various topics (Culham, 2000, 1). Using picture books can show students how other authors use word choice, and editing to create a polished piece of written work (Culham, 2000, 1). In addition, picture books can enable students to use a small amount of text to find a large amount of meaning (Culham, 2000, 1). There are a wide variety of topics available in using picture books and these topics can inspire creativity in writing students (Culham, 2000, 1). Picture books explore current and relevant topics that can further enhance writing ideas (Culham, 2000, 1). Finally, picture books can often inspire fresh creativity about old ideas that can lead to better writing (Culham, 2000, 1). Social studies is another area where picture books can be easily incorporated into lesson plans (Young, 1997, 1). The study of people places and cultures are natural compliments to picture books (Young, 1997, 1). The true life events of the past and present can be portrayed through the eyes of the characters and current events can be explored (Young, 1997, 1). Events such as World War II, the Vietnam War and Paul Revere’s ride teach about these historical events in easy to follow formats (Young, 1997, 1). In addition, current events such as homelessness can be described through short picture books that incorporate pictures and text to convey the seriousness of such issues (Young, 1997, 1). Science can very easily incorporate picture books (Young, 1997, 1). An obvious example would be the Magic School Bus series that explores various science concepts through and elementary classroom and its use of the magic school bus to take field trips (Young, 1997, 1). These books explore science concepts that are easy for elementary school students to understand but are also relevant to secondary school students as they provide good introductions into science concepts that can then be built upon (Young, 1997, 1). These books provide a way to explore science through the eyes of children and include a great many side notes and text that describe such concepts as the solar system, the human body, the earth and the water cycle (Young, 1997, 1). Finally, picture books can be successfully incorporated into vocabulary lessons (Bartell, 2005, 57). In fact, picture books can be used as an alternative to traditional vocabulary instruction (Bartell, 2005, 57). Traditional vocabulary instruction often makes students copy words and their definitions into notebooks but picture books allow students to as models to create their own picture books. The use of alphabet books gives students the creative ideas necessary to write their own text and therefore increase vocabulary as they write (Bartell, 2005, 57). The nature of picture books allow for high levels of vocabulary and the illustrations provide further avenues for students to make connections between pictures and words (Bartell, 2005, 57). Picture books in the hands of skilled language arts teachers can create lessons of extraordinary educational value (Young, 1997, 1). The content of the picture books are important in increasing secondary students reading and writing abilities but their value goes far beyond this content (Young, 1997, 1). The pictures used in children’s literature can also help students build awareness of language as well as explore illustrations as a way to communicate meaning in a non intimidating way (Young, 1997, 1). Therefore, teachers need to be cautious when choosing picture books to incorporate into lesson plans. They must choose picture books based on the quality of the art and the quality of the text (Young, 1997, 1). The pictures and the text need to work together to provide a comprehensive book that will be easily incorporated into the lesson plan (Young, 1997, 1). In order to successfully picture books into secondary classrooms, some important changes need to be made (Young, 1997, 1). The first is the attitude that picture books are children’s literature. Instead, picture books should simply be viewed as literature (Young, 1997, 1). Once this attitude is changed then educators can start seeing the curriculum opportunities that picture books offer (Young, 1997, 1). Picture books entertain students and provide information about a wide variety of topics that can then lead to a greater understanding of the world (Young, 1997, 1). Picture books are another tool that literacy teachers should know about, have access to and incorporate into their lesson plans (Young, 1997, 1). Teachers have been reading aloud to elementary school students for centuries (Guignon, 2001, 1). Research has shown the value of reading out loud to emerging readers (Guignon, 2001, 1). However, once a child learns to read on his or her own, being read to out loud often decreases or stops altogether (Guignon, 2001, 1). Reading aloud to students of any age helps them improve the important literacy skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening (Guignon, 2001, 1). Students listen to stories read out loud on a higher level then they read on their own and so hearing stories read out loud stimulates their understanding of vocabulary and language patterns (Guignon, 2001, 1). There are some important guidelines for teachers when reading out loud to secondary students (Guignon, 2001, 1). The first is that the teacher and students must make time to discuss the story in order to expand student understanding of the topic the story covers (Guignon, 2001, 1). Second, the illustrations should be used to encourage prediction and interpretation. Using the illustrations can add to the students’ understanding of the events in the story (Guignon, 2001, 1). Third, read out loud gives students the opportunity to learn more about different authors and illustrators. It also allows them to look forward to reading other books by favorite authors (Guignon, 2001, 1). Fourth, hearing picture books read out loud gives students the chance to relate the stories to their own experiences (Guignon, 2001, 1). Finally, reading out loud brings in more curriculum related topics that are of special interest to the class (Guignon, 2001, 1). Teachers are often wary of presenting controversial and private topics into their curriculum and instruction (Bartell, 2005, 57). Picture books provide an outlet for these issues by presenting the material in non threatening way (Bartell, 2005, 57). Secondary students are often facing many stressors as they are not quite grown yet but are no longer children. Their bodies are changing as are the nature of their social situations (Bartell, 2005, 57). Picture books provide a way for students to explore the issues that present themselves at this point in life by exposing them to characters going through similar experiences (Bartell, 2005, 57). Picture books are short and get right to the point so they provide an easy way to show secondary students how to deal with situations that they are experiencing (Bartell, 2005, 57).

Ideas of the Parthenon Essay -- essays research papers

The Greek people of the 5th century BC created a culture that was deeply rooted in philosophy and the arts. Their endless search for their place in the grand scheme of the universe and in nature around them influenced everything in their lives especially their love of the arts. Their drama, sculpture, and even architecture are all shining examples of the ideas that were so dominant in the minds of the Greek people. What could be considered the crown jewel of Greek architecture, the Parthenon, is one such of these examples. It brings into form the three principal ideas of humanism, rationalism, and idealism of the 5th century Greek people through not only its structure, but its ornamentation and sculpture as well. The basis of humanism can be summed up in the words of Protagoras, â€Å"Man is the measure of all things.† Humanism is the idea that human beings are the yardstick by with to measure all things in the universe, including Greek gods and goddesses. The Parthenon stands for this very idea through the fact that it is a human organization of space. It brings an understandable order into a chaotic space that would otherwise be incomprehensible to a human being. It allows a human to see the space and recognize it as something that is real. It also consists of repeated patterns and distance intervals throughout its structure that add to this order. The metopes, for example, are set in an alternating pattern with the triglyphs around the entire building at distinct intervals bringing a clear order to the entablature of the Parthenon. The columns that support the Parthenon are also placed in certain distance intervals from each other and coincide with the pattern formed by the metopes and triglyphs. These columns, however, are not in a perfect pattern of equal distances around the entire Parthenon. The columns on either side of the doorway to the Parthenon are placed a little farther apart than the rest to show a clear entrance to the building. Also the corner columns of the building are positioned slightly closer to their neighboring columns in order to compensate for the human eye. Without this compensation the columns would give the illusion of leaning outward and being farther apart than the rest of the columns because of the distortion of such a large structure to the human eye. The stylobate that the columns rest on is also built to allow for this op... ...ding hints to the fact that the Parthenon is a place that is not meant for a human or even built with a human being in mind. For example, the steps of the Parthenon are to such a large scale that is clumsy and awkward for a man’s normal stride, but in the Greek mind, the perfect distance and size for that of a goddess. The entrance to the Parthenon, through it’s colossal size, denotes that a human is not the main concern when it comes to entering and exiting of this building in the mind of the architect. The 5th century Greek people played a pivotal role in the shaping of not only the world of philosophy but also the world of art and architecture. Their ideas of humanism, rationalism, and idealism were the things that brought to life the artwork of their time and still effects ours to this day. The Parthenon, with its bulging columns, its repeated ratios, and its colossal size expresses how these ideas formed the structure of the building and then shows how the same ideas brought to form the beautiful pediments and sculptures that give us a deeper insight into the minds and hearts of the Greek people. The Parthenon is truly an elaborate time capsule overflowing with Greek ideas.

Strategic Management Study Guide

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT TEST 2 (Chapters 3, 4, and 6): STUDY GUIDE †¢Know definitions and be able to recognize examples of concepts †¢Test will be multiple choice, 45-50 items †¢Bring scantron sheet and #2 pencil Additional free student study resources available including an interactive quiz from the publisher at: http://highered. mcgraw-hill. com/sites/0078029317/student_view0/chapter1/chapter_quiz. html Chapter 3: Assessing the Internal Environment †¢What is value chain analysis? How is it useful for understanding competitive advantages?Strategic analysis of an organization that uses value-creating activities. It is useful for understanding the building blocks of competitive advantages. †¢In the value chain, what are the 5 primary activities? Which 4 activities are support activities? Primary- inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service. Support- general admininistration, human resource management, technology development , and procurement. †¢Relating to primary activities, what specific activities are associated with inbound logistics? Operations? Outbound logistics?Marketing and sales? Service? Inbound logistics- receiving, storing, and distributing inputs of a product. Operations- all activities associated with transforming inputs into the final product form. Outbound logistics- collecting, storing, and distributing the product or service to buyers. Marketing and sales- activities associated with purchases of products and services by end users and the inducements used to get them to make purchases. Service- actions associated with providing service to enhance or maintain the value of the product. †¢What is a Just-in-time inventory system? were designed to achieve efficient inbound logistics. Parts and deliveries arrive only hours before they are needed. †¢Relating to support activities, what specific activities are associated with procurement? Technology development? HR management? General administration? Procurement- purchasing inputs used in the firm’s value chain, including raw materials, supplies, and other consumable items as well as assets such as machinery, laboratory equipment, office equipment, and buildings. Technology development- development of new knowledge that is applied to the firm’s operations.HR management- activities involved in the recruiting, hiring, training, development, and compensation of all types of personnel. General administration- general management, planning, finance, accounting, legal and government affairs, quality management, and information systems: activities that support the entire value chain and not individual activities. †¢How has Walgreen’s used information systems to be a sources of competitive advantage? Introduction of a computer based prescription management system- automates telephone refills, store to store prescription transfers, and drug reordering.Also provides information on drug inte ractions and frees up pharmacists from administrative tasks to devote more time to patient counseling. †¢What are the two levels of interrelationships among value-chain activities? 1. Interrelationships among activities within the firm 2. Interrelationships among activities within the firm and other stakeholders. †¢What is resource-based view of the firm? Perceptions that firms’ competitive advantages are due to their endowment of strategic resources that are valuable, rare, costly to imitate, and costly to substitute. What are the 3 types of firm resources? Tangible, Intangible, and Organizational Capabilities. †¢What are the 4 kinds of tangible resources? Financial, physical, technological, and organizational. †¢What are the 3 kinds of intangible resources, Human, Innovation and Creativity, and Reputation. †¢What examples of organizational capabilities? Ex. Outstanding customer service. Excellent product development capabilities, innovativeness of p roducts and services. Ability to hire, motivate, and retain human capital. What are the four criteria that a firm’s resources must possess to maintain a sustainable advantage? 1. Resource must be valuable in the sense that it exploits opportunities and/or neutralizes threats in the firm’s environment. 2. It must be rare among the firm’s current and potential competitors. 3. It must be difficult to imitate. 4. Must have no strategically equivalent substitutes. †¢How can the following four resource characteristics help sustain a competitive advantage based on inimitability: physical uniqueness, path dependency, causal ambiguity, and social complexity? 1.Inherently difficult to copy. 2. Resources are scarce because they were acquired through a unique series of events. 3. Costly to imitate because competitor cannot determine what the resource is and/or how it can be re-created. 4. Costly to imitate because the social engineering required is beyond the capabilit y of competitors, including interpersonal relations among managers, organizational culture, and reputation with suppliers and customers. †¢Substitutability can take which two forms? 1. Substitute a similar resource that enables it to develop and implement the same strategy. . Very different firm resources can become strategic substitutes. †¢ See exhibit 3. 7 – what are the implications for competitiveness based on differing characteristics of a resource or capability? The less valuable, less rare, easier to imitate, more substitutes, the less competitive advantage. †¢What are the four factors that help explain the extent to which employees will be able to obtain a proportionally high level of a firm’s profits? 1. Employee bargaining power. 2. Employee replacement costs. 3. Employee exit costs. 4. Manager Bargaining Power. What are the two approaches to use when evaluating a firm’s performance? Financial ration analysis and taking a broad stakehold er view. †¢What is financial ratio analysis? How can historical comparisons, industry norm comparisons, and competitor comparisons each serve as useful reference points? 1. Technique for measuring the performance of a firm according to its balance sheet, income statement, and market valuation. 2. Provides a means of evaluating trends. 3. Assesses relative performance. 4. Gain valuable insights into a firm’s financial and competitive position. What is the balanced scorecard? Why is it useful? a method of evaluating a firm’s performance using performance measures from the customers, internal innovation, and learning, and financial perspectives. Provides managers with a fast, but comprehensive review of the business (operations measures that drive the future financial performance). †¢What are the four key perspectives of the balanced scorecard? 1. Customer perspective- measures of firm performance that indicate how well firms are satisfying customer’s exp ectations. 2.Internal business perspective- measures of firm performance that indicate how well firms internal processes, decisions, and actions are contributing to customer satisfaction. 3. Innovation and learning perspective- measures of a firm performance that indicate how well firms are changing their product and service offerings to adapt to changes in the internal and external environments. 4. Financial perspective- measure of firm’s financial performance that indicate how well strategy, implementation and execution are contributing bottom-line improvement. †¢What are the limitations of the balanced scorecard?Lack of a clear strategy, limited or ineffective executive sponsorship, too much emphasis on financial measures rather than nonfinancial measures, poor data on actual performance, inappropriate links of scorecard measures to compensation, inconsistent or inappropriate terminology. Chapter 4: Recognizing a Firm’s Intellectual Assets: Moving Beyond a Firm ’s Tangible Resources †¢What is the knowledge economy? An economy where wealth is created through the effective management of knowledge workers instead of by the efficient control of physical and financial assets. How has the emphasis shifted between intangible and tangible resources as a result of changes in the competitive environment? Shifted from tangible resources such as land, equipment, and money. Efforts were more directed toward the efficient allocation of labor and capital. Now intellectual and information processes create most of the value for firms in large service industries. †¢What is the market value of a firm? What is the book value of a firm? What does the difference between the two values represent? In what types of firms does this difference tend to be the greatest?Market value- the value of a share of its common stock times the number of shares outstanding. Book value- is primarily a measure of the value of its tangible resources: total assets- t otal liabilities. The difference between the two represents the firm’s intellectual capital ( a measure of the firm’s intangible assets). In firms where knowledge and the management of knowledge workers are relatively important contributors to developing products and services and physical resources are less critical, the ratio of market to book value tends to be much higher. †¢What is intellectual capital and how can it be increased?Intellectual capital= market value of firm-book value of the firm. To increase: attract and leverage human capital effectively through mechanisms that create products and services of value over time. †¢What is human capital? Social capital? Explicit knowledge? Tacit knowledge? Human capital- the individual capabilities, knowledge, skills, and experience of a company’s employees and managers. Social capital- the network of friendships between talented people both inside and outside the organization. Explicit knowledge- knowl edge that is codified, documented, easily reproduced, and widely distributed.Tacit knowledge- knowledge that is in the minds of employees and is based on their experiences and backgrounds. †¢How is new knowledge created? Through the continual interaction of explicit and tacit knowledge. †¢How has employee loyalty to the company changed relative to loyalty to the profession? Knowledge workers place professional development and personal enrichment above company loyalty. †¢What is a first critical step in the process of of building intellectual capital? What are the other processes organizations use to build human capital?Hiring talented individuals, developing them to fulfill their full potential to maximize their joint contributions. Retain the best and brightest. †¢Why do many companies use employee referrals for new hires? Incentive bonuses paid to the referrers are cheaper than what they would have to pay headhunters to find candidates, plus the current employe es would find good candidates because they are putting their reputation on the line for them. †¢What strategies are used to develop human capital? Encouraging widespread involvement, Transferring knowledge, monitoring progress and development, and evaluating human capital. How as the importance of evaluating human capital changed in recent years? Collaboration and interdependence are vital to organizational success. Individuals must work collectively. Traditional past systems evaluate performance from a single perspective. †¢What is 360 degree feedback? Superiors, direct reports, colleagues, and even external and internal customers rate a person’s performance. †¢What are the 6 benefits of diversity in a firm’s workforce? 1. Cost argument- firms with more effective management in diversity will have a cost advantage over those that are not. 2.Resource acquisition argument- firms with excellent reputations as prospective employers for minorities will have a n advantage in the competition for top talent. 3. Marketing argument- for multinational firms this will be useful. 4. Creativity argument- less emphasis on conformity to norms of the past and diversity of perspectives will improve the level of creativity. 5. Problem solving argument- people with different perspectives have a better shot at solving complex problems than those who all think alike. 6. Organizational flexibility argument- greater flexibility leads means better reactions to environmental changes. What is network analysis? Closure relationships? Bridging relationships? Analysis of the pattern of social interactions among individuals. †¢How can effective social networks be advantageous to an individual’s career? Private information now available. Access to diverse skill sets. Power. †¢What is groupthink? – tendency in an organization for individuals not to question shared beliefts. †¢What are intellectual property rights? What actions can be ta ken to manage intellectual property? Intangible property owned by a firm in the forms of patents, copyrights, trademarks, or trade secrets. What are dynamic capabilities? The ability to sense and seize new opportunities, generates new knowledge, and reconfigure existing assets and capabilities. Chapter 6: Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value Through Diversification †¢What is corporate-level strategy? What two related issues does it address? a strategy that focuses on gaining long-term revenue, profits, and market value through managing operations in multiple businesses. Acquisitions and mergers. †¢How is related diversification different than unrelated diversification? What are the potential benefits of each?Related diversification- a firm entering a different business in which it can benefit from leveraging core competencies, sharing activities, or building market power. Unrelated diversification- a firm entering a different business that has little horizontal interac tion with other businesses of a firm. †¢Be familiar with the classifications of Exhibit 6. 2 3M was using exorbitant rebates to retailers, which pushed them into a â€Å"monopolistic position† and courts ordered 3M to pay 68. 5 million dollars to another tape company. †¢In related diversification, what is meant by economies of scope?Cost savings from leveraging core competencies, sharing activities, or building market power. †¢What is a core competency? What are the three criteria for assessing if a core competency creates value? Firm’s strategic resources that reflect the collective learning in the organization. 1. Must enhance competitive advantage by creating superior customer value. 2. Different businesses in the corporation must be similar in at least one important way related to the core competence. 3. Must be difficult for competitors to imitate or find substitutes for. †¢What are sharing activities?What are the two payoffs associated with sh aring activities. -Having activities of two or more businesses value chains done by one of the businesses. -1. Cost savings -2. Revenue enhancement †¢In related diversification, what is market power? Firm’s ability to profit through restricting or controlling supply to a market or coordinating with other firms to reduce investment. †¢What is pooled negotiating power? the improvement in bargaining position relative to customers and suppliers. †¢What is vertical integration, in its associated risks and benefits? an xpansion or extension of the firm by integrating preceding or successive production processes (occurs when a firm becomes its own supplier or distributer). Pros- secure supply of raw materials or distribution channels. Protection and control over assests and services required to produce and deliver. Access to new business opportunities and new forms of technology. Eliminating the need to deal with a wide variety of suppliers and distributors. Cons- cos ts and expenses associated with increased overhead and capital expenditures. Loss of flexibility resulting from large investments.Problems associated with unbalanced capacities along the value chain. Additional administrative costs associated with managing a more complex set of activities. †¢What 5 issues should be considered in making vertical integration decisions? 1. Is the company satisfied with the quality of the value that its present suppliers and distributors are providing? 2. Are there activities in the industry value chain presently being outsourced or performed independently by others that are a viable source of future profits? 3. Is there a high level of stability in the demand for the organization’s products? . Does the company have the necessary competencies to execute the vertical integration strategies? 5. Will the vertical integration initiative have potential negative impacts on the firm’s stakeholders? †¢What is the transaction cost perspec tive? A perspective that the choice of a transaction’s governance structure such as vertical integration or market transaction, is influenced by transaction costs, including, search, negotiating, contracting, monitoring, and enforcement costs, associated with each choice. †¢What is unrelated diversification? What is a parenting advantage?A firm entering a different business that has little horizontal interaction with other businesses of a firm. Parenting advantage- the positive contributions of the corporate office to a new business as a result of expertise and support provided and not as a result of substantial changes in assets, capital structure, or management. †¢What is restructuring? What are the three types of restructuring? The intervention of the corporate office in a new business that substantially changes assets, capital structure and management. 1. Asset restructuring 2. Capital restructuring 3. Management restructuring What is portfolio management?Method of assessing the competitive position of a portfolio of businesses within a corporation, suggesting strategic alternatives for each business, and identifying priorities for the allocation of resources across the businesses. †¢What is the Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) growth/share matrix? What are the 4 quadrants in the matrix? What are the suggested strategies associated with each of the quadrants? What are the limitations of the BCG matrix? Each of the firm’s strategic business units is plotted on a two-dimensional grid in which the axes are relevant market share and industry growth rate. 1.Stars-competing in high growth industries with high market shares, long term growth potential and should continue to receive substantial investment funding. 2. Question marks- competing in high growth industries with but have weak market share, resources should be invested to enhance their competitive positions. 3. Cash cows- have high market shares in low growth industries . Have limited long run potential, but represent a source of current cash flows to fund investments into starts and question marks. 4. Dogs- have weak market shares in low growth industries, weak positions and limited potential.Most recommend they become divested. Limitations of BCG matrix- 1. the only compare based on two dimensions. 2. View them as a stand-alone entity, ignoring common business practices and value creating activities that may hold promise for synergies across business units. 3. The process becomes largely mechanical, substituting an overly simplified graphical model for the important contributions of the CEO or other managers experience. †¢What are the three primary means by which a firm can diversify? 1. Through acquisitions or mergers 2.Pool the resources of other companies with their resource base, commonly known as a joint-venture or strategic alliance. 3. Diversify into new products, markets, and technologies through internal development. †¢What are the benefits and potential of mergers and acquisitions? 1. A means of obtaining valuable resources that can help an organization expand its product offerings and services 2. Can provide the opportunity for firms to attain the three bases of synergy—leveraging core competencies, sharing activities, and building market power. 3. Can lead to consolidation within an industry and can force other players to merge.Cons- competing firms can often imitate any advantages realized from the M&A. there can be cultural issues that may doom the intended benefits from the endeavors. †¢What is a divestment? The exit of a business from a firm’s portfolio. †¢What is a strategic alliance? Joint venture? How do they differ? What are their potential advantages and downsides? Strategic alliance- a cooperative relationship between two or more firms. Joint venture- new entities formed within a strategic alliance in which two or more firms, the parents, contribute equity to form the new legal entity.A strategic alliance is a cooperative relationship. A joint venture is a special case of alliances where both firms contribute equity to form a new legal entity. Pros- Reducing manufacturing or other costs in the value chain. Developing and diffusing new technologies. Cons- many fail to meet expectations. Without proper partner, a firm should never consider it. Little attention is often given to nurturing the close working relationships and interpersonal connections that bring together the partnering organizations. †¢What is internal development?What are its potential downsides? -Entering a new business through investment in new facilities, often called corporate entrepreneurship and new venture development. -It may be time consuming, firms may forfeit the benefits of speed that growth through mergers and acquisitions can provide. †¢How can managerial motives erode value creation? They may often act in their own self-interests (CEOS). â€Å"growth for gro wth’s sake†, excessive egotism, and the creation of a wide variety of antitakeover tactics. †¢What is meant by growth for growth’s sake? Egotism? Manager’s actions to grow the size of their firms not to increase long-term profitability, but to sever managerial self-interest. -Manager’s actions to shape their firm’s strategies to serve their selfish interests rather than to maximize long-term shareholder value. †¢What are the antitakeover tactics of greenmail, the golden parachute, and poison pill? Greenmail- a payment by a firm to a hostile party for the firm’s stock at a premium, made when the firm’s management feels that the hostile party is about to make a tender offer. (sort of like a bribe)

Development programme Essay

12 minutes run on the Treadmill in level 11.5 and 5 minutes cycling a steady pace.  12 minutes run on the Treadmill, in level 11.5 with 5 minutes cycling at a steady pace  Circuit training programme which we will include 1 minute cycling at a fast pace rest for 2 minutes, 1minutes sprint with 1 minute rest and back to the cycling. This will go 4 times.  And finally cycling for 5 minutes in a steady pace to get rid off lactic acid. Bicep curls, Triceps push down, Bench press, seated leg extension and seated leg curl all of this, 3 sets of 15 repetitions with 1 minute rest between sets and 2 minutes rest between different exercises. Keeping the same weight as last session.  Bicep curls, Triceps push down, Bench press, seated leg extension and seated leg curl all of this, 3 sets of 15 repetitions with 1 minute rest between sets and 2 minutes rest between different exercises. Keeping the same weight as last session. Bicep curls, Triceps push down, Bench press, seated leg extension and seated leg curl all of this, 3 sets of 12 repetitions with 1 minute rest between sets and 2 minutes rest between different exercises, this week we will only increase 1 kg in every exercise.  Passive stretches on the less flexible muscles with serious extension to see a good improvement (groin, hamstring, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps, gastrocnemius and gluteus). All will be kept for 45 seconds. Passive stretches on the less flexible muscles with serious extension to see a good improvement (groin, hamstring, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps, gastrocnemius and gluteus). All will be kept for 45 seconds.  Passive stretches and static stretches in every muscle (groin, hamstring, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps, gastrocnemius and gluteus). All will be kept for 50 seconds.  I think this week really will help to maintain a good cardiovascular development and a good muscular strength. In both fitness components I’ve increased some type of resistance such as doing the really hard session in Friday for cardiovascular and adding 1 kilogram per exercise in the muscular strength training. I think the flexibility exercises I developed, will really help to see a difference in next week’s sessions. Next week I will increase 10 seconds in each stretch to see if week 4 really helped him to improve.  This wee I’m going to focus in two things, muscular strength and cardiovascular system. As its one more week left for the training programme to be finished, I am concentrate on the two major things that need improvement. To improve my cardiovascular I will do a Fartlek training session and a hard weight session by adding more weights, in Wednesday, everything it’s going to be a normal week and in Friday I will do an interval training to prepare for next week hard sessions and I will also do a very hard session for muscular endurance. For flexibility I will maintain adding seconds but won’t focus as much at it.  Monday  Wednesday  Friday  Fartlek training programme which will last 12 minutes and will be done in the athletic centre. It will have serious changes of speed every 3 minutes. A bike session of 2 minutes as harder as possible.  12 minutes run on the Treadmill, in level 12 and 5 minutes cycling at a steady pace  In this session a Interval session is being produces which will be jogging for 10 minutes, then do 3Ãâ€"100 sprint with a rest between of 1 minute jogging and finishing with another 10 minutes run. Finally cycling for 5 minutes in a steady pace.  Bicep curls, Triceps push down, Bench press, seated leg extension and seated leg curl all of this, 3 sets of 15 repetitions with 1 minute rest between sets and 2 minutes rest between different exercises. Adding 2 more kilos for the duration of the whole session. Bicep curls, Triceps push down, Bench press, seated leg extension and seated leg curl all of this, 3 sets of 15 repetitions with 1 minute rest between sets and 2 minutes rest between different exercises. Keeping the same weight as last session.  Bicep curls, Triceps push down, Bench press, seated leg extension and seated leg curl all of this, 3 sets of 12 repetitions with 1 minute rest between sets and 2 minutes rest between different exercises. Adding another 2 kilos for the duration of the whole session. Passive stretches on the less flexible muscles and static stretches on more flexible group muscles (groin, hamstring, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps, gastrocnemius and gluteus). All will be kept for 50 seconds.  Passive stretches on the less flexible muscles and static stretches on more flexible group muscles (groin, hamstring, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps, gastrocnemius and gluteus). All will be kept for 50 seconds. Passive stretches on the less flexible muscles and static stretches on more flexible group muscles (groin, hamstring, quadriceps, back, biceps, triceps, gastrocnemius and gluteus). All will be kept for 55 seconds.  I think this session can really help obtain a difference for the last week of the development programme. Making him work in the cardiovascular system as much, will help him psychological and physically to be more determine in sports, as he put all his effort in this week session and hopefully was done perfectly, with motivation and confidence. Flexibility stood the same but we added 5 more minutes in the last session so we can see an improvement in next weeks last session.

Stroop Lab Report Essays

Stroop Lab Report Essays Stroop Lab Report Paper Stroop Lab Report Paper The word Blue when presented in blue ink, on the other hand is an example of a congruent-colored word. Because the left hemisphere has demonstrated an overall advantage relative to the right hemisphere on most verbal tasks, interference effects were hypothesized to be greater in the left hemisphere than in the right hemisphere (Balancer Camino, 2002). Numerous studies have been made in hope to fully understand the Strop effect, yet several issues remain open. The primary purpose of this duty was to determine whether the Strop phenomenon is equally strong in both brain hemispheres. Participants collected from our research methods lab were asked to complete an online experiment measuring the time of interference it took them to depict the color of the ink of the color-words. Furthermore, each color was assigned a number. For example, the ink color red was represented by the number two. The color words were also randomly presented in the center, left, and right of the screen to measure our hypothesis, which stated that incongruent words presented to the left hemisphere exhibit greater Strop effect than when they are presented to the right hemisphere. Along with our second hypothesis stating that there is greater interference (Strop effect) when color words are incongruent with their presentation color. The Strop effect can be denoted through the time of interference that it takes to name the ink color of a word, varying in word position and word color. Several accounts have been made to explain the Strop effect. In Manacles model of the Strop there is a slight into that hemispheric effects might be present; in theory, hemispheric effects are expected to be superior in the left hemisphere. Methods Participants A total of 87 subjects (76 Female, 11 Male), drawn from students in two research method labs, took part in a mufti-experiment study and were given course credit as compensation. Independent variables that were tested include: L Congruent vs Non-congruent c Left-presentation vs Centered-presentation vs Right-presentation c Input method: Keypad (37 participants, lab 1) vs Keyboard (50 participants, lab 2) The pendent variable that was measured in the study was reaction time. Procedure Research participants were to complete at least 72 trials. Each trial measured the time of interference it took them to depict the color of the ink of the color-words. Furthermore, each color was assigned a number. For example, the ink color red was represented by the number two. Each trial began with a plus sign, serving as a focal point on the computer screen. Research participants were to press a key when they were ready for a word to be presented. Following the key press was random delay of about 1 to 4 seconds before the word appears. Words then appeared written vertically on the screen for a fixed time. Four color words were used: red, blue, green and yellow. Words were randomly printed in a word-color congruent form or non-congruent form appearing at any of three positions (left, center, and right).