buy custom Theoretical and Conceptual Differences essay

buy custom Theoretical and Conceptual Differences essay Theoretical and conceptual differences take a central place in political science. Many theorists argue that it is impossible to create new ideas without theoretical insights and precise concepts. However, different scientists have different concepts. It happens because they observe the world from different perspectives. Their concepts are usually open to interpretation. On the one hand, theory tends to explain phenomena or facts that are widely accepted by scholars. They are used to make predictions. On the other hand, concepts are based on theories that should be tested by a certain theory. When a researcher observes any topic, he/she relies on certain theories. The theory is based on the earlier research. Stewart (2014) notes that any theory consists of ideas and models. It is a cornerstone of research and helps the researcher to view the subject he/she is researching. The conceptual framework helps the researcher to establish a personal point of view of the following problem using appropriate literature. The researcher uses the conceptual framework to gain inquiry about the subject. This conceptual framework summarizes different variables and connection between them. The theoretical framework clarifies a conceptual framework and identifies the clarity of the entire research. According to Younkins, theoretical framework helps a researcher to use i nformation in the research (Younkins, 2002). Furthermore, it allows to use correct information researching the subject. The researcher asserts that the conceptual framework provides a researcher with main ideas and directions for the research (Stewart, 2014). Therefore, it prevents a researcher from going in a wrong direction or using any other information. The conceptual framework allows a researcher to work effectively and prevents a researcher from employing wrong methods and tools. Younkins (2002) argues that a research has many perspectives and a researcher should identify the main points because he/she cannot observe the topic from all perspectives. To be successful, a researcher should make up a logical structure of the research topic and focus on main points of the research. These points may be theoretical or conceptual. A theoretical framework is larger in scope than a conceptual one. The conceptual framework reflects the researchers ideas, while the theoretical framework helps the researcher to create concepts and ideas. A theoretical framework is tested by other researchers and is proved as valid. The conceptual framework is not as stable as the theoretical one. Any theory reflects general relationship of things. However, it misses a direction of the research. The conceptuual framework provides these directions and underlines tools and methods of the research. Younkins (2002) states that the theoretical framework is larger in scope than the conceptual one. Different people may have different concepts though using similar theories. As a rule, people have different concepts due to their mental activity. Theoretical frameworks exist regardless of conceptual differences. Many scholars argue that a researcher should be able to formulate conceptual frameworks before starting the research (Stewart, 2014). This will serve as a guide in the process of work. To conduct an effective research, it is important to read much and learn how to make a synthesis of literature in order to create a proper conceptual framework of the topic. In conclusion, it should be mentioned that in order to conduct a research, it is important to understand differences between theoretical and conceptual frameworks. In my opinion, investigating these differences allows to make an efficient research from the scientific perspective. It has become obvious that any theory should be proved by specific concepts. While investigating the topic, I should use certain theories and find my tools and methods to prove them. It is impossible to create new ideas without theoretical insights and precise concepts. Buy custom Theoretical and Conceptual Differences essay

Free Online Public Schools for Washington Students

Free Online Public Schools for Washington Students The state of Washington offers resident students the opportunity to take online public school courses for free. These online programs may serve elementary or high school students. The list was built of schools that were found to meet the following criteria: classes must be available completely online, they must offer services to state residents, and they must be funded by the government. The virtual schools listed may be charter schools, state-wide public programs, or private programs that receive government funding. List of Washington Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Insight School of Washington: This program is available for grades 9-12. Its designed to help high school students stay in school and earn a diploma. The program includes weekly contact with teachers and advisors. Students can explore career and college options. It is a free public school.Internet Academy: This was Washingtons first online public school, funded by the Federal Way School District. It has courses for grades K-12. Washington state students have tuition waived and may take up to five full courses, which is considered full-time. Students may also be enrolled at a building school, but a tuition fee will be charged when the student is taking more than five courses combined between the building and Internet Academy.IQ Academy WashingtonWashington Virtual Academies: Available for K-12. WAVA offers individualized education that is tailored for each student. They are a public school. They offer language arts, math, history, art, and physical education as the core curriculum. Th ey provide all of the textbooks and instructional materials needed. The program is self-paced and as flexible as it can be under state law. School outings and social events are scheduled as well. About Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Many states now offer tuition-free online schools for resident students under a certain age (often 21). Most virtual schools are charter schools; they receive government funding and are run by a private organization. Online charter schools are subject to fewer restrictions than traditional schools. However, they are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet state standards. Some states also offer their own online public schools. These virtual programs generally operate from a state office or a school district. State-wide public school programs vary. Some online public schools offer a limited number of remedial or advanced courses not available in brick-and-mortar public school campuses. Others offer full online diploma programs. A few states choose to fund â€Å"seats† for students in private online schools. The number of available seats may be limited and students are usually asked to apply through their public school guidance counselor. Choosing a Washington Online Public School When choosing an online public school, look for an established program that is regionally accredited and has a track record of success. Be wary of new schools that are disorganized, are unaccredited, or have been the subject of public scrutiny. For more suggestions on evaluating virtual schools see how to choose an online high school.

Do you agree more with the philosophies of Martin Luther King or Essay - 1

Do you agree more with the philosophies of Martin Luther King or Malcom X - Essay Example His father was murdered during the burning of his house, an action executed by the Klu Klux Klan. His family got split later when his mother was caught in a nervous breakdown. These unforgettable and traumatic experiences during the early years of his life left their mark on his life till late. Malcolm X’s motivation partly originates in his deep desire for revenge. Both leaders had good oratory skills and used hard-hitting and powerful speeches to convey, clarify, and spread their messages across the audience, though they differed in their styles of delivery of message and the underlying purposes. Early life experiences of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X played an important role in shaping their distinct responses to racism in America. While both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X are identified as the towering icons of the modern culture of African Americans and have great influence on the black Americans today, comparison of both the leaders reveals that the attitude of Martin Luther King was more positive as compared to that of Malcolm X as Martin Luther King believed that the blacks can achieve equal status in America as whites by conducting peaceful arguments and demonstrations. The despair of Malcolm X about life showed in his pessimistic and fanatic belief that the blacks can never achieve equal status in America as whites because of the lack of moral conscience in the whites. Martin Luther King based his ideas upon an integrationalist philosophy that imparts a need and possibility for the blacks and whites to live together in an atmosphere of peace and harmony in Ameri ca; â€Å"Yet Kings nonviolent opposition to racism, militarism, and economic injustice had deeper roots and more radical implications than is commonly appreciated† (Jackson). On the other hand, the doctrines supported by Malcolm X were separatist and nationalist. For most of his life, Malcolm X held the

Syria Revolution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Syria Revolution - Research Paper Example Being a democratic republic under the power of President Bashar Al- Asad together with his advisors, members of the ruling party, his ministers, the president made major decisions and was also in charge of the ruling party. Together with his party leaders, the president governs all the three branches of government , he was given the mandate to rule the country for his second term of seven years in a â€Å"yes or no† referendum that was unfair in the eyes of human rights advocates both locally and internationally. Military was deployed to bring to an end the uprising hence using firearms on the demonstrators across the country, this lead to an armed rebellion which comprised of volunteer civilian and defected solders from the government. According to the report of the United Nations released on September 2013, more than one hundred and twenty thousand died in the process while thousands of protestors are rotting in jail and there are reports of terror and torture in the state p risons. The Syrian government is given reinforcement by Russia and Iran, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar supports the rebels with weapon. The reason for the uprising started when President Bashar al-Assad came to power in the year two thousand immediately after his father Hafez dead, who had lead Syria since 1970. This dictatorial system of government had only one party system which left few means for political differences, the nation had no peaceful transfer of power since 1950 and for change to take place only a military coup or an uprising was to take place, because the mercies of the country felt oppressed, humiliated and deprived their right to have the leader of their own choice. The Ba’ath party was regarded as the initiator of the â€Å"Arab socialism† that tried to merge the state leading economy with Pan –Arab nationalism; the ideology of the Baathist was reduced to nothing, this was facilitated by damaging its reputation by making its economy to became w eak and losing the wars against Israel. The reforms of the vestige socialism made the doors wide open to personal venture enhancing and broadening consumerism along with the upper and middle classes and neglecting those favored with links to the Assad government, by this uneven economy was created which latter triggered the uprising as the cost of living got high and job became scarce (Anon 1). Persistent drought devastated farming in the north eastern Syrian community which totally relied on farming lead thousand of Syrian people to suffer hunger, due to lack of stability in the Syrian government more than a million suffered since 2008, by this many individuals from the hit area went to urban in search of their daily bread, lack of employment in town led them to become frustrated ending up in mushrooming of slums. This population was angered by lack of help from their government and this fueled anger and hate of their mother country hence being eager to over throw their government. Rapidly growing population lead to the emergence of young and energetic people in the nation, due to lack of employment this created a demographic time bomb in the country which was to explode anytime. Lack of productive public sector as

Speech and racism in colonial literature Essay Example for Free

Speech and racism in colonial literature Essay As Dennis Leary said, racism isn’t born, it is taught. Racism is a weapon able to denigrate and dehumanize people. â€Å"Racism has always been present in colonization especially soon after the Europeans colonized the New World, the idea of racial distinctions developed† (LaRocque). Still until today, the colonial attitude especially towards black people is due because of economic power. Many postcolonial novels show themes such as racism, abuse of power, violence and speech to show the perspective of both sides of the conflict; the black and the white. Literature is a gift because it allows people to shape their perspectives of the world. In the novels Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad readers are able to see the postcolonial literature perspective in similar stories from different sides. This essay will analyze speech in Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart in order to prove how Achebe’s novel exposes the racism found in Heart of Darkness. Stories are important because they shape a person’s mind by influencing their lives. Stories arise out of a person’s belief and therefore cannot be disproven (â€Å"Comparing†). These both novels through stories portray issues in different societies and its complexity. Things Fall Apart is an amazing novel that shows the life of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, Africa. The novel surrounds the main character Okonkwo, a tragic hero who refuses to accept the fate of his dead father but rather self-preserves himself. Through Okonkwo many themes are portrayed dealing with violence, masculinity and the importance of religion for the Igbo tribe. Achebe’s novel shows in detail this society and thus the complexity of their way of living. Lgbo people are hardworking, religious, obedient and follow the calendar based on harvesting. This points the set of beliefs and systems that indigenous people of Africa have developed for their life’s (â€Å"Use†). Achebe also displays the role of men and women in society and how women are assign unimportant roles being men the power in the Igbo society. The importance of speech in the novel is prioritized as the author uses Igbo language thus creating a distinctive African story. It shows an image of Africa before colonialism changed it (â€Å"Use†). In the other hand, Josephs Conrad’s novella acts more as a criticism comparing the civilized and the uncivilized. This shows the power of the white Europeans on their colonization in Africa. As its title, it shows the darkest side of humans by brutality and racism. The novella starts in the Nellie at the Thames River when the captain Charlie Marlow starts to narrate his stories about how he entered to Africa and his experiences. Marlow has always have passion for maps, exploring and adventure that is what begins his journey to a new and mysterious world; Africa. Through his stories we see the complexity of the African jungle and how this place influences the characters. The only thing that inspires and drives Marlow is his desire to meet Kurtz, an admirable and respected agent. Through his experiences we can see the racism towards the black people and how European colonizers treated them. By the actions of many characters we perceive the ivory smuggling, the ambition of power and money and the evil hidden in the jungle. Therefore it shows darkness behind inhumanity and injustice to others. How this darkness is so powerful that can destroy others and the person itself (Conrad). In both novels we see the importance of speech. Speech acts as a symbol of racism and the distance of language. In Things Fall Apart speech is very important as Achebe uses lgbo words in the novel. â€Å"By incorporating Igbo words, rhythms, language and concepts into an English text about his culture, Achebe goes a long way to bridge a cultural divide† (â€Å"Language†). This shows the complexity of the African culture and the misunderstanding between cultures. In this case being the lgbo culture and the ones of the colonists. Therefore Achebe’s incorporation of Igbo words makes his novel even more realistic because it gives the Africans a voice. It also allows the reader to learn more about its culture by understanding the meaning of these words. We also see how organized and specific the dialect is relying on the rules to address to people. These words don’t make the reading harder but rather they make it more interesting basing on its context and how they are used. Also these words are crucial for the novel because if they are translated to English they might lose their concept. â€Å"To provide an authentic feel for lgbo culture would be impossible without also allowing proverbs to play a significant role in the novel† (â€Å"Language†). We can see how oral is important for the culture as there is plenty communication. In lgbo tribes messages are carried orally; stories, songs and tales told from families and basically the whole culture relies on oral tradition, never losing the uniqueness of their dialect. It also proves how this culture is much more complex than it seems as there are many different languages within the 9 villages. It shows how two cultures come together as the novel being written in English but never losing the lgbo words. This also represents how certain aspects of cultures are never going to be understood because they are too complex for each other. Achebe plays with words carefully and allows readers to feel part in the story as these words play an importance in the emotions of the reader. â€Å"Achebe’s introduction of new forms and language into a traditional (Western) narrative structure to communicate unique African experiences forever changed the definition of world literature† (â€Å"Language†). In contrast, in the novella Heart of Darkness speech is represented as silent. Silence marks the distance between the white colonizers and the African. Conrad is not giving speech to the Africans but rather marking the big space of the misunderstanding of cultures. â€Å"Here, the human is perceived to have no language, only a physical space and the surrounding nature support this with the muting darkness and unknowing silence along the riverbanks† (Lerch). This is a major issue because without speaking there is no understanding or knowledge. Language allows people to learn from each other, communication is fundamental. This boundary leads to know people only by their physical in the case of the natives, one of the major causes of stereotypes and racism. â€Å"Speech suddenly proved inadequate for Conrad’s purpose of letting the European glimpse the unspeakable carving in their hearts† (Achebe). This acts as a symbol of power and superiority from part of the colonizers that can speak and hold the control. Natives are not given voice, opinion or the right to express themselves. The crash of cultures brings conflicts to the both sides as any of them know each other’s language. There is a constant absent of noise and only the sound of darkness fills it up. Even though speech is silent in the natives, it plays an important and effective role in the story and characters in the novella. From the beginning the history is told from Marlow’s stories and experiences that he’s telling to the other members of the Nellie. â€Å"In western society, silence is something to be filled. â€Å"Language is a euphemism, a saving life for all the Europeans† (Lerch). Marlow’s communication forms part of the Chinese box technique that is the story inside another story. His expressions, detailed descriptions, images and emotions transport us to the past, to the heart of darkness. Speech according to characters is seen in various ways, from much too little speak. This represents the personal importance of speech for each character and how it varies depending on the personality and interest of the character. For example speech in Kurtz is represented as insanity because of the lack of understanding and isolating from society (â€Å"Heartâ€Å"). However it is positively as it is the link Kurtz has with the natives that is what brings him closer to them and therefore being recognized as the leader of the jungle. In addition, this two novels use speech as a crucial and important aspect but they represent different things. As Eric Parslow said, race is a lazy minds tool for identifying culture. In both novels racism is a theme that stands out. Racism is portrayed differently and is used to explain main issues found in both novels. Many critics talk about if in the novel Things Fall Apart there is racism or not. I personally think racism is not found in this novel but rather is misunderstood as Chinua Achebe is criticizing humanity and the inhuman actions done by colonizers to tribes of Africa. The Igbo culture in his novel is shown to the reader before colonization occurs. This helps the reader to have a better understanding on the effect of colonization and how it can tear cultures apart, by pieces. By the arrival of white colonizers in town we see how Achebe wants to point the Europeans desire of ambition, conquest, violence and racism towards the African cultures. Societies are torn apart and colonizers think they have the power to erase their culture foundation and implement theirs. â€Å"The westerners tool the foundations of the indigenous people’s society and ways of living and left them with nothing. They also began â€Å"reformation of the native’s minds, by assigning the mark of the negative to everything African and the positive to everything European† (â€Å"Things†). Achebe’s novel is in fact a write back to Conrad as the racism and cruelty he found on the novel. Achebe wants the reader to see the other perspective from the side of the natives. Therefore, he is showing things as they were and those descriptions and actions might be perceived as racist. There is a quote in the book that says: The white man is stupid, he is fit to be a slave† (Ward). This quote is racist however you can’t say the whole novel is racist because of one quote. In order for a novel to be racist, the whole book needs to reflect this. In contrast Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness is still being much critiqued as Africa is portrayed as a primitive place where much racism and violence is held towards the natives (â€Å"Things†). This novel portrays the other side of the story, the perspective from Marlow, a white European. By this we can see how Africa is seen as a different world where the natives are uncivilized and lack intelligence. â€Å"We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there you could look at a thing monstrous and free† (Achebe). Conrad through the character Marlow uses words as black, monsters, uncivilized to refer to the natives. Although Conrad’s descriptions, imagery, metaphors and similes are very powerful and descriptive some are racist against the natives. The arrival of the Europeans show the power they have and how they believe they can claim for resources and the land that is not there’s. As said before, silence endures in the novella as natives have no speech symbolizing the misunderstanding of cultures. â€Å"The outcome is seen in western author’s postcolonial literature by deceptions of unknown groups of people as savages or primitive. When in reality the author has no understanding of the group of people being presented† (â€Å"Things†). As said before natives of Africa in Conrad’s novella are portrayed as uncivilized people, being this an irony. The colonizers are not civilized because of the horrible and racist actions they perform. Due to the complexity of the space they are surrounded they lose their morals. The jungle is a character due to its power to change people. This is also the reason why the colonizers changed and became the uncivilized ones because of their ambition for power. Therefore, Conrad’s novella can be considered as racist but it is very important to remember that the story is told from the other side. As Bob Dylan said â€Å"Dont criticize what you cant understand.† Both of these novels are important for literature in the world. Each one has different objectives and messages. Differences relies on the context and perspective they are being told. Things Fall Apart and Heart of Darkness deal with the big theme of colonization. What’s interesting about them is that we can see both sides of the story and by this form our criteria. I believe it is very important to see the two faces of an issue in order to understand it. However, I consider that you can fully understand something if you have lived it. A person will always have his opinion towards something but will never truly understand it. To criticize a book, that person must have been part of the story and the context that is being told. Therefore we can’t say Heart of Darkness or Things Fall Apart is racist if we have not experienced colonization in that context. Both authors are showing readers the perspective from which is being told, so that the reader can have both sides of the story and form their criteria about the complex theme of colonization on the tribes of Africa. Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrads Heart of Darkness' Massachusetts Review. 18. 1977. Rpt. in Heart of Darkness, An Authoritative Text, background and Sources Criticism. 1961. 3rd ed. Ed. Robert Kimbrough, London: W. W Norton and Co., 1988, pp.251-261 Comparing Things Fall Apart and Heart of Darkness. 123HelpMe.com. 20 Oct 2012 http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=11427. Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness. The Norton Anthology: English Literature. General Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. 8th Ed. New York: Norton, 2006. 1891-1947. Heart of Darkness Theme of Language and Communication. Shmoop. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. http://www.shmoop.com/heart-of-darkness/language-communication-theme.html. LaRocque, Emma. Racism and Colonization. Aboriginal Perspectives. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. http://www3.nfb.ca/enclasse/doclens/visau/index.php?mode=theme.

The Concept of Mentorship Essay -- Health Care, Nursing

In the following assignment the author will critically explore, discuss, reflect upon and evaluate mentorship within clinical nursing placements. With particular reference to learning disabilities and respite care, the author will look at the needs and benefits of mentorship, as well as the problems and constraints, especially being in such a specialised service. The author will explore the area of orientation, looking at why it is such an important aspect of the whole placement area. Once these aspects have been explored, the author will go on to discuss the placement, the problems that have been encountered throughout and the ways in which these can be addressed effectively, to ensure that they are reduced and expelled as much as possible. Any names and places used throughout the assignment have been changed to ensure anonymity and maintain confidentiality at all times, adhering to data protection. The concept of mentorship was originally introduced in the 1970s in America. It was fully embraced and bought over to the UK as a formal support system in the late 1980s (Learning Disability Practice, 2006, 9, 3, 16-18). At that time, nursing was predominately carried out by females. It was these females that identified the lack of, and need of a formal support system within the profession. The role of mentorship has been explored by many authors and theorists since the introduction of it into the nursing profession. In 1982, Zwolski stated that 'mentorship is seen as a broader, longer term relationship, aimed at guiding the student towards an established place in the profession'. This was later backed up by Armitage and Burnard in 1991, arguing that 'a deeper understanding of the role and functions associated with a ... ...iable. (www.NursingTimes.net 2008) Under the NMC guidelines, standards to support learning and assessment (2006), all nurses must mentor at least 2 students every 3 years. However not all nurses have acquired the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective mentor. (NMC 2006). The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) discovered that the main reason for a student to have an inadequate placement is the lack of access to mentors, due to sickness, annual leave or other reasons. This consequently leads to a lack of consistency when setting goals, reviewing progress and assessing learning objectives at the final interview (RCN). Other reasons include short staffing – leading to overstretched staff not having time for students, being left to learn for themselves, thus meaning students aren't given the opportunities to learn and expand upon their experiences.

History: the ancient world Essay

The region occupied by the ancient Aztec and Maya, now commonly referred to as Mesoamerica, is an area encompassing Southern and eastern Mexico, all of Guatemala, Belize an El Salvador, western and southern Honduras and the Pacific side of central America as far as the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. On the other hand, Egypt is located at the Northern part of Africa, along the Mediterranean ocean. Despite the distance between the geographical location of the two, history shows several similarities in their cultures. Ancient Mesoamerican people and the Egyptians shared a series of cultural traits; among the most striking of the two calendars of 260 and 365 days that perpetuate in a great cycle approximating fifty two years, language similarities, similar methods of construction, specifically the pyramids. There are also other similarities in their ways of life such as trading and farming among many others. Although the people inhibiting the Mesoamerica area were of many distinct cultures, often speaking mutually unintelligible languages, none the less, there was widespread contact over millennia through migrating, trade, conquest and pilgrimage. The interest in Egyptian and the Mesoamerican archeology arose in the beginning of the 19th century. It was intertwined with important local and global social political developments. Below is a discussion on some of the areas of similarity in the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican cultures. Similarities in the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican pyramids There is also a similarity in the methods of construction of the pyramids by the two cultures, based on the concept of externally oriented architecture. It is believed that the Egyptian pyramids often had temples placed at the summit of the pyramids, just as houses had been built on top of masonry platforms. For example, in the Puuc style, the stone temple facades resembled the design of the tied twig walls of the Maya house. The tendency of the early stone architecture to imitate reed or wood construction was also seen in the early Egypt. In Zozer’s pyramid complex at Saqqara, stone pillars were carved in the shape of the bundles of papyrus or the palm trees that had been used as supports in the palaces at that time. Many of the features of the Egyptian pyramids are found in the pyramids of Mesoamerica. At Uximal the pyramid complex was enclosed by a wall as were those of Egypt. Chichen Itza was also a walled city of 30 square kilometer with 7 paved roads, or sacheob, several kilometers long connecting important sites. The paved road between Uxmal and Kabah was 18 km long. These roads or sacheob, resemble the Egyptian pyramid causeways, although their geography was different. Differences in the pyramids Differences in the Egyptian and the American pyramids have already been noted, although some of them are more apparent than real. There are the differences as a result of time and function. It is said that the famous Egyptian pyramids were built before the year 2000, and the classic pyramids of Maya pyramids came 300 years after. However, history says that the Kushite revival of pyramids c-700 coincides with the construction of the early Olmec pyramids at La Venta. The pyramids of Egypt were conceived as tombs, playing an important part in the religion of the Egyptians. It has been admitted that the Mesoamerican pyramids were also important in their religion. However, the difference with the Mesoamerican pyramids is that never served as tombs, but were used for another reason. The famous Palenque is proving that at least some pyramids served as tombs in America, but for the important people of the society. There is no doubt that there was a difference in the precise religious function of the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican pyramids, although the exact purpose of the pyramids is contradictory. Also, there have been no claims to identify the composition and the construction methods of the pyramids. Whereas the Americans made extensive use of small stones, cement and stucco, the Egyptians used much larger stones while sparingly using the mortar. Astronomy and the calendar In both the Egyptian and the Mesoamerican complexes, the astronomical orientation played an important role. Both the Mesoamerican and the Egyptian civilizations had developed scientific calendars, as was common to all the agricultural societies. For this reason, they paid close attention to the solar and the lunar cycles. In Mesoamerica, close attention was given to the Venus cycle, which helped shape the calendar. Unlike the classical Greeks, the Maya knew that the morning and the evening stars were the same heavenly body (Venus). The Mesoamericans calculated that an 8-year solar cycle equaled a 5-year Venus cycle. Although the Mesoamericans knew that the solar year was a little over 365 days, they also made extensive use of a 260 day cycle which had no parallel in the Egyptian calendar. The Egyptians, on the other hand, had studied all the visible constellations in developing their star clocks. A different star was chosen every ten days (the Egyptian week) as the new decan star to mark the last hour of the night. The modern time measurement of 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night measurement had its own origin in the ancient Egypt. They had also developed a constant civil calendar of 365 days. However, the Egyptian calendar, with an early development of 4241 was far more ancient than that of Mesoamerica. Language similarity The precise history of the of the ancient languages of the people of Egypt and Mesoamerica remains a mystery even up to today, and the origin of the two cultures is also uncertain. The reason for the demise of the cultures of the people of Maya is uncertain, but the tragic devastation of the Aztec culture is all too well known. Although there is limited evidence, a number of scholars have suspected that these two regions, although from different parts of the world have come into contact between themselves during the ancient times. However, it has been denied that the encounter between these two cultures was a prolonged one. Other scholars have suggested that there could be a possibility that these two cultures never came into contact at all. Despite the contradictions among the scholars, the similarities between these two cultures are major and cannot be ignored. There is an assumption that the Egyptians and the Mesoamericans shared a common language which made it possible to exchange the ideas. The reasoning behind the similarities between the two languages is that there must have been contact between people from the two regions. There are many similarities in the linguistic correspondences between the two languages, which remove the possibility of just a contact between the Egyptians and the Mesoamericans. The possibility of a spontaneous coincidence has also been ruled out, because of the existence of similar sounds and meanings in some words. Application of Mathematics Mathematics was also developed at quite a high level in both cultures. This shows that they were able to make measurements during the construction of the pyramids, and also in other areas that could have required the application of mathematics. Today, it is clear that the Mesoamerican arithmetic is readily adaptable to the operations of multiplication and division as well as the simpler addition and subtraction operation. The difference in the numbering systems of the two cultures was that the Egyptian numbering system was additive, base 10, making extensive use of fractions and did not have a symbol for zero. On the other hand, the Mesoamerican system used base 20, was positional, was the first to invent a symbol for zero but as far as history shows, it did not use fractions. There are no detailed records of the Mesoamerican written materials, due to an order that was given by the Spanish authorities to burn down all Native American books. The Mesoamerican and the Egyptian writings were both rooted in their own separate cultures and iconography. It is not known if the first use of the paper in Mesoamerica received an impulse from Africans who were already familiar with papyrus writing materials. Several plant materials were used by the Maya of Mesoamerica to make â€Å"paper†. The famous maguey cactus and the amatl tree from which â€Å"amate† is made are some of the materials that were used to write on. Materials from the tree were soaked, washed, pounded, cut into small pieces and pounded again, a process that is not so different from that of making the papyri. Farming activities Both the Egyptians and the Mesoamericans relied on agriculture for food. During the early years, the Maya of Mesoamerica started civilizing. They built small radiating canal systems in a low rainfall area of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, which is assumed to have been used to irrigate crops. Irrigation was so important, as more than 85% of all the farming in Mesoamerica relied on canal irrigation. In Egypt, farming was common along river Nile. Irrigation was at first done through the over flooding water from the river at the farms along the river. Later on, they adopted the method of fetching water and pouring it directly to the crops, which was later on replaced with the digging of canals to redirect the water to the farms. Trade in Egypt and Mesoamerica Due to the farming activities along the river Nile, the people of Egypt engaged themselves in trading activities amongst themselves. They then upgraded to trading with the people of Mesopotamia, and later on with those from the kingdom of Kush towards the South. There are historians who believe that the Egyptian picture writing, or hieroglyphics, was developed from Sumerian cuneiform as a result of trade contracts with Mesopotamia. In Mesoamerica, long distance trade first developed in Maya. The first of these was a shift in the bulk of east west commerce from the ancient pre classic trade routes along the Pacific coastal plain and the coast of Yucatan to the central-Maya routes through the highlands and, more important, along the rivers across the lowlands. The second development was the emergence of a new Mesoamerican power centre at Teotihuacan, which was able to re-unify the long distance trade network during the early classic period. The trade differences in the two societies could be as a result of the differences in the goods traded by the two societies. Although they all specialized in farming practices, they planted different crops, which they used as trading commodities. Conclusion There are many similarities between the Mesoamericans and the Egyptians. Although it is not clear to any historians how these similarities came to be, the possibility of a mere coincidence in the cultures has been out ruled. This essay has highlighted some of the some of the areas of similarity such as the pyramids, the calendars, farming activities and trade, to prove a relation in the cultures of the Mesoamericans and the Egyptians. However, more research needs to be done to prove how these people from difference continents came to adopt such similar cultures. Future research should also focus on finding out whether there are other ways of life that the two cultures shared. Reference 1) Jerry H. Bentley, Herbert F. Ziegler, â€Å"Traditions and Encounters†, 4th edition, Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008. ISBN 978-0-07-333062-4

Deborah tannens the argument culture Essay

In Deborah Tannen’s article â€Å"The Argument Culture,† she states that argument and debate â€Å"urge us to approach the world, and the people in it, in an adversarial frame of mine.† She calls this new norm of society â€Å"The argument culture†. The argument culture â€Å"rests on the assumption that opposition is the best way to get anything done†. Tannen uses the metaphor of an arguing spouse to convey the idea that society needs act more like a married couple to find a more constructive way to settle conflict rather than having a quarrel about every little disagreement it stumbles upon. Tannen believes that while sometimes it is necessary to defend yourself against offensive ideas, it is not morally correct to approach any issue or person in a hostile manner without reason. In the argument culture, society has only been taught to observe two sides of a story, which automatically sets up a debate where one side is pitted against the other. Tannen continues to declare how more and more communication is not face to face due to the Internet, which gives people a screen to protect their identity after saying whatever they please. She believes that the argument culture has a major impact on our lives and on our culture. Tannen states that the argument culture â€Å"makes us distort facts, waste valuable time, limits our thinking, and encourages us to lie.† Tannen asserts that â€Å"smashing heads does not open minds,† and that while conflict is not something we can avoid, it is something our culture needs to get under control. To avoid the automatic use of adversarial formats – the assumption that the best way to address a conflict is to fight about it – Tannen concludes that we as a culture should become more open to observing all sides of the argument (rather than just two), and to expand the world of debate in a more creative way rather than pervading it with negativity.

Free Essays on Theatre

Youth theatre is described as a performance whose main purpose is to enrich the audience’s lives in some way during the course of the production. â€Å"How Da B-52 cockroach learned to fly† is an excellent example of a performance for youth theatre. The play is based on an award-winning children’s book by Lisa Matsumoto. Although the book was written for a younger audience, both children and adults alike find humor and educational value in â€Å"How Da B-52 Learned to Fly.† With the help of exuberant performers, unique props and a creative set, the story of how the B-52 cockroach was a successful example of what youth theater should be. The play is centered on Kimo the cockroach and his brothers. The play is done in story form with two narrators, one who is telling the story and the other who is listening and asking questions about the major characters. The major conflict that Kimo encounters is trying to fit in and gain acceptance amongst the rest of the insects in the insect kingdom. The insects all view the cockroaches as being lazy with no good traits that could help out there society. Kimo travels through out the insect kingdom in search of a task that he and his brothers could do to gain respect and be accepted into the animal kingdom. Kimo and his brothers try to do all kinds of tasks like be movers with the ants, or deconstruct workers with the termites but they are never really able to pull off those tasks. Kimo comes close to giving up because it seems as though there is nothing that they can do to help the insect kingdom. In the end Kimos persistence pays off he is given wings and he and his brothe rs create there team of human attackers and for all there hard work the queen bee honors them. Dialogue of the play is almost entirely spoken in pidgin. The story is told from a young girl to a boy. By making pidgin the dominant language it made the play unique. When I think of plays, I usually think of Shakespe... Free Essays on Theatre Free Essays on Theatre Youth theatre is described as a performance whose main purpose is to enrich the audience’s lives in some way during the course of the production. â€Å"How Da B-52 cockroach learned to fly† is an excellent example of a performance for youth theatre. The play is based on an award-winning children’s book by Lisa Matsumoto. Although the book was written for a younger audience, both children and adults alike find humor and educational value in â€Å"How Da B-52 Learned to Fly.† With the help of exuberant performers, unique props and a creative set, the story of how the B-52 cockroach was a successful example of what youth theater should be. The play is centered on Kimo the cockroach and his brothers. The play is done in story form with two narrators, one who is telling the story and the other who is listening and asking questions about the major characters. The major conflict that Kimo encounters is trying to fit in and gain acceptance amongst the rest of the insects in the insect kingdom. The insects all view the cockroaches as being lazy with no good traits that could help out there society. Kimo travels through out the insect kingdom in search of a task that he and his brothers could do to gain respect and be accepted into the animal kingdom. Kimo and his brothers try to do all kinds of tasks like be movers with the ants, or deconstruct workers with the termites but they are never really able to pull off those tasks. Kimo comes close to giving up because it seems as though there is nothing that they can do to help the insect kingdom. In the end Kimos persistence pays off he is given wings and he and his brothe rs create there team of human attackers and for all there hard work the queen bee honors them. Dialogue of the play is almost entirely spoken in pidgin. The story is told from a young girl to a boy. By making pidgin the dominant language it made the play unique. When I think of plays, I usually think of Shakespe...

Learn the things, which can make you a respected leader

Learn the things, which can make you a respected leader Traits to Become a Respected Leader Leadership is the trait that can be useful for any modern person, who is a part of any society. It does not matter if you are an employee of a big international company or just a small group of people working together. It will undoubtedly make   you good, if you have the traits of a leader. It does not necessarily mean that these skills are inherent for a manager or a chief; they can be a wonderful supplement for any person within any collective. They will help you to be more productive at work and to coordinate the working process of yourself and of others more efficiently. At any time a job presupposes a team work and cooperation. And the more efficient the colleagues can cooperate, the better result they can eventually bring. A leader is the very person who directs this process of efficient work and controls it. So, being a good leader, you will definitely make your work prosperous, no matter how custom the conditions are. So, below you can find the traits that can make you a respected and appreciated leader within your team. Attentiveness This feature is always of a big value for any person. Being an attentive person means that you can focus on any surrounding things better and thus, perceive the information better. If you are attentive to even minor details, you can better find a solution to any issue in any circumstances. It can also guarantee that any issues can be foreseen and resolved at the initial stage of any project or work. Nice focus on the aim can always ensure that you will reach the goal and will have a success. Communication Communication is an inherent part of cooperation inside any team. Without communicating it is hard to interact and to do something mutually. Mature personal interaction is also a means of better understanding of your colleagues and teammates and having better business and friendly relations inside a team. This process has a great psychological impact on any personnel and influences a lot of things in regard to mutual understanding between people. So, the better you can communicate with others, the more unity you bring to your team. Confidence When you are confident in any situation, it means that you keep the upper hand, ready to cope with any problem. A confident leader brings firmness and stability of the processes in any team. When other colleagues are sure in their manager, it is greatly reflected on the final results and on the very process of the work. If you show confidence, you can easily assure people around you that they will gain what they strive for. Knowledge The more you know, the more options and ways you can have to solve a problem. Knowledge is precious in any kind of activity; it is valuable for anyone under any circumstances. If you have knowledge in what you do, you are a nice specialist and you can be sure that you will gain a success, as you know what to do and how to do it right. Working much and obtaining experience and also gaining knowledge, you become better and more skilled specialist in your job. Having much knowledge, a leader is a respectful source of confidence and trustfulness for all members of the team. Honesty A lie never brings positive results for a good leader. Of course, while interacting with other people, there can be present some small lie, but no mistrust should be present in any team. Indeed, team members should always be able to rely on their leader, trusting him or her all the time. Honest leader is perennially respected by all the subordinates and team members. The above enlightened traits are undoubtedly indispensable for any person, who wants to be a prosperous and respected leader. These character, thinking and behavior qualities will bring you a success and lots of benefits for your work and colleagues around you.

Bluebeard Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bluebeard - Essay Example The plot of the story in the three versions has not changed significantly, although a few differences can be seen in the three stories. For instance, in the story of Mr. Fox, the bride is in love with the man and chooses to go and live with him, although she had many other suitors. In the other two versions, the brides did not voluntarily choose to get married to the man. In Fitcher’s Bird, for example, the ladies would be magically thrown into the poor beggar’s basket when they shook hands, while the young girl in The Robber Bridegroom was married off to the man by her father. Another difference was noted in the characteristics of the bridegroom. Both Mr. Fox and the wizard disguised as a poor beggar were rich and lived in fine houses. The wizard provided the bride with everything that she wished for in terms of material wealth. However, it was on condition that she was not to enter into a special room where he had killed and butchered his previous wives. Unlike the other bridegrooms, the wizard appears to be genuinely looking for a wife because he tells the youngest sister that she has passed the test and would now become his bride. The robber, on the other hand, lived in an eerie house deep in the forest, where he and his friends would take young girls and eat them. Just like Mr. Fox, it is clear he was not interested in having a wife at all. Some aspects of the original story have also changed significantly. The demise of the evil bridegroom is different in most stories although some of them are almost similar such as the story of Mr. Fox and The Robber Bridegroom. The brides discover their inhumane deeds and tactfully report them in front of the guests by pretending that they saw them in their dreams. The use of riddles and figurative language is a common feature in most stories as it makes the story more interesting. It was also commonly used in normal speech among the people during the time when the stories were written. Fairy tales