Elizabethan Drama Essays - Guggenheim Fellows, Tamburlaine

Elizabethan Drama Beyond New Historicism: Marlowe's unnatural histories and the melancholy properties of the stage Drew Milne The tradition of the dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the minds of the living. [1] There is no document of culture which is not at the same time a document of barbarism. And just as such a document is not free from barbarism, barbarism also taints the process of transmission ... [2] Recent critical discussions of Elizabethan drama, above all of Shakespeare, have centred around `new historicism', a trend consolidated in critical anthologies.[3] New historicism is characterised by an interest in the historicity of texts and the textuality of history, and by affinities with theoretical projects concerned with power, identity and the construction of subject positions. Despite important political differences, new historicism has been linked with what has become known as `cultural materialism'.[4] Many of the political differences stem from the uneasy relation of new historicism, and of cultural materialism, to the Marxist conception of history or historical materialism, differences which this essay seeks to accentuate. Raymond Williams is often claimed as a major precursor of cultural materialism, but interest in institutions, discursive practices and subject positions suggests the different legacy of Althusser's attack on humanism and the influence of Foucault. New historicism, by contrast, shows scant regard for Marxism while being especially indebted to Foucault's version of Nietzsche's will to power and perspectival historicism, despite important critiques of Foucault's work.[5] The Althusserian approach is more overtly committed to the possibility of political change but tends towards a similarly theoreticist, even formalist reduction of history. The possibility of resisting power and the power of ideology marks the decisive conflict in these different assimilations of history to culture. New historicism, lost in proliferating examples of contingent but seemingly inescapable discourses of power, seems at best to expand the archive of wry smiles at the ruses of history and power. As an academic guise in which to rework the glories of the past without pausing too long over the enormity of the history surveyed, the reproduction of literary history now lies in the hands of those who can offer few reasons for continuing to produce the object of critique. Sinfield suggests that, `New historicists, therefore, like their colleagues, are sustaining many of the old routines while knowing, really, that their validity has evaporated.'[6] As such, new historicists could be described as reformists who do not believe in progress. If we are to awake from the nightmare of history, perhaps such historicism should be left alone to dull the air with discoursive moans, as Aeneas puts it in Marlowe's Dido, Queen of Carthage. The persistent naturalisation of suffering in history should be resisted if the process of transmitting historical documents is not to further the process. Herein lies the need to offer estranging perspectives on Elizabethan drama and the intervening historical gulf. One aspect of the difficulty is the continuing investment in naturalising both the language and dramaturgy of Elizabethan drama within a literary tradition dominated by Shakespeare and the Shakespeare industry. This essay seeks to provide an estranging perspective through a reading of new historicist accounts of Marlowe. Focussing on Tamburlaine, I hope to suggest some different approaches with regard to the melancholy dramatisation of history as a scene of unnatural events, by drawing on the work of Walter Benjamin and Franco Moretti.[7] A distinctive and estranging approach to dramatising the enormity of history is evident in the prevalence of violence, murder and arbitrary death in Elizabethan drama itself. This prevalence has long been seen as excessive, a mark of something unnatural in its historical imaginary, without being understood. History in Elizabethan drama is, as title-pages characteristically predict, lamentable. The structure of effects suggested by drama as an occasion for melancholic lamentation helps to contextualise the roles of Tamburlaine, Barabas and Guise in Marlowe's plays, where it seems particularly in-appropriate to reduce their dramatic ambivalence to the need to identify with a central protagonist or autonomous `character'. As David Bevington suggests: `The well-known type of "Lamentable Tragedy, Mixed Full of Pleasant Mirth" ... traces its origins to the view that vicious behavior is at once funny and terrifying as a spectacle, admirable and yet grotesque, amusing but also edifying as a perverse distortion of moral behavior.'[8] Elizabethan drama, par-ticularly Marlowe's, dramatises the contradictions of seeing history as a record of divine providence in which the world is the theatre of divine judgment. The prologue to the first part of Tamburlaine invites audience and reader to `View but his picture in this tragicke glasse, / And then applaud his fortunes if

Free Essays on Computers And Consciousness

Computers and Consciousness Can a computer have a mind? This question has been debated upon for decades by philosophers, mathematicians, physicists’ etc. Alan Turing, a mathematician, said that if we cannot distinguish between the answers a computer gives to questions and the answers a human being gives, then the compute has a mind. But I stand at a different view. In the course of my paper I will discuss the various reasons I believe that computers are not conscious in the same way a human mind is conscious. To come to such a conclusion, as to whether or not computers are conscious the same way as a human mind, what we need to understand first is what exactly does it mean to be â€Å"conscious†. To be conscious means that one is aware of their existence, possesses feelings and has thoughts of their own. Computers were invented by human beings, humans who are not perfect and not all knowing. Computers are programmed by humans, and thus they don’t have the awareness of their own existence, they don’t have feelings and they are programmed to think the way their programmer has designed them to think. Computers lack the free will to think and make decisions by themselves, they do what they are programmed to do. Processing speed is irrelevant to what’s most important in human cognition. Computers have fabulous calculation power, bottomless memory, endless patience and stamina, but they lack consciousness and emotion. While technology offers â€Å"help† and solutions too it is no substitute for the human mind. In the 18th century, philosopher David Hume said, â€Å"All morality in the end is rooted in emotional response.† Our sensibilities, ethical and aesthetics make us human and distinguish us from computers. Computers do not have and therefore cannot adopt points of views. They do not have feelings. No amount of processing speed or memory storage capacity can surmount that obstacle. A computer’s response to a question w... Free Essays on Computers And Consciousness Free Essays on Computers And Consciousness Computers and Consciousness Can a computer have a mind? This question has been debated upon for decades by philosophers, mathematicians, physicists’ etc. Alan Turing, a mathematician, said that if we cannot distinguish between the answers a computer gives to questions and the answers a human being gives, then the compute has a mind. But I stand at a different view. In the course of my paper I will discuss the various reasons I believe that computers are not conscious in the same way a human mind is conscious. To come to such a conclusion, as to whether or not computers are conscious the same way as a human mind, what we need to understand first is what exactly does it mean to be â€Å"conscious†. To be conscious means that one is aware of their existence, possesses feelings and has thoughts of their own. Computers were invented by human beings, humans who are not perfect and not all knowing. Computers are programmed by humans, and thus they don’t have the awareness of their own existence, they don’t have feelings and they are programmed to think the way their programmer has designed them to think. Computers lack the free will to think and make decisions by themselves, they do what they are programmed to do. Processing speed is irrelevant to what’s most important in human cognition. Computers have fabulous calculation power, bottomless memory, endless patience and stamina, but they lack consciousness and emotion. While technology offers â€Å"help† and solutions too it is no substitute for the human mind. In the 18th century, philosopher David Hume said, â€Å"All morality in the end is rooted in emotional response.† Our sensibilities, ethical and aesthetics make us human and distinguish us from computers. Computers do not have and therefore cannot adopt points of views. They do not have feelings. No amount of processing speed or memory storage capacity can surmount that obstacle. A computer’s response to a question w...

Origens Allegorical Interpretation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Origens Allegorical Interpretation - Essay Example In this paper I will look into the history of Allegorical interpretation. Moreover I will precisely study why Origen chose to interpret allegorically, what were the factors that influenced him to do so, the times and circumstances when he studied the holy words and also whether his approach was successful or not. Origen was born to a Christian family in Alexandria in either year 185 or 186. His father was believed to be a prosperous and prominent man, who gave his son with schooling that was equally Hellenistic as well as Christian and was based on the learning of the standard literary works of olden Greece and the Holy Bible. Hence he grew up as together as a learned Greek and a committed Christian. This combat education definitely caused somewhat of an inside stress in Origen as he sought to settle his pledge to Christian belief and the Bible with the Hellenistic viewpoint he was educated. From the outlook of Hellenism, Christianity was slightly more than an additional barbarous false notion and the Bible represented a substandard set of texts that were not worth stern thought from the viewpoint of Greek visual standards2. Origen was not the initial one to face this anxiety, and he was proficient to find out from preceding Jewish and Christian whereabouts with Hellenism, mainly Platonic philosophy, in his individual effort to confirm the Bible and its ideas in the framework of the Greek intellectual surroundings. Undeniably, as a student at the school in Alexandria, it is probable that some of his instructors were from Clement of Alexandria, and was also well known for his challenge to communicate Christian teaching to Greek philosophical reflection5. Out of Origen's many works two are valued most in the history of the initial church and Christian thinking. "On First Principles" is a structured and methodical version of Origen's theological and truth-seeking arrangement relating to God, foundation, the different Logos of God, Jesus Christ and salvation. The second one that is "Against Celsus" is a comprehensive remorseful justification of Christian belief written in opposition to the analysis of the Roman thinker Celsus. In this book Origen tries to reveal the supremacy of the teaching and insight of the Bible over against that of the famous Greek philosophy. Allegory Before I proceed to explain the history behind Origen's allegorical interpretation, I would like to mention the formal definition for the term allegory as given by scholars. The word "allegory," is a derivative from the Greek language, from the word "alla," which refers to "other," and another term "agoreuo," which means "to declare." It initially referred to a form of dialogue that Cicero put forward as a 'incessant flow of similes.' Allegory is a style of communication in which one thing is explained by another 5. Allegory varies from the parable, as it is a more organized appearance of the diverse features of the thought that it demonstrates, and also in its contents which are apprehensive with the explanation of hypothetical truths rather than realistic exhortation. The History Of Allegorical Interpretation Allegorism was not a new concept at all. Infact it was well-known in

Marketing communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing communication - Essay Example Higher GDP, high disposable income of people and technological advancement will help to motivate the company to do product diversification. The authentic luxury watches will provide the positive contribution by the innovative creation and identification of target audience. The luxury watches have the strength to influence customer ambition and purchasing behavior due to attractive product design, effective marketing and distribution strategy. Singapore is known for the high consumption rate country of luxury products. Supportive competitive market and implementation of supreme product positioning strategy will help the company to meet with the future objectives. These factors will motivate Azimuth Watch Company to enter in the luxury watch industry. Therefore, Azimuth has the opportunities and the required responsibility to introduce luxury watches in order to encourage sustainable consumption. External Environmental Scan The external environment scan will help to analyze the impact of external environmental factors on luxury watch industry. In order to do the analysis PEST analysis can be formulated. PEST Analysis The PEST analysis used to analyze the macro environmental forces that impact the strategic planning of Azimuth. This analysis will identify the business environment in Singapore for Azimuth. In order to maximize the business opportunities and reduce the external threats, PEST analysis is implemented in this study. The PEST analysis consists of four factors such as political, economical, sociological and technological factors. Political Factors `Singapore is known for his leading high-quality governance globally. The country is considered as the political stable and consistent policy-making country. The political risk regarding investing in luxury watch industry in Singapore is very low. Singapore is also considered as the third least corrupt countries in Asia, due to the country’s efficient government. The legislative power of Singapore lies j ointly with the government and parliament. Therefore it is feasible that the political stability of country should influence Azimuth Watch Company to enter in the luxury watch industry. Economical Factors Singapore is one of the strongest economies in world. The GDP of Singapore is 239.7 billion US $ and the GNI per capita is 42,930 US $. The GDP value of Singapore indicates that the economic output and the disposable income of people are much higher than other economies (Worldbank, 2013). The global economic crisis had a negative impact on economy. After 2008 Singapore’s economy again contracted. Now-a-days Singapore is one of the global economical giant. The high disposable income, higher GDP and low risk will influence Azimuth to do business practices. Sociological Factors Singapore has the population of 5067700 and the major concern is that; population growth has increased in last 10 years. More than 90% of total population has high income distribution in Singapore. The p eople of Singapore tend to consume the luxury products than any other countries. There is a huge potential customer base for luxury watch company and the culture of country supports people to buy luxury products in order to show-off their self-esteem and high personalities. Technological Factors Singapore is a highly technological developed country. The contribution of technology in country’s GDP is outstanding. Government of Singapore is focusing on R&D for more IT investment. Singapore government has a goal named

Job Search Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Job Search Assignment - Essay Example I am a post graduate in computer applications (MCA) from (†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦University of †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.) of the 2010’S batch with hands-on training in three applications and three languages. I also had my diploma in Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and have a work experience with a construction company as a junior designer. Along with my course, I completed applications like C, C++, CORE Java, VB, UNIX shell scripts and html. I have done a project based on .net. My track academic record is considerably good as I have scored 82% marks in aggregate. I am glad to assume that obtaining an opportunity to work for this organisation will be a fantastic opening. Also, this job is a lucrative one and hence I can fulfill the requirements of my family and earn higher levels of reputation among my people. I am confident that my communicative skills will help me withstand the possible constraints of my career. Finally, on my selection, I promise to abide by the commands and help others maintain the decorum of the unit. Thank you Yours faithfully, (Name) Research Portfolio of Infosys Limited My readings on various sites and news letters have given me a clear outline of the prestigious organisation, Infosys Limited. As I know, it was established with seven people as members and with a capital of US$250 headed by N.R.Narayan Murthy, a great visionary and six of his fellow engineers in the Indian city of Pune in 1981. It signed up the first client, Data Basics Corporation in New York and continued operations there till 1983 when it relocated the corporate headquarters to Bangalore in India. After four years of local business settlements, the business associate opens its first international office in Boston, US in 1987. During the international exposure and business acceleration period the firm innovatively developed Employee Stock Options Program (ESOP) and acquired ISO 9001/TickIT Certification and then, the organisati on was promoted to a public limited company with larger segments of market capital. In 1994 the company opened a development center at Fremont and moved it corporate headquarters to Electronic city in Bangalore (Infosys, Official website). The company was focusing on foreign market segment stimulation with a view to set up e-Business ventures and opened global development centers in Toronto and Mangalore in 1995. the desired growth rate of company’s profit inspired the promoters to turn their attention toward public welfare by introducing charitable and youth empowerment programs; with this in mind, they established the Infosys Foundation in 1996. Henceforth, the subsequent years were meant for the skyscraping growth of the company in every field. Following the opening of an office in Toronto in Canada it was assessed CMM Level 4 in 1997. After this accreditation, the company never had a time turning back; each year was a power switch to accelerated growth of its business out let. In 2001 it touched US$ 400million and the CEO was rated among Time Magazine’s 25 most influential businessmen in the world and the company was rated as the Best Employer by the Business World. In 2004, the revenues reach US$ 1 Billion and Infosys Consultancy was launched (Infosys, Official website). The silver jubilee year of the company’

Reflection on Self Development in Mental Health Nursing

Reflection on Self Development in Mental Health Nursing The Nurse Association (ANA) (2003) defines nursing as the promotion, protection and improvement of health and abilities, stopping of illness and injury, relief of suffering through identification, medical care and support in the care of individuals, families, societies and citizenry (Nancy, 2001 p.2).Generally nursing is liable to the society for providing quality, economical as well as improving the care rendered. Hence, nurses are responsible for their patients standard of health. The area of practice I would like to develop in this regard is mental health. The World health Organisation (WHO) (2009) defines mental health as a state of well-being where all individual notices his or her own potential, can cope with normal stressful events of life, can be fruitful and productive, and is able to contribute meaningfully to his or her society. For a person to live happily and meaningfully in life, mental health is important as well as physical health. Inadequate mental health can interfere with keeping meaningful relationships, having a sense of fulfilment in ones self, work and ability to perform in daily activities of life. Mental illness can obstruct ones interest in sleep, food and sexual contact. How we cope with life situations, the way we think and feel can be defined as mental health. By description mental health could be defined as a state of well-being which enables one to be fruitful, being able to live in peace with other people, adjusts to alteration and been able to handle difficult situations. Health conditions marked by alteration or abnormalities in mood, thinking or behaviour (or a mixture of the three) that causes discomfort or impair functioning is known as mental disorder. Giving a lot of definition without going into thorough details is difficult. One huge reason that is partly responsible for the difficulty in defining mental health, mental disorder and mental illness is the differentiation between mental and physical health which is largely pretended. Our ability to think, feel and respond is governed by our brain. The brain needs constant supply of oxygen and nutrients like any other organ in the body because it can also be damaged by thyroid issues, tumours and physical trauma. Mental health and physical health are interweaved (Linda, 2010, p.334). STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES ANALYSIS OF MY CURRENT KNOWLEDGE BASE ON MENTAL HEALTH My main tool as a mental health nurse is caring for the elderly living with dementia. As a mental health nurse I show compassion for the people I am dealing with by showing care towards them. Regrettably, there is still some stigma attached to mental illness. Combating this and helping the individuals and their families deal with it is the key part of my job. The danger of violence is often associated with this branch of nursing and one of the special skills required is to spot a build-up of tension and defuse it. Dealing with the behaviour and human mind is not an exact science. The job of helping people back to mental health is every bit as valuable and satisfying as caring for those with a physical illness. Showing professional compassion in my field of practice as a mental health nurse is a very important strength that I possess. For true care to take place feeling compassionate and empathetic towards a stranger is a must; a good feedback feeling is set into motion by doing this. Feelings are important in a humans life. I will say compassion is strength because it is a very important ingredient in nursing profession. Compassion is more than just showing pity or concern; and some dictionary definitions indicate that compassion is part of caring because it involves suffering with the person (Moya, 1992 p 5). As a mental health nurse, it is my duty to understand how to care for the elderly with dementia because their cognitive and affective states are conflicting. Now my experience with the elderly does not appear to me differently put myself into the private world of my patient and this is what empathy and care requires. Moya (1992, p 8) suggested that though as mortals we may find true empathy hard to practice because true empathy is only possible among archangels. My weakness on my current knowledge based on this area unfortunately is lack of Confidence which is evident in certain instances. Public speaking, presentation and demonstration of procedures to nursing assistance plague me. It is one thing to be nonchalant and laid back when speaking with your family and friends, but in a professional environment the whole mood and interpretation of things changes. It all comes down to one thing, the amount of self -esteem that i have and i am willing to exert. CLEAR STATEMENT FOR PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE Snow (1991, pp. 195-197) identifies compassion as pain, sorrow or grief for someone else. Emotions help me focus my moral actions. From my personal knowledge as a mental health nurse, compassion should be totally added in my concept of care. Furthermore the role of a Registered nurse is to improve the health and well-being of the people. My aim in focus is to strive for moral height because I have the opportunity as a nurse to give attention to the pain and suffering of my patients (Ferrel, 2005, p. 86), with a workable process in leadership and putting more compassion in practice. Putting compassion into nursing care is really not an easy task as it involves a lot of work. How this will be achieved is by involving in a compassion program for qualified nurses; going into wards that are already selected for excellence in compassion. In addition getting myself in an NHS Lothian centre for compassionate care which is also called the beacon ward where patients can be asked what we the nurses are doing right and tell us how can improve health (2008) puts it as bottling the magic formula and sharing it. The beacon ward will involve me using an all about me sheet which patients will fill when admitted. This form is not about their medical conditions; about how they will love to be addressed and who is important to them. This gives me an opportunity to look at people values and beliefs. DEVELOPING KNOWLEGDE IN THIS AREA My professional role and expectation from my clients as a mental health nurse is to win trust and establish contact with my clients. They find it difficult to gain trust and build good relationships with professionals in this field. In achieving this, competence is needed. What is competence? Spencer Spencer (1993) describe competency as the ability to realize organizational goals. It involves skills, attitudes and knowledge. These soft skills are vital in this area of practice. Developing my knowledge in mental nursing will enable me be a better nurse and gain a higher level of competency. Registered mental health nurses are regularly faced with clients who stay away from care. They involve patients with severe personality and behavioural disorders, older people living with dementia. Nursing and Midwifery Council (2002) Professional code of conducts describes situations where my professional role as a nurse is needed to be put into practice as regards competence. Throughout my year of practice I must keep my knowledge and skills up to date. Taking part in learning activities that will develop my performance and competence. In order to practice competently and professionally i must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for lawful effective and safe practice without supervision. I must know the things that I am capable of doing and only accept those procedures and practice that I am competent at. If an area of practice is above my level of competence or outside my area of specialty I should call for help and supervision from a competent practitioner except otherwise. SMART CHART DETAILING HOW I WOULD ACHIEVE MY GOALS My goals, when adequately structured can be achieved in a means elaborated below using a SMART CHART. Extension (2008) stressed that SMART goals will enable one achieve relevant actions and goal; they further explained SMART is an acronym for goals that are: Specific, Measurable (Mutual, Motivated), Attainable, Relevant/Realistic, and within a specific Timeline. Clearly stated, my goals are: Improvement in the area of my level of competence as a mental health nurse Ability to win patient trust Develop my level of confidence Broaden my level of knowledge in mental nursing S My goals are limited to my area of improvement and strengths particularly related to my area of specialization which makes it specific M These goals serve as a driving force to my striving for excellence in mental health nursing A A right move in attaining or achieving these goals is by the embarking on my current programme in the University which has boosted my assurance of being a figure head in the nursing profession. R My goals are still in line with my first degree and profession hence its relevance in to my career and to the improvement of patient status. The Nursing and Midwifery Council has embarked on nurses self-development training programmes which my goals conform to. T Putting into utmost consideration my level of adaptation to the health system of the UK and my academic pursuit, my goals are already being actualized and is an on-going process of development till my career is over because learning is a continuous process and knowledge is acquired on a daily process.

Rapid Economic Growth In East Asian Countries :: essays research papers

Rapid Economic Growth In East Asian Countries Over the past decade, there has been rapid long-term economic growth for East Asian countries. These newly industrialising countries are experiencing growth rates in GDP per head at around 6% to 7% compared to the 2% to 3% for most industrial economies. If this growth continues, South Korea and Taiwan might take away America's distinction as the world's richest country. This rapid economic growth is a result of several economic and political factors. The pace of economic development, growth in world trade and communications, and the investment in physical capital and education have all played a role in the sudden rise of the East Asian economies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One factor which has helped the long-term economic growth of South Korea and Taiwan is the pace of economic development. The pace has accelerated over time. As time progresses, countries seem to be able to grow at a much more rapid rate. From 1780, it took Great Britain 58 years to double its real income per head. It took America 47 years to double in the 1800's while Japan took 34 years from the late 19th century. Finally, South Korea was able to double its real income per head in an amazing 11 years from 1966. It would seem that the later a country has industrialised, the faster it has been able to do so. Another important factor is the degree to which a country is behind the industrial leaders. In the case of the East Asian countries, South Korea and Taiwan, both started out with an extremely low income per head. This allowed much faster growth when copying the leaders. It is important to realize that these growth rates should slow as the countries catch up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An area in which East Asia is investing much of its GDP is in physical capital and education. Compared to the industrial leaders, the East Asian countries have sustained a much higher investment in these areas. South Korea invests 35% of its GDP which is more than double America's capital spending. The East Asian countries have placed much emphasis upon education. Education is the key to mastering the technologies which they have been borrowing from the economic leaders of the world. The standards of education for these countries have improved as rapidly as their economies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another factor which has helped the long-term economic growth of these East Asian countries is the global market. No longer is a country's economy hurt by a small domestic market. World trade has grown tremendously over the Rapid Economic Growth In East Asian Countries :: essays research papers Rapid Economic Growth In East Asian Countries Over the past decade, there has been rapid long-term economic growth for East Asian countries. These newly industrialising countries are experiencing growth rates in GDP per head at around 6% to 7% compared to the 2% to 3% for most industrial economies. If this growth continues, South Korea and Taiwan might take away America's distinction as the world's richest country. This rapid economic growth is a result of several economic and political factors. The pace of economic development, growth in world trade and communications, and the investment in physical capital and education have all played a role in the sudden rise of the East Asian economies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One factor which has helped the long-term economic growth of South Korea and Taiwan is the pace of economic development. The pace has accelerated over time. As time progresses, countries seem to be able to grow at a much more rapid rate. From 1780, it took Great Britain 58 years to double its real income per head. It took America 47 years to double in the 1800's while Japan took 34 years from the late 19th century. Finally, South Korea was able to double its real income per head in an amazing 11 years from 1966. It would seem that the later a country has industrialised, the faster it has been able to do so. Another important factor is the degree to which a country is behind the industrial leaders. In the case of the East Asian countries, South Korea and Taiwan, both started out with an extremely low income per head. This allowed much faster growth when copying the leaders. It is important to realize that these growth rates should slow as the countries catch up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An area in which East Asia is investing much of its GDP is in physical capital and education. Compared to the industrial leaders, the East Asian countries have sustained a much higher investment in these areas. South Korea invests 35% of its GDP which is more than double America's capital spending. The East Asian countries have placed much emphasis upon education. Education is the key to mastering the technologies which they have been borrowing from the economic leaders of the world. The standards of education for these countries have improved as rapidly as their economies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another factor which has helped the long-term economic growth of these East Asian countries is the global market. No longer is a country's economy hurt by a small domestic market. World trade has grown tremendously over the

Qualitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Early Childhood Education Essay

The need for scientific research methodologies that would bring about accurate and analytic research findings and results have put early childhood education scholars and researchers into the question of whether quantitative or qualitative methodology would best fit in the studies of phenomena (Shavelson and Towne, 2002). Needless to say, the debate in the early education research literature concerns the need for reliable and validated research studies in order to contribute to the existing literature as well as to aid in the policy making of educational institutions and the government (Cobb, et. al. , 2003). However, the issue of using the quantitative or qualitative methods are still ambiguous for most educational researchers particularly on the issue of which is more scientific between the two (Berliner, 2002). This paper examines two research articles on early childhood education specifically on the promotion and acceptance of young children of their disabled peers in early childhood education. Specifically, the focus of this paper is on the methodological approach of the two articles (quantitative vs. qualitative) and how these articles have contributed to the literature and understanding on the topic. Methods of Research in Early Childhood Education The approaches for the promotion for the acceptance of young children on their peers who are disabled have been an important issue in the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular early childhood education classroom. Two studies using two different research methodologies had explored the attitudes of young children as well as the means of improving their acceptance on young disabled children. The first study conducted by Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) employed quantitative and qualitative research in answering the problem whereas; Batchelor and Taylor (2005) had used the qualitative approach alone. Using the Acceptance Scale for Kindergarten (ASK), Favazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) interviewed 48 kindergarten students and used pre-tests, post-tests and follow up in order to provide a reliable quantitative data from the purposive sampling that was done. The data obtained from their study were then collated and a quantitative analysis was made. Consequently, a qualitative data analysis was made from the responses on the interviews that were conducted from the researchers. Hence, the authors used what is termed as the multi-method research approach wherein, quantitative data is verified and further analyzed through the use of qualitative data. The research findings revealed that teachers and their activities in the classroom can significantly impact on the levels of acceptance of young children on their disabled peers. On the other hand, Batchelor and Taylor (2005) drawing upon the case study of a four year old with a moderate developmental disability had employed interviews, observation through the employment of programs such as the Stay, Play and Talk as well as social integration activities. Before the impact of the program was measured, the researchers had developed a baseline data in order to examine the degree of differences in the attitude of the children and the four year old subject on her peers. The study revealed that social intervention programs can promote a more positive attitude from young children on their disabled peers as well as disabled children’s attitude towards their peers. Primarily, the similarity of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar’s (2000) and Batchelor and Taylor’s (2005) articles includes their use of interviews in order to expound and further analyze the data they have on hand. For instance, both authors had interviewed the teachers of the children in order to determine the attitudes of the children on their disabled peers. Second, both articles had used observation in their analysis- while Batchelor and Taylor (2000) had used observation more extensively than avarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar’s (2000), their recorded observations were significant part of their analysis of the issue. Finally, the result of the studies of both articles is similar: that the attitudes of young children on their disabled peers are positively influenced by the social interaction programs that are implemented by the teachers and the schools. Consequently, both articles contributed greatly to the understanding of the ways to promote positive attitude in inclusive early childhood education programs. While there had been similarities between the two articles, there are more differences in terms of orientation and methodological approach. First, Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) used a qualitative-quantitative method of inquiry- employing both quantitative and qualitative method through the use of a standardized survey (ASK survey), interviews and observation. On the other hand, Batchelor and Taylor (2005) utilized the qualitative approach alone employing a case study approach of one four-year-old girl. Hence, the primary instrument used in their study is observation and report notes including interviews made to the teachers of the child. With the different methods used, the article of Batchelor and Taylor (2005) provided a more in-depth study in the psychological and social impact of social activities in the promotion of positive attitude of young children on their disabled peers. For instance, Batchelor and Taylor (2005) were able to discuss and evaluate the responses of the child on specific activities at different points in time. Hence, the degree of the exploration of the authors on the child’s psychological aspect has been deeper than the results outlined in the study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000). However, while the case study rendered a better discussion of the psycho-social impact of social activities programs, the study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) provides a broader and more general view of children’s responses to their disabled peers. Drawing from forty eight (48) respondents, the authors were able to capture not just an individual response but rather a more generalized response. The use of a bigger population is necessary in order to plot differences and similarities in attitudes- something that was not accomplished in the study of Batchelor and Taylor (2005). Consequently, the use of a standardized survey served not just an empirical purpose but also a theoretical purpose. The study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) was able to validate the ASK survey. Hence, the study provided not only empirical significance but theoretical significance as well. Second, the quantitative-qualitative approach of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) can be considered to be more rigorous and hence, more scientific than that of Batchelor and Taylor’s (2005) study. This is because the study of the former had used pre-tests, post-tests as well as follows up tests in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the survey measure in determining the validity of the opinions expressed in the survey questionnaire. Consequently, the perspectives that were solicited in the study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) had come from several numbers of students and teachers while that of Batchelor and Taylor’s came from some teachers and one student alone. Suffice it to say, the attitude of the young children on their disabled counterparts cannot be accurately described and explained by the teachers- it is the students themselves who can accurately express their perceptions and feelings. However, it should be noted that both studies had been objective in recording their observations through careful record keeping. Finally, as concurred by Batchelor and Taylor (2005) in their study, the case study is limited in scope because it only employed one child hence, the need to further explore the topic by including more children. On the other hand, there is a need for Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) to provide a more detailed study on the psycho-social impact of social promotion programs of the children. The method of employing record keeping and direct observation by Batchelor and Taylor (2000) had been effective and important measures in order to provide a deeper psycho-social analysis of young children. Analysis Qualitative and quantitative research methods had been traditionally been seen as poles apart in terms of administration, instruments used as well as the depth and degree of analysis that they contribute in education researches. However, while the difference between these two methods had been pronounced in earlier literature, contemporary research methods in education (McMillan, 2008) recognizes that quantitative and qualitative research methods can be used in conjunction with one other- one can actually validate the other. Hence, multi-method or the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods had gained acceptance in the literature. In this paper, we have examined the similarities as well as the differences of a qualitative-quantitative research versus that of a purely qualitative research. The result showed that the qualitative-quantitative research provided a broader discussion of young children’s acceptance of their peers than its purely qualitative counterpart. Consequently, the qualitative-quantitative method was able to provide a more generalizable study because of the scope of its respondents whereas the qualitative study through the use of case study of one person is limited- particularly on the issue that it cannot be argued that it is representative of the population. Moreover, a case study would be highly dependent on the individuality of the participant hence; the result would more likely be different with a person in the same situation. However, in the quantitative-qualitative study, the validity of the findings are more general and hence, more acceptable because it was not confined to one person alone but on a sample that is representative of a given population. While the quantitative-qualitative approach is generally seen as more valid, the qualitative study of Batchelor and Taylor (2005) provided deeper analysis on the behavior and the changes that can be made on a young child. By focusing on one person, the authors were able to provide a holistic approach in studying the psychological responses of the child in social interaction programs and activities. Quantitative and qualitative approaches both have their strengths and weaknesses- the goal of early childhood researches are to determine the most appropriate method to be used in the questions that are being ask. Suffice it to say, there is no inferior or superior research method but rather it would depend on the science, objectiveness and the devotion of the researchers to answer the questions. Hence, valuable scientific findings can be found in both modes of inquiry. References Batchelor, D. and Taylor, H. (2005) Social Inclusion-The Next Step: User-Friendly Strategies to Promote Social Interaction and Peer Acceptance of Children with Disabilities. Australian Journal of Early Childhood. 30 (1). Berliner, D. C. (2002) Educational Research: The hardest science of all. Educational Researchers. 31 (8): 18-20. Cobb, P. , Confrey, J. , diSessa, A. , Lehrer, R. and Chasuble, L. (2003) Design experiments in educational research. Educational Researchers. 32 (1): 9-13. Favazza, P. , Phillipsen, L. and Kumar, P. (2000) Measuring and Promoting Acceptance of Young Children with Disabilities. Exceptional Children. 66 (1). Harper, L V, & McCluskey, K. S. (2003). Teacher-child and child-child interactions in inclusive preschool settings: Do adults inhibit peer interactions? Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 18, 163-184. McMillan, J. H. (2008) Educational research: fundamentals for the consumer. 5th Ed. New York: Longman Shavelson, R. J. and Towne, L. (2002) Scientific research in education. Washington D. C. : National Academy Press.

Action Paper Research

Action Paper Research Action Paper Research Action Paper Research: Active Team-work! If you have got an assignment to write an action research paper, you should pay special attention to this task. The matter is that the action paper research is rather different from other kinds of the academic research. So, to cope with your task you should understand what exactly you should do. This article will help you make head or tail of what the action paper research should include and in what way it should be made. Action paper research What is this? The purpose of the action paper research becomes clear from the very definition of this kind of research. It is to find the appropriate solution of the problem in question by taking certain actions. That means that you should not just study some informational materials on the issue and make your conclusions but make different observations, conduct interviews or work out some questionnaires in order to get necessary data. This is one of the peculiar features of the action paper research that distinguishes it from other kinds of the academic research. Besides, another characteristic of the action paper research should be mentioned. It is the team work. You do not make your research by yourself but work in team. All your actions should be concerted in order to make the thorough research. What stages should the action paper research writing follow?Brainstorming. Think over the problem you would like to investigate. Planning. Plan your research. What actions will you take? Collecting of data. Collect the information necessary for your research. Analyzing of information. Study the problem relying on the obtained results. Making conclusions. Make your conclusions. Writing an action research paper from scratch After your action paper research is completed it should be presented properly. In what way should an action research paper be written? As a rule, it has the same constituent parts as any other research paper:Title page; Table of contents; Abstract; Introduction; Main body (that presents the methods of research, the details of the issue, the results of the study and the discussion); Conclusion; Reference list. As usual, an action research paper should be written in accordance with the APA format requirements. So, this is the main information about in what way the action paper research should be made and how it should be presented. If you face any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact us! We are always ready to help you!

What is Geography

What is Geography Free Online Research Papers What geography is: Geography is about countries and lands. We study about countries all over the world. There are three kind of geographical descriptions. These are human geography, physical geography and environmental geography. All about Latitude and Longitude: Longitude and latitude is a system of lines used to find the location of any place, on the surface of the earth. Lines of latitude run in an east-west direction. Lines of longitude run in a north-south direction. The prime meridian is the imaginary line which goes across the earth. The meridian runs from the north pole to the south pole. The prime meridian runs through the Greenwich Observatory in London. There are 5 lines of latitude running through the earth. The Artic Circle, the Tropic of Cancer , the Tropic of Capricorn , the Antarctic Circle , and finally the most important one is the Equator. About maps and grid references: A map shows you the world. There are different kinds of maps. On a map different things are coloured in so you know what’s what. On a map you can see where you are if you’re lost. Here are some examples of different kinds of maps: World Maps Park Maps Europe Map School Maps Country Maps Shopping Center Maps County Maps Tourist Maps Settlement maps GPS Navigation System Grid references help you find any place on a map. There are two kinds of grid references. Normal grid references and six figure grid references. The imaginary lines are shown on the maps so you can find stuff. The little squares on the map are numbered , so in the index whatever the places number is you can find it very easily. On most of the maps there is a scale about the length of the roads. There are also lots of keys what let you know about shops and things. This is how you use grid references and maps. Things about settlements: A settlement is where people live. It could be a hamlet, village, town or city. Settlements are built on different sites. A site is the land where the settlement is built on. In a settlement there are lots of dwellings, but it depends how big the settlement is. A dwelling is where people live (House or flat). Before you choose a settlement you have to look at the factors of the settlement. There are good factors and poor factors. If you choose a settlement it shouldn’t have many poor factors, because it would have many faults while you live there. The way settlements grow: All the settlements have grown a lot since the older times. More people come to the area and settle down to live. The people can come for work and all sorts of stuff. Lots of people make families and have children and so on, and so on†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ The settlement hierarchy shows you how many settlements there are. Here is an example for one: The settlement hierarchy shows you how many types of settlements there are and how many of them. The bigger the settlement is the less there is. Research Papers on What is GeographyAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2PETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Effects of Illegal Immigration19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraWhere Wild and West MeetCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NicePersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyResearch Process Part One

Abortion in USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Abortion in USA - Essay Example Abortion, or the willful termination of pregnancy, has very much been in the forefront in public debate in the United States. The legality of abortions and the right to have one are topics very vociferously opposed or supported.It should be noted that abortion is not a new phenomenon. Abortions have been carried out in the world since a long time ago. There have been findings, such as various olden texts, that prove that abortions were being carried out thousands of years ago. Various religious texts have also broached the subject in one way or another. It can be safely assumed that almost everyone has an opinionated stance when it comes to abortion based on what they deem to be their religious, moral, ethical and/or personal beliefs. Though many countries have legalized abortions, in the United States, the debate regarding the legality has still not been resolved, despite the United States Supreme Court having made a ruling on the subject. A brief historical overview in this regard reveals that abortion had not always been illegal in the United States. It was around the middle of the nineteenth century that states started enacting laws that made abortions illegal (â€Å"History of Abortion†). However, religion or morality did not have much to do with it. It was actually based on the premise of increasing the population, and ensuring that the immigrant populations did not increase those of the older residents. The religious minded people got involved in the debate much later, especially upon the scientific discovery that human life began at inception and not at the end of the first trimester as it had been previously thought. However, with the outlawing of abortion, there was a trend of women, who sought abortions, to go to ill-equipped back-alley practitioners most of whom were not medically trained. This resulted in many complications and deaths. With the passage of time, in late twentieth century, some states did legalize abortion; however, by 1965 it was effectively banned, with a few exceptions like in cases of rape or incest, if the mother’s life was at risk, or if the fetus was not developing right. Then, in 1973, the United States Supreme Court, in Roe v. Wade, struck down all state laws that prohibited a woman from having abortion, thus, in effect legalizing it. Even after the ruling in Roe v. Wade, the debate has not died, and some states, with the support, or by the demand, of the public at large, have enacted laws that restrict federal and/or state funding for abortion, thus minimizing the scope of the ruling. The two sides of the debate that oppose or support it are termed pro-life and pro-choice respectively. Out of the many arguments that they give, some are being mentioned here. The pro-life group argues that human life should not be so easily dispensable. It is sacred and should be preserved. A person has not right to end another’s life. Moreover, if we seek to bring religion into the debate then most , if not all, religions prohibit abortion, therefore, people who follow these faiths should not engage in the practice. Those women who opt for an abortion, according to a lot of religious minded people, show their lack of faith in God and His Commandments and His Providence. They claim that if God blesses someone with children, then He is the One who shall also provide sustenance. Also, the pain that the fetus goes through during the process is horrendous, and the fetus should not be subjected to that. What is more, abortion may also result in severe psychological trauma to the woman involved and cause emotional scarring that may last her entire life. Furthermore, abortion can, and often does, result in various medical complications. The procedure itself is quite painful, and though it does not have a long duration, however, the medical complications it can give rise to may last a life time. These medical complications include infection, sepsis, cervix weakening, miscarriages in la ter life, difficulties in

Qualitative methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Qualitative methods - Essay Example Individual interviews were conducted with the respondents and lasted for a time range of between thirty minutes and one hour. In depth interviews were used because they provided the opportunity for the researchers to understand the experiences of participants and dig deeper in discussing these experiences (De Gagne & Walters, 2010, p. 360). Four interviews were tape recorded and tape recorded to facilitate transcription. The research used a semi-structured interview format to gather information from participants. The rationale for choosing the structure was to ensure that respondents narrated their experiences without being confined to specific answers. Participants in the interview were strictly be students pursuing health-related programs in the university. There were four participants of which two were male and the remaining two were female. The researcher accessed the participants by visiting Central Queensland University and presenting invitations (Sadler, Lee, Lim & Fullerton, 2010, p. 370). This convenience sampling, A purposeful selection method was used with the aim of identifying participants that could illuminate the experiences of students pursuing health-related programs in the university (Dineen & Soltis, 2011, p. 10) while pursuing part- or full-time work. The rationale for choosing a purposeful selection method was because the research was dealing with a small population. Students pursuing health-related programs were chosen as participants because research studies reveal they pursue the most challenging courses in university (Dineen & Soltis, 2011, p. 10). To ensure informed consent, the researcher provided potential participants with information sheets. The information sheets outlined the aims of the research and the entire research process (Singh, 2012, p. 411). Participants were provided with the sheets and were allowed to raise questions about the research (Olson, 2010, p. 109). They were also