Analysis Of Postecondary Remedial Education - 1619 Words

To effectively address the epidemic of students entering postsecondary remedial education takes a strong partnership between CCC and CUSD. CUSD has taken a three-pronged approach to helping combat this epidemic through the following: changing the college-going culture, system alignment, and increased parental involvement. College-Going Culture As noted by the College Board (2006) a college-going culture is An environment that builds the expectation of post-secondary education for all†¦it inspires the best in every student, and it supports in achieving their goals† (p. 2, para 1). CUSD has begun to change the perception of college, beginning at the district level and filtering to the fourteen local high schools. Data provided by R.I.S.E.†¦show more content†¦This renewed emphasis on collaboration as recommended by R.I.S.E. has resulted in developing workshops emphasizing college-related issues, such as: how to write statement essays, how and whom to ask for recommendations, preparing for tests, and applying for financial aid. At these workshops, counselors and faculty wear something that represents what college they attended. This provides a visual representation of the college and helps to lay further a foundation of the college-going culture. CUSD has furthered the collaboration between CCC and CUSD by having a CCC counselor on each high school campus once per week to provide opportunities for students to have â€Å"drop-in one-on-one† sessions with college counselors to supplement the use of installed kiosks. As a result, CUSD has seen an increase in student visits, applications, and acceptance to two-year colleges and four-year universities. CUSD has changed the physical look of its high schools, where college banners from all across the country are placed around the school campus. College banners of where CSUD alumni have attended are placed in high traffic areas. This is another visual representation for creating and sustaining the college-going culture. Within the district and local high school websites, CUSD alumni are highlighted with a

The Developing Adolescent Essay - 1402 Words

Developmental theories are a group of ideas, assumptions, and generalizations that interpret and illuminate the thousands of observations that have been made about human growth. In this way, developmental theories provide a framework for explaining the patterns and problems of development (Berger, 2008 p33). Adolescence represents one of the most critical developmental periods in life. It is a time of profound changes on all levels. The importance of both family and peers during these years is also discussed. The relationship between adolescent and his or her family are very important in the adolescents ability to develop through these years. One of the earliest theorists to shed light on adolescent development was Erik Erikson. He†¦show more content†¦The social part of the adolescent identity development has to do with ones history and how well integrated the individuals role was in his personal group as well as the coherence of the images and ideologies that guided him to this point in his life. There is a dark side of identity development which Erikson believes is comprised of all the fragments of roles tested and discarded in the search for the identity one will use to move into adulthood. When the identity is placed in peril, in other words, when the negative fragments from the past begin to surface, the individual might think these negative fragments cannot be contained within the positive identity. If this occurs, the wholeness of the person becomes at risk. At the very least, the adolescent feels disjointed (Erikson, 1975). This is probably why Erikson’s identified this stage as Identity vs Role Confusion. A great deal of research has been conducted regarding adolescent development during the last decade or so. The three most prevalent themes in adolescent development research in recent years are: 1.) broad integrative models of adolescent development that include biological, social, psychological and contextual factors; 2.) the identification of developmental pathways or trajectories during adolescence that are linked to prior growth duringShow MoreRelatedDeveloping An Alternative Punishment For Adolescents1345 Words   |  6 PagesDeveloping an alternative punishment for adolescents can be considered as a positive opportunity for the treating adolescent, society, community and the criminal justice field. Ethics helps management differentiate what is considered right or wrong within the management and the process implemented for the treating adolescents. There are many branches considered within the study of ethics. Metaethics can be considered as the language, methods, logic structure, or reasoning when interpretation ethicRead MoreAdverse Health Effects o f Adolescent Pregnancy Essays1451 Words   |  6 PagesAdolescent pregnancy is a very important health issue worldwide. When adolescents who, are often physically and mentally unprepared to bear a child are become mothers it has astoundingly negative outcomes for the mother. Including bad personal outcomes adolescent mothers often give birth to children with increased health issues when compared to a healthy adult mothers. Because of the negative outcomes associated with adolescent pregnancy, the issue should be addressed worldwide. Adolescent mothersRead MoreThe Development Of An Individual And The Aspects Within Psychology1566 Words   |  7 Pagesdissatisfaction to oneself and others in many situations. In regard to developing, as an individual grow up, they believe they are able to handle things on their own and perform adult task. 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The problems these girls face are what lead to worldwide conflicts scattered throughout multipleRead MoreThe Correlation Between Abused Adolescence And Addiction1152 Words   |  5 Pagesregards to his or her neurodevelopment. Adolescents believe that they are mature individuals with the ability to make intelligent decisions without an y direction or guidance from anyone else. This is very alarming considering that the adolescent is very impulsive in his or her decision making abilities, instead of reasoning through the negatives and positives regarding his or her final decision regarding an issue or situation he or she is presented with. Adolescents are not always aware or concerned withRead MoreComorbidity Disorder In Children Essay1063 Words   |  5 PagesDeficity Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, due to both disorders sharing executive functions insufficiency. According to Riley, Ahmed, and Locke (2016), one of the two most common comorbidity disorders in children and adolescences with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is ADHD, which transpires in fourteen percent to forty percent of children that has ODD, particularly in the ODD children that have more predominant symptoms of defiant and headstrongness. APA (2013) DiagnosticRead MoreThe Dangers Of Adolescent Pregnancy1453 Words à ‚  |  6 PagesAdolescent pregnancy occurs between the ages of 15-19 (as defined by the World Health Organisation) (Adolescent Pregnancy., 2014) and most commonly occurs in developing countries (Such as sub-Saharan Africa [Teen pregnancy statistics, 2016]). As many of the pregnancies happening are to young girls from under-developed countries, they are often unable to afford the necessary healthcare that most developed countries could provide expectant mothers. Due to the fact that under-developed countries haveRead MoreHealth Care Challenges when Working with Adolescents Essay1174 Words   |  5 Pageswith the adolescent population we have many health care challenges. Adolescents experiences profound physical changes which occur rapidly. These include increased rate of bone and muscle growth, sex specific changes and development of the sexual reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. â€Å"†Changes are created by hormonal changes within the body when the hypothalamus begins to produce gnoadotropin-releasing hormones† (Potter Perry, 2005, p. 205). This is a time when adolescents becomeRead MoreDrug Abuse And Adolescent Risky Behavior884 Words   |  4 Pagesaddictions begin with risk taking. So, why is it that adolescents have such an attraction to risky behaviors? According to Broderick (2013), adolescents have a high propensity for sensation seeking (novel experiences) and seem to be willing to put themselves at risk in order to have these novel experiences (p. 392). This essay will attempt to discuss how the brain is developing, being impacted, and, how spiritual development effects adolescent risky behavior. Risky behaviors can include any behaviorRead MoreEffects Of Adolescents On Young Middle Adolescents Essay1285 Words   |  6 Pagesprogramer, treating adolescents and addiction we have to know that this population moves through three varying time periods: early (12-14 years of age), middle (14-17 years of age), and late(17-19 years of age) (NRPA.ORG) The programmer must understand that each developmental stage has different demands. For example, younger adolescents focus on the present, whereas, older adolescents focus on developing their future(). Moreover, a study analyzed how young to middle adolescents spend their free time

Ocean Environment Essay Example For Students

Ocean Environment Essay Ocean EnvironmentThe sea is the most obvious feature of the earths surface. Approximately seventy percent of this surface is covered by water, in one way oranother. Beneath this water are the familiar sands of the beaches, bottoms ofbays, and the inshore ocean. Farther offshore this water covers an amazingsubmarine topography of underwater canyons, trenches, mountains, and plains. Unlike the continents, which are physically separated from one another, theoceans are continuous and interconnected. Since the world ocean iscontinuous(M.J. Keen) it has similar characteristics throughout. In the early1870s oceanographers collected seawater samples from all of the seas of theworld at a variety of depths. When analyzed, the samples were found to havequite similar characteristics. These findings convinced many that a method ofstudy was needed. The study of oceans was named oceanography. Density, salinity, and temperature are very important concepts in thestudy of oceanography. The salinity and temperature of the water influence itsdensity, and the differences in density are the major factor in understandingthe formation of currents and the positions of water masses in the sea. Inaddition, temperature and salinity play major roles in influencing thedistribution of plants and animals. The sediments of the sea floor may be divided into lithogenous,hydrogenous, biogenous, and cosmogenous sediments. Lithogenous sediments arethe major sediments on the ocean floor. They are derived from the chemical andmechanical weathering of rocks. Biogenous sediments are composed primarily ofthe protective outter covering of small marine animals and plants. If theseremains comprise at least thirty percent of the sediment it is called an ooze. Oozes were named for the types of organisms that formed them. Hydrogenoussediments form as a result of the chemical reactions that occur in the seawater. These reactions result in the formation of small particles, which are depositedon the sea floor. Currents move these particles and cause them to collide withthe other particles. If many of these collisions occur they may form nodules. Nodules are found on some portions of the deep-sea floor. The sediment typefrequently determines the type of organisms that will be found in that specificarea. Waves are variable and transitory features of the seas surface.(Sandra Smith) All waves, from the smallest ripple to the most destructivetsunami, have common characteristics. They all have crests, troughs, waveheights, lengths, and periods. Also, water particles that make up the waves allmove in identical orbital patterns. The orbital pattern is up and forward inthe crest and down and back in the trough. It is only when the wave becomesunstable that the orbital motion is destroyed. The water particles then beginto move at the same speed as the moving wave form. Breaking waves release a tremendous amount of stored energy on a beachface. This energy moves the sand about and changes the configuration of thebottom. As the bottom configuration is changed by the waves, it changes thecharacteristics of incoming waves. This interaction between the waves and thebottom results in the beach face having an everlasting wave pattern. Everything in the universe is composed of extremely small paritclescalled atoms, which are often bonded together to form molecules. Molecules areformed as the result fo the transfer of electrons between atoms. The completeloss and gain of electrons results in the formation of ionic molecules, whichhave completely positive and negative vegions. Unequal sharing of electrons, onthe other hand, characterizes the polar covalent molecules, which have onlypartially positive and negative regions. The equal sharing of electrons resultin the formation of nonpolar covalent molecules, which do not develop chargedregions. Due to the development of charges on ionic and polar molecules,intermolecular attractive forces form between these molecules, intermolecularattractive forces form between these molecules and enable the compounds to existin the solid and liquid state. Ionic compounds have long-range order and existas solids. Polar covalent molecules are liquids because of their short-rangeorder, while the nonpolar gases do not develop intermolecular attractions and asa result exibit no order. Changes in state are due to a change in the order of compounds. Whenenergy is added, molecular motion increases and intermolecular attractive forcesare disrupted. This results in the melting of solidsand the evaporation ofliquids. When energy is removed, the molecular motion is decreased, whichincreases the formation of intermolecular attractive forces. This allows vaporsto condense as liquids to freeze. The physical and chemical components of water interact with and affectthe plant and animal life in the sea. The plants, animals, and bacteria thatinhabit a given marine area continually react with, change, and are changed bythe total biotic and abiotic environment. Light plays a vital role in the sea,since the producers require sunlight as the energy source to convert the low-energy simple plant nutrients into the more complex high-energy molecules thatcan be used by the consumers. The dominant plants of the sea are themicroscopic phytoplankton, while copepods. The copepods are important, sincethey provide the major link in the transfer of energy from the phytoplankton tothe large animals of the sea. Density exerts profound effects on both the biotic and abioticcomponents of the sea. Many marine forms, both animal and plant, have developedunique life-styles of seawater. In addition, density barriers are formed in thesea in response to temperature and salinity differences between water masses. In many cases these density barriers trap nutrients below the euphotic zone andmake them spatially unavailable to the plants in these areas. This is the casein the tropical seas, as well as in all of the worlds deep oceans, where thedensity barriers are permanent. In cold blood EssayCoral is an animal which reproduces very quickly by splitting, to formcolonies of coral. Each animal has a chalky skeleton which is joined toneighboring skeletons, forming the strong framework of the reef. In some coralcolonies, such as brain coral, it is impossible to see each individual animal;but in other colonies, the skeleton of each animal can be seen. Coral feed on zooplankton. However, the microscopic plants that livewithin the coral also supply it with food and reef-building materials. Theplant in return seemed to benefit from the coral, gaining shelter and foodmaterials from it. There are three main types of coral reefs: the fringing reef, thebarrier reef, and the atoll. Conditions on reefs vary from the breaking surf ofthe sea edge to the quieter lagoon. The fringing reef grows out from an island,or other land form, but is still attached to it. An example of fringing reefsare the reefs bordering the Florida Keys. A barrier reef is separated from theisland or mainland, and may be a few miles distant. The Great Barrier reef isover a thousand miles long, forming an off-shore break-water for the east coastof Australia. An atoll is a circular surrounding a lagoon, often not associatedwith any obvious land. Atolls occur mainly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans,rising abruptly from the deep seas. A few centuries ago scientist were puzzled to find coral atolls in thedeep oceans with no land visible because they knew that the corals could onlygrow in shallow. The naturalist Charles Darwin during his voyage on HMS Begalfrom 1831 to 1836, examined the number of atolls and put forth a theory fortheir formation. He suggested that a volcanic or seamount provided a shallowwater base for the growth of the fringing reef. This island would be eroded bythe waves and would sink slowly under its own weight. To remain in shallowwater, the corals of the reef would grow upward as the island sank until thereef became separated from the island by a donut-shaped lagoon, forming a kindof barrier reef. Further sinking of the island below the sea surface wouldleave only the reef as an atoll, the island being no longer visible. Darwins theory was not proven correct until 1952, when holes weredrilled into Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. After drilling through almosta mile of coral, the scientist reached the old volcano. It had been sinking forsome 60 million years and all this time the coral had been growing upwardkeeping pace with the sinking island. The reproduction of coral is very interesting. During the reproductionstage of the coral, the animal itself is stationed. First and foremost, thepart of the coral that is actually doing the reproducting is called the polyp. Polyps reproduce in two different ways. One is by eggs, and the other is by aprocess called budding. When the egg is fertilezed by sperm, the egg developsinto a tiny larcal organism called a planulae. The planulae settles on theocean bottom. The planule lands on whatever the currents allow it to. It willmost likely end up on a rock, or on another coral. Eventually the planulaedevelops into a polyp. Each polyp builds a limestone skeleton which isattached to the surface of which the poyp has landed on, which can be either arock or another coral. After the coral establishes itself, the upper part ofthe body becomes dome-shapes and develops a stomach and a mouth. Tentacles form around the mouth. The tentacles are used to draw food infrom the surrounding waters of the oceans. the tentacles of teh coral are armedwith special stinging structures. Those special stinging structures are callednematosysts. The tentacles nematocysts paralyzes th etiny prey that the coraleats. The corals major food are small marine organisms. In recent years, outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and viral hepatitis inLatin America, the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia have all been traced tocontaminated seafood. It is because of the discharge of sewage and polutiondirectly into coastal waters. Industrial wastes have been dumped in the oceansof our world. They contain a mixture of chemicals, such lubricating oils, zinc,copper, bleaching agents, and strong acids alkalis. These chemicals areextremely toxic to marine organisms. There is strong need for international action to control marinecontamination and pollution. Pollution is now the subject of numerous regionaland international agreements. Conventions regulating the discarge of oil fromships, and the development of emergency response systems to oil pollutionaccidents have contributed to the decline of ship-based souces of oil pollutionover the last two decades. The moratorium on dumping of radioactive waste atsea under the London Dumping Convention also represents another response toconcerns about the risks posed by such diposal. Some regions have concludedagreement which ban dumping of any radioactive waste at sea. In theMediterranean and Red Sea, all discharge of oily wasted from ships is alsobanned. The differences between terrestial regions are well known. Less wellknown are the features that distingush the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean, orthe coast of South America from those of Southern Africa. Regardless of this,the various regions of the worlds oceans are all affected by human activity,with pollution and harvesting of resouces of resouces being common to all seasand oceans. The various marine resources, as well as the extent of humanimpacts on them, are examined region by region, illustrating hos stresses on themarine environmet treatened the very resistance of some habitats and species.

Jennifer Lopez Essays (777 words) - Music, Business,

Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez was born in the Bronx, New York on July 24, 1970. She was born in the United States to Puerto Rican Parents, Jennifer considers herself to be a Puerto Rican and she is very proud of her Hispanic heritage and culture. Her father is David Lopez, a computer specialist, and her mother Guadalupe Lopez, a Kindergarten teacher. Her parents recognized Jennifer's talent and enthusiasm for performing and at the age of five the enrolled her in dance classes. Her mother said "Jennifer always loved to sing, but she was also a great actress and knew that she would have a bright future ahead of her." With the support of her parents Jennifer grew up to be a very sensible girl, who is still very close to her family. When Jennifer earned her million-dollar paycheck for playing the role in the movie Selena, she bought her mom a Cadillac. Even though they saw Jennifer's talent at the age of five, their relationship was not always understandable. Jennifer made a major decision and that was not to go to College. That decision was very disappointing to her parents who wanted her to go to law school. Her parents supported her pursuit of a career in show business, they did not wanted to be in the expense of her education. When Jennifer told her parents that she was not going to College and law school, they thought it was really stupid to go off and try to be a movie star. Her parents who at that time could not understand the choices she made are very happy for their daughter and what she has accomplish. When she left her home at the middle of a fight and never went back. She said," I had to make my own way" and then lived in a Manhattan dance studio where she was training. Then she got an apartment with some friends in Manhattan Hell's Kitchen. Since the time she move out of her home she started her showbiz career as a dancer in stage musicals and most notably in her tour to Golden musicals of Broadway and in a Japanese tour. Then she audition to be a fly girl in Fox's hit comedy "In living Colors," she beat out 2,000 other contenders in a nation wide competition. Then she cracked into Hollywood and she wanted to make a transition to acting, but she followed Color producer Keenan Ivory Wayans advice to stay with the show for a while before making any attempt to move on. After a couple of seasons spent in Living Colors, Jennifer got her shot at acting when a co-worker, whose husband was writing and producing a pilot called South Central for Fox, suggested her for the part. Jennifer brought her television career to an end in 1993, with the role as a heroic Nurses on the line: The crash of Flight 7; the siren call of the big screen could not be put on hold for any longer. In 1995, Jennifer appears in Gregory Nava's critically acclaimed Mi Familia, a film that introduced the actress's talent to top film makers. In 1996, she beat out Ashley Judd and Lauren Holly for the supporting role of Robin Williams's teacher in the Francis Ford comedy Jack. The movie was embarrassing for Jennifer but she was still hot and from there she started in "Money Train" and then Smelling like roses." In 1997 at a wrap party for the film in San Antonio, Jennifer Boyfriend, Ojani Noa, took the microphone and propose to her on the dance floor. Then after one year the couple got divorce. But then in People Magazine Lopez was named one of the Fifty Most Beautiful people for 1997. 1997 was a good year for Jennifer Lopez she started Blood and Wine, and Oliver Stone's U-Turn and she beat out a bevy of a A-list actresses to the land the female lead in Steven Soderbergh's steany 1998 crime film Out of Sight. Then she got ant-imated, in the Dreamworks tale Antz. Lopez now has a brand new project, a music album and with the success of the movie Selena, it gave her inspiration to make a music album. Her album went number one and this will probably start her second success story. Life has not been easy for Jennifer because she had to work hard to make her dream come true. Her philosophy is that there is only one way to get where you wanted to go and those is being

3 More Sentences Lacking One Word to Be Correct

3 More Sentences Lacking One Word to Be Correct 3 More Sentences Lacking One Word to Be Correct 3 More Sentences Lacking One Word to Be Correct By Mark Nichol Often, when readers stumble on a faultily constructed sentence, the obstacle is merely one seemingly inconsequential word- or, more accurately, the omission of what is actually an essential component of the sentence. In each example below, one missing word throws off the sentence. Discussion and a revision point the way to a coherent statement. 1. Management’s assumptions about markets, customers, competition, technology, regulatory and other external factors are fundamentals that shape the organization’s strategy. This sentence is constructed as if regulatory and â€Å"other external factors† are distinct list items, but they are actually part of the same unit- regulatory and â€Å"other external† each modifies factors, so the sentence must be slightly reorganized to reflect that fact: â€Å"Management’s assumptions about markets, customers, competition, technology, and regulatory and other external factors are fundamentals that shape the organization’s strategy.† 2. What has worked in the past can and will change by the season, day, or even the hour. The article the before season can carry the weight of all three nouns that follow it (â€Å"What has worked in the past can and will change by the season, day, or even hour†), but the sentence flows better if each noun is assigned its own article: â€Å"What has worked in the past can and will change by the season, the day, or even the hour.† Revising the sentence to reflect one alternative or the other is necessary, because if all three nouns do not share one article, day must, like the others, have its own. 3. The above list is not intended to be all-inclusive or suggest that companies not take advantage of resources. The sentence syntax dictates that what precedes or and what follows it be equivalent, so each phrase should be preceded by the infinitive to; otherwise, the implication is that the reader is to understand that the equivalents are â€Å"be all-inclusive† and â€Å"be suggest†: â€Å"The above list is not intended to be all-inclusive or to suggest that companies not take advantage of resources.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Definitely use "the" or "a"Taser or Tazer? Tazing or Tasering?Words Often Misspelled Because of Double Letters

Chemistry of Fireworks - Smart Custom Writing Samples

Chemistry of Fireworks - Smart Custom Writing Irony and Satire in Jane Austen novelsIrony, satire, and parody are the soul of Jane Austen’s novels because of the humorous aspects of life she presents in her novels. The aspects are visible to good sense in their contemplation of erroneous judgments. Both novels present the reader with a several characters that play different roles in bringing out the aspects of humor and wit in the two novels. It can also be noted that the stories unfold from different angles as the author brings out several vices that are either morally or ethically unaccepted.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Irony is the hall mark of her style because this irony is not merely a particular way of saying or creating things (Bhattacharyya 80). Irony in this tale is rather the expression of the infinite within a man who has at once a delicate, sensitive, and subtle perception of the contrasts and contradictions with which human life is filled. On the other hand both novels make use of one common device throughout that is satire. Satire is a literary attitude used to make pleasurable aspects of character vices or weakness. This is done with the purpose of modifying the subject being attacked. Besides this satire utilized in the story confirms how excitement is poked at things that are collectively unacceptable and downplayed, creating an ironic sense of wit. Quintero says that pride and prejudice demonstrated satire when women in her tale were supposedly animated by sentiment (290). According to Quintero the definition of satire as a genre meant to expose vices for the purposes of correction lingers on in this novel (290). In addition Bhattacharyya says that pride and prejudice tale is not laughter provoking but they have a rippling sense of pleasure behind them (80). In this novel satire connotes moral purpose but the author never lashes human follies. Colebrook says that while irony in the pride and prejudice and zombies consequently delimits human life by positing an elevated concept that is not realized, satire examines life and its inherent propensities (108). In this tale Jane Austen (1775-1817) parody is depicted in the way several characters take their local sentiments for universal truths. Colebrook says that â€Å"the author displays the blindness of the characters who believe themselves to be in simple possession of either a moral law or a social code† (108).   While satire brings out individual characters against the morals of parody in this novel is portrayed by the vanities and tendencies of human nature and they also present characters that arrive at fulfillment only through knowing and reflecting upon social nature of man (Colebrook 108). On the other hand Austen shows satire through the art of fiction and recognition through examining the follies of others with a full perception of our own weakness. In this story satire unlike parody assumes the common ground of man and therefore works against the traditional aim of irony and elevated or urbane point of view above and beyond natural life (Colebrook 108). Moreover, Bhattacharyya also indicated that in the story pride and prejudice, irony is a mode of speech in which the implied attitudes or evaluations are opposed to those literally expressed (81). The tale is in many occasions irony is a contrast between reality and illusion. For example Bhattacharyya says that the first sentence of the novel is tinged with irony as the sentence runs â€Å"it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife† (81). This is not a truth that is universal to every man because the contrast appears to be true in most cases. On the other hand, satire is also demonstrated in the novel since the author does not reveal enough about what Darcy is supposed to be thinking. Walder says that â€Å"in Elizabeth’s crucial conservations with Jane, the antithetical technique, contrasting Elizabeth’s satire with Jane’s candor (231). Satire is depicted in the novel because as a whole intelligence is represented as faulty in the novel. The readers admire Elizabeth’s wit and sharing her lively and satire vision. Walder further says that reformation is not complete until near the end of the novel and everyone notices that the second, less satire and extrovert half of pride and prejudice is less enjoyable than the first.   Bhattacharyya says that â€Å"irony is being used as an instrument of revealing the difference between appearance and reality is always a source of inspiration and amusement† (81). This is depicted when Darcy remarks about Elizabeth that â€Å"she is not handsome enough to tempt me† and soon after gets captivated by a â€Å"pair of fine eyes† of Elizabeth† (Bhattacharyya 81). In addition irony of character is even more prominent in the novel than irony of situation. For example â€Å"Elizabeth prides herself on her perception and disdains Jane’s blindness to the realities is herself quite blinded by her own prejudices† (Bhattacharyya 82) The novel pride and prejudice and zombies it is a complete parody but then it comes out in a complicated form. Austen has mirrored the original work effectively enough so that the flow is fresh and funny.   In addition, Ross says that the novel explores the purpose of parody that ranges from a playful imitation to harsh satire (49). Compared to irony, the author also portrays successful parodies in which the element of celebration is clearly shown. For example in the novel Pride and Prejudice and zombies parody is depicted when Darcy says â€Å"which do you mean? And turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said â€Å"she is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men† (Austen 13). In this case the style in which parody is been shown is pretentious one because it is deflated by mockery hence its function is challenged so as to renovate and renew it (Ross 49). Like satire, irony in pride and prejudice is clearly depicted when a rich and influential man falls in love with a relatively poor and powerless young woman. It appears as a surprise to Elizabeth that Darcy finds himself in love with her while the author Austen makes it clear how wonderful it is that such a man should fall in love at all (Polhemus 29). In the beginning of the story there is more irony because the match was not very compelling because the reason why he fell in love with Elizabeth and marry her but at the end the match between the two looks perfectly reasonable. Pride and prejudice shows how from historical perspective the association between the sexes where men could seem princes and women scullery maids. The ironic part of the story is depicted on the basis that though Elizabeth comes to love him by the end it is not at all clear that   she ever falls in love with him because in their romance man falls in love with woman and that fall into love is the fortunate fall of Austen’s erotic faith (Polhemus 29). The story further shows the readers that the world is often a sordid, dull, menacing, and disappointing place without love. The irony is that the power of love in pride and prejudice works to generate faith, hope, and charity. Parody on the other hand is depicted when the story explores that Darcy’s love for Elizabeth curbs his arrogance and makes him a kinder and better man (Polhemus 29).  Ã‚  Ã‚   Among the utmost and most exhibited satires in the story is illustrated through the most humorous man Mr. Collins. Mr. Collins character is rather hilarious in the entire text because of his apparent foolishness and his lack of understanding to his vices. Mr. Collins persistently acquaints himself with people of the superior class than his, for example Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy who are regarded as high status people. He relates so much with these two people by the means of continued trips to the Rosins estate and Balls. Mr. Collins began to relate himself with Lady Catherine and Mr. Darcy, making himself comes out as higher class individual than he really is. With this phony sense of being Mr. Collins indisputably makes a fool out of himself giving the readers a clear picture of satire (MRU database). Like irony, satire is employed in the entire novel Pride and Prejudice. This is because Austen starts to put across her own dissatisfactions of her own personalities and also reveals her own dilemma with the way in which society was footed upon class during her era. This application of satire becomes supplementary than just a mechanism that conveys humor to the readers. It is also a device that shows the communal issues that were there in Victorian England in Austen’s time making it an essential element to the story. Satire is employed in Pride and Prejudice by the author to show the shortcomings in moralities and ethics of the subjects that Austen criticizes of. Satire is thus used hit at the characters in order to bring new changes. The type of characters she ridicules is ignorant in the author’s context. For example Jane Austen condemns Mr. Collins causing her to bother and satirizes him. Because of staying with Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins has demoralized himself.   This is because he imagines and speaks highly of individual’s superior than himself, such as, Lady Catherine DeBourgh. This is demonstrated when he was invited by Lady Catherine Mr. Collins tells Elizabeth who he was proposing to "Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about / your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us which becomes herself and / daughter. I would advise you merely to put on whatever / of your clothes is superior to the rest / ...she likes to have the disti nction of rank preserved" (Austen 137). Austen in both novels illustrates that satire is the lesson while parody is the game. Ross says that parody can never have the force of satire because it seeks to undermine established attitudes in the author’s work (49). Darcy for example shows the original form of parody of the existing social order but it can be seen as an authorized transgression of norms. For example Elizabeth in both novels was displayed as the anti-heroine of romance a parody that accounts for the tough personality of the conqueror and her challenging of modesty by conversation and action (Austen 13). The characters and incidents in the novel pride and prejudice are used to give the audience a taste and critical sense of parody because every incident unfolds in a manner in which it advances the progress of the story (Austen 13). This can be elaborated when â€Å"Darcy walked off, Elizabeth felt her blood turn cold because she had never in her life been so insulted hence the warrior code demanded she av enge her honor† (Austen 13). Bhattacharyya says that it interesting to note how the author deals with parody, satire, and irony in both novels. Bhattacharyya says that â€Å"the readers can notice that the Elizabeth-Darcy story is told with surface romanticism and it contains most of the verbal irony of the novel† (89). On the other hand it is important to note that â€Å"the Wickham-Lydia and Charlotte-Collins episodes are treated romantically with a solid foundation in social realism and with rather sordid and happy implications which in them the functions of parody comes out clearly† (Bhattacharyya 89).   Another example of parody is through Darcy’s realization of his mistake that gradually leads to reconciliation between Jane and Bingley. Besides this we notice that Lydia’s sudden elopement with Wickham leads to the marriage between Elizabeth and Darcy and also Charlotte’s sudden acceptance of Collins’s proposal leads to theirs (Bhattacharyya 89). Parody is demonstrated in the above series of events because one incident leads to the occurrence of another event (marriage) between the characters in the novels. In this context irony is evident. This is because the story becomes uncharacteristically clumsy from this point. This is because irony is illustrated when the reader realizes that the proud man is writing meekly to the girl who has rejected him unconditionally. Bhattacharyya says that satire is demonstrated through the novelistic technique of seduction as a suitable climax which Austen shows a standard chase by an outraged father, a friendly uncle and a now impeccable hero who makes devoted efforts to wed the scheming profligate Wickham to the innocent victim Lydia (90).   In contrast to parody, satire is demonstrated by Austen in pride and prejudice and zombie when Charlotte says â€Å"I wish Jane success with all my heart and if she were married to him tomorrow I should think she had as good chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his character for a twelve month. He further comes out clearly and says that happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life† (20). Satire in this passage is evident because it appears like he is offering a lesson to Jane of what to do and learn when she enters into marriage. In pride and prejudice as well as pride and prejudice and zombies, Jane Austen has given a multitude of characters that bring out the picture of irony, satire, and parody. This is because according to Bhattacharyya the characters are perfectly discriminated from one another as if they are the most eccentric of human beings (94). There is also a sense of pervasive irony in the characters of Jane Austen’s novel. Bhattacharyya says that â€Å"the irony is betrayed in her portraiture of the characters of Elizabeth, Darcy, Collins, Wickham and others† (95). Irony is the soul of the author’s comic view of life because she recognizes the antithesis in human experience that is the contrast between reality and appearance (Bhattacharyya 95). Satire is illustrated through Collins character who besides being a humorous character. Bhattacharyya says that had it not been for Collins, Elizabeth and Darcy could not have come together as they do in the end (97). This is because it was Collins who first gave the information of engagement of Darcy and Elizabeth. Parody on the other hand is demonstrated through Mrs. Bennet who is seen as a woman of mean understanding because though she has been married for twenty years she is shown as unable to judge her husband (Bhattacharyya 97). Her remarks adds parody to the novel and at the same time she does not see the stupidity of Collins but tries to force her daughter to marry him though without success. In conclusion, the functions of satire, parody and irony in the two novels is evident. These three aspects in the two novels help us to gain a good understanding of the characters. They bring humor to the novels thus the comic characters used by the author are significant in different angles of the novels. They act as a guide and to an extent they portrayed in such a manner as to make satire, parody, and irony in their portraiture not too blatant. Satire, parody, and irony do not just give the picture but lets the reader make his or her own judgment. Works cited Bhattacharyya, Jibhesh. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. New Delhi, India: Atlantic Publishers Distributors 2005. Grahame-Smith, Seth and Austen, Jane. Pride and prejudice and zombies: the classic Regency Romance. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books 2009. Polhemus, Robert M.   Erotic Faith: Being in Love from Jane Austen to D. H. Lawrence. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press 1995. Quintero, Ruben. A companion to satire. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell 2007. Ross, Alison. The language of humour. New York, NY: Routledge 1998. Walder, Dennis. The realist novel. New York, NY: Routledge 1995.

Planning Disciplinary Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Planning Disciplinary Interview - Essay Example At any rate, this is a disciplinary issue and must be handled as such to ensure that it does not recur. The company holds a good record in its treatment to employees and there are regular training sessions held to keep the employees abreast the latest technical, procedural and fundamental issues. Nonetheless, the disciplinary procedure is a lengthy process and is dependant on the employee's response. If the employee's response is satisfactory, the matter will be resolved verbally and there may not be any adverse comment on his record that may reflect on his behavior in the times ahead. If his response is not satisfactory, it will become necessary to find solution that will depend on the nature of his response and if it favors the employee (Employee Discipline Policy, 2006). At the time of interview, the employee will undoubtedly be accompanied by one of the union members. The atmosphere will be relaxed but inquisitive. The interview will take place in the Human Resource Department office premises. As an officer in the HR Department, I will occupy the main chair with the table in between and John and the union member facing me. My colleague, Martin, will be seated besides me. It may be that John was in not in proper frame of mind. ... The interview will begin more or less on the following lines: "Hello John, have a seat. What is the problem" If he feigns ignorance, I will spell out the problem and say. "I have come to know you have been rude to Norman. If so, what is your reason for your behavior" It may be that John was in not in proper frame of mind. If he confesses this and expresses an apology, I will call Norman and have John express the apology to Norman and end the matter here over a cup of tea. At the same time, I will express the hope that John will take care not to repeat such behavior in future. Then for all practical purpose, the matter will end here. However, in case John does not express an apology and is firm on the argument that Norman got what he deserved there is a breakdown in communication and this will place John in an awkward position. The company's D@W is also violated and it will be necessary to give it to John in writing about his unbecoming behavior and the company's intolerance to such behavior (Colter, Carolee; Nov-Dec 1991). The company is aware John has a good employment record. The company is also aware John is an emotional person and is prone to react emotionally without realizing the consequences. The interview will make it quite clear that while the company will stand by John in his emotional weakness it will also expect improvement in John's actions in future. Consequently, the company will not fire John. John's work record is favorable. Hence, he has not committed any offence that requires his dismissal. Nonetheless, he has breached the company's D@W policy and John will be taken to task on this issue. It may consist of making a note to this effect on his record

Establishing an existing Australian Organisation to Myanmar Essay

Establishing an existing Australian Organisation to Myanmar - Essay Example VVRS is a manufacture, Trading Company, distributor and wholesaler; most of their products go through manufacturing before selling. Some products are packed and sold for processing in their destined markets, for example, wheat sold to Myanmar packaged into containers or sacks before exportation. Some wheat exports are in pasta form. VVRS Australia commits itself to providing quality service to its customers. The company’s priority is the customers. Ensuring that they enjoy the services provided by the company. The company also values time that their products take in order to reach customers. This report will cover try and cover all Australia as a business spot for both foreign and local investors. It will cover the political environment legal environment economic environment socio-cultural environment technology; lastly, we shall look at a SWOT analysis. The report aims analysing Australia as a potential investing country. The Myanmar government major focus is maintaining of economic and political stability, according to the Myanmar times in 2011 the Myanmar government had undergone some changes. The process of Initiating reforms was already in operation. The determination of this government to adopt a new political system is evident. This was the report in a U.N meeting in May (staff Writers, political will, 16-22). The Myanmar government was under the rule of a military regime until recently in October 2010 when it carried out its first election in 20years.the commencement of parliament in 2011 saw the election of Gen. Thein Sein as their prime minister. The government provides laws that govern the foreign relations, trade defence. The Myanmar government has good economic relations with its neighbours. In order to attract serious foreign investments’ a significant improvement in economic governance, business climate, and political

Interagency disaster management Essay Example for Free

Interagency disaster management Essay Introduction: A disaster can be defined as a serious disruption of the functioning of a society, causing widespread human, material, or environmental losses which exceed the ability of affected society to copy using only its own resources. Disasters are often classified according to their speed of onset (sudden or slow), or according to their cause (natural or man-made). Recent disasters like Hurricane Katrina have exposed the vulnerability of the nation in times of disaster and this has lead to discussions on disaster management. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, ice storms, severe weather, and wildfires can strike any time. They can build over days or weeks, or strike suddenly without warning. Throughout history, people in various parts of the world have suffered due to the unpredictability of natural disasters. Some disasters can be predicted such as floods in valleys, droughts in areas of low rainfall and oil spills in shipping lanes. There can also be manmade unpredictable disasters such as bioterrorism that involves the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Disaster Management: Disasters are inevitable but the destructive impact of disasters can be substantially reduced by adequate preparation, early warning, and swift, decisive responses. Disaster Management encompasses all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters. It applies to management of both risks and consequences of disasters. However, disasters need to be declared to secure the release of government resources for intervention. Government through its various agencies plays a huge role in such prevention and mitigation. This is done through legislation, through resource allocation and through rational planning and sustainable development. State and local governments are closest to those affected by natural disasters, and have always been the lead in response and recovery. The federal government acts in a supporting role, providing assistance, logistical support, and certain supplies. Local government is responsible for providing for the safety and security of citizens in advance of a hurricane. That means they are in charge of developing emergency plans, determining evacuation routes, providing public transportation for those who can’t self-evacuate, and setting up and stocking local shelters with relief supplies. State government is responsible for mobilizing the National Guard, pre-positioning certain assets and supplies, and setting up the state’s emergency management functions. They are also in charge of requesting federal support though the formal disaster declaration process. Federal government is responsible for meeting those requests from the state – before, during and after the disaster. This includes providing logistical support for search and rescue, providing food, water and ice, establishing disaster centers and processing federal disaster claims, and participating in short and long-term public works projects, such as debris removal and infrastructure rebuilding. National Response Plan: The National Response Plan, published on May 25, 2006, by the DHS, provides an all-hazards approach to enhance the ability of the nation to manage domestic disasters. The plan includes best practices and procedures from incident management disciplines—homeland security, emergency management, law enforcement, firefighting, public works, public health, responder and recovery worker health and safety, emergency medical services, and the private sector and integrates them into a unified structure. It forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector during incidents. The National Response Plan aims to save lives and protect the health and safety of the public, responders, and recovery workers and thereby ensure security of the homeland. The National Response Plan establishes a comprehensive all-hazards approach to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents. It forms the basis of how federal departments and agencies will work together and how the federal government will coordinate with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector during incidents. It establishes protocols to help protect the nation from terrorist attacks and other natural and manmade hazards; save lives; protect public health, safety, property, and the environment; and reduces adverse psychological consequences and disruptions to civilian life. The Plan identifies police, fire, public health and medical, emergency management, and other personnel as responsible for incident management at the local level. The Plan enables incident response to be handled at the lowest possible organizational and jurisdictional level. The Plan ensures the seamless integration of the federal government when an incident exceeds local or state capabilities. There are some new Coordinating Features in the National Response Plan such as: †¢ Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC): The HSOC serves as the primary national level multi-agency hub for domestic situational awareness and operational coordination. The HSOC also includes DHS components, such as the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), which has primary responsibility for coordinating communications with the Nation’s critical infrastructure during an incident. †¢ National Response Coordination Center (NRCC): The NRCC, a functional component of the HSOC, is a multi-agency center that provides overall federal response coordination. †¢ Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC): At the regional level, the RRCC coordinates regional response efforts and implements local federal program support until a Joint Field Office is established. †¢ Interagency Incident Management Group (IIMG): A tailored group of senior federal interagency experts who provide strategic advice to the Secretary of Homeland Security during an actual or potential Incident of National Significance. †¢ Joint Field Office (JFO): A temporary federal facility established locally to provide a central point to coordinate resources in support of state, local, and tribal authorities. †¢ Principal Federal Official (PFO): A PFO may be designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security during a potential or actual Incident of National Significance. While individual federal officials retain their authorities pertaining to specific aspects of incident management, the PFO works in conjunction with these officials to coordinate overall federal incident management efforts. The Department of Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in close coordination with the DHS Office of the Secretary, will maintain the National Response Plan. The Plan will be updated to incorporate new Presidential directives, legislative changes, and procedural changes based on lessons learned from exercises and actual events. The Department of Homeland Security: In the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergency, the Department of Homeland Security will assume primary responsibility on March 1st for ensuring that emergency response professionals are prepared for any situation. The department is responsible for providing a coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and mounting a swift and effective recovery effort. According to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 the mission of the Department of Homeland security is to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States; reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that do occur within the United States. Biohazards: Biohazards are biological agents or substances that present or may present a hazard to the health or well-being of the worker or the community. Biological agents and substances include infectious and parasitic agents, noninfectious microorganisms, such as some fungi, yeast, algae, plants and plant products, and animals and animal products that cause occupational disease. Generally, biohazards are either infectious microorganisms, toxic biological substances, biological allergens or any combination of the above. Today, biohazards ar also used as weapons of mass destruction in the hands of terrorists – the use of anthrax virus to spread disease, death, fear and panic among the public is a case in point. As such, biohazards not only come under the purview of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) but also under Department of Homeland Security.

Looking at the opening scenes Of Mice and Men. :: English Literature

Looking at the opening scenes Of Mice and Men. The scene opens on George and Lennie's feet running through the grass, the grass is dripping wet with dew and whipping their feet as they run. Their shoes are old and tattered as if they have not been able to afford new ones for a very long time. Through the silence you can hear the beating of Lennies heart, he can sense the fear in George and this makes him panic as well, rapid music gradually joins in with the beating of his heart. The camera slowly drifts up George's body, it is out of focus slightly, as it gets to the face it gradually gets back into focus and you can see the sheer terror on his face. His eyes are moving from side to side, scouting the area for anybody that poses a threat. It suddenly switches to a flashback. We open in the middle of a field , for miles all you can see is red poppies, swaying in the gentle breeze, the camera slowly starts to rotate to show that the field is empty. As it gets back to where it started from a young pretty girl appears, she has a dreamy expression on her face as if she is thinking of something, we are left guessing at what it is. She gently plucks one of the poppies out and tenderly peels off the petal's one by one, while she continues to do this she starts to stroll towards the camera, the camera focuses on Lennie in the distance. There is an expression of curiosity on his face, his eyes are very wide and his head is a little tilted to the side. He starts to walk very slowly towards her; still with the same curious expression upon his face. The music is slow and calm; suddenly Lennie's expression changes it becomes more determined and eager to capture a closer glimpse, his pace picks up and so does the music, it becomes more rapid and dramatic. As soon as Lennie reaches the girl, the music stops, she is humming and gazing up at the sky looking as if she doesn't have a care in the world. You can hear her breathing getting g slow and shallow as Lennie runs his fingers through the soft material of her dress, it slips through his fingers like water. She withdraws a deep gasp of air. The scene changes to a farmyard full of young men , whistling and laughing with each other; suddenly, an ear-piercing scream echoes around the small farmyard, birds fly from all the near by trees, and

Hebrew History Essay

Question #1 What were the major eras/events in Hebrew history? What importance do they have in Western Civilizations? Is the Bible a reasonably accurate source for the History of the Jewish people from the Egyptian captivity to the Babylonian captivity? The history of the Hebrew people is marked by war, internal conflict and an ongoing struggle for survival. Along the way, the Hebrews have crafted a rich tapestry of accomplishments through perseverance and faith. On more than one occasion, the majority of the Hebrew people have been enslaved. At other times, they were powerful and unquestioned rulers of their domain. A timeline of Jewish history shows these remarkable contrasts. The best contemporary source for the early origins of the Hebrew people is the Bible. This book contains a detailed chronology of the Hebrew people, their culture and their faith over a centuries-long time span. The first five books of the Bible comprise the Jewish Torah. These five books trace the creation of the world, its destruction by flood, the enslavement of the Jewish people, their escape, and the establishment of the nation of Israel. The thriving nation, would not last, though. It was subjugated by the Babylonians in the 700s B.C.E. In between the Egyptian and Babylon enslavements, the Hebrew people took an epic journey. According to the Bible Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt in about 1446 B.C.E. Shortly after, The Ten Commandments were given by God, laying the foundation for all future Jewish law. Thirty years after the Israelites entered Canaan, the Judges began their rule. A spectacular temple was completed in Jerusalem in about 959 B.C.E. A number of brutal wars followed in the next century. Israel itself had become a divided nation by this time. A weakened Israel had fallen captive to the Babylonians by about 586 B.C.E. The Torah is essentially a contemporary account, written by Moses and other early Jewish leaders. It spans from the creation of the world to the entry of the Hebrews into Canaan after escaping the Egyptians. The rest of the Old Testament chronicles the history of the Israeli nation, in addition to containing numerous prayers, songs, prophesies and accounts of miraculous happenings. Apart from the Biblical account, the Jewish people are mentioned in Egyptian texts dating back to 1440 B.C.E. Early Jewish history is intimately tied to the ancient Egyptian empires. Hebrew history has had a profound effect on Western Civilization. The Christian Bible, which contains the Jewish Torah along with centuries of historical accounts of Jewish culture, and is still the most widely read book in the world. Christ himself was Jewish. The Hebrews also contributed technical knowledge to the Western world. For example, the famous glassmakers of Italy were preceded by the Jewish glassmakers of ancient times. It is they who were primarily responsible for introducing this art to the world. For many, the Bible is the only credible source tracing history back to its origins. For Christians and non-Christians alike it shapes perception of the world around us. Orthodox Hebrews never accepted the Bible’s New Testament as doctrine. Instead of being the messiah, Christ is regarded as a prophet or teacher. As Christianity spread around the world, the Hebrew people were increasingly scapegoated for Christ’s death and persecuted for their rejection of him as the messiah. A deep anti-Semitism set in across Europe and spread to the new world. This has resulted in dire consequences throughout history and especially in the twentieth century. The Bible is a detailed and moving account of Jewish history. It is constructed dually as a book of history and a book of faith. Therefore, it cannot be expected to give a complete picture of all the complexities present in the development of the Hebrew nation. It is written from the perspective of a small fraction of the participants. In the following centuries scholars modified some portions of the text. Some other portions were deleted or lost. Given the lack of alternate perspectives in the Bible, it is clear that the writers and caretakers of it took extraordinary care to present and preserve the story as they believed it to be. As a result it gives us a series of signposts that, in many cases, are confirmed by other ancient texts and oral traditions. The details will always be a matter of individual perception, but the Bible does provide a relatively accurate road map to the history of these extraordinary people. The most critical event in the history of Judaism is their deliverance from four hundred years of slavery to the Egyptian Pharaoh. According to the Bible, Moses and his brother Aaron were chosen to lead the Hebrew people on this miraculous escape. After several plagues were put upon the Egyptian people the Pharaoh was finally convinced to let the people go. He soon changed his mind, but the Red Sea swallowed up the Egyptian army as they tried to pursue the Hebrews. The Hebrew tribes lived in the desert for forty years until God allowed them to enter the promised land of Canaan. While the Hebrews were in the desert many of the Jewish rites and traditions were created that are still practiced today. Entering Canaan would not be easy, however. The Israelites waged war and defeated many of the tribes already living in the area. The land was divided into twelve subsections, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Hundreds of years of wars and in-fighting followed as the nation of Israel tried to establish itself. Archaeological evidence found in recent years seems to confirm many events related in the Bible. The evidence also raises more questions, however. Archaeology and modern science has its limitations. Many of the major events in the Bible are backed up by modern evidence. It is more difficult to ascertain why and how these events happened. Question #2 In what way were the economic foundations of the Roman and the Han empires similar? How do you account for the similarity? How were they different? What were the consequences of the differences? During the Han dynasty, the Chinese economy underwent substantial changes. At the beginning of the period the economy was primarily based on subsistence farming. Trading activity was minimal and most farms were small family-run operations. Later in this period, a more substantial trade network emerged. A peasant class somewhat dependent on trade markets became more widespread. Grain and rice were the primary crops of the region. They were often used to pay for other goods and services. Rice crops were particularly robust as farmers constantly improved their farming methods. A trend toward commercialization of these products characterized this period. Industry also began to emerge during this period. Inventors, so prolific during the early part of the dynasty, began to lag behind their counterparts on other continents during the late part of the dynasty. The expansion of trade networks also dried up. The caused an economic vulnerability that enemies would effectively exploit. The Roman Empire became an economic powerhouse based essentially on its continual conquest of new areas. Eventually, this strength would become weaknesses. The Roman economy had several different weaknesses that played a role in the ultimate collapse of the empire. The Roman Empire economy specialized in luxury goods, architecture and infrastructure, and creating war-related materiel’. In pre-conquest times the Roman economy was much smaller, but it was also better balanced. Farms surrounded and supplied a central city-state where merchants, tradesmen and a professional class worked. The expansion of the empire forced the Romans to adopt a new monetary system based on both silver and gold. The availability of these metals varied causing the value of each in relation to the other to change frequently. This creation caused confusion and a lack of full faith in the monetary system in the years when the empire was expanding most rapidly. This, in turn, set the table for further difficulties down the road. As the empire became less centralized the cost of maintaining it rose consistently. Meanwhile income revenues were less dependable and predictable. Emperors began to rely heavily on slave labor and taxation to support the empire. Defending the widespread empire entailed enormous costs. Over time the empire became stretched too thin. In a desperate effort to remain financially viable, the Roman emperors reduced the actual content of silver and gold within their coinage. In other words, the face value of the coins was more than they were actually worth. The creation of a widely practiced monetary system allowed the economy to diversify and innovate. When the monetary system became less reliable the opposite began to occur. Due to slave labor, heavy taxation and other factors, economic innovation in Rome ground to a halt. The Romans could no longer afford to arm and equip their vast army. Far-flung outposts of Roman power became increasingly vulnerable. The â€Å"barbarians† from northern Europe were eventually able to penetrate the heart of the Roman Empire. Essentially, the Roman Empire operated an early example of free market capitalism. Their version of capitalism had several flaws that ultimately led to its destruction. Free market capitalism on this scale would not emerge again for many centuries. The fates of the Roman and Han empires exposed an ironic fact about economics and national security. When trade with outside entities peaked, so did the relative power of the empires. On the other hand, when trade was cut off or simply dried up, the empires were exposed to great risk. Their fates also showed the vulnerability of economies based in a large part on slave labor. In the Roman Empire, slaves were acquired from conquered territories and made to do much of the work that kept the empire operating smoothly. In the Han dynasty, people actually sold themselves and their families into slavery. Slave labor is inherently inefficient. Even for those who willingly sold themselves into slavery, production levels are rarely as great as that of free workers. Both economies eventually frowned on the use of slavery in such a widespread way, but economic stagnation had already set in. Both empires might be viewed as examples of the dangers of over-expansion. This is especially true of the Romans, who primarily relied on their war gains to support their economy. When the pace of conquest slowed, so did the economy. The Han dynasty differs in its initial focus on subsistence farming before converting to a more consumer-based economy. Both economies had their strong and weak points, but the Roman economy was particularly vulnerable to collapse. Question #3 What effects did the Indian Ocean trade have on the societies that took part in it? How is trade related to the dissemination of technology? Define the term â€Å"Africanity† and explain the development of â€Å"Africanity† in terms of Bantu migrations. Ancient Indian Ocean trade not only introduced new goods to various societies; it also began a centuries-long spread of information, technology, religion, language and culture. Trade across the Indian Ocean was well-established at least two thousand years ago. Cities sprung up along the African and Middle Eastern coasts. In this time port cities were primarily isolated from inland areas, meaning that the coastal cities developed unique identities of their own. Kinship and trade among the coastal cities in different regions led to a â€Å"de-nationalization† of these peoples. A sailor was a sailor first, and the citizen of a specific regime second. These sailors often married women in far away points. The wives, in effect, served as bridges between cultures. Generally speaking, using sea routes for trading was much less expensive than moving goods over land. Also overland routes were often blocked or impeded by armed forces or bandits. As Indian Ocean ship building improved, what resulted was an ancient version of globalism. The cross-cultural social and economic effects we see today were present in antiquity on a smaller scale. The relatively vast distances necessary to travel the Indian Ocean gave rise to new techniques and methods in shipbuilding. These methods were diffused across cultures along with improvements in tools, farming methods and other technologies. Ships were capable of transporting goods farther than ever before. There is strong evidence of an ancient trade triangle between Southern Africa, Egypt and India. There is also evidence that early traders ventured as far as Java in the Far East. As today, not everybody in ancient times was content with these cross-cultural influences. As the Islamic empire grew, an increasing number of Africans became affected by their influence. Some were content with this and other outside influences. Others may not have been. In about 1000 B.C.E. the first of several large migrations began. â€Å"Africanity† is a term of identity for the African people. It is distinctly different and less clearly defined than identifiers for other cultures. In fact, African languages have no one specific word for â€Å"identity†. In our language identity refers to an independent individual with clear boundaries from other individuals. In Africa, identity is more complex. Instead of being a static identifier, â€Å"Africanity† refers to an ongoing process of finding one’s identity within the larger culture. There is no singular identity. One’s identity is always being formed and is dependent on interaction with others. Africanity also is expressed discovering one’s differences from others. It is also a come to be a term of resistance to the imposed definitions of identity from the Europeans and others. Africans are not so comfortably identified in terms of a geographic description as Europeans or Americans might be. Identity is a process rather than a label. The Bantu are a large group of Africans loosely defined by language and tribal connections. In several large waves, the Bantu migrated throughout Africa. They diffused their language, culture and technological developments while also absorbing characteristics of the people they came into contact with. The Bantu migrated primarily from north to south over about 1500 years. Their possible reasons were numerous and still somewhat mysterious. Overpopulation and the lack of arable land for agriculture are often cites as reasons for this tremendous population shift. Others have proposed more primal reasons. Were the Bantu migrations an expression of â€Å"Africanity†? Some Bantu were moving away from attacks by outside empires. More pervasive were the encroaching cultural and religious influences that some Bantu may have felt were drawing them away from their own pursuit of identity and forcing outside standards upon them. There is still a lot of debate as to why such a large number of Bantu migrated throughut Africa in successive waves. It may have been strictly economic or there may have been deeper elements involved. Whatever their reason; their integration and diffusion of other African societies and their knack for survival are in their own ways expressions of Africanity. Question #5 Discuss the origins of Islam, and the development of the religion of Islam, the umma, and the three branches of Islam (Sunni, Shiite, and Kharijite). What were the causes of the decline of the caliphate? The faith of Islam is thousands of years old. It traces its history to many of the same characters mentioned in the Bible and the Torah. For instance, Abraham is a central figure in all three texts. Islam would go on to take unique perspectives and characteristics from the other two, partially due to regional differences. As individual religions became the main defining characteristic of competing nation states, wars in the name of religion became commonplace. The primary figure in the development of Islam was the prophet Mohammed. He was born approximately 570 B.C. in the town of Mecca (in modern day Saudi Arabia). He rejected the polytheism commonly practiced around him in favor of one God, called Allah. In his 40s, Mohammed began receiving divine revelations which he dutifully recorded for posterity. These revelations formed the central part of the Qu’ran, the book of faith for the religion of Islam. Lacking acceptance from his peers, and from Jewish and Christian critics, Mohammed moved his ministry to the city of Medina. From Mohamed’s time all the way to the present day differing views on the Qu’ran have caused conflict within the Muslim world. There is a very strict constructionist view of the book that demands adherence to the book’s tenets even when taken to extreme levels. On the other side a more moderate wing of Islamic leaders who believe that contact and cooperation with the non-Islamic world is not living in violation of the Qu’ran. After Mohammed’s death, there was no clear successor to his leadership. Various local sects competed for this leadership with three main groups emerging – Sunni, Shiite and Kharijite. To this day the three groups have doctrinal differences that sometimes result in bitter conflicts. Each group claims a different line of succession tracing all the way back to Mohammed himself. For instance, the Shi’a believe that the legitimate line of leadership must run directly through the family of Mohammed, while the Sunni and others believe that leadership can be politically elected from outside Mohammed’s family tree. During Mohammed’s life the influence of Islam remained primarily within the Arabian Peninsula. Shortly after his death Islamic armies began to conquer nearby regions, eventually reaching Western Europe and Israel. Early Islam also promoted the acquisition of scientific knowledge. As a result, early Islamic society was highly advanced. The Umma is a term that describes a wide variety of Islamic people. It includes Islamic people in all primary spheres of Islamic influence. Most commonly, the Umma refers to all Islamic peoples from Africa to the easternmost point of Pakistan. The term dates back to ancient Islam. The centralization of the Islamic governmental structure lasted about 200 years. By the end of this period powerful emirs began to rule individual kingdoms within the empire. Control by a centralized caliphate was proving to be impractical and unresponsive to the defensive needs of certain localized areas. Eminent scholars argued increasingly that the security of the Umma was at risk under the caliphate system. Many leaders wanted to maintain the caliphate while also delegating more day-to-day management to local authorities. This idea gradually began to take hold. Meanwhile, waves of Turkish and Selijug and other immigrants helped accelerate the process toward local emirates. Economic and security factors eroded the Caliphate and gave rise to a network of smaller emirates.

Eu Integration Theories-Neofunctionalism

EEU Integration Theories:Neo-Functionalism â€Å"Any comprehensive theory of integration should potentially be a theory of disintegration. † (Schmitter, 2002: 4) Introduction Neo-functionalism, as the first integration theory of EU to form a regional cooperation, is a theory of collective security and collective development but there was a compromise, a negative side: interdependence; sometimes `excessively? to a supranational authority and the risk of by-passing of nation state.The balance of the scale was rather sensitive and it was both supported and rejected by many passionately. This paper tries to find an answer to the question â€Å"What is the significance of the neo-functionalist theory for integration process of the EU and what are the dynamics and causes of the decline in mid 1960s and its renaissance after 1980s? † and deals with the theory from a very limited perspective. Its predecessors and successors will be kept out of discussion but a closer view to th e phases of neo-functionalism will be provided.The main argument of this paper is that, in its first phase between 1950s until the mid 1960s, neo-functionalism suffered from abstraction of the power of nation state in a period in which supranational governance was not thoroughly internalized; whereas, with the deepening of integration process and theoretical contributions by scholars, enabled neo-functionalism to see the reality of integration through a more realist and mature perspective and to be more comprehensive in terms of realizing the power of myriads of actors in the integration process during its second phase after mid 1980s.In the first part, definition of neo-functionalism and its importance in the post WW II context will be given. In the second part, the theory will be elaborated with its core concepts and in the third part, criticisms of the theory will be given from both empirical and theoretical grounds. In the fourth and last part, the recent history of neo-function alism will be evaluated and the revival period will be elabotared in connection with the recent aspects of European integration. 1. Definition of Neo-functionalism and its importance in the post WW II context The Europe after the two world wars had a catastrophic burden.Although numbers vary, around 35 million in the first and around 55 million casualties depicted the highest number of losses in the history of mankind. As a precursor to United Nations, League of Nations failed to prevent the road to the second world war primarily due to lacking an armed forces of its own; moreover, nation states hardly had the enthusiasm to support any formation that limited their sovereignty. The pain and destruction after the two wars created an incentive to cooperate for further economic and human losses.Neo-functionalism is conceptualized by Ernst B. Haas in this context to explain boosting of regional cooperation and create interdependence in such a way that any conflict would result in great e conomic losses, which prevents rational states from further conflicts. â€Å"Then came along the political project of creating a united Europe, which had the result of creating a myriad of institutions in which very, very many people participated. †¦ These institutions developed a permanence through which both French and German †¦ learned to do routine business with each other every day.A problem which they experienced was a common problem. †¦ first comes the traumatic lesson, then comes the institution for learning to deal with each other† (Haas, 2000: 16 in Risse, 2004:1). The case of European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was the example that Haas took to exemplify this cooperation to integration process. The ECSC was the first organisation based on supranational integration, with the states that composed them pooling a whole range of national powers (European Nagivator, The European Communities).Until it was merged to the European Commission in 1967, The High Authority governed the ECSC to provide a common market in terms of coal and steel. â€Å"The Six (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) opted for integration and supranationalism as the means of unification. † (Henig, 1997:12) For Haas, political integration is â€Å"the process whereby political actors in several distinct national settings are persuaded to shift their loyalties, expectations, and political activities toward a new centre, whose institutions possess or demand jurisdiction over the pre-existing national states† (Haas 1958,16).According to neo-functionalist thinking â€Å"the fundamental idea was that international relations shouldn`t be seen as a zero sum game, and that everybody wins when countries become involved in processes of economic and political integration† (Stroby-Jensen in Cini, 2007:84). The main reason for this arguments is one of the key concepts of neo-functionalism, namely spillover, which will be su bstantiated in the next part. 2. Main concepts of Neo-functionalist theory The Spillover thesisNeo-functionalist theory assumes that cooperation in a certain area triggers cooperation in several other areas areas (sometimes not previously planned ones) to achieve a through integration in the original area and creates new political goals (Stroby-Jensen in Cini, 2007:84). According Neo-functionalism the logic of spillover is central to explain the expansive logic of European integration and in this part three main types of spill over will be briefly identified to understand this expansive logic with a closer view.The first type of spill over is the functional or technical spillover, which suggests some sectors are so interdependent to each other that, it is impossible to isolate them and further integration is the key to prevent further problems. In other words, it takes place â€Å"when integration in one industry/sector creates its own impetus and necessitates further integration b oth in the same, and in other industries/sectors† (Howell, 2002:17).The second type is the political spillover according to which policy areas are purposefully linked together due to ideological reasons, sometimes as â€Å"package deals† (Stroby-Jensen in Cini, 2007:85). With such integration, the actors will realise their benefits in the international level instead of national one and form international coalitions (Haas, 1968:34). So the elites will learn to pursue their benefits in the international level and â€Å"refocus their activities, expectations and even loyalties to the new center† (Tranholm-Mikkelsen, 1991:4).The third type of spillover is the cultivated spillover which puts emphasis on central institutions like the Commission especially when nation states aren`t willingful for further integration. So it is assumed â€Å"that the European Commission will be pro-active in the management of European integration† (Howell, 2002:17). But the importa nt point here is that the central institutions such as the Commission act â€Å"not only as mediators, but also more directly as agents of political integration or as `policy enterpreneurs`† (Stroby-Jensen in Cini, 2007:85).Elite Socialization and Supranational Interest Group Thesis The second and the third thesis of neo-functionalism are elite socialization thesis and supranational interest group thesis. â€Å"The elite socialization thesis describes that over time civil servants and politicians involved on a regular basis in the supranational policy process will tend to develop European loyalties and preferences† (Mailand, 2005:6). This loyalty would result in prioritizing the European interests rather than the national ones in the framework of pan-European norms and ideas.This formation of European-minded agents result in a common European identity. The latter one, the supranational interest group thesis, argues the presence of interest groups putting pressure on go vernments to accelerate the integration process based on their economic and political interests. â€Å"Organized interest groups are also expected to become more European, as corporations and business groups formulate their own interests with an eye to the supranational institutions† (Stroby-Jensen in Cini, 2007:87).They â€Å"may ally themselves with supranational institutions like the European Commission in pursuing their agendas† (Ozcan, 2008:8). 3. Main criticisms for the Neo-functionalist theory The power of a theory is closely related with its accuracy of prediction. That is why neo-functionalism was considered to be quite convincing around 1950s and 1960s. From the middle of 1960 the theory suffered a great deal due to the incompatibilities with reality until its renaissance around mid 1980s due to the developments in integration process.But in this part the main criticisms towards neo-functionalism before its revival will be elaborated with its imperfections un der empirical and theoretical grounds. From an empirical grounds perspective, due to its attempt for being a grand theory, neo-functionalist school put forward some great assumptions, the most attention drawing of which is the emphasis on incremental integration rather than with fluctuations during the integration process of Europe.On the one hand, compared to its predecessor functionalism (as mentioned at the beginning of the paper, due to the limitations, the contextual approach to neo-functionalism is abstracted from this paper), neo-functionalism takes into consideration the non-automated integration; but on the other hand, ironically, based on spill over concept, neo-functionalism did not take into consideration the possibility of spill-back until the middle of 1960s, which can shortly be defined as the process of disintegration and â€Å"withdraw from joint obligations† (Schmitter, 2002:20), and downgrading their commitment to mutual cooperation.The most explicit exampl e would be the Empty Chair Crisis â€Å"From 30 June 1965 to 29 January 1966, in disagreement with the Commission of the European Communities on the financing of the common agricultural policy (CAP), France's representatives refuse to attend any intergovernmental meetings of the Community bodies in Brussels† (European Navigator, The Empty Chair Crisis). The French president Charles de Gaulle who had a military background created a huge crisis which ended up with the Luxembourg Compromise in 1966.The main reason for this was the gradual transition from unanimous voting to qualified-majority voting as provided for in the Treaty of Rome with effect from 1966 (Europa Glossary, Luxembourg Compromise). The crisis due to the intergovernmental view of French government formed the end of the first phase of neo-functionalism, leaving its place to a nation-state dominated perception of integration. From a theoretical grounds perspective, neo-functionalist school was criticized for the i nability to predict the nature of integration.Concerning this, even Haas himself acknowledged that â€Å"What once appeared to be a distinctive `supranational? style now looks more like a huge regional bureaucratic appendage to an intergovernmental conference in permanent session. † (Haas, 1975:6). As it is mentioned in the empirical grounds part, the concept of spill over was seen not to reflect the realities of integration process all the time. The second important critique from a theoretical point of view is towards the elite socialization thesis, which mainly assumes the development of supranational loyalties and identities.This criticism argues that in fact it is not possible to separate the servants from their national roots and even if they are paid and appointed by a supranational authority, they may still have a â€Å"larger ear† (Dihm, 2010: Field Trip to Brussels Meeting) for their national backgrounds either due to due their previous networks or nationalist sentiments. The third criticism focuses on the nature of neo-functionalism, which gives the main importance on the supranational character of international relations.Again taking into consideration the empirical criticism, the intergovernmental aspect was underestimated in case of national interests by the neo-functionalist school and the main criticism was towards an analysis which is more centered on intergovernmental aspects. 4. The revival of Neo-functionalism in the late 1980s and early 1990s Although Neo-functionalism lost its popularity after the middle of 1960s (after a period of popularity in 1950s and first half of 1960s), it started to gain its popularity due to the revitalization of EU integration process.This renewed interest is closely associated with the Single European Act (1986) which brought forward creation of an internal market in EU until 1992. â€Å"To facilitate the establishment of the internal market, the act provides for increasing the number of cases in which the Council can take decisions by qualified majority voting instead of unanimity† (Europa. eu, Single European Act). This accelerated the integration process in many ways besides removing trade barriers only, making the concept of spillover frequently referred to once again after a long slumber.Nevertheless according to some, this renewal would not be sufficient to understand the linear progression of social events. â€Å"As social scientists, we wish for theories about the social world to build on each other in some linear fashion but more often than not we observe, instead, a cyclical pattern by which different schools of thought replace each other in commanding out attention over time. Leading figures in the various theoretical traditions follow this same pattern† (Orru, 1988:115).But this was merely a cyclical pattern in fact when a closer analysis is made concerning the main theoretical aspects of the renaissance of neo-functionalism. After the theory strengt hened by the developments in EU, the most significant contribution came from Alec Stone Sweet and Wayne Sandholtz`s â€Å"European Integration and Supranational Governance†. Their main argument is given at the beginning of their article as â€Å"We argue that European integration is provoked and sustained by the development of causal connections between three factors: transnational exchange, supra-national organization, and European Community (EC) rule-making. (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:297) and their main emphasis is on â€Å"cross-border transactions and communications that generate a social demand for EC rules and regulation† and institutionalization due to EC rules and as endresult â€Å"this process provokes further integration† (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:297). As seen above, their theory is based on a sense of causality and their position is in between the intergovernmental and supranational politics which is seen as a continuum and â€Å"the conti nuum measures the increasing influences of three factors on policy-making processes and outcomes within any given policy sector.These factors are: (1) supranational organizations; (2) supranational rules; and (3) transnational society† (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:303). Bargaining takes place between a number of actors to decide on which end of the continuum is more predominant during the decision making process; nevertheless, since they also take into consideration the intergovernmental aspect, they argue â€Å"the grand bargains are, by definition, intergovernmental† (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:307).They not only take into consideration the intergovernmental policies, but also accept them existing in all stages and parts of the decision making system by saying â€Å" In fact, intergovernmental decision-making is ubiquitous in the EC, present even at the far right-hand pole of our continuum [which is Supranational Politics]† (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:306) .What they take as their starting point to their theory constitutes the core point of their argument, which is the society as the determinant actor especially â€Å"non-state actors who engage in trans-actions and communications across national borders, within Europe† (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:306). It will be the people to demand a certain standard of European rules standards and â€Å"as transnational exchange rises, so does the societal demand for supranational rules and organizational capacity to regulate† (Stone-Sweet, Sandholtz, 1997:306).Stone-Sweet and Sandholtz also make a check of their argument by looking at â€Å"Eurosclerosis†. â€Å"The period from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s in the context of European integration is often referred to as an era of stagnation or eurosclerosis. † (Awesti, 2006:2). Stone-Sweet and Sandholtz argue that during this period starting from the Empty Chair Crisis to The Single European Act in other words  " In the worst days of ‘Eurosclerosis' in the 1970s, levels of intra-EC trade and other forms of exchange soared† and they point out a direct correlation between the integration process and the exchanges that take place.As seen, transaction based integration theory is depicted as a process which is mainly driven by the volume of transactions taking place for a thorough integration process by triggering a vast extent of regulations in myriads of areas. Conclusion Mentioned as the first words of this paper â€Å"Any comprehensive theory of integration should potentially be a theory of disintegration† (Schmitter, 2002:4), Schmitter highlights that the strength and weakness of neo-functionalism is rather similar and what creates integration may end up with disintegrative consequences.Being accepted as the first of the integration theories, neo-functionalism has had a very debated place due to its defying characteristics against the sovereignty of nation states. When a ll the information given above is summed up, it would be possible to say that the time span in which a theory exists in, is crucial for its existence. In other words, the perceptions and conditions of its age is of great importance to decide on the consistency of a theory.Neo-functionalism suffered due to the theoretical assumptions and the realities of integration process in its first phase; nevertheless, the notion of supranationality seemed to be better absorbed and digested by the nation-states in its second phase. Another significant determinant factor about the life of a theory that one can deduct by looking at the example of neo-functionalism is the level of abstractions. How much a theory shall abstract and accept is a major question and although in the first phase Haas didn`t totally deny the authority of nation-states, due to the sensitivities of the age, the theory weakened considerably.Even if they don? t define themselves as neo-functionalists, Stone-Sweet and Sandholtz `s approach to integration process as a continuum between the two poles of sovereignty brought a fresh start for the decision-making and integration process of EU. All in all, today neo-functionalism with its renewed form, is one of the most significant theories to observe and understand the dynamics of integration process of EU together with all the bargaining process that takes place between the actors involved.

Word Choice Cord vs. Chord - Proofeds Writing Tips Blog

Word Choice Cord vs. Chord Word Choice: Cord vs. Chord Homonyms are words that sound identical but differ in meaning. As you might have already found, these tricky terms can be problematic. Fear not, though! Proofed is here to guide you through your vocabulary-based crises. Today in our ongoing Word Choice series, we tackle â€Å"cord† and â€Å"chord,† which are confusingly similar even before you get into their tangled etymologies (which, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll ignore). Cord (A String or Rope) The noun â€Å"cord† can mean a number of things, but the most common uses are to mean â€Å"a length of rope† or â€Å"an electrical cable.† Specifically, the term â€Å"cord† is used when describing flexible material thicker than a string but thinner than a rope, or the insulated wire connecting an electrical device to power source: After wrestling Jeremy to the ground, Matilda hogtied him with a length of cord. It was an hour before Boris realized his computer was missing its power cord. Another common context in which the word â€Å"cord† appears is medicine, where it applies to certain anatomical structures (e.g., â€Å"umbilical cord,† â€Å"vocal cords†). There are a few additional definitions too, such as a measurement for cut wood or the raised ribs on corduroy pants; these latter meanings are quite specialized though, so you probably don’t need to memorize them. Chord (A Pleasing Musical Arrangement) The word â€Å"chord† is a noun describing â€Å"three or more musical tones being played simultaneously.† On guitar, for example, the chord C is composed of the notes C, E and G. As such, â€Å"chord† is usually found in musical contexts: As soon as I heard the opening chords of â€Å"Born to Run,† I was an instant Springsteen fan. Sometimes â€Å"chord† is also used metaphorically, such as when we say something â€Å"struck a chord† with someone, which means to have made an emotional impact or evoke a reaction: Harriet didn’t care for politics, but the senators speech said had struck a chord with the whole crowd. Cord or Chord? Once you know what these words mean, it’s fairly easy to know which to use in any given situation. Simply ask yourself the following question: Are you describing a length of flexible material or an electrical wire? Or an anatomical structure? If so, use â€Å"cord.† Are you describing something musical? Or using the idiom â€Å"strike a chord†? If so, the term you’ll want is â€Å"chord.† Keep these guidelines in mind to avoid mixing them up in your written work. And to make doubly sure your papers are free from this kind of mistake, you can’t beat the expert eyes of a professional proofreader.