Abstract In this paper the author looks back in time to the origins of writing and notes and shows that there is new archaeological evidence to suggest that the cuneiform system of writing existed even prior to the Sumer. The author then moves on to examine Egyptian forms for writing and various Semitic languages.
From the paper:
"More than 300 clay tablets with a variety of images on them have already been discovered by Dreyer. Among the symbols found on the tablets are scorpions with trees, scorpions with plants, stylized birds, dogs and fish and various other decorative plant-forms".
Abstract This paper shows the learning processes of young children through play and how a study of the results of this can be used in formal and informal educational settings. An overriding principle will be that play is both natural and important for children. Through play, children learn about their world.
From the Paper:
"All these educators had some similarities. They all looked for ways to capitalize on the child's inherent nature and tendency to explore his world. They all recognized the young child as a concrete learner who learns best with hands-on activities."
Abstract This paper compares cultural attitudes on death and afterlife with focus on the Mesopotamian views about death in relation to their respective material culture.
From the paper:
"There were many ways that the Ancient Egyptian society and the Mesopotamian society were similar yet at the same time they were very different. Egyptians and Sumerians agreed on religion in a sense that both cultures were polytheistic. However, the relationships between the gods and goddesses were different between the Sumerians and Egyptians."
Abstract This paper defined disease as anything impairing the normal state or functioning of the body as a whole or of any of its parts, explaining how certain diseases are short lived, but severe, others chronic. The author classifies diseases by their cause and how infectious they may be.
From the paper:
"Disease can be defined as anything impairing the normal state or functioning of the body as a whole or of any of its parts. Some diseases are short lived, but they are accompanied by severe symptoms. Others are chronic, or diseases that last a long time. Diseases are classified by their cause; this could be a virus, bacteria, rickettsias, or protozoa. Fungi and parasitic worms can also cause diseases. Human, certain animals and insects, and infected objects can transmit only infectious diseases. Chemical and physical agents such as drugs, poisons, and radiation can also cause disease."
Abstract This paper approaches the San situation from an anthropological perspective, and addresses development as well. The author looks at how the San culture has undergone major changes.
The paper gives a brief history and ethnography of the !Kung San. It discusses San settlement, gives a detailed history of the conflict, as well as outlining the current San situation.
From the paper:
"With the help of the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy and Integrated Rural Development, the Nyae Nyae have also managed to establish an area of land where communities have control over natural resource management (Hitchcock & Beisele, 2002). Community based natural resource management is one of the most important aspects of development for the San. By controlling access to natural resources, the San can ensure their survival. Accomplishments such as those of the Nyae Nyae are to be applauded, and looked to for models of how to achieve autonomy. To make this kind of development possible however, communities need skills in management, administration, and finance. Fortunately several NGOs have been able to provide this for some of the San (Hitchcock, 2002)."
From the paper:
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Tags: africa, anthropology, development, exploitation, human, rights, san
Abstract This paper looks at the chivalric code that was required of a knight during medieval times. The author discusses who became knights, who they held allegiance to, how they behaved at tournaments, and their strong sense of loyalty. The paper also discusses how such knights were supposed to display great heroism, strength, bravery, and politeness towards women.
From the Paper "The knights in the aristocratic courts represented the chivalric virtues and vowed their allegiance and service as to be their primary and foremost responsibility. The knight was one of the three types of fighting men that used to fight in the battleground during the time of the middle ages. Becoming a knight was a part of a feudal agreement. These knights had a firm and strict belief in the code of chivalry. These knights took a pledge that they would always defend the weak and the powerless that are defenseless against any sort of tyranny and oppression. The other codes of conduct they pledged to obey were that they would always be extremely courteous to all women and all ladies."
Abstract This essay describes the beginning of the colonization of Africa in 1884 and its cessation in the 1960's. The essay connects colonization to the massacre in Rwanda, starvation, disease, warfare and the catastrophe between the Tutsi and the Hutu.
From the Paper "At the time of this conference in which other countries would decide who should control what in Africa, 80% of the continent of Africa was under traditional and local control. Only the coastal areas of Africa had been colonized by the European powers at this time, and so the aim for control was focused over the interior of the continent. The conference lasted until February 26, 1885, when the wrangling and redrawing of borders was finished at last. With little or no attention given to the best interests of the citizens living on the African continent, the result of the conference was that Africa was divided up into fifty countries, the random borders of which were determined by the delegates from the Western powers without regard to the cultural and linguistic boundaries already established by the indigenous African population."
Abstract This paper examines the iconography of the gods and goddesses within traditional Indonesian art, looking at the ways in which they are dressed reflect larger stylistic concerns within the culture as well as illuminating the relationship between the gods and their worshippers.
From the Paper "Before examining this particular issue in greater detail it is important that we provide an overview of the country's religious mix and heritage. The majority of the current population is Muslim, but it is an Islam strongly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the islands" older, indigenous pagan and animistic beliefs. The island of Bali is home to most Indonesians of Hindu descent, while in the current day there are small Christian population scattered throughout the country. There are also followers of Confucianism.?
Abstract This paper explores the ways in which a heterogeneous group of people come over time, because of historical events as well as some shared characteristics, to see themselves as belonging to a group. The idea of self-determination is very much based on an idea that the group identity is more important than individual differences, and by examining the history of the Kurds we come to have a sense of how cultural differences can be forged into a single social and nationalistic identity.
Table of contents
Introduction
Geography
Origins of Kurds
Demographics
Language
Religion
Birth of Kurdish Nationalism
Political History to 1946
The Mahabad Republic
Recent History
Conclusion
From the Paper ?Many Americans may have only a vague idea of where Kurdistan is, which might reflect only a vague geographical sense of a people far away from the United States. But it also must reflect the fact that Kurdistan as a region and the Kurds as a people are ambiguous in many ways. Although they are looked at from the outside as a single people and have considered themselves to be one people at least in some ways for centuries, they are a very diverse group, internally divided by religion, language and social structure.Such divisions have prevented the Kurds from having a sense of themselves as a unified people, an internal divisiveness that has been exacerbated by the fact the Kurds live under a number of different national governments, including those of Iran, Iraq and Turkey.?
Abstract This paper discusses the natural sense of patience, perhaps derived from the timelessness of the surrounding forests and mountains, the people of Appalachia have practiced, through natural as well as man-made disaster. The author explores how perhaps in the twenty-first century this stubborn and persistent patience could pay off.
Table of contents
Appalachia Unmasked
The Face of Appalachia Past
The Face of Appalachia Present
The Face of Appalachia Future
From the Paper ""Trust not appearances," wrote Irish author James Joyce in the early twentieth century, "for there is nothing so deceptive and for all that so alluring as a good surface" (PG; O'Brien 300). At no other time and place could this statement prove more applicable than autumn amid the misty hills of eastern Kentucky. For in the fall, the black tobacco barns and simple dwellings of this area are framed by forests of evergreen, maple, hickory and sweet gum trees that burst forth in a variety of greens and golds against the smoky blue backdrop of the surrounding mountains. It is a beauty that could be termed breathtaking in its natural splendor, yet it is a beauty that bears the stigma of prejudice and preconception that has been decades in the making."
Abstract The following paper explores how the West took away and destroyed the rights of the indigenous people, like those of Philippines and Hawaii . The author makes reference to "Lord Raglan", using quotes to illustrate his discriminatory attitude towards the indigenous peoples in the past. In addition this paper reveals how the indigenous peoples are active in the international diplomatic arena, seeking respect for their cultures and ways.
From the Paper "Lord Raglan stated in his own way that the Indians were uncivilized, uncouth savage primitives that had to be made civilized by the Western Standard. He claimed that their worship of nature was wrong and if the Indians were not civilized, it would be a threat to the West as we can never be really civilized until we are all civilized. But how right was he? Since, that time the world has realized that because they did not value nature, nature is being depleted and threatened. So who was right and who was wrong?"
Abstract The paper examines the common roots and beliefs of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, etc., and examines how competition for believers strengthened each religion. The author looks at how Asia has been remarkably free of internecine religious warfare that has plagued other regions.
From the Paper "Asia is a land of varied cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs. These foundations form the basis of Asian social life. Asia has been home to many popular religions and a place known for the acceptance of new religious ideas. This explains why it's such a place of mixed culture and religion. People such as the Chinese, Indo-Europeans, and the Semites all meet and exchange ideas in Asia. "
Abstract This paper studies muscle cars and their accompanying culture. It details the emergence of muscle cars in the 1960's and how the industry met the public needs, and their fall in the 1970's. It concludes that the enforcement of government emissions standards, combined with the switch to lower octane gasoline eventually lead to the death of the muscle car.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Industry
Individuality
Muscle Cars Emerge
The End of an Era
Conclusion
Interview
From the Paper "Car culture has been around as long as the automobile. For over 100 years the automobile has been an icon in American history and in people's lives. People have a long history of defining themselves by the car they drive, and judging others in this same way. What you drive can mean different things to different people, but it always means something. It reflects financial and social status, as well as personal expression. For people who wanted to be thought of as sexy, bold, and fast"the muscle car was the answer. After the end of World War II, Americans became obsessed with the automobile. Suddenly, cars become more than just tools, more for just transportation"they became identity to some people. People were what they drove. ?It was only natural that such a state of devotion to an inanimate/animate object should lead to a prominent sub-culture of super-fanatics.? (Anselmi, 1984) That love of the automobile became the catalyst for securing its place into pop culture and ultimately what has been the driving force behind the auto industry ever since. The muscle car was conceived by this driving force."
Abstract A study of the literacy culture of the Bronze Age society and how the scribes and drawings were a reflection of the society. A technical analysis of linguistics in the pre-historic culture is included.
From the Paper "Anthropologists and archaeologists call certain societies "iron age" or ?bronze age.? In doing this they recognize that the properties of the main metal used by a society's technology greatly affect both its use and through this the nature of that society. For instance, bronze unlike iron is too soft to be used for ploughing; it is an alloy. Bronze can be smelted at lower temperatures than iron which need specialized supplies of charcoal. All these facts affect societies which use bronze and iron. For example, since bronze cannot be used for ploughing these societies cannot produce in many regions the large agriculture surplus iron societies can; since bronze requires tin bronze age societies had to trade, etc. (Claiborne, 1974) I believe the same parallel exists between the different characteristics of different writing systems and its use as a communication technology in a society. "
Abstract This paper looks at the various forms of Chinese divination called I Ching. The author discusses I Ching's long history based on the philosophy of an ever-changing universe. The paper discusses how trigrams and hexagrams lead to a better understanding of the future, and how the practice was used during several dynasties in China. The author also examines I Ching's text, "Book of Changes".
From the Paper "I Ching is a form of divination used in China for the prediction of many affairs, both personal and affairs of the state. ?I? or yi means change. "Ching" or ying means book. Therefore it is known in English as the Book of Changes. It is based on the philosophy that everything in the universe is constantly changing. The I Ching reflects this process of changes and gives a way to interpret the way that energy is flowing at any particular moment."
