The paper looks at the two films, "Pulp Fiction" directed by Quentin Tarantino, and "Being John Malkovich" directed by Spike Jonze, and the ways in which they use narrative structure and surrealism to tell their stories.
Abstract The writer first looks at "Pulp Fiction," by director Quentin Tarantino, a prime example of a film that utilizes a multiple narrative structure. The film has three narrative stories that are signaled by inserted captions, and told in "episodes" that are shown non-chronologically. The writer then studies "Being John Malkovich", a film set entirely in a surreal story world that runs by its own rules.
From the Paper "Surreal is defined as "having the intense irrational reality of a dream" and surrealism as "the principle of . . . producing fantastic or incongruous imagery or effects . . . by means of unnatural juxtaposition and combinations" (Webster, 1164). These definitions precisely describe the techniques utilized by Kaufman when putting together the dialogue and other aspects of narration for this movie. The viewer is literally buffeted by bizarre effect after bizarre effect, realizing very quickly the world of "Being John Malkovich" has its own rules of logic. For example, as Craig enters the filing office for his job interview, the secretary simply cannot understand what he is saying and mistakes his name and every comment that he makes. Craig attempts to correct her, but fails miserably. During his interview, Craig learns that the secretary's distorted hearing is considered truth, as the boss believes he has a speech impediment based on his secretary's misperception. That is simply the way the world is. As illogic after illogic piles up, the sum total is a dream world, one that certainly comes close to a nightmare for Craig, who represents the viewer's point of view."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of supervising teachers and the quality of their work. It highlights what legislation and models have been created over the years in order to transform this issue. The writer concludes that the traditional model for supervising and evaluating teachers provides a formal opportunity to monitor the standards of teaching, behavior and practice. It maintains that this supervision continues to be a valuable and effective way of improving education.
Table of Contents
Literature Review
School Systems
Supervision
Evaluation
School Districts
Conclusion
From the Paper "For many years, teacher quality has been a major focus in the United States (Berlinger, p. 14). Many states, throughout history, have worked to improve quality through legislation, changes in policies, and reform in various processes that are transforming teacher preparation, new teacher assessment and support systems, content-specific professional development, recruitment, and certification systems. These efforts have been aided by strong collaborative networks within states and by funding provided by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998".
Tags: legislation, evaluating, standards, districts, systems
Abstract This paper discusses the effects and issues related to web-based customer service, focusing on e-service and customer relationship management tools. Traditional customer services are compared to Web-based service and benefits of self-sufficient customers and responsive Web sites are explained. Ethical, social, and economic concerns revolving around web-based customer service are addressed, focusing on the challenges that lie in integrating Web-based marketing, service, support and communication with traditional channels and the organizations that support them. In critiquing this technology, strategies are recommended for implementation and improvement of current online support.
From the Paper "Traditionally, the "concept of e-commerce has been associated with providing information, expressing brand awareness, and telling the corporate story in the virtual marketplace"(Ruyter 2001). Increasingly, businesses are also using "virtual storefronts" to sell and distribute their products (Ruyter 2001). However, a 100-year trend tells us that today's economy is changing (Rust 2001). Business is no longer ?one size fits all,? mass marketing is being replaced by a consumer economy. According to Dan Flack, program director at IBM Americas, "Businesses must change their mass economy marketing habits and make an organizational commitment to do business on customer terms" (Flack 2001). Rather than merely supplying information and selling products, companies must provide "consumers with a superior experience with respect to the interactive flow of information" (Rust 2001). Increasing consumer expectations of the buying experience, with respect to self-sufficiency and personalization, have resulted in the rise of e-services in the virtual marketplace. E-service encapsulates the imperative building blocks of web-based customer service: self-service, responsive web sites, and consumer tracking."
Abstract The American media's powerful influence can be seen through its portrayal of major events like the Vietnam War. The paper shows that Vietnam was America's first ?television war,? meaning that United States citizens were able to watch video clips of virtually uncensored images of war including exchanges of gunfire, atrocities and wounded and dead soldiers from both sides. It describes how the Vietnam War's images haunted the television, magazines, and newspapers. This paper covers issues including propaganda, television images, the massacre at My Lai, Son Thang 4, Trang Bang, the dulling effects of graphic images, and civilian protests.
From the Paper "On June 8, 1972 during an air raid of NVA fortifications just outside Trang Bang, a picture was taken of a girl running away from the bombings. Kim Phuc, then nine, was wearing no clothes, waving her arms, and had an expression of terror on her face. She and other civilians including photojournalists were mistaken as NVA and targeted by the pilots. Kim received major burns to the majority of her body. Up to this day, a myth exists that it was an American-ordered bombing and was executed by American pilots. This is not true. Both the officer who gave the order and the pilot who dropped the bomb were Vietnamese and operating without the aid of the United States Air Force. Nick Ut, the photographer who took the snapshot, won the Pulitzer Prize that year."
Abstract Compares and contrasts two sitcoms. Examines the TV families of "The Jeffersons" and "The Hughleys." Compares similar episodes to analyze what has changed and what has stayed the same over the past 25 years. Basic premise and characters of both shows. Differing life styles portrayed on each. Topics based on societal changes.
From the Paper "Introduction
"The more things change, the more they stay the same," is how the old saying goes. It has also been said that stereotypes start somewhere. This could not be more true than when applied to the concept of the family as perceived by the pop culture on television. Ever since the days of radio, families all over the United States have spent evenings listening or watching as a make-believe families either laughed or cried themselves through another episode. Through the years the "face" of these families have remained the same, yet many other basic assumptions have changed along the way. This paper will compare and contrast two of those TV families, "The Jeffersons" and "The Hughleys", by comparing similar episodes to examine what has changed and what has stayed the same over the last 25 years."
Abstract Discussion of whether media violence promotes violent behavior in children. Explores issue by examining several journal articles on the subject; the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented. How exposure to violence seen on television stimulates aggressive behavior. Makes argument for ethical considerations based on contention that TV violence is bad for children.
From the Paper "Introduction
Due to recent events around the country regarding teen violence, many commentators and critics have pointed to the increase in violent images on television, in movies, and in video games as cause for this violence (Halgin, 2001, p. 186). In "Issue 12: Does Media Violence Promote Violent Behavior in Young People?", R. P. Halgin sets forth two articles, "Media Violence: A Demonstrated Public Health Threat to Children" and "Violence in the Mass Media and Violence in Society: The Link is Unproven" to explore the apparent link between media violence and violence displayed by children (2001, p. 187).
Summary of Articles
In their article, "Media Violence: A Demonstrated Public Health Threat to Children," Huesmann and Moise attack Dr..."
Abstract Discusses the role of language, symbols and religion. Defines the words and terms. Personal or institutionalized system of religion found in almost every culture. Link of culture and language. Language development of children. Role of ethnicity in language development. Their symbolic thinking and learning process. Cultural value reinforcement. Symbolism of sub-cultures.
From the Paper "In order to understand the role language, symbols and religion play in shaping cultural influences, we must first understand the nature or definition of the words - language, symbol and religion. Language is words, their pronunciation, and even the methods of combining them as utilized and understood by a particular community. Even more directly, language is a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of items known as signs, sounds, gestures, or marks, each having its own understood meanings as suggested by objects, actions, or conditions of associated ideas or feelings. A symbol then, is something that represents or suggests something else by reason of its very relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance. It may also be an act, a sound, or ..."
Abstract This paper explores the complex workings of the brain and the effect brain development has on the communication capacity of an infant. It examines how a mother's brain activity affects the unborn child, as well as the emotional bond formed in the early years of a child's life. The paper shows that if the mother-child bond is fully developed, the child forms a secure attachment, which allows for better intellectual and socio-emotional development. The paper explores several subjects related to brain development, attachment and bonding and the process of developing communication capacity. It ends with a discussion of the 'Healthy Families' Indiana program, discussing how this program attempts to help parents in this complex and difficult process.
From the Paper "There is other evidence that this six-month period is crucial to language development. Kuhl (Hochberg, 1997) reported on language studies with Japanese and American infants dealing with distinctions between the "Ra" sound and the "la" sound. Both sets of infants were able to distinguish between these sounds at the age of six months. However, by the age of one year, the Japanese children were no longer able to do so. Because Japanese does not distinguish between these two sounds, their brains had discarded the neural connections that helped them distinguish between the two sounds. They were unneeded for their particular language learning. Certainly this has implications for bilingual development. It is during this period of time, according to Kuhl, that the brain is being organized in order to prepare itself for a specific language."
Abstract This paper discusses how, over the years, U.S. culture has managed to integrate bits and pieces of itself into the languages, music, movies, television and the traditional values of foreign cultures, thus changing them. It evaluates how the amount of integration has become an increasing problem as more and more U.S. culture becomes prevalent in foreign cultures and how foreigners may be in jeopardy of losing their cultural identity to U.S. cultures. The paper also includes the effects of influences such as individualism and feminism.
From the Paper "Another section of U.S. culture that squirms its way into other cultures and influences that culture is music. Many great U.S. bands have started their careers in other countries. Jimi Hendrix got his big break by touring the United Kingdom, and most U.S. citizens will never forget that, for some reason, Germans love David Hasselhoff. The big artists in the U.S. today play a large role in foreign cultures. Many bands such as N"Sync, Marylin Manson, and Weezer depend on foreign markets as a major part of their income. The 2002 MTV Asia Awards are a prime example of this kind of influence. There are six international categories for music artists to compete in, and the winners were picked by viewers that called in their votes (Morris). In each of these categories no Asian artists were nominated, and these nominations were mainly of U.S. artists such as Britney Spears, N"Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Linkin Park and Bon Jovi("The Nominees")."
Abstract The first few minutes of a business meeting can be very crucial to a company. When dealing with the Japanese culture, or any other culture for that matter, one may come across things that are very different from what one is used to in America. It is no surprise that different cultures have different values and beliefs. These values tend to come into conflict when communicating with cultures that business people are unfamiliar with. This conflict, which occurs during the communication process, can cost companies thousands of dollars in profits if it is not handled properly. This problem needs to be addressed so that employers and executives have a better idea of how to handle the situation when it occurs. This report demonstrates the issues which need to be addressed to prepare an American for a business meeting in Japan and how the American can make a good first impression. The paper gives recommendations to management and other people who may want to implement a strategy for improving their employees? or their own communication skills.
From the Paper "To understand the business culture of the Japanese, we must understand their day-to-day culture and etiquette. The Japanese are very group-oriented and homogeneous. Japanese will think of the group first rather than themselves. No one is completely independent in Japan; they must always be conscientious about others (Condon 9). Americans are more individualized and focus on themselves before the group. The Japanese prefer to have unanimous agreement rather than agreement by the most votes. They believe in negotiating until agreement emerges and if unanimity does not materialize it is better to defer making the decision."
Abstract This paper explores how the issue of violence on television, which was raised in the past, is once more being given considerable attention in the media, by congress, and in the public at large. The writer comments that one of the driving forces behind the current concerns over televised violence is the fact that the public perceives American society as itself becoming more violent, in spite of crime statistics showing otherwise. The paper makes reference to a number of studies conducted on this topic while mentioning their failure to really answer the questions raised on increasing violence on TV and its effects.
From the Paper "While these questions frame the issue, they are questions that have not been answered. An attempt to answer some of these has been made in various studies, the most prominent of the recent examples being the report by the UCLA Center for Communication Policy. The authors of the report point out that everyone has an opinion about television violence precisely because television is so accessible and important in people's lives."
Abstract This paper explores how Berger's Uncertainty Reduction theory is a useful basis for understanding the interaction between two people, especially when they first meet. It is scientific in approach, and therefore like all theories, has some major weaknesses. However, these shortcomings are not enough to make one completely dismiss the theory. The writer believes the theory is a solid basis upon which other theorists can build superior communication theories.
From the Paper "The Uncertainty Reduction Theory, by Charles Berger, is a scientific attempt to explain the interaction between two people, primarily those meeting for the first time. According to Berger, the main goal of each participant in conversation is to predict the reaction of the other person and to reduce the amount of uncertainty that is inherent in a first encounter. Em Griffin, the author of A First Look at Communication, says that Berger "believes it's natural to have doubts about our ability to predict the outcome of initial encounters""the beginnings of relationships are fraught with uncertainties"? (136). Due to this intriguing nature, Berger aims to discover and justify the links behind the interactional process in a scientific framework meanwhile proving that "uncertainty is central to all social interaction" (Griffin 142)."
Tags: axioms, communication, dialogue, human, interaction, psychology, theory
Abstract An analysis of the move of "USA Today" from a newspaper that had a distinct non-elusive image of being both easy-to-read and easy to peruse into a semi-interactive internet site. This brief, yet coherent, analysis of the problems is divided into three parts: a) The efficacy and power of the "USA Today" print branding; b) The loss of that efficacy and power by a misunderstanding of interactivity on the World Wide Web, and c) suggested implementable options available to "USA Today" management to rectify the problems.
From the Paper "The "USA TODAY" print publication counted its circulation growth by using total number of copies sold, which accounted for its 2.2 million circulation figure, a figure, which, by the way, allowed it to charge premium rates to advertisers. A second way in which "USA TODAY" online differs from "USA TODAY" offline, is in the viewer usability. It must not be forgotten that no special equipment is necessary for reading the offline version (standard print) while to read the online version, the reader must have a) a computer, b) a modem, c) Internet Connectivity, d) a Web browser, and e) patience."
Abstract This paper explores the issue of violence in society. The paper attempts to understand where the violence comes from, beginning with a look at violence on TV and how it effects children. The writer offers statistics on the topic to try and show the levels of violent acts in different areas of society, including those from under-privileged areas who are more accustomed to seeing violence. The paper also offers some brief potential solutions for violent tendencies.
From the Paper "However, most of us will not experience some kind of serious head injury that changes who we are in such an important way. The research on things like violence in television and video games is mixed, and the fact remains that while most people watch television, most people do not become murderers. While some research on television habits shows an increase in aggression (Hough, 1997), it hasn?t been tied to murder and other serious acts of violence."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of what adult illiteracy is and who is affected by it. As discussed in the paper, literacy is very important to development and is correlated with higher income and better socioeconomic status. The paper addresses the following questions about illiteracy: How does the United States place, statistically, with respect to adult illiteracy, what are the contributing factors of adult illiteracy, and what resources are available for adults who seek literacy?
From the Paper "There is widespread debate as to a concise description of the word literacy. The International Literacy Explorer (ILE) has three basic definitions that are used worldwide. 1. A literate person is one who can both read and write a short simple statement describing his/her everyday life. 2. A person who is functionally literate can engage in all those activities in which literacy is required for effective functioning of his/her group and community and also for enabling him/her to continue to use reading, writing, and calculation for his/her own and the community's development. 3. A literate person is one who has completed five or more years of schooling (1999)."
