Abstract
This paper takes a look at the historical and architectural differences of the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge, Pennyslvania and the Arch of Constantine in Rome. The author provides historical data for both structures and also compares their architectural styles.

From the Paper
"Some disputed the National Memorial Arch's construction at the time. From an architectural standpoint, a triumphal arch was seen as inappropriate to a rural setting like Valley Forge, as such arches usually stood in major cities like Rome. Today the arch is no longer controversial. In fact, because of the arch's congruity with so many of the structures in the area, it is hard to remember that it was not built during the time of Washington's triumphant entrance, but in 1908. It is important to remember that it harkened back to the classical past of ancient Greece and Rome, the neoclassicism of the founders, as well as to Washington's triumph. There is nostalgia to the work that is not immediately evident, nostalgia for the actual construction and design of Washington D.C. under the watchful eye of Jefferson, and a less complicated age of American heroism, embodied in the persona of Washington."

Tags:architectural styles

Abstract
This paper examines arches, one of the most common and familiar architectural formations to the eye whether outside a building or in the shape of a bridge. It looks at how arches are generally of three types, rounded, pointed and segmental and evaluates their structural advantages. The robust nature of masonry in constructing arch structures is illustrated by the longevity of the many ruins in Britain, many dating from the dissolution of the monasteries. It shows how arches have also been much used in modern architecture, usually in public buildings, such as the Sydney Opera house, where a striking appearance combined with strong acoustical support is critical.

From the Paper
"Arches are also evident in doorways, forming the curved top to a door or an open entryway. An entryway that is not supporting a wall is obviously less in need of material reinforcement than one bearing down a wall. A rounded arch shape, rather than a square shape always provides more support and reinforcement than a straight edge, because the pressure is distributed across more pressure points along the curved as opposed to a straight edged entry structure. This is one reason why a rounded shape is so popular for entryways. (Durkin "Architectural Terms")"

Tags:rounded, pointed, segmental, shape, support

From the Paper
"Political, social, and artistic changes on a vast scale make the reign of Constantine the Great and, indeed, the entire fourth century the most confusing era in the history of Roman art. The fortuitous survival of the Arch of Constantine--with its historic relationship to the rise of Christianity as the state religion--has made this monument the focus of many questions about the emergence of the distinctly unclassical style that was eventually identified with the new religion. The Arch featured various classical sculptural elements taken from monuments of earlier reigns in addition to contemporary carving in the new style. Though there is little agreement among scholars as to the precise stylistic significance of the new style as represented on the Arch and the form in which it was eventually manifested as Christian art, it is clear that the Arch of Constantine stands at.."

Abstract
The paper looks at how in "The Lexus and the Olive Tree", Thomas Friedman, the New York Times foreign-affairs columnist, describes the post-Cold War era in international relations in metaphoric terms by symbolizing the forces of globalization as a luxury car and the forces resisting globalization as an olive tree. The paper explains that the Lexus represents progress in the forms of the "transnational, homogenizing, standardizing market forces and technologies that make up today's globalizing economic system", while the olive tree represents religion, nationalism, and community, which Friedman describes as "gnarled, rooted things that cling to the soil" (Drum).

From the Paper
"In "The Lexus and the Olive Tree", Thomas Friedman, the New York Times foreign-affairs columnist, describes the post-Cold War era in international relations in metaphoric terms by symbolizing the forces of globalization as a luxury car and the forces resisting globalization as an olive tree. The Lexus represents progress in the forms of the "transnational, homogenizing, standardizing market forces and technologies that make...""

Tags:luxus, olive, tree

Abstract
This paper explains that certain scientific theories have caused many to question the validity of their faith, and many others to question the validity of science. Usually, the conflicts originate from formalized interpretations of Christianity rather than upon the fundamental basis of faith. The writer argues that science can neither prove nor disprove the existence of a divine being, but it can establish dates and sequences of history that contrast accepted notions. The paper discusses how science has sometimes been viewed as the ally of religion and at other times its direct enemy.

From the Paper
"In classical times the pursuit of science and philosophy was seen as the ideal means to acquiring knowledge about the world and human existence. Aristotle, Socrates and Plato did not see science through the lens of one seeking to verify their faith, but instead, viewed science and logic as avenues by which some valuable information could be derived. Specific methods were devised as tools to investigate the legitimacy of claims regarding the natural world: "Aristotle produced as system of thought that would guide men from the limited observations of personal experience to more general truths about nature." (Burke, 16). Essentially, the ancient Greeks developed the first form of what has come to be known as the "scientific method." At this time, and particularly to these early philosophers, science and reasoning were perceived as essential services to civilization, mankind, and the human soul. Plato believed that the only true means to realizing happiness and righteousness within one's spirit was through logical investigation into the world and its existence. It was far removed from these philosophers' minds that science could ever be deemed as something incongruous with divinity. After all, the Greek philosophers lived in a pagan society, in which some gods were believed in and worshiped and some were not; it was all dependent upon an individual's preferences. Religion had yet to occupy its authoritative position in western society, and accordingly, it had yet to adopt iron clad rules and edicts defining the nature of the world."

Tags:philosophy, christian, church, evolution, faith

Abstract
The paper analyzes the two poems which detail the strength of a relationship between two people in love through the use of vivid figurative language. The writer shows that although each of the images in these poems is effective in its representation of the bonds of love, the poems themselves support two contradicting ideas: absence makes the heart grow fonder versus out of sight, out of mind.

From the Paper
"Before focusing on the contrasting elements of "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" and "Much Like an Arch This Marriage, one must examine the poems; similarities and realize that, in one sense, the two writers are expressing the same themes. Such similarity is derived from the uses of figures of speech, by Donne and Ciardi, that represent the belief that love between a man and a woman can be a source of personal growth and strength. Through the use of metaphysical conceit, imagery involving comparisons that are often far-fetched, yet intellectual, Donne compares his relationship with his lover to a compass, the "fixed foot" being their fused souls. Ciardi says that his marriage is like a firm arch that has been formed by "two weaknesses that lean together into a strength" (Donne 497), namely him and his wife. Both Donne and Ciardi believe that true love unites two people so intimately that those involved fell they can over come any obstacle. Their similarities end with this point, however. One obstacle exists that, according to Ciardi, love cannot conquer: separation."

Tags:imagery, representation, intellect, growth, marriage

Abstract
This paper demonstrates that the young generation from Japan and China has a mindset that is not quite similar to their parents' and traditional society's expectations, which often cause a great deal of conflicts between the young and the old. The author shows that in "The Story of Noriko" the traditional Japanese society is known to frown on the increase in the number of women pursuing a significant career goal, rather than minimal tasking individual, because the conservative and relatively older generations believe that women, especially young women, are not qualified to manage the responsibilities and tasks men perform. The author uses the book, "Golden Arches East: McDonald's in East Asia" to describe how the life style of Chinese customers, especially the younger generations, have changed as McDonald's has entered the local Chinese society. The author concludes that, when a new lifestyle or culture develops, the young generation creates a hybrid culture to accommodate living in the 21st Century and traditional China or Japan.

From the Paper
"In "The Story of Noriko," Noriko is a young woman who resides in Tokyo who is forced to encounter one of her dramatic real crisis. She is looking for a career where she can actually utilize her potentials instead of being just another Office Lady whose task is minimal and enduring without any chance of obtaining a significant position at a corporation. The traditional Japanese society is known to frown up on the increase in the number of women pursuing a significant career goal rather than minimal tasking individual, because the conservative and relatively old generations of the society believe that women, especially young women, are not qualified to manage the responsibilities and tasks men perform."

Tags:tradition, identity, mindsets, conflicts, young, old, career, women, responsibilities, tasks, men, hybrid, gap, mcdonald?s, localize, western, food, social, order, norm., disloyal, rebellious

Abstract
In this paper, the author travels through time back to the Roman Empire and examines the art, architecture and history of the Arch of Constantine. The author then speeds forward to the age of the Renaissance of discusses Michelangelo's sculpture "David". Finally, the author travels to the Islamic world during the Middle Ages and looks at a fifteenth-century tombstone of the town of Kubachi, commandeered by an unknown source, to commemorate the dead.

Outline:
Chapter 1: Early Roman Recycled Art
Chapter 2: The Glory that was Florence
Chapter 3: Islamic Detour

From the Paper
"Like the triumphal arches that preceded it, this Arch uses symbolic images in relief to show the value of its intended honoree. As well as Constantine's glories, it also illustrates the previous triumphs of Roman emperors and leaders such as Marcus Aurelius' victory over the Samaritans. Demonstrating continuity with past leaders and Roman values was still very important to the Romans, even during the later years of the empire--perhaps more so than ever before. But there may be a practical reason for the sculptural recapitulation of the glories of many of the emperors that had lead before Constantine: there was a scarcity of materials, so reusing the physical relics from previous monuments enabled a speedier construction as well as a way to create a sense of continuity between past and present. However, emphasizing a lack of creativity and funds can be taken too far--the specific selection of particular old monuments to reuse was clearly strategic. "Many parts of the decorations of the Arch of Constantine are taken from other monuments erected by earlier emperors: Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius, who were known already in the time of Constantine as the Good Emperors. "

Tags:Arch, of, Constantine, Kubachi, David, Michelangelo

Abstract
This is a paper about bridges. The author examines their function, history and design. Much attention is paid to different types of bridges such as arch, suspension, move-able bridges and floating bridges.

From the Paper
" A bridge is a structure designed to provide continuous passage over an obstacle. Bridges commonly carry highways, railroad lines, and pathways over obstacles such as waterways, deep valleys, and other transportation routes. Bridges may also carry water, support power cables, or house telecommunications lines.(1)
Some special types of bridges are defined according to function. An overpass allows one transportation route, such as a highway or railroad line, to cross over another without traffic interference between the two routes. The overpass elevates one route to provide clearance to traffic on the lower level while still letting the higher level flow easily. An aqueduct transports water. Aqueducts have historically been used to supply drinking water to densely populated areas. A viaduct carries a railroad or highway over a land obstruction, such as a valley.(1)"

Tags:arch, supsension

Abstract
This paper examines Shakespeare's villain Iago in "Othello". The paper portrays Iago's different persona which are projected so skillfully, the central ones being of the villain and the arch-hypocrite. The paper illustrates the apparent identity crisis as Iago, who is supposedly the arch-villain of the play, spends a great deal of his time masquerading around as the honest, truthful, helping friend. The writer points out that Iago constructs his identity and his actions around the way others see him, which ultimately reveals his own insecurity about both his masculinity, and more importantly, his identity.

From the Paper
"Shakespeare's main character, Othello, is the first to announce Iago's honesty, "my Ancient./A man he is of honesty and trust" (1.3. 281-82). Considering the fact that Othello and Iago have served together in various military campaigns, it tends to put "honesty" into the context of the "soldier persona." That is, Iago's reputation for truthfulness relies heavily on his blunt speaking as a soldier, moreover, that sort of tough realism that spills over into cynicism. In favor of this military complex creating Iago's "honesty," Michael Cassio points out, "He speaks home, madam; you may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar" (2.1. 162-163). Cassio is implying that Iago's very mannerisms stem from his militaristic nature, not his scholarly views. He is not alone with this judgment, many of the other characters hold the same convictions against Iago. Montano demands of Iago to tell the truth in his report of Cassio's drunken behavior to Othello, warning that if "Thou dost deliver more or less than truth,/thou art no soldier" (2.3. 213-14). Iago himself uses these expectations to his own benefit, for when Othello forewarns that he will damn him if he is lying, Iago offers to resign his post, vaguely protesting: God buy you: take mine office. O wretched fool, That lovist to make thine honesty a vice! O monsterous world! Take note, take note, O world! To be direct and honest is not safe. (3.3. 373-76) Here, Iago insists that it is his vary nature to be honest, and that such exploitations of his so called "soldier persona," with its license both to speak bluntly and unmask underhanded dealings, is in fact an attack on his very values and virtues."

Tags:betrayal, desdemona, envy, honest, jealousy, murder, psychopath, sociopath, villain, cassio