Abstract An exploration of the impact that the cultural and social backgrounds of students has upon the probability of a student experiencing success at school. The challenges that the cultural and social diversity of students poses to teaching and teachers is also explored.
From the Paper Harris (1996) suggests that schools? institutionalised practices create educational advantages or disadvantages for students. It is predominantly students from low socio-economic backgrounds who choose or are channelled into the non-academic streams, thus limiting their chances of entry into tertiary education and ultimately professional careers. Hatton (1994) and Malin (Hatton, 1994) describe how schools can systematically disadvantage groups in society. Hatton reveals ways in which underprivileged families or those not from the middle class do not always comprehend their rights as parents in pursuing grievances. Malin states that intelligence and standardised academic achievement tests are culturally biased and she appeals for teachers? pedagogy to be more sensitive to cultural differences.
An analysis of the effect of the discrepancy in class backgrounds between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan in Scott F. Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby."
Abstract This paper discusses the love story in Scott F. Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby," and examines the reasons for the failure of the love affair between the characters Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. The paper describes the plot of the story, the characters and their class backgrounds and argues that the relationship was doomed by the discrepancy in the characters' social status.
From the Paper "As we have seen, the love affair between Gatsby and Daisy was doomed by their class differences. Gatsby was lucky to even manage to meet Daisy, and only achieved this because his uniform disguised his class. Moreover, even though Gatsby spent five years acquiring the wealth and possessions which he thought would lure Daisy back to him, this was not to be. To lure Daisy back and keep her, Gatsby would have needed more than money - he would have needed social class. There are some things money cannot buy, and class is one of them. Thus, despite Gatsby's best efforts, their love affair remained doomed by their class differences."
Abstract This paper examines how it is established that both top-down and bottom-up approaches are necessary for proficiency in a second language. It looks at how a central component of these approaches is the input of background knowledge. Background knowledge is believed to provide a schema, or source of reference, necessary for attributing a textually consistent meaning to the passage read or spoken by the student. It shows how there is an important relationship between second language acquisition and the array of background knowledge that can be supplied by the reader or listener.
Outline
Introduction
What is Background Knowledge?
The Schema Theory Model
Background Knowledge and its Effect on L2 Acquisition
Conclusion
From the Paper "A third type of background knowledge that is discussed in the literature is one of cultural familiarity. Although this may be a subset of Carrell's "familiarity" component discussed above, the studies looking that this aspect of background knowledge focus upon the effect of the experience of living in the culture expressed by the writer of the passage being tested. A well-known example of this definition of "background knowledge" is the work by Johnson (1982). There, students who had or had not personally participated in the celebration of Halloween read a text related to this holiday. The effect of the actual cultural experience on reading comprehension was tested."
Abstract This paper investigates the relationship of background music as one of the main features in advertising and consumers? moods, attitudes and behaviors. The author points out that music has been shown to affect behavior directly at the point of purchase, and variation on advertising background music significantly influenced the pace of shopping, the amount spent, and the amount of money spent beyond the consumers? expectations. The paper reports that equally-liked musical backgrounds, which differed in their profile of these structural elements, were shown to affect audience moods in directions predictable from analysis of the musical structure, across a set of simulated greeting card advertisements.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background Mood Effects on Evaluation and Behavior
Affect and Behavior Conditioning Via Peripheral Processing
Music Effects
Non-Structural Musical Studies
Conclusion
From the Paper "The increasing pressures of highly competitive marketing environment make it imperative that organizations understand consumers and, in particular, consumer decision-making as they seek to gain competitive advantage. In a competitive economic system, the survival and growth of firms require accurate knowledge about consumers: how they buy, why they buy and where they buy as well as just what they buy. Marketing is not about finding or inducing someone to buy whatever the firm happens to manufacture. Nowadays successful management depends more than ever on matching every aspect of the business-product, advertising, after-sales service and so on ? to the satisfaction of consumer needs."
Abstract The fact that so many of these artists were of a military background begs the question: Are the themes and styles of English Canadian art during the decades immediately after 1759 influenced by these artist's military backgrounds? To answer this question, this paper will first discuss British artists in Canada during this time, and their backgrounds, and then proceed to an examination of two particular artists and their works.
Abstract This paper explores the issue of refusing to hire based on criminal background checks. The paper examines various related issues, such as what types of positions usually cannot be held by someone with a criminal background and state and federal laws regarding hiring or refusal to hire based on criminal background checks. The paper focuses primarily on Maryland.
Outline:
Introduction
What About The Ex-Offenders Rights?
Maryland
For Instance
Federal Law
Overall
Conclusion
From the Paper "Other states have attempted to strike a balance between the employer concerns and the ex offenders rights to live a free and productive life once they have paid their debt to society. In some states, including New York employers are required by law to consider various elements such as age, time passed and the circumstances of the offense in deciding whether or not to hire an ex offender."
"In a recent research report the conclusion was that Maryland employers consistently deny employment across the board to anyone with any criminal background including arrests that did not garner convictions. The report recommends that Maryland legislators adopt laws that will prohibit such broad brushed discrimination."
Abstract This paper discusses the writer's short and long-term career plans and goals within the finance sector. Specifically, the paper discusses the writer's background, interests and work experience as well as enumerates on the writer's educational background and plans and work interests. Lastly, the writer looks at the ways in which his values influence his interests and career plans.
Table of Contents:
Career Objectives
Short/Long-Term Goals
Backgrounds/Interests/Experience: Effect on Goals
Interests and Values
From the Paper "I believe by achieving my MA of Finance degree at US University, combined with the foundation built during my MBA and work experience gained at ICC, I will have the necessary academic tools to excel in the field of finance and emerging financial arenas. To achieve my goals, including my goal of becoming a financial academe, I plan to concentrate my studies heavily on continuous education in the field of finance. Strengths that will assist me in doing this and achieving my goal of research include my knowledge of higher mathematics and business statistics, and a high degree of knowledge in the fields of finance, accounting and risk management. Other tools that will assist me in realizing my goals include courses I have taken for my MBA, including statistics, business strategy and macro/micro economics."
This paper explores the rapid economic and social changes after 1870 and looks at the differences between these developments and those of the first industrial revolution.
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 37.95
Abstract The paper begins with the spread of the first industrial revolution to Europe and the United States, naming these developments the "Second Industrial Revolution". The paper places this revolution in a time frame and gives a background to it in terms of the political, socioeconomic, and scientific developments in the United States and the technological and scientific advances in Germany. The reasons for the United States "edge" in the second industrial revolution are examined. The differences in innovations in the two revolutions are discussed. Using the examples of the automobile industry and the creation of the modern corporation, the development of mass production is studied. The paper also explores how this revolution changed society and debates whether it has ended yet.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When Did the Second Industrial Revolution take Place?
Background Advantage USA
Open Society
Skilled Immigrants
The Difference in Innovations
Mass Production
The Automobile Industry
Scientific Management & Growth of Corporations
How was Society Changed?
Has the Second Industrial Revolution Ended Yet?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Rapid changes in societies that radically transform the way of life for significant segments of the population are termed revolutions. Such revolutions have occurred frequently in many parts of the world throughout history. However, only a few in the history of mankind have transformed societies in irreversible and profoundly significant ways. Two such significant events that have taken place in the course of human history are?The Neolithic Revolution and The Industrial Revolution. In the Neolithic Revolution people changed their way of life and social systems based on hunting and gathering to more complex systems dependant on agriculture and the domestication of animals. This led to the development of communities who lived in permanent settlements and gave rise to urban civilizations. The second equally significant event took place centuries later and came to be known as the Industrial Revolution. During this "revolution" the agricultural societies created during the Neolithic Revolution were transformed into modern industrial societies. (Porter, Intro Para 4)"
Tags:background, political, socioeconomic, scientific, United, States
Abstract This study examines the extent to which females' roles are influenced by their cultural background. It focuses on close examination of how Korean and Japanese cultural influences affect a woman's career aspirations and expectations for success in society. The first section consists of an observational review of the literature available regarding female roles in Japan and Korea, and an analysis of the two cultures is provided. The second half of the study entails a field study of American students with Korean and Japanese cultural backgrounds in an attempt to ascertain to what extent female student roles are influenced by the models of their parents, the majority of whom were raised in Japan or Korea. First-generation students/families are examined to assess the most accurate information.
From the Paper "In a study conducted by Song (2001) women's career aspirations were examined among 482 Korean college women in South Korea. The study showed that a formal education perpetuating gender inequality exists among many of the students, thus many students based on educational experience only would not be able to envision themselves in a career. Rather the inter-relationships and external factors such as peer influences and internal factors such as maternal influences and the mother-daughter relationship were examined to uncover to what extent a woman's self perception and career orientation were influenced. The study acknowledged that a woman's choice of roles and career aspirations were tied to developmental history and the pressures of the social climate (Song, 2001:1)."
Abstract The Battle of New Orleans of the War of 1812 was fought on January 8, 1815, between about 6,000 American troops, mostly irregulars, under the command of the American general, Andrew Jackson, and a British force of about 7,500, commanded by the British general, Sir Edward Pakenham. This paper covers the background for the War of 1812 that enveloped New Orleans and the South and the preparation for the battle. It also looks at the battle itself and the aftermath.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Background Preparations
The Battle
After the Battle
Works Referenced
From the Paper "The British were concentrating their forces along the Gulf. They had attempted an amphibious landing in Mobile Bay, with the intention of destroying the city of Mobile, and then advancing on New Orleans. Andrew Jackson, in command of the American irregulars in the South repulsed the British. "Not only did he successfully defend the entrance to Mobile Bay against a powerful amphibious expedition sent by the British to capture and destroy Mobile, but his men had blown the enemy flagship out of the water and repulsed the King's forces, inflicting 232 casualties." After that, Jackson, defying the orders of the Secretary of War, James Monroe, decided to march East to Pensacola where he defeated the British again."
This paper discusses trans-cultural marriages, which defy ancient taboos by forming intimate relationships with partners from other cultural, religious and racial backgrounds.
Abstract This paper explains that trans-cultural couples not only face the challenges of all marriages but also have the added burden of their distinct backgrounds. The author stresses that the most important issue in trans-cultural marriages is to face the issues and not avoid them for the sake of buying peace with your selves and your families. The paper relates that cultural differences often remain invisible until they have been violated; therefore, one important task for couples from mixed backgrounds is to define, understand, learn and deal with their different culture codes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Typical Situations
Some Basic Rules about Mixed Relationships
1. Face the Issues
2. Clarify Your Different Cultural Codes
3. Sort-Out Confusion about Your Own Identity
4. Understanding the Zones
Three Cultural Dimensions
1. Time
2. Cohesiveness of the Family
3. Emotional Expressiveness
Conclusion
Determination and Endurance Pay Off
From the Paper "The reason why people in mixed relationships might sidestep such issues might be very similar to why all couples might avoid facing potential problems. First of all such unions are romantic relationships. Such romanticism can distract people from focusing on the ordinary problems that are part of everyday life. Most couples do not want to spoil a newfound love by talking about the potential for future problems. Furthermore, there is an added sense of romanticism for culturally mixed couples especially if there is disapproval from the couples' families. Cut off from their loved ones, the couple is pushed into each other's arms, and joins in their animosity for their respective families and in doing so may fail to experience normal uncertainty about their new relationship."
Abstract In its purest form, the doctrine of forum non conveniens permits a court to deny jurisdiction of a matter where principles of justice and convenience favor dismissal. This paper discusses the background and history of the common-law doctrine of forum non conveniens, how the doctrine found its way into federal law, and how it eventually came to be used as a bar to lawsuits by foreign plaintiffs in the United States. The paper then discusses some of the arguments advanced by opponents of forum non conveniens, and the suggestions they have made to correct the perceived inequities of the doctrine. Finally, the paper identifies some important issues that remain undecided under the modern doctrine.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
History and Background of the Foreign Non Conveniens Doctrine
History of the Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens
Private and Public Interest Factors Developed In Gulf Oil Corp. v. Gilbert
Forum Non Conveniens Almost Goes Extinct
The Modern "International" Doctrine of Foreign Non Conveniens
Forum Non Conveniens Re-Emerges and Goes International
Change of Law Loses Importance
The Two-Part Forum Non Conveniens Test
Application of the Modern Forum Non Conveniens Doctrine
Problems with the "New" Application of the Forum Non Conveniens Doctrine
Alternatives to the Forum Non Conveniens Doctrine
Other Issues Identified by Federal Courts
Conclusion
From the Paper "Probably the best and most realistic way to fix the perceived inequity of the forum non conveniens doctrine is for the United States Supreme Court to provide federal courts with a little more guidance on the rule, and to relax the harsh effects that it has been found to have. Although the Piper court claimed that part of the value of the doctrine was its flexibility, the current standards are a little too flexible, and allow courts to dismiss cases brought by foreign plaintiffs too easily. American courts should take responsibility for enforcing justice where justice is due, instead of continuously worrying about how many cases are on the docket."
Abstract Piped or background music (also known as muzak) is one of the most ubiquitous aspects of modern-day living. It is constantly played in public places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, hotels, elevators and is even piped down our telephone when it is put on hold. This paper traces the origin and development of piped music and explores its negative and positive effect on people.
Outline
Origin and Development of Muzak
How Does Background Music Affect People
From the Paper "In a more wide-ranging study carried out by NOP OMNIBUS in 1998, people were surveyed to determine what they thought about background music played in public places such as shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. The research found that 86% of hard-of-hearing people find muzak annoying; 34% of the general public in the NOP survey expressed their dislike of it while 36% of the general public said that they never notice background music. Age too was found to be an important factor in how a person feels about background music as 45% of the 45-54 year olds surveyed found piped music to be annoying compared to 21% of the 15-24 year olds."
Abstract In this article, the writer points out that Canadian documentary directors have used the genre to effectively illustrate facets of multiculturalism and style that would be lost in the non-documentary film-making world. The writer discusses and compares three films in this paper. The writer describes that Simcha Jacobovici and Roger Pyke present a striking memorandum that illustrates the pain and struggle of religious persecution in the film 'Expulsion & Memory: Descendants of the Hidden Jews'. Similarly, the writer looks at Alanis Obomsawin's 'Richard Cardinal: Cry from the Diary of a Metis Child'. The writer also discusses 'Shooting Indians: A Journey with Jeffery Thomas' by Ali Kazimi that quietly illustrates one man's struggle to change the stereotypical image of Native cultures and people in North America, while also reflecting on the relationship of culture as the director shares his cultural background. The writer concludes that through different uses of the documentary genre, all three films effectively use the factual background to establish strong views of multicultural identity.
From the Paper "As a film style, documentaries are tied to stricter guidelines than other films because they must adhere to fact to some respect. While many filmmakers might see this as a problem or hurtle, well-made documentaries take advantage of this factor as strength. American director St. Clair Bourne explains that the making of a fictional movie is much more demanding because the background and context must all be created from scratch; he finds documentaries to be more about interpretation and bringing out the real story that already exists within a context. This is the case with the three films discussed here, though each film faced different challenges in creation, and succeeded in different aspects. Each of these films takes the raw material of the history involved and shapes it to create a story with whatever intentions exist from the directors."
Abstract The paper argues that inter-cultural dialogue leading to inter-cultural harmony is possible if people are willing to embrace the humility and open-mindedness essential for healthy dialogue between themselves and others whose backgrounds differ from their own. The paper shows how differences in perspective and in background do not have to lead to complications in cross-cultural communication. The paper stresses the importance of students adopting an open and enthusiastic mind-set, so they can overcome the challenges inherent in cross-cultural communication.
From the Paper "It is tempting to argue that cross-cultural narratives are not the sort of things that can be overcome by education - no matter how well-intentioned. For example, even after years of trying, there is still much confusion and uncertainty complicating the relationship between Christians and Muslims, between blacks and whites, between former colonial subjects and former colonial masters, in western society and, indeed, in other societies, as well; simply put, human ignorance is more resilient than most of us might have thought possible at one time. With this in mind, the idea that it might be possible to overcome cross-cultural barriers through a more inclusive and responsive dialogue is one that understandably needs to be defended vigorously from its many critics."
