Abstract
This paper examines empowerment and dis-empowerment of public schools as a means of increasing student achievement. The concept of empowerment is first defined and discussed. This discussion is followed by an examination of the literature on the characteristics of both empowered and dis-empowered schools. The next section of the paper examines methods and strategies for shifting a dis-empowered school to an empowered school.

From the Paper
"This paper examines empowerment and dis-empowerment of public schools as a means of increasing student achievement. The concept of empowerment is first defined and discussed. This discussion is followed by an examination of the literature on the characteristics of both empowered and dis-empowered schools. The next section of the paper examines methods and strategies for shifting a dis-empowered school to an empowered school."

Tags:empowered schools, disempowered, student achievement, NCLB

Abstract
This paper discusses how, beginning in Canto VIII as Virgil and Dante approach the City of Dis, their journey slows then stops at the gate. It contends that the entrance to the City of Dis causes a climactic battle between Heaven and Hell that changes the course of Dante's journey and of the poem.

From the Paper
"The legion of rebel angels tries to persuade Virgil from his undead companion, leaving Dante to find his way out alone, if at all. At this Dante breaks the 'fourth wall' and addresses his audience directly, pleading with the reader to "but conceive of his dismay" at being left alone (94). This entire scene has a heightened sense of drama, with more fear, distress, and anxiety than any previous. Appealing directly to the audience Dante seems to be pulling the reader deeper into the scene. Dante pleads for Virgil not to forsake him, offering to quit altogether and hasten back (100). While Virgil holds council with the demons the narrative focuses on Dante and his growing fears of abandonment. "

Tags:power, virgil

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the scientific explanations for the appearance of ghosts. The paper disputes the supernatural origins of ghosts and offers reasonable and scientific theories for the well-known phenomenon that occurs at a haunting.

From the Paper
"One case in particular proves the power of imagination and suggestion in regards to those who are searching for proof that ghosts do exist. Arthur Machen, a journalist and author of paranormal fiction wrote a fictional account of the British Army's retreat from the occupying German forces from Mons, France in 1914. Machen reported in a "fanciful" tale that phantom archers and soldiers from a medieval battle between the English and French from many centuries before. The ghosts, according to Machen, supplied a "rear guard" that allowed the English withdrawal and even caused some casualties within the Germans.
Problem was the fiction quickly became "fact" as reports came in from the soldiers on the field about the "angels" assisting their efforts. Even when Machen decried the whole story as a work of fiction, people kept sending him reports of the Angels. Even after the war, a German officer claimed a horse "rear up" and tossed him off after being startled by the ghostly soldiers. (Didier, 2007)"

Tags:paranormal, ghosts, evidence, proof

Abstract
In "The Organic Machine," Richard White ambitiously redefines the natural world in terms of energy transfer. His is one of many contemporary views intended to counter classical conceptions of the natural world, conceptions that are still popularly held by many today. This paper shows that White's version is based on a startling and unique perspective, but one must ask whether it is satisfying and whether it is realistic.

From the Paper
"Perhaps White is correct in stressing the fundamental unity of all action. Perhaps a handmade wooden fish wheel is essentially no different from a massive steel turbine, and perhaps all movement that occurs on the earth's surface can be condensed into simple exchanges of energy. Yet one cannot help think that this simplification somehow removes a vital facet of reality. Are Shakespeare's writings, which Emerson continually praises, mere dashes of ink on a page, fundamentally no different from any other piece of written word? Is a Beethoven Sonata really just a string of 1's and 0's on a compact disc?"

Tags:kipling, thoreau

Abstract
The paper demonstrates the historical value of a text entitled, "The Life of Cola di Rienzo" and outlines what a historian can learn about the period in question from the life-story of this leader of medieval Rome. The paper describes the text and emphasizes that its real strength is in how it vividly recaptures the political machinations - the viciousness, the intrigues, the deceit and the murderous impulses - that allowed some men to rule over others whilst other men were condemned to death. The paper discusses how the book stands out as a glimpse into the seamier side of medieval Roman politics. From there, the paper proceeds to discuss the early life of di Rienzo, the unhappy situation which forced him into action, his eventful time as Tribune or imperial leader of Rome, and his eventual collapse. The paper asserts that the text is very good at showing how things really were during this period.

From the Paper
"The ensuing several pages will demonstrate/discuss the historical value of a text entitled, "The Life of Cola di Rienzo" and outline what a historian can learn about the period in question from the life-story of this leader of medieval Rome. To start things off, the essay will briefly describe the text and emphasize that its real strength is in how it vividly recaptures the political machinations - the viciousness, the intrigues, the deceit and the murderous impulses - that allowed some men to rule over others whilst other men were condemned to death; in short, the book stands out as..."

Tags:historical, value, rienzo

Abstract
After presenting a brief biography of the life of Italian Renaissance artist Giotto di Bondone, this paper goes on to discuss some of his more famous works of art and the influence he had on other artists. The paper also discusses the quality that made his artwork so special, even though he lacked the technical knowledge of anatomy that many painters who came after him possessed.

From the Paper
"Giotto di Bondone was an accomplished painter, architect, and sculptor and is often touted as being "the first genius of art in the Italian Renaissance." (Eimerl, The World of Giotto) Giotto lived and worked during the renaissance period, this was a pivotal time in history people were beginning to open their minds to new ways of thinking and being. Giotto's work focused primarily on traditional religious subjects, yet through his remarkable talents he was able to imbue his subjects with "earthly, full-blooded life and force." "

Tags:vespignano, florence, italy, cimabue, dante, frescoes, assisi, the, passions, of, christ, cathedral

Abstract
This paper discusses how the biographical account of Rosso Fionrentino's artistry has been conveyed through the painting Allegory of Salvation with the Virgin and Christ Child. By realizing the growing rift between classical painters and the new Mannerism of the High Renaissance, one can realize how the various anatomy, form, color, and lighting play into the intellectual stylistics of this work. The paper further discusses how the symbolic representation of Mary and Jesus becomes a distorted and often bizarre account of the Bible, which seeks deeper intellectual qualities that depict a more abstract religious experience.

From the Paper
"This art study will examine the nature of Mannerist painting within the work of Giovanni Battista di Jacopo's (Rosso Fiorentino) "Allegory of Salvation with the Virgin and Christ Child." By realizing the painter's biographical background, one can realize the Christian symbols and motifs that reside within this painting. The sense of In comparing this painting to his other works, the Mannerist dictates of style often allowed these deviations from form and anatomy, which Mary and Christ invoke in this work. Although this work would be considered of his middle period, the trends in his painting did not deviate too far from the Mannerism that he enjoyed so much in his stylistics. "

Tags:christ, mary, art

From the Paper
"The Leopard (Il gattopardo) was published in 1958 by Prince Giuseppe (Maria Fabrizio) Tomasi di Lampedusa. This historical novel chronicles the impact of Garibaldi's invasion of Sicily: "In May, 1860, Garibaldi sailed for Sicily, to win the island from the Bourbons" (9-10). Lampedusa goes into detail with the subsequent unification of Italy, and how this affects one specific Sicilian family who had thrived under the Bourbon kings.

Historically it is important to note that The Leopard shows the failure of the Risorgimento, and this created controversial political debates when it was first put out. Since that time, however, the arguments have subsided, and the novel is now recognized as a very complex psychological study of a specific age. Its style is highly symbolic, as well as richly poetic."

Abstract
A discussion of the artist Michelangelo. The author provides a brief overview of his life, a discussion of his major works, his contributions to society and his influence on the Renaissance.

From the Paper
"The word Renaissance, used for the first time by Vasari in his book "Vite" to refer to the historic period between the late 14th century and the second half of the16th century, was meant to indicate the new birth, the re-birth of art. Fundamentally, from the philosophical point of view, the Renaissance also meant naturalism, in other words, the study of man and the universe without the use of metaphysics. It was thereby obvious that in Renaissance man became the center and measure of all things, a chosen creator who echoes the deep harmony between the microcosm and the macrocosm. For Italian artists who studied the ancient statues, they were therefore aiming at achieving a similar rendition of physical reality by using rediscovered techniques. For example, Renaissance sculptors would make use of perspective, nudes and equestrian statues as subject. The revival of interest in the Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, seen from a free and lay point of view, made it possible to uphold man and his possibilities of free thought and action in the period of Renaissance. Through artistic rebirth, the re-appreciation of man led to the culmination of several of the greatest artworks in the history of human being."

Tags:history, sculpture, picture, painting, museum, history

Abstract
Using William Ashbrook's article on the two early performances and successes or failures of Donizetti operas "Belisario" and "Lucia di Lammermoor", this paper conveys the general assumptions that back then, Italian opera was judged by the audiences and therefore popularity, and not by their musical values.

From the Paper
"According to William Ashbrook, Lucia di Lammermoor did not have an early success. Surprisingly, Belisario was more popular. However, the author also makes it clear that in the first half of the Nineteenth century, the so-called critics were more interested in the singers than in the operas or their composers. There were relatively few if any critics, not the type we have today. The "critics" were the audience. And they let a singer or composer or conductor k now right away how they felt. Ashbrook writes that he relied on three journals of the period but since there was censorship, these journals seldom reported what the reception..."

Tags:lucia di lammermoor, belisario, 19th century opera