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Participant Observation, 2005.
A discussion of the meaning of participant observation in research, its advantages, and disadvantages.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the five parts of participant observation in research, discusses some of the criticisms of the approach, as well as its advantages, and suggests that, even with its shortcomings, without participant observation in research we would be left with a complete lack of knowledge of the world and the peoples that inhabit it. Source material used for the paper is appended.
From the Paper
"In some ways, all research is participant research. In quantum physics, it is thought that what is observed is altered by the act of being observed. In that sense, any observation one does makes one a participant, if only passively. However, as commonly used in the social sciences, participant observation means something much more active and, because of the need for objectivity, it has its adherents and its detractors."
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Mesopotamia, 2004.
This paper discusses the religion and society of the earliest known human civilization, Mesopotamia, which is located in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in present-day Iraq.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Mesopotamia, named "land between two rivers" by the Greeks, is the generic name for many different civilizations that existed in this area over a long period, but were relatively similar in their cultures, religions, and societies. The oldest is the Sumerian, followed by Akkadian, Babylonian, and the Assyrian civilizations. The author points out that the importance of religion in the lives of the ancient Mesopotamian people was overwhelming and affected all aspects of their lives because, in the absence of other fields of intellectual discourse that are available to the modern man, only religion could provide the Mesopotamians an explanation of the forces that governed their existence. The paper relates that, although women's position in the society varied between city-states and changed over time, the Mesopotamian society basically was highly patriarchal, with the wife's position in the household firmly below that of her husband.
Table of Contents
Religion
Importance
Sources of Information
Sumerian Beliefs
Developmental Stages of the Mesopotamian Religion
Mesopotamian Religion
Temples
Mesopotamian Society
Caste System
A Patriarchal Society
From the Paper
"The characteristics of the Mesopotamian society and the way in which developed were largely determined by the geography of the region. The rich fertile soil of the area, which was the result of the rich silt and water provided by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, attracted settlers to Mesopotamia. The rich land meant the creation of food surpluses, which allowed some settlers to move away from agriculture and into trade. It also resulted in the growth of the population that, in turn, gave rise to the process of urbanization. Most of the land was owned by temples and the king, which was "leased" out to workers who were provided with the land and tools in return for part of the profit."
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"The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down", 2005.
Examination of the book, "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures," by Anne Fadiman.
1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the role of ethnocentrism in the book. "Ethnocentrism" is the belief that your culture is "better" or "superior" to other cultures and that cultural standards are universal. It is often the wedge that keeps people from many cultures from blending into a cohesive unit, and in "The Spirit Catches You," it is quite common to see how the Hmong, with their culture of beliefs and superstitions, and American doctors, with their medicines and science, would clash and never see eye to eye.
From the Paper
""The Spirit Catches You" is the story of a Hmong family, the Lees, and their young daughter Lia. Lia is diagnosed with epilepsy, which the Hmong call "the spirit catches you and you fall down" disease. The story graphically illustrates two cultures that meet head on - with each one having absolutely no understanding of the other. The Hmong's entire culture is built on a series of beliefs and superstitions that they use nearly everyday to combat illness and appearance. For example, the author notes early in the book, "Although the Hmong believe that illness can be caused by a variety of sources - [...] by far the most common cause of illness is soul loss" (Fadiman 10). Thus, the Hmong use spiritual and holistic approaches to their daughter's health problems because it is all they know. The American doctors, on the other hand, want the Hmong to use American medicines and treatments, and the Hmong have no idea what these treatments are, or how they will benefit their daughter. What happens as the two cultures collide is a comedy of errors and misunderstanding, except that it is not funny, and Lia pays the price in the end."
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Anthropological Egalitarianism.
This paper discusses anthropological egalitarianism across gender roles in hunter/gatherer and pastoralist societies.
1,875 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper uses the Pygmies of Central Africa, the Khoisan Peoples of Southwestern Africa, the Aborigines of Australia, and various peoples, such as the Tiwi who live on islands in the South Seas, as examples of hunter/gatherer and pastoralist societies in which to study anthropological egalitarianism as opposed to egalitarianism in
modern society. The author points out that the proper or improper performance of duties influences the social position of the person and his or her family. The paper relates that there are great differences in the relative egalitarianism of hunter/gatherer and pastoralist societies, which do not ultimately depend on the different ways of earning a living nor on the different social organizations of the two kinds of people; if the acquisition of wealth is limited to certain kinds of occupations or to the acquisition of certain objects, then only those who can perform such tasks or obtain such objects can be considered successful.
From the Paper
"On the whole, hunter/gatherer societies are distinguished by the fact that each unit of that society performs essentially the same function as any other unit. As stated above, the typical unit of that society is the family consisting of men, women, and children. Because of the quality across families, there is really no one family that is ever of higher or lower rank than any other. An individual's usefulness to both his and her family, and to his or her society, is based directly on that individual's ability to perform the functions necessary to survival. So long as one performs these functions adequately, one can be assured of enjoying good relations with one's peers i.e. with everyone else. But to neglect one's duties, is to upset the social order and to invite criticism or even ostracism."
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Gender Disparities in Health, 2005.
An in-depth look at whether men and women react differently in different health crisis situations.
4,125 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 110.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the disparity among men and women might be apparent in the manner in which they respond to certain ailments. It shows that inadequate proof on gender disparities in health does not indicate that differences between men and women are trouble-free. The writer argues that there is an urgency to delve more into the characteristics of gender disparities than persisting to work for the given notions. While discovering the associations between gender and health, the writer concludes that it is crucial that one considers quantitative and qualitative information data to develop a more patterned comprehension of the lives of men and women.
From the Paper
"Gender is a vital feature in comprehending the intricate correlation among the socio-structural disparities and disparity of health. (Goodman; Amick; Rezendes; Tarlov; Rogers; Kagan, 907) The use of the expression 'gender' was originally made in the 1960s to confront the widespread conviction that variation of gender among women and men were permanent and rigid. It pointed a departure from the genetic code in the field of biology that comprehended these variations as happening naturally, to an increasing consciousness of the influence of societal reasons that could be tackled and modified. Latest plans for the growth of gender-receptive point of view have attracted notice in the direction of gender relationships, reasoning that we should be shifting our attention from the issue of women and men as watertight compartments to envisioning at the societal relationships by way of which they are reciprocally made up as distinct groups. This would comprise exploring in larger aspect as to the manner in which the influence of men falls on women's well-being and vice versa, by way of the extensive multiplicity of individual, familial and professional relationships that subsists among the two. (O'Brien; White, 2)"
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Evolution of Man, 2005.
An examination of Darwin's theory of the evolution of man.
3,654 words (approx. 14.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It looks at the basis of the theory and the challenges Darwin faced after its publication. The paper then focuses on whether or not the facts of evolution are true and whether this truth can be proven.
From the Paper
"It was in the year 1859 that Charles Darwin published his book "The Origin of the Species". This was a book that literally 'shook the world'. The book detailed the theory of natural selection that had been arrived at earlier, that stated that man as a species underwent a process of selection for the purpose of reproduction, and generation after generation adapted to the changes in the environment by improving their species, and this meant that each subsequent generation would possess those features that would help them to adapt better for survival, meaning that Man was continually evolving and getting better with each successive generation, and this in essence was what was meant by the theory of Evolution of Man. (Darwin, Charles Robert: Encyclopedia) Another concept introduced by Darwin at this time was the theory that all related organisms are actually descendants of the same ancestors. He also stated that the Earth was in fact not a static object but was actually evolving all the time. The theories of Darwin were attacked by scientists and by religious heads. Scientists were of the opinion that Darwin could not in fact prove his theory of variation and could not explain how these variations originated and how they could be passed on from one generation to the next. Religious heads, on the other hand, furiously questioned Darwin?s theory of evolution as they felt that all living things had in fact evolved by natural processes, and that human beings were being placed at the same level as that of animals, and this would not be tolerated since it was in direct opposition to theological concepts of the evolution of mankind. (Darwin, Charles Robert: Encyclopedia) Human Evolution, taken in ordinary terms, is the process by which humans have changed from the ape-like creatures that they once used to be into the human figures, as we know them today, through a process of continuous change and adaptation to the environment. (Human Evolution)"
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Islamic Monarchies, 2004.
An analysis of the politics of monarchical survival in Jordan and Morocco.
3,686 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses modern monarchies, in general, with a focus on Islamic monarchies, specifically those of Morocco and Jordan. The paper examines the politics involved in the monarchical survival of these countries. The paper outlines the duties incumbent on the monarchy and contends that a successful monarch depends upon fact that he provides a non-political personality for his country and people and that his office is not tied to any political group or party.
From the Paper
"The Royal Family of Saudi Arabia is considered to be the largest monarchy in the Middle East with vast number of members. The Royalty of Jordan is considered to be the most beloved. Jordan, a small state, established in a permeable regional system and striving to survive the local and internal risk lends itself to an exploration that highlights the internal factors of foreign policy behavior and the connection between the regime consolidations, legitimatization and survival. (Salloukh, 1996) Monarchy is considered to be the most significant convention in Jordan. The Constitution envisages that all the members of the government and judiciary are appointed by the king and the representatives to the lower house of the legislature are elected by the people."
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Human Biological Variation, 2005.
A paper on the question of human behavior and whether it is genetically or biologically influenced.
2,545 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper explores some of the aspects of the nature versus nurture controversy. The paper studies the complex interplay between genotype and phenotype variables via findings in various disciplines to determine if the genotype (nature aspect) is more influential than the phenotype (the nurture aspect) in determining human behavior.
Background
Literature Review
Methodology
From the Paper
"On the theory that no behavior is more emblematic of a person?s behavior than their sexual behavior, which arises from their sexual identity, a study of gender identification and the nature-nurture debate seems a logical one to decide the issue without dissent. (It should be noted, however, that arguably, a case might be made that this is not so, at least in the case of transgendered individuals and those whose behavior includes such contrarian behaviors as cross-dressing.) However, an article by Hausman (2000), dissects the results of enculturation of (and often surgery upon) individuals born with indeterminate physical sexual identifying characteristics. Hausman uses the case of twin sex reassignment to comment on the way gender operates in the nature vs. nurture debate, at least in terms of gender identity."
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The Cemeteries of Qumran, 2005.
A review of the journal article called "Celibacy: Confusion Laid To Rest?," written by Joe Zias and published in the "Dead Sea Discoveries" journal.
1,166 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a positive review of an article about the most recent discoveries made at the Qumran Cemetery and the Essene community that lived there in ancient times. The paper also describes the approach that the author of the article took to shed new light on the findings at the cave and the implications these findings had for the long-held assumption that the inhabitants of the cave were members of an all-male, celibate society.
From the Paper
"Therefore, the author?s approach was to try to resolve some of the outstanding issues and concerns about the actual cemetery as opposed to the related discoveries of the scrolls. The intention was to present insights into the celibacy of the Essene settlement based on assertions made from the archaeological discoveries of the Qumran Cemetery. The reason there was renewed interest in the Qumran Cemetery project which was discovered in the 1950?s was that some new controversy was raised based on women and children being found buried in the cemetery that was thought to be an all male celibate society. Scholars had theorized that Qumran cemetery was a part of the Essene settlement near by and they have been credited by other historians as the keepers of the Dead Sea Scrolls which not by coincidence were found near the Essene community cemetery."
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Society as an Organization, 2005.
An examination of sociological and anthropological theories stating the concept of society being considered an organization.
1,677 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that social organization is the result of the interplay between interpersonal relationships, language, behavior, and societal norms. It looks at how social organization arises from interactions and human relationships. Society and culture are more the products of social factors than environmental ones. The writer concludes that the manner in which humans interact and organize their life is contingent upon their relationships.
From the Paper
"Regardless of ones philosophy of culture or definition of society, one must acknowledge that man is ever changing and a creature that requires interaction and formation of complex relationships to survive. Society evolves in part as a result of the social interactions and relationships that man creates and forms during the course of a lifetime. Social organizations occur likewise as a result of human interaction and the means by which individuals within a given society organize their lives and establish some sort of order."
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The Roman Empire, 2004.
This paper discusses the Roman Empire from the period of 6000 BC to its collapse in 476 AD, focusing on the more ancient period.
2,460 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, after the Stone Age, the earliest known Bronze Age culture of Europe and the Mediterranean was the Minoan, an ancient civilization on what is now Crete in the Mediterranean prior to classical Greek culture. The author points out that the advances in building construction led to the widespread use of the arch by the Romans and to the invention of durable cements and concrete for structures that have survived to the present times. The paper clarifies that, although Rome possessed a collection of tribute-states for centuries before the autocracy of Augustus, the pre-Augustan state conventionally is described as the Roman Republic; the difference between the Roman Empire and the Roman Republic lies primarily in the governing bodies and their relationship to each other.
From the Paper
"In discussing history over such great spans of time, historians rely on what is known as the classic three-age system. The system divides early human history into three distinct phases based upon the level of technology developed and the materials used in forming tools. These three ages and their exact placement in time vary according to geographic region; some regions developed the use of bronze and iron before others. Indeed, there are still Stone Age cultures extant on the planet, although that is becoming more and rarer as the years pass. Other ages than the ones mentioned are used by archaeology to delineate ?sub-ages? that distinguish when a particular material (usually a metal) began to be used in tool-making and industry (examples include the Copper Age, the Silver Age, or the Gold Age)."
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Afrikaners, 2004.
This paper discusses the history of the Afrikaners, the descendants of mainly Dutch settlers who established the first permanent settlement at the southern tip of the African continent.
3,560 words (approx. 14.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Afrikaners developed a separate identity, identifying themselves as Africans rather than Europeans, adopting a separate language called Afrikaans, which is a dialect of the Dutch, and developing a distinct culture based on Calvinist beliefs honed by the harsh environs of the South African landscape. The author points out that, ever since a group of native Khoikhois first encountered the white men who had briefly disembarked to look for fresh water in about 1488, the relationship between the Europeans and the local inhabitants had been hostile. The paper relates that the politics of the Afrikaners, based on the assumed superiority of the white people, was an interpretation of the Calvinistic philosophy of a ?chosen people?, meaning the Boers were chosen by God to conquer the desolate land of South Africa and to rule over its ?uncivilized? indigenous inhabitants.
Table of Contents
Background
The First Dutch Outpost
The Freeburghers and the Beginnings of a Race-based Society
Interaction with the Natives
The Afrikaner Identity
The Afrikaans Language
Afrikaner Culture and Society
Politics and Apartheid
Significant Events in Afrikaner History
The Great Trek
The Second Boer War: Oct 1999-May 1902
From the Paper
"There are different theories about how Afrikaans developed. One is that it arose as a bastard tongue out of a clash between Dutch (the language of the white settlers) and Malay Portuguese (the language of the imported slaves). However, Afrikaans does not show large scale influence of Malay-Portuguese and has incorporated only a few of its words into its fold. The more convincing theory about the origins of the language is that it gradually evolved from Dutch as a result of the interaction among people of various nationalities who settled at the Cape. It later gathered loanwords from other languages such as English, French, German and some African languages, and adopted a simplified grammatical structure to evolve into a separate language. As we have already observed, most of the early settlers at the Cape were Dutch."
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Changes in Society and Childhood, 2005.
A brief examination of how changes in society can impact childhood development.
1,587 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that there is probably no change in society that doesn?t have a significant and equal effect on children. It questions the nature of those effects and whether it is likely that similar changes will create different effects on childhood in different cultures.
From the Paper
"No matter how one?s parents got to the United States, if one is born here, one is a citizen. So it was with amazement that a 21-year-old Mexican-American college graduate, who had finished a paid internship at a newspaper, received a message from the U.S. State Department?s Houston Passport Agency inquiring, in so many words, as to why it should issue her a U.S. passport so she could go and study in Mexico. They required the ?attending midwife?s report; prenatal and postnatal notes created by the midwife of (her) mother regarding her pregnancy and delivery; a certified copy of baptismal certificate; (her) parents? tax, rent, or employment records created at the time of (her) birth which indicated their U.S. residency; elementary-school records showing ? name, date, and place of birth and indicating (her) parents? address or any other document established in (her) infancy or early childhood that indicates (her) place of birth? (Quoted by De Uriarte, 1996, p. 18+). The student finally did get her passport, but the author noted that this young woman was one of several who found themselves lacking a passport at a crucial moment because of a crackdown on illegal aliens."
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Congado, 2004.
A look at the music rituals of the Afro-Brazilian group that holds the "Ceremony of Congado".
986 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, each year, religious musical festivals take place in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in which musical worship is the focus. In particular, it discusses the musical worship is known as "Congado" with thousands of people coming from the small villages in which they live to take part in the ancient memorial.
Outline
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Congado
Candombe: The Father
The Lady in the Sea
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The basis for the festival is the creation story. There is a legend told that during the time of slavery that "Our Lady of the Rosary" materialized out in the sea. In this legend the black people rescued "Our Lady of the Rosary after the whites failed in their rescue attempt. The Congado ceremony begins at the ending of Holy Week, which corresponds with Easter Sunday in the U.S. The first ceremony in the festival is the "congadeiros" meaning "The Opening of the Reign?. The festival goes until sometimes in October or November. The most anticipated festival is the rosary festival which last three days and requires a month?s preparation."
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Teotihuacan, Ancient Mexico, 2004.
This paper discusses the architecture of Teotihuacan, one of the largest urban centers of the ancient world.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the city of Teotihuacan was situated in the Valley of Mexico, about 50 kilometers to the northeast of modern Mexico City, which began its growth between 200 and 100 B.C., and by around 150 A.D., had an estimated population of over 125,000 people, covering an area of more than 20 square kilometers. The author points out that the geographic location of Teotihuacan provided resources of obsidian and other materials suitable for building, ornamentation, and trade. The paper relates that the surviving buildings of Teotihuacan are of an austere design, using expressive planar surfaces and massive architectonic volumes; the temples are seen as artificial mountains, connecting the people of the city to the sky as the home of the gods and affirming their centrality in the universe. Illustrations.
From the Paper
"The surviving evidence for the city reveals a planned metropolis, with extensive and wide streets and avenues, very large buildings, and regions of religious, administrative and industrial constructions as well as extensive housing. Teotihuac?n reached its peak of size and power between circa 150 A.D. and 700 A.D., the ?Classic? period of Mesoamerican civilization during which period it extended its influence throughout Mesoamerica. It has been called ?the dominant Middle American site of the first half of the Classic era.? "
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