Abstract This paper is a discussion of the book "The Politics" by Aristotle. In this book Aristotle introduces the idea of a middle class, and argues it's significance for the good of mankind. Aristotle argues that the middle class is the most suitable class to be rulers since unlike the rich who do not want anyone to rule them, or the poor, who do not have the means to rule, they live in the middle and have seen the best qualities of both the rich and the poor.
From the paper:
"The poor, conversely, cannot be good rulers because their attributes usually consist of being overly indigent, weak, or lacking in honor. These qualities make it difficult for the poor to follow reason, and they usually become malicious and base in petty ways. If the malicious were given the entitlement to rule, it seems that their hateful and wicked ways would cause a tyrannical, or master/slave society. As was said before, the poor are full of envy for the rich and could, perhaps, attempt to revenge on those they resent. Either the rich or the poor can commit Acts of injustice. Whether it is through arrogance or malice, both are groups likely to act against the best interest of the city. The middling class must rule because both the rich and the poor, if given the claim to rule, are likely to cause nothing but injury to the cities."
Abstract This paper compares the rules and theories set forth by St. Augustine to those followed by citizens of the Middle Ages who sought to be chivalrous. It studies both codes which represent the pinnacle of Medieval society. It describes the many classes in the Middle Ages including The Feudal Class, the Religious Class and more. It includes an historical overview of the Middle Ages and the spread of Christianity at the time.
From the Paper "It is interesting to note that St. Augustine's City of God was written in the Fifth Century, which is generally considered to be the onset of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages gained notoriety and expanded mainly due to the spread of Christianity. St. Augustine's Christian beliefs, coupled with the chivalric code, seemed to serve the theoretical basis for the foundation that the Middle Ages were built on.
"The order of the chivalric code and St. Augustine's rules also show the importance of religion in society. St. Augustine's code begins with the general statement, ?Before all else, dear brothers, love God and then your neighbor, because these are the chief commandments given to us.? This general plea not only serves as the precursor for St. Augustine's code, but would not be out of place if it was written right before the code of chivalry. There are many aspects of the chivalric code which support the general statement made by St. Augustine. They include, "thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone" and ?thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born.? These two elements of the code of chivalry note that commoners should respect their neighbors and the country in which they live."
Abstract This paper discusses the revival of theater in Europe, beginning in the tenth century, as inspired and sponsored by the Catholic Church. The writer examines how historians now consider the High Middle Ages as the third major theatrical era in Western history. The paper further illustrates how major dramatic forms were connected with the church, its rituals, and its calendar of religious observances. The author explains the importance of these dramas , which included making church services more appealing and teaching scriptural history to the masses. The three types of plays that came out of the High Middle Ages are presented. The author concludes by arguing that drama other than that associated with the Church did exist at this time, influencing theater in the Late Middle Ages and even today.
From the Paper "Since Plato's The Republic, the depiction of art, particularly theatre, has been treated as a secondary if not inconsequential chronicle and portrayal of any given era. Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than during the Middle Ages, where the major dramatic forms, if they existed at all and if they could be called theatre, could only be performed if they were connected with and sanctioned by the church. Coinciding with the well-deserved title of the Dark Ages, the Catholic Church has been historically credited of having begun a revival of theatre in Europe. Extant plays, sponsored by the church and dating back to the tenth century, are categorized into three distinct genres: liturgical drama, which enacted part of the liturgy of the Catholic Mass; cycle plays, which illustrated scriptural history; and morality drama, which metaphorically endorsed the symbolic structure of Christian life. The provincial dramaturgical view generally holds that that these were the only forms of theatre of the time. However, more recent scholarship demonstrates that as these performance-based church rituals begot theatre and theatre further begot church ritual, other plays like university plays, pageants, mummings and disguisings, interludes, other non-cycle religious plays, and drama came into play and that collectively, theatre of the High Middle Ages impacted the evolution of theatre into the Late Middle Ages, and what it is today."
Tags: theater middle ages renaissance cycle play mummings church, pageant robin hood morality drama
Abstract This paper explains that, in the Middle East, there is a societal belief in the superiority of men. The author explores the ways in which laws and customs based on religious beliefs and social and governmental policies violate women's human rights in Middle Eastern countries. The paper outlines the steps women have taken to attempt to protect these rights.
From the Paper "On December ..., the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration sets forth thirty Articles that listed certain inalienable rights of all human beings."
Abstract This paper examines Middle East terrorism. It looks at how ever since the emergence of Middle East terrorism in the nineteen-seventies, it has become increasingly evident that terrorism thrives on media coverage, and tends to fade in influence and significance when media attention is diverted elsewhere. It discusses how subsequently, radical Islamic terrorist tactics and strategy are very media-oriented, for the mass media is seen by terrorists as a long-range weapon that can strike fear into their enemies, regardless of where they live.
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the problem of bullying in middle schools. The psychological consequences of bullying to both the victim and perpetrator are examined. The author also explains why bullying can be more of a problem in middle school rather than elementary school. The author concludes by stating that bullying should not be tolerated in school, and curricula should focus on teaching tolerance.
From the Paper "Middle school aged children are in a seriously challenging period of emotional, social and physical adjustment. Challenges to students, parents and educators are multiple as these adjustments take place and many antisocial behaviors are observable in the population, in and out of the classroom. "Sex. Drugs. Puberty. Algebra. These are just a few of the problems that parents have to worry about when their eleven-year-old walks through the doors of middle school. The eleven-year-old, meanwhile, has to be brave in a scary new world filled with constant change that creates self-doubt and emotional turmoil." (Bernstein, 2002, p. 1) Bullying is an insidious aspect of the middle school years and must be addressed and dealt with like any other behavioural psychological problem. "The harsh reality of the bully/victim dyad is experienced by thousands of children every day..." "
Abstract This paper, written from a religious Islamic perspective, explores how diversity represents a major roadblock to achieving peace and harmony in the Middle East. The writer first describes the Muslim outlook on cultural diversity, as opposed to Christianity. The paper then highlights the different religious outlooks and sects within Islam. Several obstacles to establishing democracy in the Middle East are illustrated, with an emphasis on the suppression of minorities in the region. The author concludes citing Islamic concerns about democratization in Israel.
From the Paper "The Sunni is the largest group of the Islamic faith, with nearly 90% of all Muslims subscribing to this practice (Ibrahim, p. 323-369). The Kharawaj is another major political force in the Islamic world. When the prophet Muhammad died he had no sons to inherit leadership. The primary point of contention between these two groups is how to decide the leadership succession. The Kharawaj reject the Sunni idea that bloodlines are the most important factor, but feel that the right to rule is divinely granted."
Abstract This paper gives a complete biography of Equiano and his journey to slavery. The paper explains in great detail who he was captured, the methods used, his shipment to the West, the manner in which he was bought, sold and abused. This bio then relates to the Middle Passage and why it is an important account in studying comparative slavery.
From the Paper "Olaudah Equiano was born in 1745 in the village of Essaka, which today is known as Isseke, Nigeria. He lived in this farming village until 1756 when he was kidnapped by the Aro people who sold him to various masters within Africa. Equiano was slowly moved through Africa until he reached its? coast later that year to board a slave ship headed to the Americas. Upon boarding the American slave ship, Equiano first experiences the cruelty of the slave world while traveling the Middle Passage. Equiano recalls that slavery was a part of the Ibo world. However, unlike the European exploitation of Africans, African slaves were acquired as prisoners or perpetrators of heinous crimes. Equiano's enslavement did not follow these unwritten rules. He nevertheless recalls his African masters as like second families to him. Many spoke the same language and had similar customs. As he was passed from master to master, gradually differences in language and culture began to impress upon him."
Abstract The present study will consider how material culture and the standard of living has changed for middle-class Americans over the course of the twentieth century. Such changes were made possible by economic, technological and cultural factors that will be discussed here. The paper will conclude with an assessment of the consequences of such change.
Abstract This paper discusses the water resources in the Middle East. The essay is based on two articles but will also discuss some of the main researches that have been conducted in this area. Finally it will compare the two articles and give a brief analysis.
Abstract A paper concerning the topic of the conflict in the Middle East and U.S. interests. The paper claims that the United States is interested because of national security, oil and Israel.
Abstract This paper explains that the Barcelona Declaration, and the Barcelona Process that came out of it, marks a new phase in Europe's foreign policy. It explores how this is a stage in which the European Union is announcing that it cannot afford the continuing conflict in the Middle East and that peace is the only option. This peace is an important factor in the EU's foreign and security policy. It concludes that, even though the EU is not challenging the role of the United States, it is working for peace, not just following in the U.S.'s footsteps.
From the Paper "The reason why the European Union is placing a high level of importance on the Middle East Peace process is that it is related to its own security. This is admitted in the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and explained in the EU's 1999 statement on peace in the Middle East. As the CFSP openly seems to declare, the security interests of the EU cannot be divorced from the Middle East situation, not just because of the close geographic relation between them but because this area provides the EU with the majority of its energy needs and counts as a major trade partner, not to mention a leading source of investment in Europe (16). Therefore, the close geographic and economic relations between the two regions have placed the EU in a position in which it needs to give a status of priority to the Middle East Peace process. It is as such that the EU's resolution on peace in the Middle East firmly calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the removal of illegal Israeli settlements and the return of all occupied Arab territories (""EU European Parliament: Resolution ..."). The fact that the EU stresses these points is because it understands that the realizing of these goals is the only way to stabilize the region, thereby creating a peaceful and stable neighborhood for the EU."
Abstract This paper examines how a middle school library can support, motivate and initiate service learning opportunities with the students and staff. The paper outlines the service learning activities and the need to create social learning activities.
Abstract This paper discusses and compares the use of oil revenues in various oil-rich Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabai. The paper studies how the various countries fund -- or chose not to fund -- social welfare programs. The paper examines how the use of oil revenues impact issues of state ownership over social welfare programs, as well as political and religious tensions.
Tags: oil, rentier states, OPEC, Middle East, social welfare
Abstract This paper presents a personal perspective on the philosophical underpinnings of middle school education. It relates to the assessment, curriculum and subject matter. The author also discusses diversity, teaching style, relationship with Students and leadership style.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to describe my personal philosophy of Middle School Education. In this regard I agree with Wiles and Bondi that the Middle School must be an institution that supports ..."
