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Navajo and European Witchcraft, 2008.
A comparison of the background and characteristics of Navajo and European witchcraft.
1,283 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explores some of the similarities and differences between Navajo and European witchcraft. It discusses the background of each form of witchcraft and includes a discussion of the different cultures and geographical locations that influence the practice of witchcraft. It also looks at the characteristics of each form of witchcraft and how they differ.
Table of Contents:
Navajo Background
Navajo Traditions in Witchcraft
European Witchcraft
The Similarities and Differences Between Navajo and European Witchcraft
From the Paper
"First, the Navajo by way of their Asian traditions from an ancient time, pursued stories of creation and the end of life, and compensated for those things which they did not understand or which mystified them with stories, prayers, and rituals. To the extent that they could not fully understand or explain something, they turned to shamans, or holy men, to explain those things for them; or, by way of ritual and prayer, to protect The People from them unknowns which might harm or adversely impact their lives. This is found to be much the same in the European tradition, as Europeans, like the Navajo, have traditions and rituals that were rooted in pagan eras and addressed those things about the world and universe that could not be explained or understood by the majority of the people."
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Co-Evolution, 2008.
An examination of the basis of the theory of co-evolution, including discussion of three community interactions.
1,053 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper researches and examines co-evolution. It discusses what co-evolution is, how it works and the biological principle of this theory. The paper also discusses the basis of this theory to include three different community interactions. It identifies and analyzes three factors affecting co-evolution in human beings that have typically been the focus of study - lifestyles, diets and diseases.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Organism And Microbiota Impact On Human Beings
Community-Based Co-Evolution Factors
Summary And Conclusion
From the Paper
"This hazard may arise from the effects of generation of new species at a rapid rate that involves evolution that does not occur in unison with the world and environment and its living creatures but instead is an evolution independent of other living plants, species, and life. One such negative impact is noted by Wheelis et al to be "the potential for increased weediness among herbicide-tolerant crops." (1998) Stated as well is that interbreeding might result in the formation of hybrids resulting in genetic contamination of crops that are economically of importance and even lead to "extinction of native species or other species of local importance." (Wheelis, et al, 1998) Coe-evolution of human beings and microbiota is reviewed in the work of Dethlefsen, McFall-Ngai and Relman entitled: "An Ecological and Evolutionary Perspective on Human-Microbe Mutualism and Disease" who state that the basic concepts are experiencing a rapid change in respect to the human microbiota as these were "first shown to cause disease in human in the 1800s however, eventually it was understood that the majority of the interaction between microbiota and humans in fact do not cause disease and that in fact, some of the microbiota are beneficial to human beings."
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Hooks and Racism, 2008.
This paper discusses Bell Hooks' treatment of the issue of racism, focusing on the work "Killing Rage: Ending Racism".
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the scholar Bell Hooks' 'Killing Rage: Ending Racism' begins with the shocking defense of a severely psychologically disturbed black man who unleashed a killing spree on the New York subway. The writer notes that while by no means defending murder, Hooks engages in a kind of tacit endorsement of the man's motivation, or his sophisticated understanding that both blacks and whites can perpetuate institutionalized racism, by supporting institutions that foster racist attitudes. The writer points out that America is a nation founded upon a racial divide between blacks and whites, founded upon the economic, political, and social legacy of slavery. The writer discusses that the notion of institutionalized, rather than personalized racism demarcated by Hooks stresses that although the effects of institutionalized racism may disproportionately affect blacks, both black and white 'bodies' can and do enforce the prejudices and stereotypes.
From the Paper
" Hooks' criticism seems apt in the sense that 'whiteness' as a construct, much like 'heterosexuality' and 'maleness' has only recently been problematized within contemporary academic discourse. But Hooks' use of the term as the opposite of blackness, in reference to individuals is itself problematic. What about racial categories of white people who only 'recently' became white, such as people of Irish, Italian, or Mediterranean extraction? Or Jewish people and members of other minorities that have not been able, historically, to fully participate in American culture because they are not seen as 'white.' Do they all see blackness in the same fashion because they are locked in the same ideological system, or do they exist within their own subculture as well as participate in the dominant discourse of black/white racialization?"
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The Ocean and Global Warming, 2008.
A discussion on the effects of climate change on ocean currents.
1,419 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on a Pentagon Report that was released to the world media in 2004 predicting that the north Atlantic current would stop in the near future, bringing global catastrophe. The paper explains how ocean currents work and describes the phenomenon of global warming. The paper concludes that the events put forth in the Pentagon Report are a plausible scenario, although many scientists contest the events as something which is not likely to happen in the near future.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Theory
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
From the Paper
"The Pentagon Report was released to the world media in 2004 predicting that the north Atlantic current would stop in the near future, bringing global catastrophe. It is known that in the past the ocean currents have been affected by changes in climate, although the lack of direct observations make it difficult for scientists to discover the exact nature of changes which are currently being observed. There have however been changes noted in currents in the Pacific and in the Atlantic Oceans related to climate change, suggesting that the events predicted in the Pentagon Report may occur at some stage in the future, although it is difficult to predict exactly when. If such changes in ocean current did occur, it is likely that the changes would impact on a global scale."
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To Survive in a Desert, 2008.
This paper explores the techniques used for survival by hunter-gatherers in an arid climate.
2,687 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 55.95
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Abstract
The paper explores, from an archeological perspective, how a hunter-gatherer society might nourish themselves in a desert. The paper focuses on the traditional lifestyle of the San people who live in the Kalahari desert. The paper describes how the San people have survived on a limited diet of animals and plants that is lacking in nutritional variation.
Outline:
Bushmen of the Kalahari
History of the San
Traditional San Culture
Analyzing Diets from an Archeological Perspective
Conducting An Assessment of the Primitive Diet
From the Paper
"Archeologists spend much time conjecturing about how a certain group of people survived in a particular area. Often, the only clues they have are in the artifacts, or if they are lucky, an intact body. However, it is easy to forget that we have a valuable resource in our search for the hunter-gatherer "secrets" of how to survive in an inhospitable climate. The San, otherwise known as the Basarwa people, live in the Kalahari desert. The Kalahari is a vast desert that stretches over South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. The San are often referred to as the "Bushmen" of the Kalahari."
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"Between Argentines and Arabs", 2008.
An examination of the content and presentation of Christina Civantos' book, "Between Argentines and Arabs: Argentine Orientalism, Arab Immigrants, and the Writing of Identity."
805 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and reviews Christina Civantos' 2006 text, "Between Argentines and Arabs: Argentine Orientalism, Arab Immigrants, and the Writing of Identity," which examines the phenomenon of Orientalism specifically in a Latin American context. The paper discusses the content of the book and how Civantos presents her ideas.
From the Paper
"Orientalism was a term coined by the postcolonial theorist Edward Said to describe the reduction of Middle Eastern or East Asian culture to a kind of exotic literary trope. Said discusses this development mainly in relation to European powers and their colonial possessions, but Christina Civantos in her 2006 text Between Argentines and Arabs: Argentine Orientalism, Arab Immigrants, and the Writing of Identity examines the phenomenon of Orientalism specifically in a Latin American context. Argentina was one of the most ethnically diverse societies of Latin America. The debate over colonialism, Nationalism, Orientalism took on a unique character in the country because of its cross-section of identities. European, Indian, and Arabs were all determined to create their unique subjectivity in relation to the nation."
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Robert Merton and Social Structure, 2008.
This paper looks at Robert K. Merton's theories regarding social structure and anomie.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that according to the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, without social controls, because of humanity's biological impulses, life would be nasty, brutish and short. Although we as a society now reject Hobbes' mode of governance, many theorists of crime seem to adopt a similar line of analysis. The writer points out that they see crime as a product of the individual rather than society, and crime as having biological rather than sociological origins. However, the writer discusses that Robert K. Merton's theories of social controls and anomie give a persuasive example of how there is considerable evidence that some social structures exert a definite pressure upon certain persons in the society to engage in nonconformist rather than conformist conduct. The writer discusses how the social structure of a society, in this case, American society, sets certain norms, such as the norm of success. The writer concludes that it creates institutional norms, like the ideal that capitalist firms must quickly show a profit.
From the Paper
"Those who doubt the truth of this statement need look no farther than a college campus to see it in action. College students who might never have drank before attending school, or perhaps only had a glass of wine in private at family dinners and functions may feel pressured to drink to fit into the dominant social milieu. These students may not even enjoy drinking, and very likely know the logical consequences of drinking to excess, including sickness, the dangers of alcoholism, failing grades, and even overdosing. There is also the chance of engaging in foolish and regrettable behavior, and even putting one's self at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
"The students have been made aware of the fact, by the school's administration, that it is illegal to drink until they are over the age of 21, and that alcohol is not permitted on campus."
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Moche Irrigation and Food Production, 2008.
An examination of how Moche irrigation and food production provided leaders with the opportunities to expand their political power base.
3,862 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 33 sources, APA, £ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Moche political organizations and their key attributes. It specifically focuses on their irrigation systems and how they provided leaders with the opportunity to expand their political power base and economy. The paper also looks at how expansion of political control over food production and distribution may have led to an increased reliance on agricultural and terrestrial faunal resources in later periods.
From the Paper
"If it is assumed that "in societies organized around a regional political economy, there is differential access to goods, wealth, power and the means of production" (Gumerman 1997), it can probably also be assumed that high-ranking individuals controlled the degree and social organization of labor, tribute, redistribution and trade of foods, and possibly, as Goody (1982) notes, the technology, land, and water required for producing or procuring foods. In addition, the elite should have had the greatest degree of food choice and set themselves apart symbolically by consuming foods valued either for ideological reasons or for rarity. An increased dietary divergence between class groups might even offer indirect evidence of a foundation for political unrest. (Christine White, et. al, 2001)"
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Culture in Human Relations, 2008.
This paper discusses the theories of Geer Hofstede, Franz Boas and Harry Triandis on culture in human relations.
1,694 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses theories of culture in human relations, focusing on Geer Hofstede, Franz Boas, and Harry Triandis. The paper explains Hofstede's belief that culture creates a pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting that is acquired in early childhood and later shaped by interacting with family members, neighbors or colleagues. The paper also looks at Hofstede's surveys that characterized cultures but notes the criticisms of his work. The paper then looks at Franz Boas' theory of cultural relativism and its criticisms and Harry Triandis' individualism - collectivism theories and their limitations. The paper concludes that given the significant role that culture plays in human relations, its understanding should be seen as a top priority when in a multicultural environment.
From the Paper
"Consequently, Hofstede (2005) makes use of the fragment from Rose's play for building his theory of culture as mental programming. According to him, every individual subscribes to a "pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting" that is acquired in early childhood and later shaped by interacting with family members, neighbors or colleagues (i.e. the social environment to which he/she belongs). Moreover, the Dutch sociologist asserts that once acquired, such patterns become solid 'programs' that dictate humans' behavior, emotions and thoughts and, therefore, must be 'unlearned' in order to make room for learning new things."
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Gender and Culture, 2008.
This paper discusses and compares gender roles within American and African cultures.
1,291 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that culture plays an important part in defining gender and gender roles in society. In fact, even within the same culture there may be considerable differences that occur due to the cleavage between urban and rural settings. The writer discusses that generally speaking, a rural environment usually follows tradition rather than modernization which is equal to traditional gender roles. The traditional gender role in the case of women implies taking care of the household and offspring, which is eventually conducive to a certain degree of confinement and isolation primarily due to being unemployed. This paper looks at the situation as far as gender roles in two dramatically different cultures, i.e. American and African cultures, and consequently provides an assessment of the impact of these differences on society as a whole, and on the individual.
From the Paper
"An immensely culturally rich society as the American one offers a very interesting model of gender roles. Moreover, one must also consider the economic character and opportunities that have contributed to shaping this particular gender role pattern. The biggest influence on gender roles can be found in the 1960s when the wave of student protests, civil rights movement, and sexual revolution was very strong generating an incredible shift in values which ultimately led to a change in mentalities. The advent of birth control, along with economic recession led to a decrease in birthrates and a considerable increase in the rate of women entering the labor force. Another important factor was that more and more jobs that had been traditionally reserved for men became available to women. In fact, there was a higher degree of openness between genders in the sense that more women were getting access to previously male-dominated fields while more and more men turned to traditionally 'women's professions' such as nursing and teaching."
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Environmental Determinism and Probabilism, 2008.
Defines the theories of environmental determinism and probalilism and their application to understanding mankind.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that environmental probabilism states that almost all or any behaviors may be probable within one or in any environment; whereas, determinism states that it is the physical environment and not social conditions, which shape a person's character and behaviors. The author points out that the concept environmental probabilism has emerged as a direct result of reactions to the supposed shortcomings and inadequacies of environmental determinism. Although these environmental theories today are being used in anthropological research to better understand the exact role human beings play in nature, the paper concludes that hopefully more theories related to these theories will emerge soon, which will explain human behavior in a more succinct and terse manner.
From the Paper
"Reportedly, Winston Churchill made the statement that a human being shapes a building, and thereafter, the building shapes him. He meant to say that there exists a subtle relationship between one's building and one's behavior; environmental psychologists have found this to be true after extensive research on the subject. The relationship is viewed through a list of possibilities and probabilities, and this then is the principle upon which 'probabilism' is based. This concept has given rise to the idea that there is a probability of the built environment playing a positive or a negative role on organizations and campus environments."
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Pittsburgh, 2008.
This paper discusses the city of Pittsburgh and looks at its history, society and dialect.
3,288 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the city of Pittsburgh has long been known as a 'steel' tough city filled with a variety of individuals who are as rough and coarse as the city itself. The writer points out that this perception of Pittsburgh and its inhabitants began to change in the early 1980s with the decline of the steel production for which the city was famous. Pittsburgh, from the time of the Civil War until those early 1980s, was a city filled with steel mills and other factories whose sole purpose was to provide America and the world with the steel it needed to fuel unprecedented growth. The writer then looks at the dialect that developed in Pittsburgh. The writer discusses that with competition and a decline in the need for steel, Pittsburgh had to transform itself from a city of steel mills to a city that provides (primarily) services such as healthcare and medical expertise.
From the Paper
"Another important factor in this continued use of Pittsburghese is the media's use of the same words and pronunciations. Many of the immigrants were poor and uneducated and easily fell into the same patterns of language usage as those around them, both at work and at home. Many of them were unable to read, but importantly, they wanted more for their children and because of the available work, they were able to provide the children with the opportunity to become educated. Because the media continued to use the same phrases as they had used earlier, even the now educated offspring spoke in the same manner."
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Oral History and Historiography, 2008.
A research study that provides insight as to the development of the oral history of the September 11, 2001 bombings.
3,100 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, £ 62.95
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Abstract
Academic perspectives on how we view oral history changed drastically after the advent of recording devices, the television, and movie cameras. It is much easier to reconstruct history accurately using pictures, rather than line drawings or descriptions. This research explores the hypothesis that oral history needs to be given greater historical credibility than it currently receives. The paper stresses the value of oral history as a key to getting the "big picture" surrounding an event. The literature review for this study examines journal articles that relate the events of September 11, 2001 from a number of political and social perspectives. The paper explains that its purpose is not to draw a consensus of the events, but rather to examine the effects of attitude and perspective on what will become the eventual "oral history" of this period in time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Thesis
Literature Review
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The inclusion or omission of personal accounts into the historical record depends on the type of work that one wishes to produce. It is certainly easy to argue against their inclusion if one if looking for indisputable accuracy. However, this level of certainty of events is a fallacy from an academic perspective. Secondary historical accounts are often the "average" of the information that is available regarding a certain event. However, this does not necessarily make it accurate. History is influenced by many sociological, political and psychological forces surrounding it."
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Ancient Cultures and Human Life, 2008.
This paper looks at ancient cultures and discusses the purpose of human life.
1,188 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer notes that in ancient cultures human life was the center of interest for everything. The writer maintains that the entire construction of civilization was based on the human as the main preoccupation and the most important element in the world. The writer points out that modern concerns about the environment, animals and other conflicts that place humans on an equal position with the rest of the planet were weak or nonexistent many centuries back, when the sole interest that captured the attention of common people was to understand how their own society worked. The writer discusses that in every culture, from the very beginning of the civilized world, humans have tried to achieve control over their lives, to understand how it functions and to dominate it. The writer concludes that the concept of human life has changed dramatically during the past centuries and society has started to develop based on practical progress, material achievements and palpable ideas that appear from the same curiosity that inspired the ancient societies to develop.
From the Paper
"The human was the main subject for all the forms of expression in ancient societies, from art forms like poetry and theatre, to practical activities like politics. Their humanist vision left messages about their way of living and thinking, their spirit and preoccupations, ideas and feelings. The human life itself is the very subject they reflect in all of their artistic and intellectual expression.
"Roman and Greek society had almost the same vision about human life and manifested their ideas almost in parallel ways, due to the great influence that the Greek society had over the Roman world. They valued their leisure and commodities in a way that modern civilization would never understand. For them time was relaxed and positive feelings cultivated. In the ancient conception human life was created to enjoy and grow spiritually, not to constrain and suffer as it was conceived in later centuries. They worshipped leisure and inner peace in the same way that modern society worships hard work and effort."
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