Human Rights And The International Context - 807 Words

Human rights and universality, two terms often considered synonymous with each other within the international system. Such broad conceptualisations however fail to consider the imbued assumptions that these terms carry with them. Redefining the limits of the term universal human rights Donnelly considers the several senses through which the universal, in human rights is better understood as consensus universality, rather than implied universality (2007, 281). Fundamentally such political constructs are difficult to define and even more difficult to apply in the international context. Critically Donnelly underscores that when properly understood, the term human rights leaves considerable space for cross-cultural relativity and national diversity (2007, 281). Anthropological and historical records demonstrate that the lack of an established definition or working conceptual framework has and continues to hamper the realisation of truly universal human rights (Donnelly 2007, 284). Donnelly argues that while there may have been a considerable overlap and potential universality in values across time, cultural and national boundaries, such a consensus in values did not translate into an endorsed human rights practice or regime (2007, 285). The missing vision of inalienable individual human rights presupposing equality, is a lack of established definitions and institutional enforcement. The greatest strength of Donnelly’s argument is his sensitive treatment and understanding ofShow MoreRelatedThe Debate Of Feminists And Cultural Relativists1712 Words   |  7 Pages Based on Western philosophical traditions, human rights are understood to be universal and objective (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948), an understanding that poses unique challenges when imagining human rights in the 21st Century. Over the last fifty years, critique of human rights discourse has evolved into discrete areas, which include feminism and cultural relativism. 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Things Fall Apart (Coming of White Men) Free Essays

Thing Fall Apart Chinua Achebe Discuss how the coming of the White men makes Umuofia â€Å"fall apart†. Make reference to the religious, economic, political and social impact of the British culture on the traditions of the clan. As the novel opens, we get to know Umuofia, one of Igbo’s nine villages, as an organized but somehow different civilization. We will write a custom essay sample on Things Fall Apart (Coming of White Men) or any similar topic only for you Order Now Chinua Achebe portrays life in this village as rough and harsh, conveying to the readers that only brave men would succeed in it. As said before, even though these civilizations are stereotyped and seen as primitive, we can clearly see that their lives are completely balanced between faith and order. It is actually astonishing to see how such a different way of life, to what we think and see as the normal life, may be as much or even more organized than ours. Even though both civilization are completely organized and function perfectly well, they could never live together in harmony. One would end up consuming the other as they were not meant to coexist. We may think we are educating and helping â€Å"uncivilized men†, but we are actually disintegrating their beliefs, their organization, their politics and their language. We are not aiding them, but destroying their religion and their society. We are, in other words, banishing their culture. A culture that will be lost forever. Hence, we may say, that in many ways the coming of White men made Umuofia â€Å"fall apart†. To begin with, the coming of the white men made Umuofia fell apart as their religion was greatly affected. The village of Umuofia was sustained by their beliefs and their gods, who criticized and punished the lazy men and those who were not worthy of worshipping them. Therefore the coming of a new monotheist and more peaceful religion brought huge changes in some of Umuofia’s most important traditions. These white men questioned most of Umuofia’s beliefs such as the dangers that inhabited the evil forest by setting their livings there. This first action brought great controversy in the clan as people thought that whoever stayed in the forest for a certain period of time would painfully die. The resistance these white men showed to that â€Å"evil force† led many people to get interested in the new religion. People suddenly began questioning their own beliefs and traditions, questioning why they should venerate gods who were bound to punish, and not one God who was merciful towards humanity. The village divided in to those who remained steadfast to their traditions, and those who began to adopt the new ones. Society completely turned over after these events. Those who turned into Christianity were seen as the elite of the society. The clan was getting weaker and weaker every day, as more and more people turned into Christianity. The time soon come that the clansmen had not enough forces to control the missionaries. They should have reacted before, but only the exiled Okonkwo was brave enough to face the white men. Hence, we may conclude that the imposition of a new religion severely damaged the village by, splitting it in two, reducing their forces and their willing to fight, and proving most of their beliefs false. Summarizing this, it massively weakened the most powerful and feared clan of the nine villages. Economically, Umuofia was also affected by the arrival of white men. Hitherto, Umuofia had presented us a hierarchical society, were men who showed to be brave, hard workers and strong enough, occupied the highest places in society, while lazy and unmanly men were found at the bottom of the pyramid. Since, the missionaries arrived, things turned around, the lazy and humble men who decided to accept and worship the new god began to get richer and richer, while the hard worker farmers were left behind. Money began circulating in the tribe but only those who turned into Christianity had it. Hence, no one interested in trading, and so, farmers were getting poorer every day. We may say that Umuofia was not destroyed economically but it was greatly affected, some suffered a lot of it, but some others were benefited by these changes. The arrival of the white men also led to massive changes in the village’s politics. They subjected the villagers to their own judicial system and rules, imposing an extremely different and harsh government over them. As white men didn’t respect nor understand the clan’s customs, many men were punished for following their â€Å"uncivilized† traditions. In chapter twenty one Okonkwo discusses with Obierika about Aneto, who was recently hanged by the government after he killed a man with whom he had a dispute. Clearly the new ruling system didn’t take into account old customs. It is completely correct actually, to punish a murderer, or any kind of criminal, but by doing so we are destroying their customs and their traditions. When Enoch unmasked an Egwugwu, considered to be the highest possible crime in Umuofia, the church did nothing, as again, they didn’t respect their customs. Unmasking an Egwugwu in Umuofia is as much or even more harsh than killing a man is for the white men, it can only be compared with killing a god. Once again, the new government doesn’t punish this event. This is a great example of how, Umuofia was left weak and subjected to the white men ruling. We can see now, that they are not trying to make Umuofia a more civilized village, but a more British one. Hence we may conclude that by imposing a new government who ignores their customs, the coming of the white men are making Umuofia fall apart. Finally, culturally Umuofia also fell apart thanks to the arrival of the white man. The new comers introduced a school, which taught their own rules, their beliefs, and their culture. They educated younger villagers that way, so that they could later control them more easily. They were kind of brain washed to believe and trust whatever they do. Education is not bad, of course, but they were not educating them to be better and more intelligent villagers, they were educating them to be other persons. They changed their minds. Young boys were dragged out of farming into the school. In other words, they were dragged out of their lives, from whom they really are. Another cultural change imposed by the white men were hospitals, we can’t say that’s something bad, but that is not how Umuofia is. When we say that it â€Å"fell apart†, we are not actually saying that everything went wrong for them, that all changes were bad. Some, like the introduction of hospitals in the tribe, were actually a massive improvement. Indeed, some of the politics imposed do try to make Umuofia a â€Å"safer† place, where killing is punished, and leaving twins in the forest to die is seen as an abomination. That’s perfectly fine, they may be improving in some ways their lives, but the culture, the old traditions, their beliefs, everything was lost. Everything Umuofia was, suddenly banished. Everything it represented, their gods, their traditions, and their culture were destroyed. Nobody left to defend their customs, nobody left to respect them. Only memories were left of Okonkwo, Umuofia and their old lives. Everything Umuofia was†¦ fell apart. How to cite Things Fall Apart (Coming of White Men), Papers

Humanism Argumentative Essay Example For Students

Humanism Argumentative Essay 1HumanismThe Renaissance, which began in Italy in 1300s, was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. The increase in trade caused an abundance in wealth that resulted in the focusing of the arts. Such things as literature, paintings, sculptures and many more works are known to have blossomed from the period known as the Renaissance. The Renaissance was started by many rich Italian cities, such as Florence, Ferrara, Milan, and Venice (Bram 274). Because these cities were very wealthy, many merchants started to spend money on different things, such as painting, learning, new banking techniques, and new systems of government. These things gave rise to a new type of scholar, the humanist, and a new philosophy, humanism. To understand the term humanism, one must first know what some assume humanism to be. Many definitions are widely proclaimed by different groups and organizations. The American Humanist Association(AHA) defines humanism as2arational philosophy informedbyscience, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility. It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of the open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supernaturalism, it recognizes human beings as a part of nature and holds that valuesbe they religious, ethical, social, or politicalhave their source in human experience and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibilityfor itsown destiny. (Schafersman)Humanism is also defined as a democratic and ethical point of view on life that reiterates the fact that human beings have the right to and responsibility of giving meaning to and shaping ones own life, according to the International Humanist and Ethical Union (Schafersman). The Union also believes their philosophical view on humanism stands for the building of a 3more humane society through ethics based upon the reason and the inquisitive capabilities of the human nature. The Bristol Humanist Groups view on their ideology is much simpler. It states, Humanism is an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity, recognizing that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone (Schafersman). This new word, humanist, and the principal practice became more prevalent during the late 15th-century in Italy and was used to describe a tutor or teacher of the humanities. The word humanities refers to those subjects which formed the curriculum in the educational program formulated by Florentines like Leonardo Bruni (Hays 9). These formulations were put into regular practice by Guarino da Verona and Vittorino da Feltre (Hays 9). The new form of education was set up for the purpose of educating the young adolescent males of the Renaissance for a productive and active life of service within the community. This goal was achieved by providing the young scholars with a solid stock of knowledge, along with a sturdy foundation of morality, along with the eloquent tongue and graceful hand of a well fluentstatesman (Hays 9). Some of the other works the young students were made to learn about were those of not just Plato, but also ofDionysius,Alexander,Plutarch,and Trajan. This new4educatio nal outlook put more emphasis on the attitude that was less God-centered, and more self or human-centered. The Latin language was one of the many antiquities that was acquired by these scholarly humanists.The works of the great thinkers of Greek and Roman decent were now upheld in high regard. The humanists of the day did, and still do, believe them to contain both the lessons one needed to lead a moral and effective life and the best models for a powerful Latin style (Billington). The humanist movement started in Italy, where the late medieval Italian writers Dante, Giovanni Boccaccio, and Francesco Petrarch greatly contributed to the finding and conservation of classical works (Danto). The study of this ancient grammatical rhetoric led in turn to the interest into the Roman literatures. Humanists were not necessarilysusceptibletoartisticexperience.Their admiration for antique art was often motivated by aesthetic interests

Status of Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education and Development (Eced) Essay Example

Status of Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education and Development (Eced) Essay The field of human development has recently gained considerable importance globally. This results in shifting the contemporary educational discourse, one that moves ECED closer to the front of policy formation. Literature shows that developed nations are investing enormous resources into their early intervention programs, hence, during the last decade international aid agencies, and some education systems, have promoted the creation and expansion of ECED programs in developing nations too. With the innovations in ECED, there has been conducted a large number of researches to form an objective theoretical foundation (Penn, 2004) to support this advancement. Following passage presents the literature review on the status of qualitative research in the field of ECED. The reviewed articles were published in 3 international journals, Early Years, Early Education and Development and Early Childhood Education Journal during 2005-2010. The first two journals are published by Rutledge and the last one is published by Springer. The starting point for the literature review was library data base of IED, which permitted access to full text articles. Large no of qualitative studies were found in each journal however, for the present review, only 25 of them were selected on the basis of different research traditions within qualitative paradigm. 15 of them are reviewed for the present task and bibliography of the remaining articles is attached with this paper. The review of the selected research articles is presented in the perspective of trend seen in the topic addressed, methodology used and other critical findings. We will write a custom essay sample on Status of Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education and Development (Eced) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Status of Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education and Development (Eced) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Status of Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Education and Development (Eced) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Present review of literature reveals that during year 2005- 2010 a variety of topics related to ECED have been addressed in the qualitative research paradigm. For the purpose of this review the topics are divided into different themes based on their focus. Stakeholders’ perceptions of early childhood setting are explored in various studies. For example, children perception of their ECED and their transition to formal schools are presented in (Linklater. 006), perceptions of parents regarding their choices of early years education for their children are discussed in (Ceglowski, Shears Furman, 2010), similarly, Rentzou Ziganitidou, (2009) in their study focused on experiences of ECED teachers, moreover, their own and societal perceptions regarding teaching in early years classrooms were also explored. Additionally, teaching and learning processes of early years were studied by (Ahn Filipenko, 2007, Chana, Juana Foon, 2008 Smith 2010). Moreover, Lives and Professional Development of early years teachers were also addressed by various studies, like, Blank (2009) studied teachers’ lives and experiences in ECED center and Brown (2009) explored the Professional development of ECE teachers in relation to engagement of parents in ECED centers. Early Years Curriculum framework and related topics were also addressed in studies like Goldstein (2008) and Squibb (2010). Addition to the topics addressed, this literature review also analyzed the methodological trends within the qualitative research paradigm. Case study method was found to be the dominated tradition in this review of research articles. 10 out of 15 reviewed studies were conducted as case studies. (Blank, 2009; Brown, Knoche, Edwards Sheridan, 2009; Ceglowski, Shears Furman, 2010; Chana, Juana Foon, 2008; Goldstein, 2008; Ranz-Smith, 2007; Saracho, 2008; Shield, 2009; Quintero, 2010 Squibb, 2010). As compare to high number of case studies only 2 were conducted as ethnographical studies (Linklater, 2006 Trawick-Smith, 2010), similarly, Ahn Filipenko (2007) and Garavuso (2006) were phenomenological studies. Moreover, some writers haven’t given their sampling procedure explicitly, however, majority of studies have used purposive sampling based on the purpose of their studies ( Ahn Filipenko, 2007; Garavuso, 2006 Linklater, 2006). Throughout the review it was found that within the qualitative approach to triangulate the data multiple strategies were used. Among multiple methods of data collection observation and semi-structured interviews remained the dominant strategies; however, some of the researchers have also analyzed related documents and artifacts. In some studies anecdotal notes and reflective journals are also used to get more comprehensive data. Addition to these, in the phenomenological and ethnographic studies participant observations were used as compare to the case studies where the researcher took the role of non-participant observer (Maxwell, 1997). Moreover, in majority of the studies interviews and discussions were audio taped and observations were videotaped. After the transcription of the data in some of the studies, data was rechecked by the esearch participants, which, is important to maintain reliability and validity of the collected data (Robson, 2002). Addition to this, ethical considerations like, maintaining the confidentiality of the research participants, prior permission for interviews, respecting participants’ autonomy were taken into consideration throughout the studies; however, none of the writer could describe their ethical framework in more detail, probably due to the word limits. Another very critical trend was found between the backgrounds of the researchers. All 0f the qualitative researches were being conducted by the people related to the field of ECED, however, only 1 of the studies were conducted by the ECED practitioner who teaches in the ECED classroom (Linklater, 2006). Most of the researchers are working as a faculty of education departments in various universities (Ahn Filipenko 2007, Chana, Juana Foon 2008, Goldstein 2008, Blank 2009, Brown 2009, Shields 2009, Trimis Sava 2009, Ceglowski, Shears Furman, 2010 Smith 2010 Squibb 2010) who no doubt have extensive experience in working in the field of ECED, but, one can argue that how much implications these studies carried out by someone from university would carry to the real classroom contexts where the ECED practitioners are making efforts to make difference in the lives of the young children. Additionally, literature review also revealed that all most all of the qualitative researches were conducted in western contexts. This exploration has serious implications for the ECED practitioners and the education systems in developing countries particularly Pakistan who is novice in the field and need to be acquainted with research based knowledge in order to strive in the field. In conclusion, the present literature review revealed informative findings regarding status of qualitative research in the field of ECED during the past 5 years in the selected journals. Case study being the well-established research strategy (Robson, 2002) was found to be dominant research tradition, hence, this also implies that qualitative researchers need to use other traditions of qualitative research particularly life histories and grounded theories in order to present more holistic picture of ECED and its important factors. ?

McDonaldization, Religion, and Politics Essay Example

McDonaldization, Religion, and Politics Essay Example McDonaldization, Religion, and Politics Essay McDonaldization, Religion, and Politics Essay Today, they have more workers doing one single Job over and over again. Their actions have become rationalized, governed by scientific planning and focuses on the ends rather than the means, to the point where workers appear euthanized, a loss of human qualities or behaviors. Nationalization focuses on a few main ideas. The first idea of Nationalization is efficiency, the quickest and best way to a preferred end. A company will try to design methods and machinery for their product to be produced and in the hands of the consumer in as least amount of time as possible. The second dead is calculability, focusing on the amount of product produced with as little material used to make them. By having pre-frozen hamburger patties, a restaurant doesnt have to worry about using too much or too little ground In each of their burgers, thus saving them both time and money. The third idea is predictability; guarantee that a product will be the same each time, and in different locations. Predictability allows the consumer to know exactly what to expect where ever they choose to purchase a product. This makes consumers feel more comfortable with the product and are willing to purchase it again. The next idea Is a system of control, customers, workers, and outcomes are manipulated subtly for a desired outcome. Trash cans with the words thank you are places In some restaurants that want the consumers to throw away their own trash. This saves the restaurant money by not hiring a worker to clean up after each customer. The last idea is irrationality of rationalities; the rational system denies human reasoning. The rational system tries to hide social problems such as demutualization and health and environmental hazards. What this system does succeed In Is disenchantment, science replaces gaga In social life, leaving a since of ensnarement. One area of life that Is being most affected in the past few years is religion, beliefs and practices that identifies a sacred world past the present physical world. In many ways, modern religion is becoming Nationalized. Rationalization has occurred in that religious actions are more planned out. They are more predictable and people are becoming more complacent: get dressed, go to church, sit, stand and sing, sit, listen to the pastor, sing, give offerings, pray, and leave church ready to return next week for the same enamellings rituals. In todays collects, many censures nave Decode more worrier about the numbers and calculations of people that walk through the doors each Sunday rather than the actual religious experience for each individual. Many people view religion as an efficient way to feel better about themselves and an easy way to reach their desired ends, in some cases a life after death. According to the conflict model, religion serves the interests of more powerful individuals, rather than functional services to society. Theorists say that is keeps lower class people satisfied with their current situations, and they dont try to better homeless. They use religion as a reason to Justify their social standard of living. In this way it also keeps the social class system the same and in check. One negative thing about religion is how enemies can be created, and evidence of this can be seen through history to present day. The Crusades was an attempt to reclaim the Holy land from the Muslim people, and the basis of todays modern terrorism is rooted in religious aspects. The interpretive model talks about societal and individual religious beliefs. It tells us how faith is interpreted by many people and in many different ways. There are any different interpretations of the Holy Bible for example. The Bible says the same thing, but many styles of churches have branched off from this one book. People pick and choose what they want to believe in and what suits their individual lives and actions. They use their preferred religion to legitimate themselves. I have actually learned many things pertaining to my own religious beliefs. Vive seen how social solidarity, religion holding communities together, has impacted my up bringing in my established religious community. That the identity function, helps maintain and preserve peoples identity ,has show true in that my religion has reduced the man that I am today. The social control function, religion controls how individuals act morally, has shown me that though my morals are religiously based, some are also enforced by my social community as well. The democratic function, religion can check political leaders, tells me that religion helps me choose who to vote into power. The meaning function, gives people answers has given a purpose to life for me, and I choose to be a better person because I know that everything I do here on earth will hopefully be meaningful for my life after death. Even though religion has become more Nationalized, it is not too late to challenge his system and give religion back its true power and meaning. What it comes down too is personal choice. Dont go to churches that worry about the number of members, but a personal relationship with God. A good way to do that is not to limit or set a time for a religious gathering. If there are many candidates running for political office, dont vote for them Just because they have the same faith as you, but who they are as a leader and individual. Questioning people who are currently in power is the best way to see if they deserve their position. Most of all dont use religion as an excuse not to better your own social standards.

Summer Law School Reading List for 1Ls

Summer Law School Reading List for 1Ls If you enjoy reading and would like suggestions for legal-themed books before you begin your first year, you’ll find a summer law school reading list for 1Ls below. If you want to check out some other reading list suggestions, check out these lists from the ABA:   The  25 Greatest Law Novels Ever  and   30 Lawyers Pick 30 Books Every Lawyer Should Read.   Sometimes before law school it can be fun to get excited about the law. And what better way to do that then reading some quality fiction and non-fiction. This list wont necessarily make you an excellent law student, but it will get you excited about the law and also entertain you while you are relaxing over the summer.   But before we dive into the list of things to read this summer, a note on what not to read law school textbooks and supplements. Trust me, you will have plenty of time to read them in law school. I wouldnt worry about the substantive law during your pre-law summer. Instead, think about working on the skills needed to  make you the best law student you can be.   Legal Fiction   The Paper Chase  by John Jay Osborn Jr.  This book, which is also a well-known legal film, follows the story of James Heart who attends Harvard Law School. You will watch him struggle in class, study for exams and fall in love. (Little known fact, the author is now a law professor himself. I have taken his class and he is not as intimidating as Prof. Kingsfield in the book!) Billy Budd  by Herman MelvilleBilly Budd is about a sailor on a British Warship. But, when he is falsely accused of mutiny he strikes back, killing another person on the ship. He is tried at sea and the book takes you through the case.   To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeOne of my favorite-all-time books. The book highlights Atticus Finch who is a lawyer that has inspired new lawyers and law students for generations. If you didnt read it in school, pick up a copy today (or watch the movie which is also excellent).   The Firm by John Grisham  Mitch McDeere is recruited as a high paid associate at a l aw firm, but he learns he is actually working for a crime family. If you would rather, you can also check out the movie. A Time to Kill  by John GrishamIf you are interested in the death penalty, you might enjoy this book. This is John Grishams first novel and many think his best. There is also a movie if you would rather have a movie night.   Presumed Innocent by  Scott TurowThis is Turows first novel about a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague. There is political intrigue, legal maneuvering and a quality ending.   Defending Jacob  by William Landay  The author is a prosecutor-turned-novelist. He takes the transcript of a trial and turns it into a very riveting story (which is not an easy thing to do). I actually listened to it as a book-on-take during a road trip and I thought the story was excellent!   Non-Fiction   A Civil Action by Jonathan HarrThe book discusses a toxic tort case in Massachusetts and gives you a window into how this type of litigation works. You might have also seen the move about this case too. Becoming Justice Blackmun  by Linda GreenhouseThis book discusses the mysterious world of the Supreme Court.    One L by Scott TurowA well known account of a first year law student at Harvard Law. I will warn you, it might stress you out about your 1L experience. You have been warned (and really, 1L year isnt that bad).   Personal History by Katharine Graham  Not necessarily about the law, but if you are interested in the press and freedom of the press, you will be interested in the later chapters of this book.   My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor  This is a nice read about Justice Sotomayor of the United States Supreme Court. Her book is honest and interesting for those just beginning their law school   Mindset by Carol Dweck  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹This is a fantastic book that ha s nothing to do with law school, but also everything to do with law school. This book teaches you about two different mindsets. One that can really help you be successful in law school and one that will stand in your way of success. Which one will you choose?

Global challenges Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global challenges - Research Paper Example The paper describes the impact of globalization on RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland). Following globalization, there was a merger between RBS and NatWest. Secondly, the merger with ABN AMRO turned out to be unsuccessful as it made RBS more vulnerable to market deterioration which resulted in the fall of its capital ratio (The Failure of the Royal Bank of Scotland, 2011, pp. 6,). According to RBS chief Stephan Hester, globalization has led to deterioration in the efficiency of the sector (THE FIRST CRISIS OF GLOBALISATION, 2010). Globalization has led RBS to go global and thus have access to global currencies which in turn can help to smoothen the liquidity crunch. The Royal Bank of Scotland has set business objectives like increasing the capital ratio, lowering the leverage ratio, increasing liquidity and reducing its short term borrowings from money market. Hence from the point of view of the CVF model, RBS can explore the rational economic view model as this model will help RBS to incre ase its output and attain individual and organizational goals. The analysis of RBS has shown that management concepts can be utilized for the betterment of an organization. It can help to foresee the opportunities for the firm as well as its potential threats and weaknesses. Management theories and the models developed by it have helped the present society to understand the importance of scientific and a systematic way of approaching a problem. It helps to save time and resources as well as to gain many insights too.

The Renowned Case of Marbury vs Madison Assignment

The Renowned Case of Marbury vs Madison - Assignment Example Moreover, it also evaluates the decision of John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court regarding the case. The evaluation of this would lead to an understanding of the loopholes in the US Judicial System and improve the US Judicial System. In the case of Marbury v. Madison, there were certain issues that were presented to the court. In this regard, it is observed that the major issue raised was the right of Marbury to serve as the Justice of Peace after being appointed to the same post. Moreover, in this regard, further issues are also presented regarding the infringement of Marbury’s right. Alongside, issues relevant to deal with such circumstances are also illustrated (FindLaw, 2015). The case of Marbury v. Madison had led to the establishment of the Article III of the US constitution. The Article III suggests of the establishment of the Judicial Branches in the US Judicial System. Moreover, the case also suggests of the presence of James Madison, who had been the Secretary of State of the United States. Moreover, it is also important to note that the judgement of the case was drawn under John Marshall. John Marshall had been the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court during the period of the case (FindLaw, 2015). The case of Marbury v. Madison began when William Marbury on 2nd March 1801was appointed as the Justice of the Peace in Columbia District in the US. During that period, it was the last days of John Adam as the President of the nation. Several others were also appointed in different posts, but their commission was not provided. The discontented candidates in this regard filed a case against the Congress (FindLaw, 2015). Marbury v. Madison case is based on the Judicial Review of the Article III of the US constitution. The decision of the Supreme Court regarding the case distinguished and defined the boundary between the executives and the judiciary branches (FindLaw, 2015). The case of Marbury v. Madison began when William Marbury on 2nd March 1801was appointed as the Justice of the Peace in Columbia District in the US.     

History of Education and Field Study Essay Example for Free

History of Education and Field Study Essay We all know that each of the teachers has their own methods and strategies in delivering their lesson. I observed the class of Teacher Teejie Taruc. She is a MAPEH major teaching at Camba National High School. She uses a combination of methods in her class includes the Socratic Method, inductive method, class discussion, lecturing and recitation. She has her own techniques on how she presents her lesson. Teacher Teejie has a great sense of humour thats why she can easily get the attention of her students. By  using those methods, she can manage her students and also the learning process. Field Study 2: Experiencing the Teaching and Learning Process 7 Analysis Explain the methods that the teacher used. Methods| Advantages| Disadvantages| 1. Socratic Method – it is the question and answer part in the lesson presentation. | * Learners can share their own ideas. * Teacher and the learners may absorb knowledge by listening to other ideas. | * Some of the learners may not cooperate. | 2. Inductive Method – a method which presenting the lesson by specific to more general. | * Learners may familiarize the topic * Easily cope up with the topic. * They can improve their critical thinking skills. | * Learning is difficult to gauge. * Some may hardly understand the topic. | 3. Lecture Method – is a teaching procedure for explaining and clarifying a major idea. It makes use of may be a narration or a description. | * Presents factual material in direct, logical manner. * It contains experience which inspires. * Stimulates thinking to open discussion. * Useful for large groups of learner. * It serve as a guide through a great mass of information characteristics of subject areas. | * Some of the learners may not participate. * Time will limit the discussion. * Learning is difficult to gauge. | 4. Class Discussion – a method on presenting a lesson where there is a question involve that may answer by the learners. | * Pools ideas and experiences from other learners. * Effective after a presentation, film or experience that needs to be analyzed. * Allows everyone to participate in an active process. | * Few learners can dominate. * Others may not participate. * It is time consuming. * Can get off the track. | 5. Recitation – an act of enumerating and answering the question of the teacher. | * Learners can boost their confidence by doing recitation. * Both teacher and learners may absorb knowledge from each other. | * Some students may not participate. * Some wont get a fair answering. | Field Study 2: Experiencing the Teaching and Learning Process8 Reflection What methods am I going to use? As a would-be educator, I already have ideas of what method am I going use in the near future. I encountered a lot of teachers and I can say that they have their own techniques, strategies and methods in teaching. Each of them is different from anyone and I can say that they are all good teachers. I always taught to myself that someday I am going to be like them and much better than them. In order to have a good learning process in the class, I must have a harmonious relationship with my learners. It is very important for me as a teacher to have a harmonious relationship with my learners so that I can easily impart knowledge to them. I am planning to use a combination of methods includes class discussion, brain storming, lecturing, Socratic, inductive, deductive, recitation, power point and video clip presentation and worksheets. These methods are only guide for us. The effectiveness of these methods is always depending on us, on how we apply it and on how we deliver it. Some of the methods I’m planning to use are generally used by most teachers thats why I included video clip and power point presentation in order to follow on the new trends of teaching. We all know that these things are very popular today. Power point presentation is software of Microsoft where we can write up the lessons that we want to teach on our students. Video clip presentation is an entertaining way of teaching content and raising issues that keep groups attention. When we use these two new trends of teaching, learning process may be more successful than the traditional one. Its so hard to get the attention of the students. We must be a good motivator for us to motivate them. Being a teacher is not easy like they always said but I do believe that it depends on you. As long as you know that you can do it, it will be easy. Just love your profession and the profession will also loves you. Make your passion your profession! Field Study 2: Experiencing the Teaching and Learning Process9 Documentation†¦ FieField Study 2: Experiencing the Teaching and Learning Process10 Differences Among Approach, Methods, Strategies, and Techniques Many people are having difficulties on distinguishing the differences between approach, methods, strategies, and techniques thats why in this activity; I am going to define the differences between those words. Approach| Method or Strategy| Technique|. * An enlighten viewpoint of teaching. * Provides sounds philosophy and orientation to the whole process of teaching in which the selection of an instructional method is part and parcel of. | * It refers to an organized, orderly, systematic, well-planned procedure. * It consist of steps which are logically arranged aimed at achieving the specific aims of instruction at enhancing greater teaching and maximizing learning output. * Method directs and guides the teacher in all class activities and involves as well, the organization of materials to get things done. * Strategy in the beginning is a monopoly of other disciplines like military, science, politics, economics, and even psychology. | * It is implementational and that which actually takes place in a classroom. * It is a particular trick, or contrivance, used to accomplish an immediate objective. * It is consistent with a method and approach as well. * It depends on the teacher, his individual artistry, and on the composition of the class. * It is defined as a procedural variation of a given method. | Field Study 2: Experiencing the Teaching and Learning Process6.

Technological Advancements :: essays papers

Technological Advancements On November 7, 1940 the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was hit by winds of up to 40mph. The bridge began to twist and flutter. Some cables snapped and a six-hundred foot section of the bridge fell into Puget Sound. ^Wind is but one disaster, earthquakes are another^ (Jay Stuller 36). Disasters like this one and others could have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken. Due to the disasters in the world the structures of today and tomorrow are much safer. Today most of these catastrophes are avoided because of the up to date technology, like architecture, predicting the disasters before hand and new techniques used by emergency rescue teams. Some major advances in today^s buildings include such things like the material used. For instance products like steel-reinforced concrete (refer to diagram 3-1), steel framing, and properly braced wood frames for houses are a few examples of how buildings are being retrofitted and new buildings are being built towards protection from disasters. As well, the foundations of the buildings can be built on shock absorbing ^base isolators^ containing springs or alternating layers of steel plates and rubber, to counteract the effects of earthquakes. In Japan architectures have been keeping mind earthquakes while designing and building structures. Unfortunately the buildings were mainly designed to withstand a vertical force. The Japanese buildings were designed to withstand a certain acceleration force, but in January 1995, an earthquake hit the city Kobe devastating the buildings, which were thought to be safe. It just shows, ^that building design criteria are crucial to withstanding effects of earthquakes^ (Gerad Baker 12). The normal Japanese wooden houses that had heavy roofs collapsed, and also newer homes were demolished, as seen on diagram 3-2. This could have been avoided by building the houses with lighter plywood frames with crossbars that distribute force evenly rather than houses with heavy timber walls that collapse under force. As well the materials used to build the structures has a great deal to do with the survival rate of buildings. The use of reinforced concrete is thought to be a major reason why buildings stay intact. It is possible to reinforce older buildings with extra concrete simply and effectively, which has been done in California since 1989. Bridges, a totally different aspect of building, but a very similar method for creating sound structures. During the Kobe earthquake the Hanshin expressway collapsed on its side for a stretch of 600m (pictures seen on page 5). This type of roadway is built upon reinforced concrete pillars. There is steel inside the pillars to increase its ability to bend and flex with the

‘Bright and Morning Star’ Richard Wright Essay

The aim of this essay is to discuss the decision that the protagonist from Richard Wright’s ‘Bright and Morning star’, Aunt Sue, a black mother of two sons, has to make in order to chose between her sons’ life and the safety of the Communist members from her community. This story is, among others written by Richard Wright, a ‘dark portrayal of black Communist life’ and it analyses the inner struggle of Aunt Sue as a black woman and ‘mother of Communists’ (1). Wright’s short story follows the dilemma that Sue has to confront with herself during one rainy night, as a mother of Communist sons who were chased by the authorities. Her dilemma starts to grow from the beginning of the story, when she finds out that her son’s communist party was in danger to be discovered by the authorities: ’The sheriff wuz by our house tonight[†¦] He done got word from somewheres bout tha meetin tomorrow’(Wright 412). From that moment she was subjected to two different emotions, the fear that she might lose her son and the duty to the community to save the members of the party that her son had:’ She was feeling that Johnny-Boy was already lost to her; she was feeling the pain that would come when she knew it for certain, and she was feeling that she would have to be brave and bear it’, ‘[†¦] for her to try to stop Johnny-Boy was to admit that all the toil of years meant nothing; and to let him go meant that sometime or other he would be caught. In facing it this way she felt a little stunned, as though she had come suddenly upon a blank wall in the dark.’(Wright 412-413) In spite of Wright’s joining to Communism: ‘â€Å"I Tried to be a Communist’, and of his numerous writings about it, eventually his focus grew more on the development of an individual black consciousness than on advancing the causes of the Communist party as in the case of his t wo stories ‘Fire and Cloud’ and ‘Bright and Morning star’(2). From the beginning of the story we can see Sue divided in two inner parts: a part of her still remembering her past beliefs, in Christianity and Jesus, and a new part of her revealed from the moment of her joining her sons’ beliefs in Communism in order to escape of the past sufferings of the black people. In her search for better, as we can see trough the story, she try to find a refuge first in religion, then in Communism, but when she feels that neither  the Communism is enough to achieve a better living, her last hope is in her pride of the black people: ‘She was consumed with a bitter pride. There was nothing on this earth, she felt then, that they could not do to her but that she could take’ (Wright 422) Also we can see Sue taking two different attitudes along the story. If in the first instance we can see Sue as a regular mother concerned for her family and her love for her son, Johnny-Boy: ‘But how she could forget Johnny-Boy out there on those wet fields rounding up white and black Communists for a meeting tomorrow?’ (Wright 408), also we can see that her doubts about her son’s business among the Communist group of her community made her look in a sort skeptical at the policy of allowing people enter the group and at the new white members she didn’t trust: ‘It wuznt nona our folks . . . Ah knows em all from way back. There ain none of em that coulda! . . . Son, it wuz some of them white folks! (Wright 417), and she is first portrayed as a regular woman who knows her place in the house: ’While shoving the iron a cluster of toiling days returned; days of washing and ironing to feed Johnny-Boy and Sug [†¦] days of carrying a hundred punds of white folks’ clothes upon her head [†¦]’(Wright 409). Her image along with her beliefs changed as the events from that night continued. Her black pride and her commitment to the group emerged when she was brutally questioned about her son and the members from Johnny-Boy’s Communist group, succeeding to resist to their attack on her: ‘yuh didn‟t git whut yuh wanted! N yuh ain gonna nevah git it!’(Wright 423). Though, further in the night, because of weak position she was put into by the beatings of the sheriff and because of the false news that her son was killed, her self-confident fell and she was tricked to say the names of the members. The moment she decides to rectify her mistake is the moment she realizes that she has to fight alone for her cause and to rescue the other members and she ‘would do anything for her sons – except betray others’ (Felgar 29). Also the moment she lost her last faith – her pride- revealing the names of the members is also the moment she decides to put the good of her people, her friends, above her son and her fears. Thus the only way to take it back was by shooting the boy Booker before he could tell the names:’ The sheet! Thas it, the sheet! Her whole being leaped with will; the long years of her life bent toward a moment of focus a point. Ah kin go wid mah sheet! Ahll be doin what he said! Lawd Gawd in Heaven, Ahma go like a nigger  woman wid mah windin sheet and git mah dead son!’(Wright 433). And although she is subjected to the great martyrdom a mother could endure: her son being tortured and killed in front of her, she maintain her strengt h to accomplish her mission: â€Å"She fired, once; then, without pausing, she turned, hearing them yell. She aimed at Johnny-Boy, but they had their arms around her[†¦] She glimpsed Booker lying sprawled in the mud, on his face [†¦] And she was suddenly at peace; they were not a white mountain now; they were not pushing her any longer to the edge of life. Its awright†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Wright 440 ) Main features of the protagonist are coming out in this part of the story: cleverness, the strength of sacrificing her maternal love and her son for the community cause. She becomes thus the strong, self-confident woman, in order to fix her mistakes and takes the faith of her and her son’s life in her hands and she goes to confront the ‘enemy’ by herself. Because of the wisdom of the past generations she possessed, she succeeds to accomplish her well developed plan: she goes to the enemy camp by herself with a gun hidden in a white sheet in order to shoot the traitor of her friends:’ The sheet! Thas it, the sheet! Her whole being leaped with will; the long years of her life bent toward a moment of focus a point. Ah kin go wid mah sheet! Ahll be doin what he said! Lawd Gawd in Heaven, Ahma go like a nigger woman wid mah windin sheet and git mah dead son!’(Wright 433). In conclusion, the struggle the protagonist has to take before she could see what her options are and her decision to give her life and her son’s in favor of the Black community, captures a cruel reality, the author wanted to represent, of black women in particular, and the black community in general, in their effort to escape from the hardships the white men had submitted them to. In this way we can say that Sue succeeded to surpass her condition as a black mother and woman, and became a defender of a community, but with a price: stepping over the love of a mother for her son and sacrificing him for the sake of the rest. Works cited: * Richard Wright, Early Works. NY: Library of America, 1991,’ Bright and Morning Star’; * Felgar, Robert. Student Companions to Classic Writers: Student Companions to Richard Wright. Westport: Greenwood Press, Inc., 2000. * Kilinski, April Conley, Flinging a New Star: â€Å"Fire and Cloud† and â€Å"Bright and Morning Star† as Reflections of Richard Wright’s Changing Relationship with Communism. Epiphany: Vol. 5, No. 1, 2012.

Old habits die hard Essay

When I heard that one of the quotes for today’s essay was â€Å"old habits die hard † some of Mick Jagger’s lyrics came to mind â€Å"I’m not an addict ,it’s just a habit†. It takes a long time to develop a bad habit and as much or longer to stay away from it . We start developing bad habits at an early age because of inexperience .We reinforce those habits day by day and step by step in our everyday life by repetition. Old habits die hard because us as people allow ourselves to get into bad habits sometimes socially and sometimes unintentionally. One of the bad habits that people in general have is nail biting . I see people biting their nails all the time .I would love to say that I am not one of those people but I would be lying .If I am waiting on line at a store for a long time ,I start to get frustrated and I bite my nails. Another reason I fall into the habit of biting my nails is nervousness. Once I was waiting for a job interview , I noticed that my nails where getting shorter and shorter without my intention. In general as people we are programmed from young age to do things .We do not realize that some of those things can be bad until they have happened repetitiously. I have worked on ways to stop biting my nails ,and it is working for now .I noticed that I can break this old habit by painting my nails with a base coat nail polish that taste very bad if I bite my nails . In this essay I would like to bring to the reader’s attention two bad habits that influence our health such smoking ,drinking. When someone smokes he/she is inhaling approximately 7000 chemicals inside their lungs , 250 of which are poisonous and 70 carcinogenic. These chemicals are not only damaging the lungs, but also traveling through the body and causing several diseases . Smoking increases the chance of COPD, Coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer (www.about.com).Alchol is very present in today’s society .Having class of wine once in a while is acceptable and healthy some might say ,but too many glasses can affect your judgment and direct you to bad decision making . Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism ,or alcohol addiction ,to a point which a person becomes physically and  psychologically dependent to it so much that people cannot function without it .Alcohol abuse can lead to disruptive behavior such as driving under the influence and domestic violence . Both smoking and drinking are addictive but also habits that could be broken . Gambling is also a habit that is very hard to overcome .It is a compulsion and the end result can be very devastating for the gambler and also for their family. Gambling can have a big impact on someone’s economical state . For example a gambler can lose all their saving in one night .They borrow money to play more hoping to win back what they lost. The person who is the gambler is not the only person that suffer from this situation ,their families are too. Often times the family has to deal with threading phone calls from creditors and bill collectors. Most of the time relationships and marriages fail do to gambling .When disgusting about gambling it is important to realize the affect it can have on people economically ,socially ,physically and psychologically. Gambling can lead to loss of job ,depression ,anti-social personality disorder, and direction towards alcohol and drug use. Gambling is one of the worst habits to break but it can be accomplished with determination and support by the their families. I would like to conclude this essay with another verse in the from Mick Jaggers’ lyrics † You walk through my walls like a ghost â€Å".It is true that we all have bad habits ,for some it is easy to stay from them because of the way their lifestyle is .But for other’s bad habits are always on the back of their mind as they struggle to stay away from the ghost on their wall.

Structural Functionalism Essays

Structural Functionalism Essays Structural Functionalism Paper Structural Functionalism Paper STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM: IT’S ROLE IN COMMUNICATION Structural functionalism  is a broad perspective in  sociology  and  anthropology  which sets out to interpret society as a  structure  with interrelated parts. Functionalism addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements; namely  norms,  customs,  traditions  and  institutions. A common analogy, popularized by  Herbert Spencer, presents these parts of society as organs that work toward the proper functioning of the body as a whole. 1]  In the most basic terms, it simply emphasizes the effort to impute, as rigorously as possible, to each feature, custom, or practice, its effect on the functioning of a supposedly stable, cohesive system. For  Talcott Parsons, structural-functionalism came to describe a particular stage in the methodological development of social science, rather than a specific school of thought. [2][3] Classical functionalist theories are defin ed by a tendency towards biological analogy and notions of  social evolutionism: Functionalist thought, from Comte onwards, has looked particularly towards biology as the science providing the closest and most compatible model for social science. Biology has been taken to provide a guide to conceptualizing the structure and the function of social systems and to analysing processes of evolution via mechanisms of adaptation functionalism strongly emphasises the pre-eminence of the social world over its individual parts (i. . its constituent actors, human subjects). -   Anthony Giddens  The Constitution of Society  1984,  [4] Whilst one may regard functionalism as a logical extension of the organic analogies for society presented by  political philosophers  such as  Rousseau, sociology draws firmer attention to those institutions unique to industrialised capitalist society (or  modernity). Functionalism also has an anthropological basis in the work of theorists such as  Marcel Mauss,  Bronislaw Malinowski  and  Radcliffe-Brown. It is in Radcliffe-Browns specific usage that the prefix structural emerged. 5] Durkheim proposed that most stateless, primitive societies, lacking strong centralised institutions, are based on an association of corporate-descent groups. Structural functionalism also took on Malinowskis argument that the basic building block of society is the  nuclear family, and that the  clan  is an outgrowth, not vice versa. Durkheim was concerned with the question of how certain societies maintain internal stability and survive over time. He proposed that such societies tend to be segmented, with equivalent parts held together by shared values, common symbols or, as his nephew Marcel Mauss held, systems of exchanges. In modern, complicated societies, members perform very different tasks, resulting in a strong interdependence. Based on the  metaphor  above of an organism in which many parts function together to sustain the whole, Durkheim argued that complicated societies are held together by organic  solidarity. These views were upheld by Radcliffe-Brown, who, following Comte, believed that society constitutes a separate level of reality, distinct from both biological and inorganic matter. Explanations of social phenomena had therefore to be constructed within this level, individuals being merely transient occupants of comparatively stable social roles. The central concern of structural functionalism is a continuation of the Durkheimian task of explaining the apparent stability and internal cohesion needed by societies to endure over time. Societies are seen as coherent, bounded and fundamentally relational constructs that function like organisms, with their various parts (or social institutions) working together in an unconscious, quasi-automatic fashion toward achieving an overall social equilibrium. All social and cultural phenomena are therefore seen as functional in the sense of working together, and are effectively deemed to have lives of their own. They are primarily analyzed in terms of this function. The individual is significant not in and of himself but rather in terms of his status, his position in patterns of social relations, and the behaviours associated with his status. The social structure, then, is the network of statuses connected by associated roles. It is simplistic to equate the perspective directly with political  conservativism. [6]  The tendency to emphasise cohesive systems, however, leads functionalist theories to be contrasted with conflict theories which instead emphasise social problems and inequalities. Radcliffe-Brown’s theory can be applied even to the modern age communication, where the overall society can be seen as com prising of several components, like institutions, mores, norms, customs and so on, within which there are several smaller units. A human individual can be counted as a single and most basic unit of any of these â€Å"organs. † Just like in a human body, where every organ has a function, each individual can have a part to play in the bigger body of society, which is all-important in order for the human body to function. These functions can be accounted as a role, which could be based in society, culture, economy or even politics. These roles are very well portrayed in advertising, movies and literature, sometimes even emerging as stereotypes. However, these stereotypes can also be used as a positive role model. As long as this principle is not enforced on any individual unwillingly, and each carries out his ‘role’ satisfactorily, then a society tends to run smooth. However, the threat of misusing a natural hierarchy always lingers, as history has always shown. Vidya Nair PGP1 18081 Section A

How to Write a Persuasive Essay Easy Steps to Writing a Winning Paper

How to Write a Persuasive Essay Easy Steps to Writing a Winning Paper In order to write an effective persuasive essay, the student should be well informed on the topic, an effort that can be accomplished through researching and reading rather extensively about that topic. How to Write a Persuasive Essay In a persuasive essay, the student at the college level writes to convince the reader – usually the professor – to believe something. It includes the writer taking a position on an issue, either for or against it, using logic and reason to illustrate the point they are making is indeed legitimate. Their argument is supported by evidence: the stating of facts, the execution of logical reasoning, examples from a text with an analysis of its specific content, and the quoting of experts on the subject being examined. If you are looking for persuasive essay examples, here is a great one below FREE PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE In order to write an effective persuasive essay, the student should be well informed on the topic, an effort that can be accomplished through researching and reading rather extensively about that topic. Also, every argument – in this case, the paper’s thesis: basically the argument being put forth in the essay – needs to be debatable; that is, an issue should have two sides, the writer choosing one of them to argue with supporting evidence. Steps to Writing a Persuasive Essay These common steps will help you understand how to write a persuasive essay. STEP 1. The student must choose their position on a subject or topic. If they are unaware of their position on a topic, they can take a subject that interests them and ask themselves: â€Å"Which side of the issue or problem do I want to take and write about? How can I best argue that point – and what evidence can I use to make that argument an effective one?† STEP 2. They must analyze their audience. In the case of the student in college or university level, their professor will most likely be their audience – the reader of their persuasive essay. This means the student should keep in mind that the essay should be written in a confident, informative and assertive tone, as put forth in a professional, academic manner. STEP 3. The student, after choosing their position on a topic, should research to find evidence of the position they’re looking to take. After all, a persuasive essay will be as effective as the evidence supporting its argument. A library is an ideal place to begin research; in most cases, the library at an academic institution will have employed a person or staff whose primary job is keeping the students abreast of the latest research practices and theories. STEP 4. Structure, outline the persuasive essay. In this step, the student is to figure out what they will include, how they will analyze each supporting point, and in what order they will do so as they write the essay. After narrowing the focus of their argument and finding evidence that supports it, they should create an outline that includes first an introduction paragraph declaring their Thesis – their Thesis Statement – followed by briefly listed points that support it. Each body paragraph will focus on one point at a time, the ones listed in the introductory paragraph, which support the original Thesis Statement. Finally, the student must include in their persuasive essay outline a concluding paragraph tying the paper together, solidifying their argument as a whole. STEP 5. Write the essay, edit it, rewrite if needed, revise, then submit to the instructor. It may benefit the student to have a fellow student read their persuasive essay to see if it makes a strong enough argument. Also, many institutions in higher education hire writing tutors, and may even have a writing center for students. TOP 101 BEST PERSUASIVE ESSAY TOPICS Persuasive Essay Outline Here is the basic outline of a persuasive essay: Introduction Hook interesting fact or story to grab the reader’s attention. Background information – provides context around which to build your argument and acquaints the reader with the subject. Thesis – a clear, concise statement of your main argument. Your thesis gives the reader a map or the path your argument will follow. Body Paragraphs (2, 3, or more) Each body paragraph contains the following: One point that backs up your thesis Topic sentence that reflects the main idea of the paragraph Support for the thesis Evidence. Provide information from a reliable source that supports the main idea of the paragraph. Analysis. Show how the evidence you provide builds a case for the argument and construct this argument here. Conclusion Briefly summarize the main point of the essay Establish significance of the topic (Why should the reader be interested?) Give the reader food for thought has completed persuasive essays on various topics. The experience we have accumulated in the process allows us to work on a virtually endless number of topics within all complexity levels. If you want a top notch persuasive essay, youve come to the right place. Place an order, and we will provide you with an excellent persuasive essay written up to the standard. Our writers always stay in touch with customers to make sure their needs are fully met.

Strategic Analysis of ZARA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Analysis of ZARA - Essay Example Per se, Zara has many risks imposed by such factors as rival promotional competence, the ability of consumers to dictate pricing among retailers, and even responsiveness (or lack thereof) of suppliers that are critical to meeting the two week lead time from design to delivery. The report identified that Zara requires acknowledgement of market forces that can potentially impede brand sustainment and growth in sales. These forces include ongoing negative publicity for allegations of unethical business practices, the competence of competitive rivalry especially related to marketing philosophies of rivals, and even macro-economic issues related to foreign currency exchanges. All of these factors influence Zara’s strategic position and direction. Findings indicate recommendations that include more proactive efforts at promoting corporate social responsibility, changing trading currency from the Euro to the American dollar, conducting more market research studies on consumer target groups, and working to build an internal culture focused on ethical behaviour. These recommendations will assist Zara in sustaining a positive brand reputation and building equity that can translate into future revenue gains through diversification efforts. CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction......................................................................................... 2.0 Competitive forces and industry audit............................................. 2.1 PESTLE Analysis..................................................................... 3.0 An internal strategic audit.................................................................. 4.0 Public relations crises at Zara........................................................... 5.0 Recommendations for improving future business position........... 6.0 Conclusion........................................................................................... References 1.0 Introduction Zara is a leader in providing what is referred to a s fast fashion products in the retail environment. Fast fashion is defined as the ability of the company to rapidly replenish inventories in the sales environment in a lead time of two weeks or less. Accomplishment of this strategy entails aligning all elements of the value chain that are necessary to achieve competitive advantage. This report highlights Zara’s industry environment, the competitive pressures and threats of the firm’s operating environment, and proposes recommendations for future business improvement. 2.0 Competitive forces and industry audit The retail industry in most developed countries is very saturated, meaning that international markets are inundated with a variety of retail competitors. Zara is currently most impacted by competitive forces from H&M, The Gap and Benetton, which are competitors that offer similar fashion products at reasonably similar pricing structures. Because of this saturation and presence of like rivals, Zara must be ever-awar e of the changing market forces that have the ability to improve business position or severely hinder its performance and profitability. Porter (2011) describes five forces that impact whether or not a business can adapt or find positive market position in its operating markets. These include threat of substitutes, buyer power, supplier power, rivalry between competitors, and the risk of new market entrants by competing retail organisations. All of these forces influence business strategy development as well as responsiveness of Zara in attempting to outperform competitors. Zara faces very little in its sales markets in relation to substitutes. Substitutes are defined as replacement products that can serve as surrogate products for consumers. In the fashion industry, except for like products

MAKE A SCHOOL POLICY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

MAKE A SCHOOL POLICY - Essay Example The school management carefully selected the uniform to contribute to the health and safety of students when involved in the school activities. 1.4 Among the standards based on by the management when making this decision included making sure that it meets the school’s expectations and standards of the entire school community. 1.5 The decision is consistent with both the work and health safety requirements by the government ministry. This includes anti-discrimination and equality opportunity legislation acts. Other government stipulated requirements are safety safe footwear and eye protection as well as hats. 1.6 The policy takes into account the diverse nature of the school’s student population bearing in mind the fact they come from various cultural setups. Other factors considered are personal, economic, social, and cultural factors influencing students and their families. It is important to remember that the school population carries students from different religious backgrounds and this was important when the school board reached the decision to implement the new school uniform policy unanimously. ... 2.2 The school reminds other stakeholders that each of them have roles in setting and implementing desired standards for the school in line with the institution’s vision and mission. Teachers and the subordinate staffs have a responsibility of modelling appropriate behaviour for students therefore; the management requires them to dress professionally. 2.3 Parents and students are required to desist from taking advantage of the government policy that stops the school management neither from expelling nor suspending students nor in uniform wrongly. This is because the school will take other punitive measures available both in the school rules and in government legislation to deal with both students and parents who fail or deliberately refuse to comply with the new school uniform policy. The school will take appropriate action against those who deliberately decide to do otherwise. 2.4 The school management also reiterates that it will not stop enrolling any student for lack of sc hool the required dress code. 2.5 The school policy puts into consideration that not all parents and guardians have equal or similar financial abilities. Therefore, the quality of the uniform is cost effective and economically affordable to all parents within the school. Furthermore, the school gives a window period of one term for parents, guardians and other sponsors to acquire the proper dress code for their children or beneficiaries. Arguments in support of the policy Introduction A school is primarily a learning environment. This means that anything that aids learning is acceptable and not anything that hinders is acceptable. Most of schools are advocating for school uniforms among their students. Education is a pillar of American society as well as the

The Role of Faith in Night by Elie Wiezel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Role of Faith in Night by Elie Wiezel - Essay Example How his faith shifted from one phase to another requires a deep understanding on reader’s path regarding Eliezer’s role in Night. This paper intends to discuss the role of faith in the holocaust story. The story begins with an introduction of a boy who was enthusiastic and devoted to study Talmund and learn Cabbala. He had committed his life to learn the teachings of Cabbala. He would cry in his local temple where he prayed over the obliteration of the Temple in Israel. He had raw but strong faith in God at this point. He would insist his father to arrange a mentor for him to teach him Cabbala and Talmund. When he saw that his father was ever disinterested, he decided to convince a temple assistant, Moshe the Beadle, to help him understand the complicated texts of the Cabbala. His passion toward his learning shows how strong a faith he had in his religion and how much he wanted to learn about God. He wanted to extend his knowledge about his religion. However, since he h ad blind faith without logic, there were huge chances that his faith would change as he grew up. We can get the hint because when Moshe asked him why he prayed, he replied why he breathed, which shows the extent of blind faith he possessed. Soon Elie made some heart-wrenching observations which shook his faith in God. He witnessed a burning death ditch in which thousands of babies were laid and used as target practice by the Nazis. It was such a brutal thing to see that Elie was brought to think the first time in his life why God ever allowed human beings to commit such an evil act. He was so shaken and depressed that he started considering committing suicide before he was told to turn away from the death pit. Elie was unable to forget the shocking scene and this was the first time he started losing faith in God and religion. He was not able to figure out why a just God would ever permit anyone to be so brutal to other innocent human beings. The next event which further weakened Eli ’s faith was the public hanging of the â€Å"pipel†. When he saw how the little boy was given the deliberate and excruciating death, he also experienced at the same time the death of his faith and beliefs. He considered pipel’s death as divine death as he said that it was not the pipel who was hanged but it was God hanging on the gallows. Up to this point, Elie’s beliefs had abandoned. He had given up his loyalties toward God. His faith had been shattered to pieces and he had no plans to collect those shattered pieces and join them up again. As a token of expression, he stopped praying to God. He did not pray on the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. He announced during the New Year celebrations that he had accused God who was answerable to him. However, this shift in his faith did not satisfy Elie internally. He knew that he was restless and empty from inside, when he should have been feeling satisfied upon accusing the guilty one. Elie was witho ut help and was blank. The rebellion against God strengthened when Elie stopped practicing any religious ritual and did not even fast on the Day of Atonement. He was encouraged by his father who had always been disinterested in Elie’s faith. Elie made sure he â€Å"swallowed† his meals on the Day of Atonement expressing his rebellion against God and faith. However, faith had still not died entirely. Elie experienced some portion of it coming back to him which forced him to pray twice. Or

Partnership Relations Between Ukraine And Eu Politics Essay

Partnership Relations Between Ukraine And Eu Politics Essay Year of 1993 can be considered as the beginning of the partnership relations between Ukraine and the EU, when Ukrainian parliament Verchovna Rada in its resolution On (over) main directions of Ukraines foreign policy stated that longer-term view of foreign policy of Ukraine is accession to the EU. Nevertheless, this goal stood out as one of several quite contradictory decisions on the list at the time, when Verchovna Rada conducted a multidirectional international foreign policy. Over the following years came into effect several agreements between Ukraine and the EU, in particular on (over) the sale of various kinds of goods (metal products, textiles) and on (over) the cooperation in the nuclear industry. Of particular significance is the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation, which Ukraine has signed (was signed by) with the EU as one of the first of the CIS (The Commonwealth of Independent States) countries on 14 June 1994. Though there were a number of inconsistencies in fulfil lment its obligations from the Ukrainian side, which greatly complicated the negotiatation process for further economic integration between the two sides, it is also clear that the agreement has fulfilled its role to start building constructive relations between EU and Ukraine, creating a fundamentally new type of cooperation. Nine years later, in May 2002, President L.Kuschma, during his annual address to Parliament stated objectives, aimed to bring Ukraine closer to European community. Ambitions looked as follows(ing): In 2003-2004, to sign an agreement with the EU associate membership and negotiate a free trade zone; In 2004-2007, Ukraine has to implement all the necessary procedures for the entry into force of the agreement on associate membership; In 2005-2007, Ukraine needs to create a Customs Union with the EU; In 2007-2011 Ukraine is to fulfill the conditions required for EU accession. At the same time Ukraine has appealed to the European Union to grant it the status of associate member. Instead Ukraine has been offered the status of neighbor EU, a more detailed explanation of which appeared almost a year later. Basic principles of the new neighborhood policy were set out in the directive of the Commission and Council of the European Union to the European Parliament Wider Europe Neighbourhood: A new dimension to our relations with eastern and southern neighbors. The aim of the new European Neighborhood Policy was to provide a framework for the development of new relations with the countries bordering the EU, which would in the immediate perspectives of which do not include (à Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ тут ц¡Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ Ñ‚Ã Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ µ à Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ µ) prospects of membership or participation in the institutions of the Union. Policy Action Plan Neighborhood was implemented based on an analysis of achievements and failures in the relationship between the two parties. It could be described in another way as an integration without Europeanization. However incomplete, this was a diplomatic foundation upon which the fostering of the constructive relationship gave a start to more constructive relationship. Ukraine, together with other countries, such as Georgia, Armenia, Azerbajian, Moldova, belong to the East Subgroup, with EU aspiration (à Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ ´Ãƒ Ã‚ µ à Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ »?). Aspirations, however, cannot outbalance notable disparity in rates of development in a number of branches. Thus, the level and characteristics of economic development of Ukraine imposed (and still do) significant restrictions on the integration capabilities of Ukraine. Economic perspective Unconditional obstacle to Ukraines EU membership remains a huge gap in economic development of Ukraine and European countries. Indicator of living standards in Ukraine (officially, the indicator of standard of living, composed from data on life expectancy, education and per-capita GNI), even taking into account purchasing power parity (PPP, which is an expression of the idea that if ignoring transaction costs, identical good will have the same prices on various markets), is approximately 15% of the EU average. The share of Ukraines foreign trade EU is very small, and justified by the small size of the Ukrainian economy. In 2001, Ukraines share in EU imports amounted to 0,4% and 0,5% in its exports and that is given that the export accounted for 70% of Ukrainian GDP and the rate of exports per capita is about 5% of the EU average. Political situation Viktor Yanukovych became the 4th President of Independent Ukraine in February 2010. On February 7 2010 Janukowitsh defeated his main rival and fierce political opponent of many years Julia Timoshenko. Juschenko was defeated in the first round of election in January, when won less than total of 6 per cent of votes. Janukowitsch is an openly pro-russian president, comes from the Russian- speaking part of Ukraine and is well-known to be strongly supported by a number of pro-russian businessmen and Russian clans in this presidential campaign.The lost of trust of Ukrainian people in Viktor Juschenko was evident. Viktor Juschenko, the former Head of National Bank, in December 2004, during Orange Revolution has become the 3rd President of independent Ukraine with 51.9 per cent of votes ( debates are still ongoing, whether in his presidential campaign he was financially heavily supported by the US government, which is, as speculated, amounted to millions of US dollars). His attemps to bring Ukraine into NATO brought opposition from the majority of Ukrainians. The other crude misdirection was to make Russia, in the media, at least, a fierce enemy, which was and is a crude (Ñ‚Ã Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ ) strategical mistake, not only economically but also socially, if taken into account that the biggest minority in Ukraine are Russians. His attempt to alienate Ukraine from its neighbor was unthinkable in the country where roughly 50 per cent of indigenous population consider Russian as their mother tongue and enthusiastically consume made-in-Russia media products. It should not be denied that to a certain extent this brotherhood is purposely played up by the media, but the influence of Russian culture on Ukrainian mentality simply should not be dismissed. Eventually he was a president of a handful of pro-western group of intelligentsia, which is a minority in a predominantly rural Ukraine. In addition, political ly ugly split between Juschenko and Timoshenko, when the Head of BYT refused to play a second violin, sped up the downfall of his influence on the hearts and minds of Ukrainian folk. The tensions in his camp were continuous, public and eventually destructive for his political career. The weakness in his position was already obvious when during the Parlamental elections Jutshenko Party won less that 14 per cent of votes. Dissapointment in Orange Revolution fostered a collapse of the Orange coalition in July 2006, resulting in the appearance of a new AntiCrisis Coalition, composed of the Party of Regions, led by V.Janukovych, the Socialist Party of Ukraine and the Communist Party of Ukraine. Their agenda offered significant changes to the presidential one, as in domestic projects as well as in the foreign affairs policy, though eventually the signing of a Manifesto of National Unity still took place between the opposing parties. This document ratified the Ukraine intention to continue integration talks with the EU and to co-operate with NATO. At the same time, its implementation remained problematic as the anti-crises coalition was making attempts to evade the implementation of certain points of the Manifesto (e.g. co-operation with NATO). Questions arose and during interpretation of certain statements of Manifesto by different parties. Agreements between Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine is currently considered as a key partner with the European Neighbourhood policy (ENP) and the Eastern Partnership, which are there to ensure that the whole of the EU is committed to deeper relations with all our neighbours and at the same time to develop tailor-made relations with each country. In March 2007 EU-Ukraine Association Agreement was launched to replace the previous Partnershp and Cooperation Agreement, the aim of which is to establish deep and comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, following Ukraines accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO, an organization that intent/ds to supervise and liberalize international trade) in May 2008). The question remains how long Kiew will need to wait for a full Agreement, which in its turn depends how swiftly Kiew will accept and fulfill its obligations set in the ENP Action Plans, which as stated by the ENP can happen only from the involvement of both the government and the civil society organisations. The role of civ il society organizations, in their part, consists of identifying priorities for action and in promoting and monitoring the implementation of ENP Action Plans. Though EU considers civil society organizations as important players in establishment transparency and systematization, the question remains whether Ukrainian legislature can ensure independent functioning of these non-government organizations and protection from manipulative pressure by Government or other interested players. Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) is currently the legal framework of EU-Ukraine relations, which provides a framework for political dialogue, sets the principal common objectives in terms of promotion of trade and investment, sustainable development, economic, social, financial, civil, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation, legal approximation and support to Ukraines efforts to consolidate its democracy and to develop its economy. PCA, on its part, set up a framework, which consists of Co-operation Council, consisting of the members of the Government of Ukraine on the one hand and of the members of the EU Council and of the European Commission on the other, as well as co-operation Committee, which are to meet regularly to monitor the progress in implementing economic/trade chapters of the EU-Ukraine Action Plan. The head Committee consists of a number of sub-committees. Another significant committee to mention is the Parliamentary Co-operation Committee (PCC), consisting of the members of the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Parliament and meets twice a year. Among other agreements on cooperation are Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine establishing a framework for the participation of Ukraine in the European Union crisis management operations, as well as the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and Ukraine , Agreements between the European Community and Ukraine on certain aspects of air services, agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Civil Satellite Navigation, Visa Facilitation and Readmission agreements. Another field of cooperation worth mentioning is Black Sea Synergy Joint Statement, signed in Kiev in 2008 between EU and the Black Sea Foreign Affairs Ministers in order to stimulate democratic and economic reforms, support stability and promote development, facilitate projects in areas of common concern, open up opportunities and challenges through coordinated action in a regional framework, and encourage the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region. Another important field of cooperation is in the sphere of natural gas and oil. Ukrainian Naftogaz is already a member of several international organizations such Gas Centre of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the European Energy Forum, and the International Gas Union. In May 2010 Naftogaz began the procedure of accession to Eurogas, the European Union of the Natural Gas Industry as an associated member. On 21 May at the meeting in Berlin, Germany Chairman of the Naftogaz of Ukraine Board of Directors Yevhen Bak ulin and Eurogas President Domenico Dispenza signed the Memorandum of Understanding, concerning cooperation in energy sphere. Based on this Memorandum a Joint Declaration was signed on 23 March 2009 during joint EU-Ukraine International Conference for Modernization of Gas Transportation System of Ukraine. A technical coordination group was created to realize provisions of the Joint Declaration. This group is comprised of experts from Naftogaz of Ukraine, SE Ukrtransgaz, and experts from the European Commission and international financial organizations (EIB, EBRD, and WB). Naftogaz of Ukraine received technical assistance within the framework of the à Ã‚ ¢Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬  S/INOGATE program financed by the European Union. The main goal of this program is to increase security of transit and supply of energy resources to European consumers by fostering regional integration of oil and gas pipeline systems. On 24 September 2010 Ukraine joined the European Energy Community, the significance of which was underlined by the European Commissioner for Energy Gunther Oettinger as to help Ukraine to have access to a pan-European energy market, based on the principles of solidarity and transparency, since for the Community, Ukraine is an important new member and security of supply further improved.The energy Community entered into force on 1 July 2006. The goal of the European Energy Community is to liberalize their energy markets and implement key EU legal acts in the area of electricity, gas, environment and renewable energy. Another point of cooperation is the European Parliament Resolution of 25 Novermber 2010 on Ukraine. Overall, the resolution can be said to have taken a soft stand recent violation of local elections and characterized them as largely quiet, though not setting new democratic standards, even though certain partied of the EP, such as European Peoples Party (EPP) proposed originally to regognize the elections in Ukraine as unfree, unfair and undemocratic. The resolution was also lenient on describing problems associated with the implementation of democratic freedoms, especially the freedom of speech, even though called to investigate the role of the SBU in connection with the interference in the democratic process. Other comments and suggestions, proposed by the EP, concerned mainly the continuation of the reforms. The EP insisted on a comprehensive amendment to the Constitution, the Election Code and the Public Information Act. Significantly, in the resolution it was firstly stated that in accordance with Article 49 of the Agreement on the European Union, Ukraine can apply for membership in the EU, which is in itself is a progress in the relationship. The EP also announced its support of the annulment of the visa regime between Ukraine and the EU in the future. Ukraine urged the EP in its part to cancel Schengen visa fees for Ukrainian citizens in the nearest future and institute visa-free travel during Euro 2012. Some Ukrainian officials blatantly cheered the document, not only because the Ukrainian Governent received from the EP a recognition of the prospects of the EU membership, but also the right to file an application to the EU. But not all. Former Vice Premier H,Nemyria described the resolution and the uttered support by the EP of Ukraine as a slap in the face, which alienated the country even further from the EU. Not everbody agrees on the interpretation of the resolution, but nevertheless its significance is undisputable, even though the split in the EP between its parties as to what position the EP should take in regard to Ukraine remain. Among the spheres of cooperation is Education, which stresses the importance of increasing cooperation on youth and student exchanges and the development of scholarship programmes which will enable Ukrainians to become acquainted with the European Union and its Member States. As well as calls on the Ukrainian authorities to step up efforts to fight corruption; expects, in this regard, that positive political statements will be matched by decisive action in combating corruption at all levels, on the basis of political impartiality; calls for the establishment of a level playing field for business and for application of the same rules to domestic and foreign investors; in that connection, deplores the over-involvement of big business in political life , Highlights Ukraines pivotal role in the European Unions energy security; emphasises the importance of stepping up cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in the field of energy; calls on Ukraine to implement its commitments arising out o f the Joint Declaration of the EU-Ukraine International Investment Conference on the Modernisation of Ukraines Gas Transit System; calls for further agreements to be concluded between the EU and Ukraine aimed at securing energy supplies for both sides, including a reliable and diversified transit system for oil and gas; emphasises that if Ukraine is to have a modern gas transit system, it requires transparent, efficient and high-quality transit services through a modernised gas transportation network, and also, among others Calls on the Ukrainian Government to bring the legislation on media freedom into line with OSCE standards; decisive action in this regard would strengthen Ukraines credibility as OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office for 2013. On the whole the resolution outlines some common points of cooperation and offers nothings specific. The more significant are practical steps and concrete agreements, for example, in the area of Free Trade. Minister of Economy V. Piatnitski, after a recent round of negotionations between the economic delegations of Ukraine and the EU, is moderately pessimistic about the prospects for approval of the agreement on free trade area (FTA) any time soon, as European Commision has basically blocked for now Ukrainian access to European market in energy and transport (Mirror of week, 16.10). Ukrainian side has characterized the conditions as not very favourable for Ukraine, except in the area of internation marine traffic, but where Ukraine has really no substantial resources. From the Piatniskis words Ukraine has a great potential in the areas of power transmission, ground transportation, which is making it increasingly competitive. The fact that these markets are closed to Ukraine for now is a serious question. The EU wants to oblige Ukraine to accept and subsidize the mechanism of compensation for unforeseen situations in the field of energy, such as disruptions in gas supplies. They are very concerned about the security of energy transit through Ukraine, the occurrence of situations of force majeure, the fault of one party (in this case meaning(s) the Ukraine), and therefore offer the expedited dispute settlement mechanism, a compensation mechanism, built on the fact that any amount corresponding to the equivalent of potential losses is deposited outside of Ukraine. That is, we are depositing some money, and if something suddenly happens to our fault, it is written off unconditionally. It turns out that the state must assume full responsibility for them. Accession of Ukraine to the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan would have led to an immediate cessation of talks on free trade zone between Ukraine and the EU, because as a member of the Customs Union, Ukraine would be able to sign any agreements on free trade with the EU. And however there are no ongoing negations at present between Ukraine and the Customs Unions, it still remains potentially a point of tensions in negotiation between Ukraine and the EU. Some important conclusions to be made from this recent round of negations can be stated as following: 1. The European Commission continues to consider Ukraine as mere objects of trade and economic expansion and little concerned about the consequences of those decisions imposed on Ukraine. In this case, European experts are strictly concerned with getting benefits for domestic producers of goods and services and does not take into account the perspectives of development of Ukrainian economy, which in principle is quite natural for economic talks. 2. The EU merely sees Ukraine as a component in the politics of the Eastern Partnership. At present there are no targeted specific programs to adapt Ukrainian economy to the EU standards, except for some minor technical assistance in some economical areas. The priority of the EU is for Ukraine to completely adapt its economic legislation to the EU standards in sectors of transportation, energy and services, which Ukraine cannot do, if merely for technical reasons. 3. the FTA with the EU imposes all kinds of quotas, limiting the volume of Ukrainian exports. The size of tariff has been already agreed upon on nearly 95 per cent of the goods. European Commission calls on complete abolition of all export duties. It need to be pointed out, that 70% of the total EU trade occurs among the countries of its community, and among them there are about 100 preferential agreements, which account for 29,5% of trade and to which Ukraine will have no relationship. At the same time, the Ukrainian share of trade is bordering on 1%, while trade with the EU accounts for 30% of Ukraines foreign trade. 4. Entry into force of the FTA between the EU and Ukraine will inevitably be accompanied by an ultimatum, demanding the termination of all other free trade agreements with Russia and other CIS countries. This withdrawal is a doubtlessly a precondition for ratification of the Association Agreement with the EU. The notable example is Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, which in their time, at the request of the European Commission denounced the free trade agreement with Ukraine on the eve of their accession to the EU. The biggest difference, however, is that Ukraine is certainly not entering the European Union in the foreseeable future. Therefore, its can be predicted based on these negotiations that Ukraine would not rush into any premature agreements, for the sake of some illusory closeness with the EU. Ukrainian-Russian relations There are|is a number of other problems which need to be balanced out before talks of|over the EU integration can continue. Importantly, it is the Ukraine-Russia relationship, resolutions of geographical differences and gas/oil transition. Firstly, the dispute on the Kerch Strait (connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separating the Kerch Peninsual in the west from the Taman Peninsula in the East) must be resolved. Secondly, there are tensions regarding the Russian South Stream gas transition and how this pipeline is being constructed to bypass the territory of Ukraine, and how, possibly, it is used in order to put a pressure on the Ukrainian Government. President Janukovych spoke of a way of blackmail from Russian government and though it has begun before we came to power, it is a challenge which needs to be met and dealt with.The priority of Ukraine now is to prove that Ukraine is, notwithstanding, a reliable transit country, which means modernization of the pipelines, among others, with the financial help of the EU. According to V.Janukovych both Russia and Europe have an access to the management of Ukrainian gas transportation system. Modernization will allow them to become shareholders. Thirdly, is the prospect of joining the Customs Union with Russia, Belarus and Khazakhstan. Official position of present Ukrainian government does not give a straightforward answer, stressing that Ukraine might consider joining the Customs Union, if he|it sees for himself the obvious benefits and if it is clearly in the nations interests. Furthermore, to joint the Union, certain ammendmends to the Constitution must be made, which are possible only if the idea will find support of 300 deputies in the Parliament. Overall, the chance of gathering 300 votes is not convincing, to seriously speculate the adherence to the Union at present. In the recently signed decree by the President V. Janukovych (The Decree à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾- 1119/2010 of 10.12.2010), among other instructions to enhance the level of defense and the financial stability of the country, are also a number of statements, urging to facilitate an Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraiine, including the creation of deep and comprehensive free trade area agreements with the CIS, Canada and other prospective trading partners and identifying priority area of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO. Another major event is the recent 14th Summit EU-Ukraine which has taken place recently on the 22.11.2010. The main points of discussing were the adoption of the Action Plan for launching of a smooth transition to a visa-free regime. Action Plan, adopted specifically for Ukraine, define the criteria to be fulfilled by Ukraine and specifies measures that can be taken by the EU to liberalize visa regime for Ukrainian citizens, traveling into the EU countries. The most realistic part of this plan concerns the abolition of visas , which will allow Ukrainian citizens to travel to the EU for up to three months without a visa and pay visa fees. European Commission President (à Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã‚ ¼Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ ?) Barroso on the possible timing of the abolition of visas à Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ » no specific answer. Estimated EU representatives, in the case of Ukraines implementation of all requirements, theoretically it can be expected in 2012 President V. Janukovych reiterated that the EU membership remains a strategic goal and that Ukraine has taken a firm course towards European integration, especially, since through the efforts of its government, Ukraine has resumed economic growth. GDP growth was over 5%, industrial production over 11%. While the EU president G.van Rompuy noted the high intensity of dialogue between Ukraine and the EU in 2010, emphasizing the Ukraine is a strategically important partner for the EU and that the parties are waiting for an early conclusion of negotiations on the conclusion of viable and working Association Agreement. In his turn, the European commission Pressident Jose Manuel Barroso expressed his expectation that the Association Agreement between EU and Ukraine will be completed by mid-2011. We would like to see progress on the agenda of democratic reform in Ukraine it is important for open and democratic society. Briefly, Ukraines implementation of the Action Plan involves the following steps: 1. The introduction of biometric passports, which contain a special chip containing information about its owner (photo, fingerprints, voice sample, a snapshot of the iris) ц¡Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ ° ц¦Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ , à Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã‚ ¼ Ñ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ´Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾?. On the 17 Novermber 2010 The Cabinet of Ukraine adopted the Resolution on the introduction of biometric passports. 2. Creation of a single Institution to control migration. Until now, migration issues were in the competence of the border guards and Ministry of Internal Affairs. 3. Transfering the existing database on population registry into electronic form, which will contain data about every citizen in a comprehensive electronic format. 4. Settlement of external borders disputes, including the demarcation of land borders with Russia, Belarus and Moldova. 5. Solving the problems relating to illegal immigration (in the framework of the agreement with the EU on readmission, which obliges Ukraine to ensure the repatriation of illegal migrants from third countries who have got into the EU via Ukraine). 8. A new agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and Europol. Ukrainian side should inform Europol of all criminal cases of interest to Europol. Among others important conditions are also a reform of the Judicial System to European standards and reducing corruption. As a conclusion to his recent round of negations can be said that overall it was constructive, though without big promises. Perhaps, most importantly that the EU does not consider Janukovychs regime dictatorial or overtly antidemocratic, like in Belarus, for example, and is ready, at its own rate, to cooperate, without putting too much pressure on Ukraine or taking drastic measure to advance its course, like using force or bluntly blocking certain procedures. In any case, the EU would be wise not to exert pressure on Ukraine, if only not to force Ukraine to turn to its neighbor Russia for increased assistance and cooperation, which the EU tries to avoid by all costs. Conclusion I (à Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ ´Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã…’ Ñâ‚ ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ µ à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ µ we à Ã‚ ´Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ ¶Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ±Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€˜Ã…’, à Ã‚ ºÃƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ º à Ã‚ ² à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ¹ Ñâ‚ ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ µ?) would like to abstain from any overhasty conclusions regarding EU-Ukraine relationship. Firstly, it is the overexpansion of the EU and its seeming incapability to sustain and support all its members. Some believe that Europeans have lost their keenness, became impassive as to further expansion. There are tensions within the EU in many spheres, the most prominent recently is the giving a huge financial aid to proclaimed financially insolvent Greece. Many experts predict that Portugal will be the next to follow. Official stance on expansion was expressed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel as following: The enlargement of the EU from 15 to 27 members within a few yearsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦has required great efforts. As a result the CDU prefers a phase of consolidation, during which a consolidation of the European Unions values and institutions should take priority over further EU enlargement. Roughly 50 per cent of Germans oppose Ukrainian membership into the EU, for example. Besides, there are a number of countries that are ahead of the Ukraine. Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey are officially filed for the candidacy and the negotiations talks on there entrance are already being discussed for some time. Among other countries with the EU aspirations are Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Economical crises made Iceland to apply for membership, following devastating collapse of its economy and banking system. Whether Ukraine in this situation has a valid chance and can compete in urgency with other states-candidates is questionable. Also, to reiterate, the EU would not rush with promises unless Ukraine start fulfulling its promises to undertake democratic reforms in accordance with the EU rules, put together legislature, banking system, boost the economy, adopt anti-corruption measures and put them successfully into practice and many more. It seems Ukraine has years of tough work ahead to adapt to the EU standards. The last but not the least is normalization of relationship with Russian within the framework of the EU. As it is known, for historical, economical, political reasons, Russia is not welcoming tight relations between Ukraine and the EU, seeing, firstly, the threat to its integrity. More painful for Russia is the possible entering of Ukraine into NATO. Become Ukraine a part of the EU, it would most certainly distance Ukraine from its north-eastern partner with dire consequences in economical/political agreements and Russia tries to avoid it by all costs or at least slow down the process, since Ukraine i s, among others, is situated at an important strategic part of Eastern Europe. And that is not to mention Chernomorsky Fleet of the Russian Federation stationed in the Crimea Peninsula and Russian gas/oil, aimed for the EU, 80 per cent of those export travel through the pipeless across Ukrainian territory. If Ukraine enters the EU, it would not be so simple for Russia to exert its pressure on Ukraine and dictate its terms. These are issues that cannot be easily resolved. But perhaps even more vital question is wether Ukrainian people welcome this expansion, if we consider that political desisions are made for the benefit of its people and not merely to satisfy the interests of a handful of politians and businessmen with aspirations? Certainly, there is not enough information in Ukrainian mass media about the EU. It can also be explained that ukrainian journalists simply are not adequately educated about the EU, which by large create this information gap in the country. On the news domestic affa