Interpretation of Todorov essays

Interpretation of Todorov essays Todorovs text, Facing the Extreme, defines and categorizes the idea of virtue by using real examples found in texts, poems, and diaries of survivors of the extreme times leading up to and during World War II. The heroic idealism of soldiers such as Colonel Okulicki, General Tadeusz Bor-Komorowski, and Brigadier-General Tadeusz Pelczynski is overwhelming. It is apparent that it would be harder to deter these men even than it would be to pronounce their names correctly. It was their belief that any shortcomings that their supplies brought them could be compensated for by the sacrifice of Polish sweat and blood. The portrayal of these military figures is ripe with direct references to heroic values such as courage, perserverance, loyalty, etc. However, Todorov states later that there are also ordinary values that are much more suited towards applications in times of peace. These values are dignity, caring, and the life of the mind. While all of these values in essence are good, t hey can conflict with each other. For instance, dignity is the epitome of freedom, while caring demands some restriction of freedom. According to Todorov, there are two classes of virtues: those of heroism and ordinary virtues. Heroism implies an incredible act that pursues the upholding of some ideal, whether possible or not, with complete loyalty to that abstract concept. The hero may fight against society (making him extraordinary) in order to introduce an abstract notion, such as the nation, into infamy. On the other hand, ordinary virtues can be seen as those on a smaller scale, but that is not to say that they are any less valuable. While heroism serves the concept, ordinary virtues serve the specific individual recipient of the deed. Todorov presents two versions of heroism as well. Heroism is characterized by the value put on the ideal; a value higher than that put on the heros own life. ...

The Increasing Need for Authentic Reading Texts in ELT Classrooms Essay

The Increasing Need for Authentic Reading Texts in ELT Classrooms - Essay Example By working on a "living" language as used by the community, this could give learners the feeling that they are in touch with reality and thus increase their motivation for learning. For this reason, more and more authentic texts are being incorporated into the materials used for English language teaching to close the gap between pedagogic texts and the real world. Authentic texts, being culled from day-to-day living, may appeal to students as relevant and interesting and thus serve to increase their motivation to learn. Hence, text authenticity has become popular as part of the current orthodoxy in ELT, its relevance considered especially high in the communicative exercises. In this essay, we shall discuss the rationale, advantages and benefits of authentic text, including the problems that may arise from its use. Together with the reasons for its increasing use in the classroom, we will also explore the factors that may dash its effective use, how the materials are actually taught a nd the different contexts and requirements for a successful teaching of such authentic materials. For the past 15 years, the conviction grew among applied linguists and those who design ELT texts that language teaching involves not only an immersion in its grammar but also how grammar is used in the business of actual everyday communication (Widdowson, H., 1979). Language teaching, in this view, will not go far if it seeks to develop only the student's grammatical competence without paying heed to his communicative ability. For language study to be productive, the language experiences must engage the thoughts and minds of students. This gave impetus to the development and increasing use of authentic text, which brings real communication into the classroom (Nunan, D., 1985). This arose out of the need to shift our attention away from an almost exclusive concentration on grammatical competence and give equal attention to communicative competence (Widdowson, H., 1979), because knowledge of language involves both. Authentic text is seen as an effective tool to provide communicative competence. But for this to happen, English teaching must be presented as authentic enough to serve as a "door to a whole new world of possibilities, career or otherwise, be it in the business world or other sectors (Nunan, D., 2004)."Clayton, Fomo defines authentic texts as "genuine samples of language in use," which are not produced specifically for the purpose of language teaching. This text, sometimes spoken and sometimes written, simulates and uses the language of the real world, which is adapted in the classroom for its relevance to the students' social milieu. The objective is to develop the students' language skills for the real world, and bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and the students' capacity to participate in real-life events. Exposing students to the language of the real world will help them acquire "an effective receptive competence in the target language (Guariento, W. & Morley, J., 2001)." Samples of authentic text, which are described as forms of "genuine and less formal" English, are offered in the volume Cambridge Skills for Fluency: Listening Series (1998). Such a text could be anything from newspaper clippings to flyers promoting a

Stops, Frisks, and Terry Stops Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Stops, Frisks, and Terry Stops - Research Paper Example This paper will analyze the Terry stop legal issue and its impact in the society. The paper will also look at constitutional issues that touch on the matter and the impact that they have had. Introduction The issue of stop, frisk and Terry stop is very controversial and has been debated for a long period of time. A Terry stop involves stopping of an individual by a law enforcement officer for frisking and in some cases a short detention. An individual may be stopped for frisking if they are suspected of having committed or being likely to commit a crime by a law enforcement officer. As one undergoes a Terry stop, the police officer frisks and individual (the suspect) to ensure that the officer is not in danger or other members of the public (Acker & Brody, 2012). A Terry stop is different from an arrest since it takes less time and is accompanied by less legal procedures. During a Terry Stop, a police officer usually confirm the details of the suspect and finds out whether they have a criminal record or outstanding fines or arrest warrants that have been issued against them. Groups that represent both sides of the argument present their debates which sound justified. Records of crime statistics show that there has been an increase in crimes that are committed all over the country. People all over the world feel that is up to the government to introduce measures that lead to a reduction of crime levels. Stop, frisks and Terry stops is one of the ways that was introduced by the government to try and curb crime levels all over the country. Law enforcers feel that prevention of crimes consumes fewer resources and saves more lives for minimal inconvenience if any to those that undergo the Terry stops. Discussions Stops, Frisks, and Terry Stops affect many individuals in the United States and perceptions on the government and law enforcement officers. This constitutional issue also affects the constitutional rights of individuals. Terry stop and frisk involves detent ion by police if they are suspicious that an individual has been involved in committing a crime. The Terry stop and frisk law was introduced in 1968 after the Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S 1 (1968) court decision that was made by the Supreme court in the United States. The decision also authorized the police to conduct searches on the outer garments of the suspect if they have articulable suspicion that the suspect is armed and dangerous. The court authorized law enforcers to being able to detain an individual who they suspect is involved in committing a crime. Law enforcement officers also have the legal right to search the individual that they have detained. In some cases, the law enforcers might feel that the suspect might be in possession of a weapon, and may be planning to use in order to commit a crime. The rationale that causes the law enforcers to feel that the individual is likely to commit a crime should be reasonable. For example, a suspect might look overly nervous yet there is no evident reason why they should appear so. Such behavior might be an indication that such an individual is about to commit a crime. The law authorizes police officers to seize any form of contraband that they would find on a suspect while conducting the frisking. However there are some conditions in the frisking of the suspect (Acker & Brody, 2012). The frisking should be limited to the outer clothing of the

Endangered species Essay Example for Free

Endangered species Essay The tiger being a native occupant of the Eastern and Southern Asia is endangered species. Six out of the nine subspecies of the tiger are endangered while the other three subspecies are already extinct according to the zoo attendant. The tiger species are endangered due to quite a number of reasons e. g. poaching, deforestation and fragmentation. This is to the fact that this wild cat likes only densely populated areas which pose greater risk for its survival. The tiger is being hunted for fur and destruction of habitat has reduced the tiger population in the wild. Research has established that at the start of the 20th century it was estimated that over 100000 tigers existed world over but their population has reduced greatly to about 2000 in the wild. Some research also suggests that it is even lower in numbers. Some major campaigns have been initiated world wide in order to conserve this specie e. g. the project tiger initiative in India; which has the largest population of tigers, has been on a campaign since 1973, initially spearheaded by Indira Gandhi. Fundamental accomplishments have been the establishment of over 25 well-monitored tiger reserves in reclaimed land where human development is not allowed. 2. Background information: The tiger as it is commonly known has the scientific name Panthera tigris. It is a member of the family Felidae the largest of the four big cats in the genus Panthera. More information about its classification is as follows: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, Family: Felidae, Genus: Panthera, Species: P. tigris. And its subspecies are: P. t. tigris, Panthera tigris jacksoni, P. t. sumatrae, Panthera tigris altaica, Panthera ,tigris amoyensis, † Panthera tigris virgata, † P. t. balica, † P. t. sondaica. The last three sub species are extinct. It is a native of much of the Southern and Eastern Asia ands is an obligate carnivore and apex predator. It lives in various types of forests, including wet; evergreen; the deciduous forest, and the thorn forests and prefers denser vegetation. 3. The plan: One of the proposed plans to save this endangered species is to reclaim land occupied by people that were originally habitat for this animal, secondly there is need to introduce new and strict measures to curb the poaching menace to the animal species. The most endangered species are recommended for zoos in order to preserve them and prevent them from becoming extinct. It is more than evident that the Washington DC zoo is campaigning highly on the fact mission of saving this specie even though the zoo might not be able to accommodate all the endangered species of the animal. In order to be able to accomplish this, the zoo management has established a research centre that is dedicated to the well being and maintenance of the tiger. 5. Estimate cost It is better to recommend the animal to be breed in the wild than keeping it in the Zoo. This is so due to high cost of breeding in the Zoo and since it is a wild cat, being kept in the wild while monitoring their development is necessary and this is the work of the research institutions that have been established in the Zoo. 6. Conclusions: Since the major problem that this animal is experiencing is deforestation, poaching, and fragmentation. It is rather proper to take precautionary steps such as land reclamation by a forestation in deforested areas to allow the tiger to breed fully to increase in population.

Voices :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Voices What is your worst nightmare? What if the entire human population thought of you as defective and criticized you harshly? How about having several voices screaming at you for any little thing that you did wrong? What would life be like if you couldn't decipher reality from imagination? These are common scenarios that schizophrenics deal with every hour of the day -- they can't wake up from their nightmare. A living hell. A torture chamber devoid of walls. Like a schizophrenic poet wrote, "I live in a closet. Unlike most closets, mine is invisible. No one else can see it or touch it or even come inside to keep me company. Nevertheless, its imprisoning walls and terrifying darkness are very real," (3). The loneliness that this poet, Pamela Wagner, feels is excruciating, yet what is it about schizophrenia that makes the victim so alone? What makes the disease so isolating and detrimental to one's existence? These questions are answered here by the voices of those who have first-hand exp erience as paranoid schizophrenics. Not only are some symptoms of schizophrenia discussed, but also the turmoil one goes through with medication as well. Albeit that their have been many case studies performed by psychologists, the words of a schizophrenic give new meaning to the disease. For paranoid schizophrenia, an increase in recent literature reveals the point of view of the ill person. No two cases are exactly the same, so what follows is a conglomeration of experiences of paranoid schizophrenia survivors. As one schizophrenic has stated: "The schizophrenic experience can be a terrifying journey through a world of madness no one can understand, particularly the person traveling through it. It is a journey through a world that is deranged, empty and devoid of anchors to reality. You feel very much alone. You find it easier to withdraw than cope with a reality that is incongruent with your fantasy world. You feel tormented by distorted perceptions. You cannot distinguish what is real from what is unreal. Schizophrenia affects all aspects of your life. Your thoughts race and you feel fragmented and so very alone with your 'crazine ss,'" (6). Paranoid schizophrenia is a very debilitating disease -- it takes over one's life and creates a downward spiral into one's own surreal world. No longer can one communicate or relate to other people. Reality is distorted to fit the pattern of paranoia inside one's mind.

Checks and Balances Essay

This essay will discuss the Constitutional principle of Checks and Balances. It will explain the concept and effectiveness of the separation of power. As an example, the case of Brown v. The Board of Education will be used to explain the concept and effectiveness of the separation of power. Brown v. The Board of Education is a famous case that ended segregation in schools in 1954 during the Civil Rights Movement. First, lets start with what the definition of Checks and Balances is as it pertains to the Constitution. The definition according to Merriam-Webster is: â€Å"a system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power. †. The legislative power is vested in the Congress, the executive power rests with the President and the judicial power is granted to the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Each branch of government has separate and particular powers as listed in the Constitution, each branch is also given the power, duty and ability to control and balance the other(s) in a system of checks and balances. The Constitution grants all legislative power to the Congress. The Congress is bicameral and a bill has to pass both houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. In this way the houses check and balance each other. Both the executive and the judicial branch check and balance the Congress’ legislative power. Although only the Congress can make laws, the President has the power to veto bills, in which case the bill can only pass with a 2/3 majority in both houses. Finally, if the Congress and the President agree on a law, the Supreme Court has the power of interpreting the laws and a power of review, i. . the Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional and therefore void. As chief administrator the President is required to see that laws are carried out, to enforce existing politics and to managing the bureaucracy. The president nominates the heads of the executive branch’s departments, but these appointments are subject to the Congress’ approval. The constitution makes the president and Congress share powers in matters such as foreign policy and the US armed forces. In the case of Brown v.  The Board of Education, the legal defense of Oliver L. Brown stated, â€Å"the discriminatory nature of racial segregation †¦ â€Å"violates the 14th amendment to the U. S. Constitution, which guarantees all citizens equal protection of the laws,†. Because of this Brown v. The Board of Education laid the foundation for shaping future national and international policies regarding human rights. At the time, the state of Kansas had segregated schools, meaning that black and white children could not go to school at the same place. At the end of the case, Brown and his legal defense had argued that it was not fair to the children because they may or may not get the best education if they were segregated. The United States Supreme Court ruled that no state should segregate any child in public schools. White and Black children would go to school together and be offered the same rights. Anything less would be unconstitutional. This is a perfect example of how the state legislature was overturned by the Supreme Court and they were able to keep a check and balance on each other. The state of Kansas did not have a law stating that the schools must be segregated, but they also did not have a law saying that they couldn’t be segregated. The Browns first took their case to the state in 1951. After the case was dismissed, Brown and four other lawsuits made an appeal to the United States Supreme Court were the state ruling was overruled. The Supreme Court had checked and agreed that it was a violation of the Constitution to segregate schools. To this day, a public school can not discriminate against any child, black or white, male or female, smart or special ed. The decision made by the Supreme Court was a unanimous ruling that was issued on May 17, 1954. At that time Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote that â€Å"segregated schools are not equal and cannot be made equal, and hence they are deprived of the equal protection of the laws. † He continued, â€Å"We conclude that in the field of public education the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. †. Thank goodness for checks and balances, without them, the country would be a much different place to live.

Aaron Douglas Crucifixion Essay - 1337 Words

Aaron Douglas’ Crucifixion Throughout much of Modernism many artists were influenced and informed by the work of exotic regions throughout the world, more specifically Africa. African Art would influence much of the Modern Movements from the latter part of the Nineteenth and the beginning of the Twentieth Centuries. Much is said of the artists within the Harlem Renaissance, and how it directly reflects the influence of Africana upon their art. Often times, this work is neglected to be considered Modern if not in specialized selections of course throughout many of todays higher institutions of learning. However, thus being said, Aaron Douglas, often considered the pioneer of African American Modern Art, would bring this notion to the†¦show more content†¦In addition to the aforementioned, â€Å"The Crucifixion† was originally illustrated in James Weldon Johnson’s book of poems, â€Å"God’s Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse† (Driskell, 110). However, with the subject ma tter and the painterly quality it is not hard to place them among fine art painting. For the vast majority of Douglas’ work, as with â€Å"The Crucifixion,† black history, religion, and myth provided the substantive sources for his stylized subjects (Driskell, 111). The composition is highly composed with a designer’s eye for detail and stylistic elements. Furthermore, the central figure of Jesus, which is washed-out, flattened white, surrounded by geometric forms and interpenetrating circular shapes, possibly signifying a halo or representation of thereof, and also moves the composition outwardly from the central Jesus; hinting towards the modern use of interpenetrating lines that occurred within Cubism (Pinder, 107). Douglas layers Cubist design elements to create a highly fragmented, yet cohesive composition that reads more designed and symbolic through imagery. To add, the use of very directional/graphic arrows pointing upwards and outwardly, it is not hard to read this as something taking the importance away from the central Jesus figure to the overshadowing black man and to the heavens. Additionally one cannot begin to confront the issue of Modernity and Modern Art movements without mentioning the influence of African art objects on Modern