How Can We Fix K-12 Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How Can We Fix K-12 Education - Essay Example Darwinian evolution advocates for evolution of current creatures from simple organisms million of years ago. Scholars argue that, teaching of creationism discourages students from applying scientific knowledge learned in class. Furthermore, the students are unable to conduct experiments, come up with logical results and make conclusions on experiments (National Academy Press 17). Another challenge is the inability to embrace new technology. This denies the system the ability to use new ideas effectively. This problem is caused by failure to recruit and retain qualified teachers (National Academy Press 21). Another challenge is legitimizing K-12 education. Regardless of the effort by environmentalists on the importance of K-12 education as means of conserving the environment, the government has not legitimized K-12 education or made it part of the curricula within public schools. The government has failed to adhere to warnings that make learning convenient and effective. Lastly, the system does not get any funding from the government leading to seclusion of public schools from K-12 education. It is regrettable that only children from affluent families can learn using K-12 education system (National Academy Press 57). Despite all the challenges experienced by K-12 education system, scholars argue that there are some positive efforts. Consequently, K-12 education should be accessible to students. The concerned stakeholders should train and recruit qualified teachers. Tutoring program found at Haas Center for Public Service, Stanford Teacher Education Program and the Teach for America program should be used for training any members that would like to learn more about K-12 education system (National Academy Press 69). K-12 education system should have specific teachers who can be able to guide students on-line as they learn. Teachers who are responsible for K-12 education

The African American Journey Essay Example for Free

The African American Journey Essay The history of African Americans is, to a significant degree, the history of the United States. Black people accompanied the first explorers, and a black man was among the first to die in the American Revolution. The United States, with more than 38 million Blacks, has the eighth-largest Black population in the world. Despite the large number, Blacks in this country have had almost no role in major national and political decisions and have been allowed only a peripheral role in many crucial decisions that influenced their own destiny. The Black experience, in what came to be the United States, began as something less than citizenship, but was â€Å"considered slightly better than slavery† (Schaefer, 2006, p. 184). In 1619, 20 Africans arrived in Jamestown as indentured servants or slaves. Their status was not clearly known, even to the people who were living at that time. By 1640, at least one African had been declared a slave. This African was ordered by the court to serve his said master or his assigns for the time of his natural life here or elsewhere. â€Å"Within a generation race, not religion was being made the defining characteristic of enslaved Virginians. The terrible transformation to racial slavery was underway (Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), (n. d. )). † During the early 17th century, there were no laws that defined the rights, or the lack of rights, of blacks. â€Å"Virginia was being held back. Thanks to tobacco, it had the means to make money. What was needed, though, were laborers laborers to clear fields, to plant and harvest crops. During the 1620s and 1630s, when the price of tobacco was high and English workers had too few jobs available at home, Virginia found its supply of labor in England. Then after 1660 the value of tobacco dropped and the Great Plague reduced Englands population. In addition, a terrible fire in London destroyed much of the city and created new jobs at home for construction workers of all sorts. No longer able to lure their own countrymen, Virginians looked toward African labor, following the pattern established by the Spanish and Portuguese more than a century before. Gradually the plantation owners perspective became more aligned with that of the plantation owners of the Caribbean Islands. Because they were not Christians, blacks could be forced to work for the rest of their lives and be punished with impunity. Moreover, the color of their skin set them apart, making it easy to identify runaways. Also, there was a seemingly inexhaustible supply of Africans, and since little information flowed back across the Atlantic, mistreatment and abuse in America did not alter the flow of enslaved persons from Africa. Slowly the number of blacks grew in Virginia. In 1625 there were only 23. In 1650 there were about three hundred. By 1700, more than a thousand Africans were being brought into the colony every year. These numbers would increase dramatically in the years to come (Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), (n. d. )). † The transformation of indentured servitude to racial slavery didnt happen overnight, it was not until 1661, when a reference to slavery entered into Virginia law. The following year, the colony went one step further by stating that children that were born would be bonded or free according to the status of the mother. The transformation had begun; it was not until the Slave Codes of 1705 that the status of African Americans was sealed. The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade began big business for all. As economies began to flourish from the gains of sugar, cotton, and tobacco fields, so did the need to accommodate the lavish and wealthy with laborers. In 1660, the English government chartered a company called the Company of Royal Adventurers Trading to Africa. The Company did not fare well, and in 1667, it collapsed. But out of its ashes emerged a new company: The Royal African Company. Founded in 1672, the Royal African Company was granted a similar monopoly in the slave trade. Between 1680 and 1686, the Company transported an average of 5,000 slaves a year. Between 1680 and 1688, it had sponsored at least 249 voyages to Africa. By the end of the 17th century, England led the world in the trafficking of slaves. Over the next three centuries African Americans endured prejudice, segregation, and racism- because of race, not religion which was the defining characteristic of the enslaved. In sharp contrast to the basic rights and privileges enjoyed by White Americans, Black people lived in bondage and under a system of repression and terror. Slavery was not merely a single aspect of American society; it has continuously been an essential part of this country’s life. For nearly half of this country’s history, slavery was not only tolerated but legally protected by the United States Constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. Because the institution of slavery was so fundamental to culture, it continues to influence Black-White relations to this day. Some progress has occurred, and some of the advances are nothing short of remarkable, however, the deprivation of the African American people relative to Whites remains. A significant gap remains between African Americans and the dominant group, and to this gap a price is assigned: the price of being African Americans in the United States. African Americans have been affected by almost all of forms of discrimination, 1) dual labor market- a theory that is an explanation of the inequality that exists in the labor market; 2) environmental justice issues- refers to an equitable spatial distribution of burdens and benefits to groups such as racial minorities, residents of economically disadvantaged areas, or residents of developing nations. Environmental justice proponents generally view the environment as encompassing where we live, work, and play (sometimes pray and learn are also included) and seek to redress inequitable distributions of environmental burdens (pollution, industrial facilities, crime, etc. and equitably , root causes of environmental injustices include institutionalized racism; the co-modification of land, water, energy and air; unresponsive, unaccountable government policies and regulation; and lack of resources and power in affected communities; 3) affirmative action- policies that take race, ethnicity, physical disabilities, military career, sex, or a persons parents social class into consideration in an attempt to promote equal opportunity or increase ethnicity or other forms of diversity. The focus of such policies ranges from employment and education to public contracting and health programs; 4) redlining- is the practice of denying, or increasing the cost of, services such as banking, insurance, access to jobs, access to health care, or even supermarkets to residents in certain, often racially determined, areas; 5) double jeopardy- race and gender barriers that still exist, to a large degree, in terms of advancement at higher level positions; 6) institutional discrimination- hold that discrimination and segregation in the United States housing market have endured despite the condemnation of discriminatory practices. Institutionalized, or systematic, racism has been shown to occur even though overt racist policies have been discontinued. Race is the biggest factor in residential segregation, not class. Socioeconomic factors generally do not keep from desegregating communities. Non-discriminatory policies have been created in order to help desegregate neighborhoods, and help everyone purchase homes. However, most of the policies created to help African Americans and other minorities have done little to help, and in some cases even hurt them more; and 5) glass ceilings- The glass ceiling refers to the barriers that often confront Ethnic Americans and women in trying to reach the upper echelons of corporate America, because: â€Å"African Americans have advanced in formal schooling to a remarkable degree, although in most areas residential patterns have left many public schools predominantly Black or White. Higher education also reflects the legacy of a nation that has operated two schooling systems: one for Blacks and another for Whites. Gains in earning power have barely kept pace with inflation, and the gap between Whites and Blacks has remained largely unchanged. African American families are susceptible to the problems associated with a low-income group that also faces discrimination and prejudice. Housing in many areas remains segregated, despite growing numbers of Blacks in suburban areas. African Americans are more likely to be victims of crimes and to be arrested for violent crimes. The subordination of Blacks is also apparent in health care delivery. African Americans have made substantial gains in elective office but still are underrepresented compared with their numbers in the general population† (Schaefer, 2006). African Americans are said to be the primary cause of 1) reverse discrimination- discrimination against members of a dominant or majority group, or in favor of members of a minority or historically disadvantaged group. Groups may be defined in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, or other factors. This discrimination may seek to redress social inequalities where minority groups have been denied access to the same privileges of the majority group, because we want equality! I culturally identify more with African Americans because I was born an African American; I have lived as an African American; and being a United States citizen, worked in America as an African American. My expertise in the subject manner of being African American speaks for itself. In conclusion, the history of African Americans is, to a significant degree, the history of the United States. Black people accompanied the first explorers and a black man was among the first to die in the American Revolution. The United States, with more than 38 million Blacks, has one of the largest Black populations in the world. Despite the large number, Blacks in this country have had almost no role in major national and political decisions and have been allowed only a peripheral role in many crucial decisions that influence our own destiny.

Perspectives On Society And Culture :: essays research papers

Perspectives on Society and Culture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is very difficult as a reader to make any sense of the rituals performed by the Nacirema. The Nacirema are a people who stress the importance of physical wellness and go to great and to the outsider horrific lengths to ensure this. A professor Linton was the first to shed light on the particularly bizarre lifestyle that is lived by the Nacirema. Physical wellness being so heavily stressed is not the bizarre aspect, it is the spiritual sense and seemingly blind faith they put into their beliefs that is bewildering. These people believe the human body is ugly and that it breeds disease. The Nacirema pray daily through a private shrine in there house to , what seems to me cleanse and prevent, what to them lurks and breeds in our body. It is believed by the people that there is magical forces possesed in a chest in the shrine. These forces or magic is supplied through text by a medicine man who holds very high stature among the Nacirema. One part of the body that is seen to be excpecially unholy is the mouth. One major part of the cleansing of the mouth is done once or twice a year by the† holy mouth men†. This is where the man uses exotic instruments to open holes larger in decaying teeth or even healthy teeth. The teeth, with nerve exposed, are stuffed with†magical†material to arrest decay. To the outsider this is torturous. There are many other disturbing body cleansing rituals like the baking of women's heads scheduled by the patterns of the moon. This culture is one of many cultures who put there faith in past on beliefs and go to seemingly horrific measures carrying them out. This article was frightening as well as uplifting to me. What was frightening to me is the fact that in the US these disturbing rituals take place. As I already stated as an outsider it is very difficult trying to make sense of these customs in terms of my society.I was being quite ethnocentric. It took me a while to get my stomach back and realize that these people are born into this lifestyle. These rituals are apart of the religion they hold dear to there heart. So yes, to the common white Irish Catholic this may be peculiar, Perspectives On Society And Culture :: essays research papers Perspectives on Society and Culture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is very difficult as a reader to make any sense of the rituals performed by the Nacirema. The Nacirema are a people who stress the importance of physical wellness and go to great and to the outsider horrific lengths to ensure this. A professor Linton was the first to shed light on the particularly bizarre lifestyle that is lived by the Nacirema. Physical wellness being so heavily stressed is not the bizarre aspect, it is the spiritual sense and seemingly blind faith they put into their beliefs that is bewildering. These people believe the human body is ugly and that it breeds disease. The Nacirema pray daily through a private shrine in there house to , what seems to me cleanse and prevent, what to them lurks and breeds in our body. It is believed by the people that there is magical forces possesed in a chest in the shrine. These forces or magic is supplied through text by a medicine man who holds very high stature among the Nacirema. One part of the body that is seen to be excpecially unholy is the mouth. One major part of the cleansing of the mouth is done once or twice a year by the† holy mouth men†. This is where the man uses exotic instruments to open holes larger in decaying teeth or even healthy teeth. The teeth, with nerve exposed, are stuffed with†magical†material to arrest decay. To the outsider this is torturous. There are many other disturbing body cleansing rituals like the baking of women's heads scheduled by the patterns of the moon. This culture is one of many cultures who put there faith in past on beliefs and go to seemingly horrific measures carrying them out. This article was frightening as well as uplifting to me. What was frightening to me is the fact that in the US these disturbing rituals take place. As I already stated as an outsider it is very difficult trying to make sense of these customs in terms of my society.I was being quite ethnocentric. It took me a while to get my stomach back and realize that these people are born into this lifestyle. These rituals are apart of the religion they hold dear to there heart. So yes, to the common white Irish Catholic this may be peculiar,

Understanding Islam

Introduction The literal meaning of Islam is peace. Because of many current world events, Islam is a highly controversial and sensitive issue that has many misconceptions that need to be more fully addressed and understood. It is true that the events of 9/11 have separated the history of American relations with the Muslim world into before and after phases, negatively affecting the patterns of assimilation of immigrant Muslims into American culture and society (Simmons, 2008). This essay will begin to give factual details regarding the Islam faith, compare Islam with other Abrahamic religions and discuss common misconceptions and current events that have changed the way the world looks at Muslims and the Islam faith. Body It will be useful to begin with attempting to scratch the surface and try to understand the teachings of Islam. Islam is a monotheistic religion based on revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. These revelations were recorded in the faith’s text, the Qur’an. The Islam faith has â€Å"Six Articles of Beliefs†. People of the Muslim faith must have great conviction in these most important six areas. They are: 1. Belief in God. 2. Belief in the Angels. 3. Belief in the Prophets and Messengers. 4. Belief in the Sacred Texts. 5. Belief in Life After Death. 6. Belief in the Divine Decree (Abdulsalam, 2006). The believers worship God directly without the intercession of priests or clergy. They also have five duties that are given as rules to follow. Those are the Five Pillars of Islam; Belief, Worship, Fasting, Almsgiving and Pilgrimage (Grupper, Prentice, & Roughton, 2000). The country with the most Muslims is Indonesia, with 120 million. In addition there are millions more in parts of Eastern and Western Europe and in the Americas. The Islam religion claims nearly 1 billion followers in countries throughout the world. Islam is also the youngest among major world religions but is still one of the largest (Ridenour, 2001). Islam belongs in a group of three religions called the â€Å"Abrahamic† religions. Those three religions are Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They are three sister religions that are monotheistic and that claim the prophet Abraham as their common forefather. To compare Islam and Christianity, in relation to God, Muslims believe there is no God but Allah; Christians believe that God is revealed in scripture as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons who are coeternally God (Ridenour, 2001). This sometimes causes Jews and Muslims to criticize the Christians as polytheistic. In all three religions, there is an ethical orientation. All three religions speak of a choice between good and evil, which is depended upon obedience or disobedience to God (Unkown, 2007). The three also have a linear concept of history with creation as the beginning and that God works through history. The believers of Islam are called Muslims which means â€Å"one who lives his life according to God’s will† (Langley, 1993). It would seem that this particular people and religion would be a people of peace, sincerity and love. Since 9/11, the world of the faithful in Muslim societies has been in turmoil because the living Islam, dominated by its traditional interpreters, the learned ulema, has not been able to guide the community at the most critical period of its existence (Sachedina, 2010). This current critical period of Islam existence has created many misconceptions. Only if it is assumed that the goal of Islam is to establish peace without resorting to aggression can one claim that that militant Islamists have hijacked their religion (van der Krogt, 2010). Islam is practiced all over the world and the way it is practiced is different in different locations. Islam does claim to be brotherhoods of â€Å"one religion†, but the Islam practiced in Indonesia is very different than the Islam practiced in Saudi Arabia, which is also different from that in Kazakhstan, or Iran, or Morocco. In researching for this essay, the author found many different â€Å"types† of Islamic groups all over the world. There are over 73 sub-sects that have emerged within Islam today (Venkatraman, 2007). Some peaceful and some more aggressive. A group called Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami (The Party of Islamic Liberation) began working in Central Asia in the mid-1990s and has developed a committed following inside Uzbekistan, and to a lesser extent in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Estimates of its strength vary widely, but a rough figure is probably 15-20,000 throughout Central Asia. Its influence should not be exaggerated – it has little public support in a region where there is limited appetite for political Islam – but it has become by far the largest radical Islamist movement in the area (Unkown, Radical Islam in Central Asia: Responding to Hizb ut-Tahrir, 2003). The common misconceptions regarding Muslims did not begin with the terrorist attacks of 9/11, but that seems to be the current event that hits closest to home. Islamic terrorism is a movement in which the violence caused by terrorism is derived from and used to preserve extreme interpretations of the Quran in an Islamic community. Participants of this movement call for an unquestioned devotion and blind obedience or a Quaranic tenet has been broken. A few of the Islamic terrorist groups are Al-jihad, AlQaeda (Afganistan), Hamas (Palestine), Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Kashmir), and the Lashkar e-Toiba (Kashmir) (Venkatraman, 2007). The 9/11 terrorist attacks were performed by AlQaeda under the direction of Osama bin Laden, the founder of AlQaeda. The death of Osama bin Laden has also certainly not stopped Islamic violence, but according to the president of the Muslim Public Affairs Counsel, Salam Al-Marayati, the death of Osama bin Laden â€Å"represents the beginning of the end of a dark era in U. S. -Muslim relations. † He goes on to say that â€Å"hopefully this ushers a new era of hope and democracy in dealing with the grievances of Muslim people throughout the world without resorting to political violence. † (Lozano, 2011). The media and these current world events are a definite misconception of all Muslim people. To gratuitously insult law-abiding Muslims by conflating them with terrorists is not only wrong, it is dangerous to U. S. national security (Stern, 2011). An article written in the New York Times in October of 2010, spoke about local New York Islamics having open houses to invite non-Muslims in to attend prayers, discussions and tours of Islamic centers as a way to defuse hostility toward the Muslim population. The idea for the program, â€Å"A Week of Dialogue,† emerged from a summit of Islamic leaders as a response to the furor surrounding a plan to open a Muslim community center and mosque near ground zero (Semple, 2010). Muslims in America and around the world are trying to bring back the truth to the original Islamic meaning of peace. We now must look at how Muslims and non-Muslims communicate and live together in harmony. Historically, in countries where Islam has gained political power, people of all rival religions are either wiped out, or in the interest of â€Å"tolerance† or â€Å"open mindedness†, permitted to exist as second-class citizens. Christians and Jews are looked down upon and may not practice their religion openly or freely without serious consequence. But, Islam in the West is completely different from Islam in Muslim dominated countries. Muslims who live in the Western democratic countries enjoy all the benefits and privileges of freedom and democracy. They have secure civil liberties and may practice their religion freely and openly. The Qur’an specifically states that Islam is a religion of mercy, tolerance and moderation. Moderation being the key to Muslim and non-Muslim communication. It allows Muslims to have a good relationship with non-Muslims, but to a certain limit. One quote from the Qur’an says this: â€Å"Let not the believers (Muslims) take for friends Unbelievers (non-Muslims) rather than believers. And whoever does that has no relation with Allah whatsoever, except by way of precaution that you may guard yourselves from them. † (Surah Ali Imran, V: 28). Conclusion In summation, some of the misconceptions that people around the world have regarding Islam, are backed up by some current and past events. We must first begin to understand the Islamic faith, it’s diversity in people, areas of the world and political stances. This author does not begin to understand the depth of the Islam faith. After researching for this essay, the realization of the diversity of this faith as compared to Christianity or Judaism, is overwhelming. The peaceful people of Islam must not be judged by the terrorists and the acts they commit. We learned that Islam has political side and a religious side as well. The editor of the journal, American Libraries, Leonard Kniffel wrote an editorial about how libraries jumped at the chance to begin educating communities on the Islam faith shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Mr. Kniffel states that, â€Å"Knowing that an anti-Muslim backlash was inevitable, they created programs to help the patrons of their libraries understand the teachings of Islam, the history of American policy related to the conflict we now find ourselves in, and what it means to be Muslim in America† (Kniffel, 2002). The Muslim American Society (www. muslimamericansociety. org) has a campaign called â€Å"The Straight Path Initiative†. It’s goals are to equip and focus on Muslims in America ages 15-30. This initiative has a goal to initiate an honest open ialog about radicalization and extremism in Muslim American communities. They are targeting high schools and college campuses to provide programs and activities to involve young Muslim Americans in a proactive way that limits opportunities for radicalization (Unkown, The Straight Path Initiative, 2011). Much like any religion or people group, Islam has a group of terrorists and non-peaceful people amongst them . The misconceptions are actually very real and have information and current events to back them up. It would also be fair to say, that most religions and people groups have those kinds of people. Understanding one another is the most important thing we can do. By educating each other on beliefs, understandings and ways of life, we can only then begin to have peaceful dialog to bring us together. September 11, 2001 became a day for American’s to see the true colors of the terrorist sect of the Islam religion. As this is a day we will never forget, we must begin to heal by understanding and not judging the entire Islam faith for these terrible acts of terrorism. References Abdulsalam, M. (2006, January 30). The Religion of Islam. Retrieved June 12, 2011, from www. islamreligion. com: http://www. islamreligion. com/articles/6/. Grupper, J. , Prentice, P. , & Roughton, R. (2000). Islam: Empire of Faith. Retrieved June 13, 2011, from www. pbs. org: http://www. pbs. org/empires/islam/film. html. Kniffel, L. (2002, January). Getting to know Islam. American Libraries , 48. Langley, M. (1993). World Religions. Oxford: Lion Publishing. Lozano, C. (2011, May 1). Osama bin Laden Dead: End of a dark era in U. S. Muslim relations'. Retrieved June 15, 2011, from L. A. Times: http://latimesblogs. latimes. com/lanow/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-dead-end-dark-era-us- muslim-relations. html. Ridenour, F. (2001). So What's the Difference? Ventura, CA: Regal Books. Sachedina, A. (2010, September). Religion, Order and Peace: A Muslim Perspective. Cross Currents , 332-338. Semple, K. (2010, October 22). At Mosques, Inviting Non-Muslims Inside to Ease Hostility Toward Islam. Retrieved June 15, 2011, from New York Times: http://www. nytimes. com/2010/10/23/nyregion/23mosques. html? ef=reconstruction. Simmons, G. Z. (2008). From Muslims in America to American Muslims. Journal of Islamic Law and Culture , 10 (3), 254-280. Stern, J. (2011, May/June). Muslims in America. The National Interest (113), pp. 38-46. Unkown. (2007, September 16). Abrahamic Religion. Retrieved June 14, 2011, from New World Encyclopedia: http://www. newworldencyclopedia. org/entry/Abrahamic_religions. References (continued) Unkown. (2003, June 30). Radical Islam in Central Asia: Responding to Hizb ut-Tahrir. Retrieved June 15, 2011, from International Crisis Group: ttp://www. crisisgroup. org/en/regions/asia/central-asia/058-radical-islam-in-central-asia- responding-to-hizb-ut-tahrir. aspx. Unkown. (2011). The Straight Path Initiative. Retrieved June 17, 2011, from Muslim American Society: http://muslimamericansociety. org/main/content/straight-path-initiative. van der Krogt, C. (2010). Jihad without apologetics. Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations , 21 (2), 127-142. Venkatraman, A. (2007). Religious Basis for Islamic Terrorism: The Quran and it's Interpretations. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism , 30 (3), 229-248.

Cosi Lewis Nowra Essay

Lewis Nowra’s semi autobiographical play ‘Cosi’ is a touching yet biting portrayal of human relationships in a Melbourne mental institute, where the patients are astracised by society. Throughout the play Lewis Nowra illustrates each and every character that suffers with a mental illness as normal people with a desire to do or think things different to others from the society of the 1970s. Throughout the play Nowra poses a question, can anybody be classified as insane? When there is insanity all around us. The play they are to perform ‘Cosi fan Tutte’ is a play about love and fidelity which becomes a topic of disagreement of the cast. Act 1 Scene 3 addresses love and fidelity & Confusion with reality & illusion With Nowra’s intelligent use of dramatic techniques such as Characterization, Dialogue & Symbolism to present his central ideas within ‘Cosi’. ‘Cosi’ is a dramatic play written by Lewis Nowra, which is set in the early 1970s in the midst of the Vietnam War. The inmates in the asylum are to performance of Mozart’s opera ‘Cosi fan Tutte’ as a therapeutic technique to the patients and is directed by an insecure university graduate Lewis, who brings the patients together and becomes as involved into the play as every other member of the cast and gets labelled as ‘one of them’ by society outside the asylum. In act 1 scene 3 moments after the toilets in the theatre have been a result of Doug’s pyromaniac problem. The cast re assemble and continue on with the play, during the play Ruth is confused between reality & illusion and the number of steps she needs to take in each scene â€Å"I was wondering where you wanted me to walk and how many steps? † Nowra canvases Ruth’s confusion between reality and illusion through to the audience with the use of characterization, amplifying Ruth’s obsessive disorder through to us the audience in a way where we get a sense of understanding on the obsessive-ness in Ruth’s character and her disorder. The theme of love and fidelity demonstrates individual’s ideas throughout the play ‘Cosi’. Notably we see Nowra canvas the idea of love & fidelity through dramatic techniques within each characters dialogue & characterization such as Lewis, Lucy, Julie, Nick & Roy. Lewis’s changing attitude towards love throughout the play becomes a pivotal turning point for Lewis & Lucy’s relationship. As time goes on we definitely see Lewis becoming more compassionate and warm and Lucy showing her true colours towards their relationship. Lucy without a doubt becomes somewhat shallow and expresses that she sees love as out dated and unimportant in modern day society. Julie questions Lewis on his relationship with Lucy â€Å"You two are into free love? † â€Å"Does she play around? † â€Å"You trust her? †, Julie thinks against love & fidelity and thinks men are useless referring to her knowledge learnt from studying Mozart’s ‘Cosi fan Tutte’. Lewis’s thoughts of love and fidelity are antithetical of his actions with Julie later in the play, to have love we must trust. Throughout Act 1 scene 3 in ‘Cosi’ Lewis Nowra canvases symbols within many factors. A large factor produced as a symbol through the whole play is the burnt out theatre which they rehearse in. This theatre is a symbol of them escaping the reality in which the patients & Lewis are as equal to each other. Society outside the asylum portrays Lewis as ‘insane’ for working with ‘mad people’. The burnt texture of the theatre is also a symbol for the patient’s reality as being excluded from reality as being excluded from reality outside the asylum â€Å"Cosi allows you a chance to do something successful at least once in your dismal life† Roy ironically says to Henry whose life if not much different to his own, but society still labels them as ‘insane’. The coffee mugs in which Ruth and Julie are to use as props in the play is a symbolic technique Nowra applied, â€Å"I can live with illusion as long as I know its illusion, but this coffee is not real, is it? † Ruth’s confusion and reality is illustrated within the coffee as being coffee cups with no coffee is also a metaphor for the patients in the mental asylum, â€Å"An illusion of reality†. Lewis Nowra not only wrote a play containing aspects such as love & fidelity & illusion vs. eality but through the use of dramatic techniques like characterization, dialogue & symbolism throughout characters such as Lewis, Julie, Roy, Lucy & Nick in act 1 scene 3 and the rest of the play, but to give the audience a broader understanding on the plays meaning, but we also question although the play was set in the 70s, this era was experimental with ‘free love’ the reality is without fidelity, love is anything but a meaning. We still hold old fashioned values about love. The aspect the audience gain from another message from Nowra’s ideas expressed throughout the text & dramatic techniques is the frequently noticeable question, are the people in the asylum really mad? When there is insanity all around us. Society labels these people as ‘insane’ when they are no different to each and every one of us, only with different desires to some. The only people who should be classified â€Å"insane† are those who classify insaneness in another.

Solutions for Teaching in an Overcrowded Classroom

Solutions for Teaching in an Overcrowded Classroom One of the biggest issues facing schools and teachers today is overcrowding. A combination of an increasing population and a decrease in funding has caused class sizes to soar. In an ideal world, class sizes would be capped at 15 to 20 students. Unfortunately, many classrooms now regularly exceed 30 students, and it is not uncommon for there to be more than 40 students in a single class. Classroom overcrowding has sadly become the new normal. The issue is unlikely to go away anytime soon, so schools and teachers must create workable solutions to make the best out of a bad situation. Problems Created by Overcrowded Classrooms Teaching in an overcrowded classroom can be frustrating, overwhelming and stressful. An overcrowded classroom presents challenges that can feel nearly impossible to overcome, even to the  most effective teachers. Increasing class sizes is a sacrifice many schools have to make in order to keep their doors open in an era where schools are underfunded. Overcrowded classrooms create a number of problems for modern school systems, including: There is not enough of the teacher to go around. Students perform better when the teacher is able to give one-on-one or small-group instruction on a regular basis. As classroom size increases, this becomes increasingly difficult to do. Overcrowding increases classroom discipline issues. Large classes packed with students provide more opportunities for personality conflicts, tension, and general disruptive behavior. Even the best teachers find it difficult to manage an overcrowded classroom successfully and can find themselves spending more time managing their classroom than they do teaching. Struggling students fall further behind. Average and below-average students will struggle to advance in an overcrowded classroom. These students need more direct instruction, one-on-one instructional time and minimal distractions to maximize their learning potential. Standardized test scores suffer. While many teachers would argue that there is an overemphasis placed on test scores especially in America’s public schools, the chance of successfully improving proficiency on a standardized test decreases as the number of students in the classroom increases. The overall noise level is increased. This is an expected result when you increase the number of students in the classroom. Louder classrooms translate to distractions making it more difficult for students to learn and for teachers to teach. Teacher stress is increased often leading to teacher burnout. More students translate to more stress. Many excellent teachers are opting to leave the profession because it is not worth the stresses they deal with on a daily basis. Overcrowding leads to less access to equipment and technology. Space is already at a premium for many schools and there often is not enough room to accommodate specialties such as science or a computer lab. District Solutions to Overcrowded Classrooms Increasing class sizes should be the last resort for any school district. It should never be a starting point. There are many other ways to trim a budget. If all other options are exhausted, then schools may be forced to enact what is known as a reduction in force, where teachers and staff are laid off for budgetary reasons and class sizes subsequently increase. Even with tight budgets, districts can take certain actions to ease overcrowding issues: Take advantage of ability grouping. Schools should use benchmark assessments to determine student placement. Class sizes should be kept relatively small for those who perform unsatisfactorily. Students who are strong academically have less to lose in an overcrowded classroom. Provide teachers with an aide. Providing a teacher with an aide can help decrease the burden on the teacher. Aides receive a lower salary, so placing them in overcrowded classrooms would improve the student/teacher ratios while keeping costs low. Lobby for more funding. Schools administrators and teachers should regularly lobby their state and local representatives for more funding. They should keep them apprised of issues overcrowding is causing. Administrators can also invite them to spend time at their school so that they can see the impact of overcrowding. Solicit local donations. Private schools are able to keep their doors open due to tuition and to a large extent by soliciting donations. In tough financial times, public school administrators should not be afraid to solicit donations either. Teachers across the country have sought and used public donations for everything from technology upgrades to classroom basics like notebooks and paper. Every dollar counts and even garnering enough donations to hire an extra teacher or two each year can make a significant difference. Apply for grants. There are thousands of grant opportunities made available to schools each year. Grants exist for almost everything including technology, supplies, professional development and even teachers themselves. Teacher Solutions to Overcrowded Classrooms Teachers in an overcrowded classroom must be exceptionally organized. They have to be well prepared every day. They must develop a fluid system through trial and error to maximize the time they have with their students. Teachers can generate solutions for overcrowded classrooms by: Creating energetic and engaging lessons: Every lesson must be enticing, energetic and fun. It is easy for students in any class to be distracted and lose interest, but this is especially true in a large classroom. Lessons must be fast-paced, unique and full of attention grabbers. Tutoring struggling students who need more time after school: There simply is not enough time to provide struggling students with the one-on-one time that they need. Tutoring these students two to three times a week after school gives them a better shot at being successful. Assigning seats and rotating when necessary: With a large class, teachers must be structured, and this starts with strategically placed assigned seats. Students who are low academically and/or are behavior issues should be assigned seats toward the front. Students who are high academically and/or are well behaved should be provided seats toward the back. Understanding that the dynamics in an overcrowded classroom will be different: It is essential that teachers understand that there are significant differences in a classroom of 20 students compared to a classroom of 30 or 40. Teachers have no control over how many students are in their classes, so they cannot allow themselves to become stressed due to things that are out of their control. Teachers should understand that they are not going to be able to spend time with each student every day. They should understand that they will not get to know each student on a personal level. That is simply the reality in an overcrowded classroom. Lastly, structure is very important in any classroom but especially so in a classroom with lots of students. Teachers need to establish clear rules and expectations on day one, and then follow through as the year progresses. Clear rules and expectations will help create a much more manageable class- where students know what they are required to do and when- especially an overcrowded one.

Citizen Kanes, essays

Citizen Kane's, essays The film Citizen Kane, by Orson Welles, creates its deep inner meaning by displaying its characters in numerous interrogations and situations from the past. Not only are we offered with an excellent use of lighting, cuts, and angles, but also a great use of the technique of time distortion. Since the film was made out of sync, we as the audience have the opportunity to piece the plot, theme, and characters together piece by piece. Once developed, Orson's strong theme can be understood. Interwoven in a lot of the scenes is the word "Rosebud". We are first introduced to it in the opening scene of the film. After the many eerie shots of Kane's mansion in Xanadu, we get a close up of Kane's rubbery lips as he utters his last word, "Rosebud..." Little do we know that this is the driving engine of the film. We our only left wondering what Kane meant in his last statement. It is this wonder and misunderstanding that draws the audience to the film which allows for Welles to develop his theme. He did this purposely because he knew that from that point on he'd have all of his audience's full attention. Discovering Rosebud's true meaning is a hunt all the way through the film. In one of the final shots of the film, it's finally revealed that Rosebud was the name of Kane's snow sled from his childhood. Seeing the sled burn reveals that Kane was one who lacked the happiness and love from his mother and father. Already knowing about Kane's rough past and pain filled life by means of the interviews, the audience is at last able to see the symbolism of Rosebud. As stated before, there are clues all throughout the film that lead up to the meaning behind Rosebud. In the projection room sequence, the word rosebud is mentioned when the editors speak about Kane's death, "What were the last words he said on earth? Thompson, you've made us a good short, but it needs character." It's interesting that Rawlsto ...

German Textbook Guide

German Textbook Guide Textbooks for German The first decision you have to make in selecting a textbook for German is whether you want a text published in your country and targeted for a specific (American, British, Italian, etc.) audience, or a more universal, all-German Deutsch als Fremdsprache text published by a German publisher. The listing below includes German publishers and those in other countries. Most textbooks are also aimed at a specific age-level and often target either a college or school level. In our list youll find the textbooks listed alphabetically by title- with an indication of the target level (young learners, middle school, high school, college). We also plan to add a list of supplementary texts soon- for TPR, cultural, literary, or anthology books for German. The listing for textbooks below describes the materials offered (teachers guide, workbook, CDs, cassettes, etc.) and the general program for each text. (Such descriptions come from the publisher or textbook vendors and are intended only as a general guide.) A Web link is included for each textbook publishers site. The target level for each title is indicated by the following abbreviations: C college, adults, HS high school, MS middle school/junior high, YL young learners/elementary school. TEXTBOOK TITLES for GERMAN (with level) Auf Deutsch! (MS/HS) Publ: McDougal Littel. From the publisher: A three-level, multi-component German program with print, audio, and integrated technology components that are keyed to the Fokus Deutsch video series. Extensive teacher support and strategies designed to address multiple intelligences, and various learning styles and ability levels. Blick 1 (MS/HS) Publ: Hueber Verlag. Intermediate German for teenagers and young adults in three volumes. Each volume offers a textbook (with CD), a workbook, and a teachers guide. Hueber also has a nice Web site for teachers (in German). Deutsch aktiv neu (HS) Langenscheidt. This textbook is written entirely in German for beginning students. Its topics are of high interest and familiarity so the students are drawn into participation. The learning is done in context, which draws students into the language and culture quicker. The page-by-page glossaries and the strong emphasis on grammar aid the student in language acquisition. Three levels, each with textbook, workbook, glossary, teachers manual, and audio cassettes. Deutsch aktuell (MS/HS) Publ: EMC/Paradigm. The fifth edition (2004) is not just a revised edition, but a totally rewritten textbook. Developed in response to needs expressed by teachers throughout the US, it incorporates a well-balanced approach emphasizing communication and a logical progression of language structure. Also available as an interactive CD-ROM. Textbook, annotated teachers edition, workbook, audio CDs, testing program, TPR storytelling manual, and more. Three-level program plus other German materials. Deutsch: Na klar! (HS/C) Publ: McGraw Hill. An introductory German course that claims to motivate students and stimulate interest in the culture and language through its approach to authentic materials that illustrate vocabulary in context, communicative functions of grammatical structures, and cultural points. Features activities and exercises, an easy-to-follow chapter structure, and an array of multimedia supplements. Fokus Deutsch (HS/C) Publ: McGraw Hill. A three-level German text created in collaboration with the Annenberg/CPB project, WGBH/Boston, and the McGraw-Hill Companies- along with Inter Nationes and the Goethe-Institut. The program immerses students in the reality of German life, history, and culture. The comprehensive package also includes such multimedia supplements as a CD-ROM resource for instructors and a text-specific Web site. Komm mit! (MS/HS) Publ: HRW. One of the most-used high school German textbooks in the US. Three levels with textbook, teachers edition, workbooks, and multimedia for the classroom. See some sample cultural Web supplements for this textbook from the publisher. You can also download PDF files for detailed descriptions of aspects of this series from the HRW Web site. Kontakte: A Communicative Approach (HS/C) Publ: McGraw Hill. A German text based on and inspired by the Natural Approach, pioneered by Tracy D. Terrell (the late co-author). Students learn German through communicative contexts with an emphasis on the four skills as well as cultural competence, with grammar functioning as an aid to language learning, rather than as an end in itself. Text and instructors manual, workbook, CD-ROM, and book Web site. Passwort Deutsch (HS/C) Publ: Klett Edition Deutsch. A five-level communicative and activity-oriented text for Zertifikat Deutsch preparation. Reading texts and exercises help students develop oral comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills, with emphasis on vocabulary and grammar. Textbook, teachers guide, vocabulary booklet, audio CDs. Plus Deutsch (HS/C) Publ: Hueber Verlag. Text/workbook, teachers guide, CDs, German-English glossary (Level I). Focus on communication skills and grammar. Each of three levels contains a variety of texts ranging from comics, poems, and short stories to reports and interviews related to the culture and civilization of German-speaking countries. Exercises for vocabulary and structures, and color illustrations. Schritte 1-6 (HS/C) Publ: Hueber A complete six-level German program with student text, workbooks, and audio CDs for teens to adults. Sowieso (YL/MS) Publ: Langenscheidt. A three-volume textbook series for beginners age 12 and up. An English edition (A German Course for Young People) is also available. Stufen international (MS/HS) Publ: Klett Edition Deutsch. Three levels, each volume with 10 lessons. Everyday topics in full color, conversation, grammar, information, pronunciation, and practice activities. Text/workbook, teachers handbook, exercise book, audio cassettes. This text also has its own online forum. Tamburin (YL) Publ: Hueber. Three levels with activities and audio. Teacherss guide, workbook, audio CDs. For children. Themen neu (HS/C) Publ: Hueber Verlag. The updated edition of this popular college/high school textbook maintains the quality of the original, but written and oral comprehension exercises are now introduced earlier and intensively practiced in the first volume. Important grammar, in particular the perfect tense, are dealt with early on. Two levels with textbook, workbook, CDs or cassettes, teachers guide, and an English-German glossary (Level I). Theres also a special level three Zertifikatsband for students who intend to pass the Zertifikat Deutsch exam. Do you know of a good German texbook we havent listed here? Contact your Guide.

G. I. Jane Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

G. I. Jane - Movie Review Example Director, Producer and Writers of this film are Ridley Scott and Roger Birnbaum; and Danielle Alexandra and David Twohy (writers) respectively. Main actors are Demi Moore (as Jordan O'Neil), Viggo Mortensen (Master Chief James Urgayle) and Anne Bancroft (Sen. Lillian DeHaven). Film officially released on 22 August 1997. Cinematography goes to Hugh Johnson while Editor is Pietro Scalia. It is distributed by Hollywood Pictures (United States). Budget is $50,000,000. Running time is 124 minutes. G. I. Jane covers internal and external conflicts a modern and upright woman faces in this man dominated American culture. This film presents diverse aspects of psychology and sensitivities of a contemporary woman. Causal restlessness of women versus stereotype discriminatory attitudes of men is shown in this film in very effective way. This restiveness turns into O'Neil's struggle to claim her dignity of being an equal human being. Women's sexual discrimination even in professional institutions like the national army is also characterized in this feature film. This film addresses gender concepts such as sex-role congruency, androcentrism, traditional stereotype military culture, sexist discrimination of women against a backdrop of norms set up by man dominated socio-political ethos. Characters like Jordan O'Neil are related as deviants in this situation - be it military, social, political or otherwise (Andrews 74-94, Dunivin 531-547, Norman 56-57, Palmer 1687). During military training, O'Neil had to use steps while climbing wall in a live-fire session. Cortez left her in the lurch. Still she could finish her live-fire exercise well in time though with some extra time allowed for women. Had O'Neil been participating like all other men, she would not have required additional concession given to her. Had Cortez been in her place, he might have failed in live-fire timing! In a combat operation, O'Neil saved the life of Master Chief James Urgayle. In another scene, she had been to the Senator to ask for equal treatment to her vis--vis other men in the army while the concerned Senator was behind a plan to fire her out from army due to motivated political vested interests. G. I. Jane is replete with such instances of O'Neil voicing her fight for equal treatment to her in the army. She even went to the barber to cut her beautiful long hair just to look like other men in the army. All these instances of O'Neil's fight point to inherent overt and covert attitudes of men towards women as examples of gender concepts anent sex-role congruency, androcentrism, traditional stereotype image and sexist discrimination of women. Such pointers focus attention of the viewer of G. I. Jane on the deep rooted psychological malaise and traditional outlook towards women in society, State and politics. Relevance Women are serving national army from the First World War onwards. Despite this, the context of proper socialization of women-in-combat is still a ticklish matter. Women-in-combat becomes even more controversial for it confronts societal stereotype gender roles, military readiness, military effectiveness, and unequal opportunities. This situation of varied sex discrimination of women continues although -- in the name of equality between the sexes -- gender-norming stands introduced to the military since 1970s. Gender-norming is there for

Revenue Function Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Revenue Function - Assignment Example It is almost impossible to obtain accurate and reliable financial figures for the intangible services being provided (Cleverly,Song , &Cleverly,2011). According to Brown (2012) in Encyclopedia for Business ,the external revenue generation of not-for profit organizations adds to the complexity. These organizations rely on funds from other external sources, which is a challenge itself since there is no incentive for the contributors. The role of the largest client of healthcare organizations, that is government, makes the whole process even more complex due to the complex payment system. For the successful running of HCO understanding of policies, rules and procedures is of utmost importance(Cleverly,Song , &Cleverly,2011). The integral part of economy of any country is composed of Non-profit organizations because of its valuable services. Unaffordable services are made available and approachable through these organizations. This increases the pressure on such organizations to fill the discrepancies which result in the complexity of the revenue functions. Just like profit organizations such not for profit organizations are also a business and the requirements for revenues has to be met for effective functioning of the organization. Cleverly, W. O., & Song, P. H. & Clevrly,J.O. (2011).Financial Envoirenment of Healthcare Organizations.Essentials Of Healthcare Finance(7th Ed.). Retrieved from

Improving Education with IT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Improving Education with IT - Research Paper Example d to have a significant impact on the world of education and literacy and carries promising prospects for improving the status of education in the modern world through the gamut of facilities it offers to mankind. Before the coming of the internet, the education curriculum was kept restricted to the subjects and topics in which either the teachers enjoyed expertise or for which the institute’s library provided resources. But today, with the advent of the World Wide Web, the horizons of education have spread manifold. The students no longer have to confine their learning to the resources supplied by the library or remain dependent on the teachers’ lectures. They can choose their own subject of interest and gain endless knowledge and information on the same with just one click. Online courses have become increasingly popular nowadays, wherein the students get an access to customised curriculum, at any time and from any place of their choice. This is especially useful for the students who stay at remote places devoid of proper educational institutes and channels. Traditionally the students would blindly follow and memorise theories, models and formulae dictated by the books and teachers, at times without even understanding them. But now, with the help of IT tools like spread sheets and concept maps, they can not only understand concepts better, but also cross-check and verify them if needed. Education is the most important armour that equips a person to face the series of challenges posed by life and to successfully conquer the hardships that one comes across during the journey of life. It is that ingredient of our life that remains constantly with us throughout our life and helps us to steer through the odds of life. It is not just a part of one’s academic or professional life, but also an equally vital component of one’s personal and social life. Education shapes up the way in which we perceive the society and interpret the world. Hence the advancements and

Body Shop Case analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Body Shop analysis - Case Study Example She has relentlessly fought for her principles and has ensured that Body Shop products are produced ethically. They not only endorse environment conservation but the natural ingredients within the products are obtained from people and places where employment opportunities have been created for the benefit of people. South east Asia, Africa, Brazl, Mexico etc have been major suppliers of the raw products for Body shop.  Anita Roddick has been focused on its action plans and decision making processes that have highlighted its core competency of promoting natural ingredients in cosmetics. Indeed, her vision and mission have been aligned to the organizational strategic goals and objectives. The sustainable business practice, environment friendly products and effective corporate social responsibility has been its hallmark of success. Body Shop has also taken cudgels against animal testing in R&D. The company used strong corporate communication practices to promote awareness for environm ent through sustainable development and sustainable business practice. Indeed, it has become one of its key motivating elements for its customers who like to endorse its products and services.The natural ingredients are best things for rejuvenating body and soul. 2.  The business must follow sustainable business practiceThe company believes that raw materials for its huge range of beauty products must come from sustainable sources that promote social responsibility and sense of accountability towards society.... The sustainable business practice, environment friendly products and effective corporate social responsibility has been its hallmark of success. Body Shop has also taken cudgels against animal testing in R&D. The company used strong corporate communication practices to promote awareness for environment through sustainable development and sustainable business practice. Indeed, it has become one of its key motivating elements for its customers who like to endorse its products and services. 3. Strategic issues in bullets 1. The products must be made from natural ingredients The natural ingredients are best things for rejuvenating body and soul. The use of only natural ingredients is important issue within the strategic goals of the company. 2. The business must follow sustainable business practice The company believes that raw materials for its huge range of beauty products must come from sustainable sources that promote social responsibility and sense of accountability towards society. Thus, it encourages a supply chain from poor countries who are rich in natural resources. 3. Committed to the environment conservation The company strongly encourages practices and process that promote environment conservation. BodyShop had not only provided bicycles at reduced cost to its employees but it also uses processes like refilling and recycling of goods. 4. Social responsibility The company believes that businesses must share their profits amongst civil society. Body Shop has significantly been proactive in contributing to the development of under privileged segment of society in the third world countries like India, Nepal, Somalia, Malaysia, Philippines Kenya, Brazil, Mexico etc. The company has also taken up social causes like AIDS awareness, education,

Before European Hegemony Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Before European Hegemony - Essay Example The readings describe crusades in detail and how they provoked a â€Å"clash of civilizations† between the Christian kingdoms of Europe and the Islamic kingdoms of Turkey and Asia Minor. The crusades were fought on religious grounds and suffused the fighters with a sense of religious fanaticism that proved deadly and dangerous to their opponents on the battlefield. As happens in any time of war, the crusades led to the development of newer technologies as well as newer forms of communication and control. The fact remains that as in contemporary times, the crusades were an important way to stimulate the economies of the European and Islamic countries. However, this should not detract us from the fact that the crusades were barbaric in nature. As the reading indicates, â€Å"the crusades stimulated a remarkable increase in naval power of the mariner states. The heightened demand for ships – to carry crusaders and pilgrims to the holy land- led to a virtual frenzy in ship building† (Abu-Lughod, 111). The pope had a major role to play in the conduct of the crusades and was responsible for papal injunctions against or for certain practices and the way the war was conducted. The readings make an important point about the roles of Genoa and Venice and the way in which these cities contributed to the conduct of the war. The readings make it clear that both Genoa and Venice experienced rapid surges in population thanks to the crusades and the generally heightened economic activity that accompanied this period. The readings make a case for the European subsystems and their access to different structures of power and commerce. The readings highlight the fact that the evolution of the modern forms of commerce and trading can be directly related to the developments in commerce and trade during the time that has been covered in the readings. The readings make

Marketing Plan for Polo Ralph Lauren Research Paper

Marketing Plan for Polo Ralph Lauren - Research Paper Example Luxury goods companies like Polo Ralph Lauren (RL) know the value of advertising in lifestyle magazines even if many who read it are not buying from exclusive advertisers. These so-called non-users of the luxury products advertised represent a key audience who may not be able to buy the product now, but would at least know what it is and feels aspirational towards it, so that those who buy know that others think very positively about it. The role of promotions is along similar lines: it helps increase awareness of the product image among key customers and non-customers alike. If sufficiently attractive in the form of sales discounts through alternative distribution and selling channels, promotions can drive increased traffic through the stores, so that those who could not afford the product may be able to do try it out, which accelerates an increase in the brand's aspirational value that may lead to higher sales in the future.2 Developing an integrated marketing communications (IMC) plan for RL's fragrances is a strategic and dynamic process3 that requires knowing the corporate and brand mission, values, and needs to "create resonance and consonance in terms of brand identity".4 Knowledge of the corporate and brand strategies is crucial to establish the solid foundations on which the IMC plan must stand to "deliver clarity, consistency, and maximum impact".5 Polo Ralph Lauren's over-all brand strategies, missions, values, and needs are... These ten keywords and phrases summarize the brand boundaries for the IMC plan being drafted for fragrances, which is the object of this report. In addition, the following strategies7 and the competitive analysis (see Tables 1 to 3) summarized in the next section provide key information for developing the IMC plan: 1. Grow share of fragrances from 8.32% (2006) to 10% of revenues in 2007 by generating sales of $604 million, up from $441 million. 2. Drive traffic to new stores by targeting the youth and under-40 markets in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. to maintain at least 15% contribution to total revenues from this growing market. 3. Grow European (14% of total) and Asian (13% of total) markets by 14% in 2007. 4. Increase traffic to award-winning8 e-commerce site Polo.com by 14% from 1.6 million visitors monthly and 800,000 buying customers annually in 2006. Fragrance is an emotion. It is more than toothpaste, more than breakfast cereal. It must be advertised to bring out passion and emotion. The advertising and promotion plans should be consistent with these corporate and brand strategies and reflect Message and Planning Integration.9 Communication messages must use the same tone, product benefits, brand character, logo, theme line, etc. across all channels of communications. Communication efficiency must be maximized by integrating the messages and the multiple marketing communications channels used to deliver them. An integrated advertising and promotional campaign makes the purchase decision process easier if based on a deep understanding of aspirational needs and wants as consumers put these messages together and form

Before European Hegemony Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Before European Hegemony - Essay Example The readings describe crusades in detail and how they provoked a â€Å"clash of civilizations† between the Christian kingdoms of Europe and the Islamic kingdoms of Turkey and Asia Minor. The crusades were fought on religious grounds and suffused the fighters with a sense of religious fanaticism that proved deadly and dangerous to their opponents on the battlefield. As happens in any time of war, the crusades led to the development of newer technologies as well as newer forms of communication and control. The fact remains that as in contemporary times, the crusades were an important way to stimulate the economies of the European and Islamic countries. However, this should not detract us from the fact that the crusades were barbaric in nature. As the reading indicates, â€Å"the crusades stimulated a remarkable increase in naval power of the mariner states. The heightened demand for ships – to carry crusaders and pilgrims to the holy land- led to a virtual frenzy in ship building† (Abu-Lughod, 111). The pope had a major role to play in the conduct of the crusades and was responsible for papal injunctions against or for certain practices and the way the war was conducted. The readings make an important point about the roles of Genoa and Venice and the way in which these cities contributed to the conduct of the war. The readings make it clear that both Genoa and Venice experienced rapid surges in population thanks to the crusades and the generally heightened economic activity that accompanied this period. The readings make a case for the European subsystems and their access to different structures of power and commerce. The readings highlight the fact that the evolution of the modern forms of commerce and trading can be directly related to the developments in commerce and trade during the time that has been covered in the readings. The readings make

Information report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Information report - Essay Example There are several languages used by the Indians such as Hindi and English. However, Hindi is the official and national language of the people (Manian 238). English is just a language of the few elites from other nations like the UK or the US. It, thus, became quite challenging for us to communicate with most people whom we required their labor. We needed workers who could handle some parts of our projects like removing dike from the construction sites to various landfills. India is also a place where hierarchy is considered an important political element. It plays a key role in governing the behaviors of people in India, as well as, the responsibility of every person in the Indian society. Hinduism and caste system in the region outline the roles of every person. I managed to notice that in our company, manual labor could only done by a â€Å"peon.† An absence of the peon will mean no manual work done. This is a waste of time for most construction firms in India, including ours. Carrying out a business activity in India, including engineering, requires one to know the basic etiquettes in greeting and meeting. Indians are well known with the use of Namaste in their greetings. In this case, people bring their palms together, mainly at the chest level with a slight head bow (Waters 109). Indians are also popular by modification and changing of names for individuals whom they consider their guests or visitors from abroad. Any guest bearing the name, Singh will be called Sikh (Bose 53). In addition to that, receiving and issue of any material in an Indian community must be done using the right hand; using the left hand is a show of disrespect to the other party. Generally doing business in India requires certain important considerations before and few days after the entry into the country. Since English is the international language used in commerce, it is recommended that translation service be

A Memorable Term Essay Example for Free

A Memorable Term Essay In Mr. Rodriguezs Spanish 1-2 class, we have learned so many new things and have had the amazing opportunity to gain more fluency in another language. Some of the goals we had in the beginning of the term were to learn the appropriate level of Spanish, for example more knowledge of verbs, and how to say basic conversations and greetings. We were expected to have learned everything we were taught, and the basic part of the Spanish language. Mr. Macfarland was our Spanish teacher, and his techniques were that we did our homework in homework packets, and we would sing our vocabulary, which benefited us and helped us memorize it in an easier way. When we took test, quizzes and answered questions aloud, he could judge if we were learning or not by the answers we would give, or the grades we would receive. The family project we did in Mr. Macfarlands class was definitely the most memorable and enjoyable assignment we did. Throughout my freshman year, I didn’t do any other project that was like the family project we did in his class, and that is what made it so enjoyable. It was fun to go through old pictures, and be able to sort of introduce you’re family to your class. I did well in my Spanish class, receiving high grades on most assignments. Some of the difficulties I experienced were doing homework, because that was the only class I had homework in everyday and also book work, because it was hard to understand sometimes. I learned many new interesting things; I learned how to have a conversation in Spanish, also verbs in Spanish. Throughout this term I have improved greatly. I have gained a lot more knowledge, because in the beginning of the term the only thing I could say was hello. As for my achievements, I am so proud that I received an A in my class, because that was highly beyond my expectations. I would grade my effort about a B-, because there were a lot of times I would slack off and not do homework and my performance about a B because I sometimes talked during that class but paid attention and got serious when it was necessary. Learning Spanish can benefit me in my future because I will be able to slightly comprehend others when they are speaking Spanish, which is very important because many people speak Spanish in San Diego. Also, I will continue learning Spanish for my sophomore year. I did not have issues out of school that affect my classroom experience. Next year I would like to improve my effort, and if I continue taking Spanish in college it could help my transcript from having learned a second language. To reach my goals in the near future, I will continue taking languages because I feel it is something I need to succeed and something I enjoy doing. During this Spanish class, I have had so many amazing experiences it is beyond belief. I will never forget how comical and odd Mr. Mac was. I will also never forget how he made us sing our vocabulary because I have never been able to have fun while learning the meaning of words. Overall, I have made many memories in this Spanish 1-2 class that I will never forget.

NY Teaching Methods :: Essays Papers

NY Teaching Methods In recent years the National Science Education Standards ( National Research Council, 1996) have shifted from a traditional text book style of teaching to a more "hands-on" or otherwise known as constructivism. According to the standards, learning science is a process that students do, and not something that just happens to them. The standards are designed to outline what students need to know and understand in regards to science. The opportunity to learn science is given to all students. The interviews that we conducted both reflect two different teaching methods. Each teaching style is an example of how the standards are fulfilled in the class. In order to compare teaching styles we must first understand the differences between consturctivism and traditionalism teaching styles and what they each consist of. Constructivism is a theory about knowledge and learning which is drawn on results from current work in cognitive psychology. The focus is on structuring lessons around big ideas or primary concepts which include a broad range of activities that promote hands-on learning. For example, problem solving, concept development, and construction of learner generated solutions would all be considered key components of the constructivist teaching method. On the other hand, traditional teaching methods consist of teacher-talk and textbook derived lessons. The emphasis is on curriculum proficiency and either right or wrong answers. The interviews we did illustrate the difference between the two teaching methods. Our first interview was with Jodi Schwedes, a first grade teacher at Jamesville Elementary School. We first asked her what teaching methods she uses in her classroom. She said that she prefers using traditional methods of teaching. She believes young children need structure in order to be successful in the classroom. However, she also incorporates constructivism in her classroom by using cooperative learning. She finds that cooperative learning works best in small groups rather than large groups. This is because children learn more, understand, and pay more attention to the material being presented. We then asked her what teaching methods she thought did not work. She believes that there is no single teaching method that doesn’t work; or works best overall. She considers herself to be an instructor, educator, and facilitator in the classroom. She also feels that she can provide instruction in several different ways. On one hand she uses hands on learning to promote successful learning in mathematics, language, and science, yet she uses a more structured approach to other subjects.

charles schulz :: essays research papers

Perseverance and failure cannot coexist. Failure happens when you quit. When all is said and done, perseverance, commonly referred to as "stick-to-itiveness," is the ultimate success insurance. Nothing can take its place. -Charles Schulz Charles Schulz has persevered through most of his life to ensure that Americans can laugh when they receive the news paper every morning. He worked every day through cancer and wars and even the death of his parents. In a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Schulz drew more than 18,250 "Peanuts" comic strips, which expressed a droll philosophy through his trademark characters, including the hapless, angst-ridden Charlie Brown; Snoopy, a romantic, self-deluded beagle; piano-playing Schroeder; security-blanket toting Linus; and self-centered Lucy. No adult was ever pictured, though the garbled voice of a teacher or parent occasionally resonated in the background. In the beginning "Peanuts" debuted in 1950 and went on to be the most widely read comic strip in the world, with an audience of 355 million in 75 countries. It ran in 2,600 newspapers and was published in 21 languages, including Serbo-Croatian, Chinese, and Tlingit. In a tribute to Schulz, President Clinton said, "For 50 years his keen eye, his good and generous heart, and his active brush and pen have given life to the most memorable cast of characters to ever enliven our daily papers." Schulz died the night before his last strip ran in Sunday papers. In his swan song, he included a signed farewell: "I have been grateful over the years for the loyalty of our editors and the wonderful support and love expressed to me by fans of the comic strip." Born to draw Schulz was born on Nov. 26, 1922, in Minneapolis. He knew from an early age that he was destined to draw comics. As a child, he always had pen in hand. Schulz used the pen for illustrating, not homework, as he flunked several courses in high school. At age 15, Ripley's Believe It or Not accepted a drawing of his dog, Spike, "a hunting dog that eats pins, tacks, and razor blades." He served in World War II in France and Germany. After the war, he dabbled in comics, freelancing for several newspapers and magazines. He drew "Li'l Folks," the predecessor to "Peanuts," for the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press. In 1950 the United Feature Syndicate began running the strip as "Peanuts," a name Schulz despised. It took several years for the strip to catch on, but when it did, the fire rapidly spread.

Kone Case

GONE managers, however, weren't quite sure how they would take Moonscape to market. GONE managers had to decide what segment of the market they were going to target, how they were going to penetrate this segment, and how they could quantify the overall economic value of their product to their potential customers. Recommendations The marketing strategy that we chose for GONE Fugue was to advertise their product at trade shows, sales visits, and exhibitions such as Constructor. We also chose to install fully functional Moonscape elevators in all regional offices throughoutGermany in order to demonstrate the potential benefits of this revolutionary new product first hand to our customers. Moonscape elevators will come with a price guarantee between initial quotes to final delivery. This will alleviate any financial anxiety that our customers might have about dealing with a single supplier. Furthermore, we recommend that GONE set the price of the new Moonscape elevator at DMS 85,000 and increase their sales force, especially in regards to introducing new products, in order to compete with their competitors.Analysis GONE Moonscape is a revolutionary machine-room-less elevator that yields significant advantages over other designs. The gain of additional usable space for revenue-generating purposes and the greater architectural freedom In the design and construction of new buildings are some of the many reasons why GONE Moonscape is a truly innovative product that will help increase revenues of potential clients. There are many savings that potential clients will see when operating a GONE Moonscape elevator in addition to using new freed up space for revenue generating purposes.Those Savings include saved energy costs of G 1,540 per year vs.. Hydraulic elevators and G 740 per year vs.. Eared traction elevators. There Is no machine needed to operate the elevator which accounts for another savings of G 7,500. Finally, it is estimated that the savings for a construction company is upwards of 5% of construction costs when using a GONE Moonscape elevator as compared to any other hydraulic or geared traction elevator. Please see attached Excel Spreadsheet for savings comparisons. In addition to the quantitative savings factors, there are also qualitative benefits that Moonscape elevators provide.These qualitative benefits Include the reduced risk of a fire hazard when compared to unforgettable to ride in with shorter average ride times and are more aesthetically appealing. These improvements will be very popular among future riders. The perceived disadvantages that potential customers may have to the GONE Moonscape elevator are the higher initial investment and the size of the Ecocide required machine room for greater than 16 floors. However, the higher initial investment costs are almost immediately recovered in the cost savings from the machine room of G 7,500, as well as the energy savings of G 1 ,540 per year vs.. Hydraulic elevators and G 740 per year vs.. Geared traction elevators. Our target market segment includes those customers who are less than 16 stories in height, which would eliminate the latter concern. Customer, Company, ; Competition GONE was established in 1910, and headquartered out of Finland. Its core business was focused on the sale and maintenance of electrical motors. Over the years GONE expanded its core business to include steel equipment manufacturing, maritime equipment sales, and elevator manufacturing and services, among many others.GONE is currently the world's third largest elevator company behind rivals Otis and Schneider. GONE Fugue A. G. Which operated in Germany and was the most important market in mainland Europe. It manufactures and sells low-rise passenger elevators, medium-rise elevator systems, and high-rise elevator systems. Low-rise elevators accounted for approximately 75% of Cone's equipment sales, while mid- rise and high-rise elevators accounted for 15% and 10% of sales, respectivel y (Case). CONE'S elevator business was organized into two distinct divisions: New Equipment, called VI; and Services, called IV.According to case statistics, the New Equipment Division accounted for 38% of revenue, while the Service Division accounted for 62% f revenue. Over 90% of CONE'S sales are outside of Finland with 53% in the European Union, 29% in North America, 10% in Asia, and 4% in Australia (Case). CONE'S new revolutionary Moonscape elevator is a machine-room-less elevator that will yield significant additional usable space for its customers and allow greater architectural freedom in the design and construction of new buildings.Moonscape is being targeted at low rise buildings in Germany, which constitute 74% of real estate in Germany. Currently, this segment is served by 60% hydraulic, 40% geared traction elevators. We will target the geared traction segment, albeit with a price slightly higher than current price levels. We make this decision based on the fact that the elevator market is not as cost sensitive as it is quality and utility sensitive based on the fact that over 66% of the geared market went for the more expensive option.Product, Price, Place, & Promotion Moonscape elevators are a revolutionary product which take induction motors to a new level and offer the chance to architects to get rid of the clumsy and inconvenient machine rooms which so often spoil the perspective of the building or hampers basement and foundation design. It offers developers the chance to save the significant costs related to building these machine rooms. It was attractive owners of projects in that they would be substantially cheaper and safer to operate.GONE Fugues branch managers have often commented that the sales force of their competitors in Germany often outnumbered those of GONE by one to five. We believe force should be drastically increased to be at par with the competition in order to maximize exposure and to launch this brand new product. Demo insta llations at our regional headquarters throughout Germany will also convince those careful buyers ho wouldn't want their project to be the ‘Guiana pigs' for this new technology. Moonscape has typically found that going to Constructor and other trade shows is not as lucrative.However, because we are launching a completely revolutionary new product, it is essential that the contractors and architects (who together make up 90% of the elevator decision makers) are exposed to this new product. So while we will continue to invest in trade press and Journal advertising, we will have to make the investment to attend expensive trade shows for maximum impact. While the cost, ease and speed of construction will be emphasized to the contractors, the selling point to the Architects would be the aesthetic value that the absence of a machine room can bring to the skyline.According to the company's policy for markets with less than 15% market share, we have decided to price Moonscape slightly above current price levels, I. E. , at DMS 85,000. Most elevator models across brands have been making an average loss of 5% on initial elevator sales. For the first time, Cone's Moonscape would be profitable in the initial sale as well. Conclusion GONE Moonscape is a revolutionary product with a great potential to bump up avenues for Gone and to regain lost market share even in an economy where construction activity was slow.GONE has the technology to vastly and dramatically differentiate its products from anything else in the market and be not only qualitatively better, but much more cost effective. With this marketing strategy, we believe GONE has the potential to make the most of Moonscape as a lucrative new product. We believe that with a marketing strategy along the lines of the recommendations made above, Moonscape can be a very lucrative new elevator product and can reap large benefits for GONE in the German market. Kone Case GONE managers, however, weren't quite sure how they would take Moonscape to market. GONE managers had to decide what segment of the market they were going to target, how they were going to penetrate this segment, and how they could quantify the overall economic value of their product to their potential customers. Recommendations The marketing strategy that we chose for GONE Fugue was to advertise their product at trade shows, sales visits, and exhibitions such as Constructor. We also chose to install fully functional Moonscape elevators in all regional offices throughoutGermany in order to demonstrate the potential benefits of this revolutionary new product first hand to our customers. Moonscape elevators will come with a price guarantee between initial quotes to final delivery. This will alleviate any financial anxiety that our customers might have about dealing with a single supplier. Furthermore, we recommend that GONE set the price of the new Moonscape elevator at DMS 85,000 and increase their sales force, especially in regards to introducing new products, in order to compete with their competitors.Analysis GONE Moonscape is a revolutionary machine-room-less elevator that yields significant advantages over other designs. The gain of additional usable space for revenue-generating purposes and the greater architectural freedom In the design and construction of new buildings are some of the many reasons why GONE Moonscape is a truly innovative product that will help increase revenues of potential clients. There are many savings that potential clients will see when operating a GONE Moonscape elevator in addition to using new freed up space for revenue generating purposes.Those Savings include saved energy costs of G 1,540 per year vs.. Hydraulic elevators and G 740 per year vs.. Eared traction elevators. There Is no machine needed to operate the elevator which accounts for another savings of G 7,500. Finally, it is estimated that the savings for a construction company is upwards of 5% of construction costs when using a GONE Moonscape elevator as compared to any other hydraulic or geared traction elevator. Please see attached Excel Spreadsheet for savings comparisons. In addition to the quantitative savings factors, there are also qualitative benefits that Moonscape elevators provide.These qualitative benefits Include the reduced risk of a fire hazard when compared to unforgettable to ride in with shorter average ride times and are more aesthetically appealing. These improvements will be very popular among future riders. The perceived disadvantages that potential customers may have to the GONE Moonscape elevator are the higher initial investment and the size of the Ecocide required machine room for greater than 16 floors. However, the higher initial investment costs are almost immediately recovered in the cost savings from the machine room of G 7,500, as well as the energy savings of G 1 ,540 per year vs.. Hydraulic elevators and G 740 per year vs.. Geared traction elevators. Our target market segment includes those customers who are less than 16 stories in height, which would eliminate the latter concern. Customer, Company, ; Competition GONE was established in 1910, and headquartered out of Finland. Its core business was focused on the sale and maintenance of electrical motors. Over the years GONE expanded its core business to include steel equipment manufacturing, maritime equipment sales, and elevator manufacturing and services, among many others.GONE is currently the world's third largest elevator company behind rivals Otis and Schneider. GONE Fugue A. G. Which operated in Germany and was the most important market in mainland Europe. It manufactures and sells low-rise passenger elevators, medium-rise elevator systems, and high-rise elevator systems. Low-rise elevators accounted for approximately 75% of Cone's equipment sales, while mid- rise and high-rise elevators accounted for 15% and 10% of sales, respectivel y (Case). CONE'S elevator business was organized into two distinct divisions: New Equipment, called VI; and Services, called IV.According to case statistics, the New Equipment Division accounted for 38% of revenue, while the Service Division accounted for 62% f revenue. Over 90% of CONE'S sales are outside of Finland with 53% in the European Union, 29% in North America, 10% in Asia, and 4% in Australia (Case). CONE'S new revolutionary Moonscape elevator is a machine-room-less elevator that will yield significant additional usable space for its customers and allow greater architectural freedom in the design and construction of new buildings.Moonscape is being targeted at low rise buildings in Germany, which constitute 74% of real estate in Germany. Currently, this segment is served by 60% hydraulic, 40% geared traction elevators. We will target the geared traction segment, albeit with a price slightly higher than current price levels. We make this decision based on the fact that the elevator market is not as cost sensitive as it is quality and utility sensitive based on the fact that over 66% of the geared market went for the more expensive option.Product, Price, Place, & Promotion Moonscape elevators are a revolutionary product which take induction motors to a new level and offer the chance to architects to get rid of the clumsy and inconvenient machine rooms which so often spoil the perspective of the building or hampers basement and foundation design. It offers developers the chance to save the significant costs related to building these machine rooms. It was attractive owners of projects in that they would be substantially cheaper and safer to operate.GONE Fugues branch managers have often commented that the sales force of their competitors in Germany often outnumbered those of GONE by one to five. We believe force should be drastically increased to be at par with the competition in order to maximize exposure and to launch this brand new product. Demo insta llations at our regional headquarters throughout Germany will also convince those careful buyers ho wouldn't want their project to be the ‘Guiana pigs' for this new technology. Moonscape has typically found that going to Constructor and other trade shows is not as lucrative.However, because we are launching a completely revolutionary new product, it is essential that the contractors and architects (who together make up 90% of the elevator decision makers) are exposed to this new product. So while we will continue to invest in trade press and Journal advertising, we will have to make the investment to attend expensive trade shows for maximum impact. While the cost, ease and speed of construction will be emphasized to the contractors, the selling point to the Architects would be the aesthetic value that the absence of a machine room can bring to the skyline.According to the company's policy for markets with less than 15% market share, we have decided to price Moonscape slightly above current price levels, I. E. , at DMS 85,000. Most elevator models across brands have been making an average loss of 5% on initial elevator sales. For the first time, Cone's Moonscape would be profitable in the initial sale as well. Conclusion GONE Moonscape is a revolutionary product with a great potential to bump up avenues for Gone and to regain lost market share even in an economy where construction activity was slow.GONE has the technology to vastly and dramatically differentiate its products from anything else in the market and be not only qualitatively better, but much more cost effective. With this marketing strategy, we believe GONE has the potential to make the most of Moonscape as a lucrative new product. We believe that with a marketing strategy along the lines of the recommendations made above, Moonscape can be a very lucrative new elevator product and can reap large benefits for GONE in the German market.

Were the Achaemenids Zoroastrians?

Were The Achaemenids Zoroastrians? The Biggest Empire, which the ancient world has ever seen, would be the Achaemenid Persian Empire. This empire protracted from Anatolia, Egypt, Asia, northern India and Central Asia. Making of this empire began in 550 B. C. The Achaemenid is known as the first Persian Empire and the largest. Ancient history basically tells us Zoroastrianism developed somewhere in Iran about 1000 years after Zoroaster. Scholars have said the Achaemenids era had finally began when Cyrus the great successfully went against his father in law who was ruler of the Medians.That is when Zoroastrianism started to influence the Median tribes. The Median then began to move eastwards past the Zagros mountains. They moved to Kermanshah and began to connect with Zoroastrians. Within the same time period in the southern Iran Persians moved towards the East. The Persians then started to overpower a tribe called the Elamites. While this was taking place Zoroastrianism moved forward among all Medians and Persians which were moving towards the East. Little about Zoroastrianism was known until around 549-550 BCE.When Cyrus the great who lead the Persians founded Western Iran and created the first biggest Persian Empire. The Achaemenid period developed around 558 B. C by Cyrus the great. The Zoroastrian religion then united forces with the Persian Empire. No one actually knows what happen to the Zoroastrian community after Zoroaster passed away. As for his message it was said that it had eventually gone all across the Iranian world. It is not certain how long it had taken for Zoroastrianism to become the Iranians main religion. Zoroastrianism had gone through the Iranian worlds Western part by the 6th century BCE.The Iranian people practiced their traditional Iranian religion up until the beginning of the Achaemenid Empire, on which they had converted to Zoroastrianism. Cyrus king of the Acheamnids Empire had replaced the Median Empire with the Achaemenid Empire. The Achaemenid was the first empire in ancient history that had a huge extension. Zoroastrianism was the main religion of the Iranians under the Achaemenids. There are many signs towards the Achaemenids being Zoroastrians such as Greek writings, Achaemenids monuments, artifacts and also texts, which were from Persia in Old Persian.All research show the early kings religion was not sure of but the later Achaemenids were Zoroastrians. On the other hand, there is a particular way which points out the Achaemenid kings were Zoroastrians. Which would be in the way they use the name Ahura Mazda. The Achaemnids kings frequently mention the supreme God as a creator. In doing so it at least strongly shows the kings were somewhat influenced by Zoroastrianism. It is not certain on Cyrus’s beliefs but it has been believed to be linked somewhere around Zoroaster’s date.It is also believed Cyrus was very much influenced by Zoroaster’s teachings due to his policies and acts. On e of many acts would be he freed all the Jewish people and allowed them to go home. Scholars have said the Zoroastrianism religion had a big influence on his decision. There are many reasons not knowing Cyrus's beliefs one of many would be there is no mention about Cyrus in the Zoroastrian tradition. By the 6th century B. C the Achaemenid royal house had accepted Zoroastrianism. Cyrus the great had also took all Eastern Iranians under his rule.Due to being their first meeting with the Greeks the Persians had already turned Zoroastrian and were learning Zoroaster from them. The Greeks have said Cyrus had named one of his daughters Atossa that comes from Hutaosa the queen of Vishtaspa one of Zoroaster’s royal patrons. Cyrus’s action towards Zoroastrianism showed he was a loyal worshipper. But he did not make any attempted to force the Iranian religion on his alien subject. The fact that Cyrus body had been laid in sepulchers and embalmed and not exposed according to the Zoroastrianism tradition it has kept scholars uncertain on his beliefs.As you can see almost nothing is known about Cyrus's beliefs. Scholars have also said he had followed the guidance of the Magians. It is also strongly believed by Mary Boyce that Cyrus was indeed a Zoroastrian and that he had followed in his ancestor’s footsteps. The God, which the Achaemnid kings believed in, was the great Ahura Mazda. From whom they believed had given them their empire and also who guided them through all accomplished deeds. In the Zoroastrian religion fire plays a very important part, as far as the Old Iranian religion fire also played an important role.Many depictions show the Achaemenid kings worshipping before a fire. This is one of many facts that make you believe the kings were Zoroastrians. As I stated before Cyrus’s beliefs were not sure of, but kings after Cyrus are believed to have practiced Zoroastrianism. As for the Persians just like many other ancient people they had started off with a polytheistic religion and believed in the forces of nature. They had believed there were Gods of nature, such as the sun and sky. They also believed the Gods had social powers. During the 5th century B. C the official Persian religion became the state religion.Even though all mankind were given permission to follow any religion of their choice, the entire Achaemenids Empire was forced to pay a temple tax of 10%. This tax supported the Zoroastrianism practice and encouraged the empire to follow it. There is much of a debate if the Achaemnids were Zoroastrians however the Achaemenids were know to be worshipers of Ahura Mazda. As all conclusions have shown, you can see that the Acheamnids kings and empire were Zoroastrians. I would not say the Persians had much of a choice at first, but as time went on they all practiced Zoroastrianism.I personally would not say all Persians at the time had a fair choice. Even though it was said ‘’ all subjects were per mitted freedom of religion’’. The reason why I do not think they had a fair choice would be, because all subjects were required to pay a 10% temple tax to support Zoroastrianism. In the ancient time I am sure there were poor people who could not afford to pay the tax. Which gave them no choice but to practice the Zoroastrian religion. Another reason I would say Persians had to practice Zoroastrianism because of the royal family who had already accepted the religion.They were the rulers of the empire where mankind was living. Since the rulers had already accepted Zoroastrianism I guess there were some people who accepted the religion and some who did not have a choice. Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest religions that formed in Iran. So it makes it Impossible not to have had an impact change in the ancient times. As I have explained before, it is not certain of Cyrus’s beliefs. However scholars have said his actions have shown he was a loyal worsh ipper towards the Zoroastrian religion.Nothing is known in how long it took the whole Achaemenids to accept Zoroastrianism but eventually they had all accepted Zoroastrianism. In all the information on the Acheamnids religion it all points out that the Acheamnids were indeed Zoroastrians. Bibliography: M. Boyce, ‘’ Zoroaster and His Teachings,’’ in Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and practices. London, 2001 : 48-77 http://www. iranchamber. com/history/articles/achaemenid_society_culture. php http://www. cais-soas. com/CAIS/Religions/iranian/Zarathushtrian/zoroastrianism