Korean and japanese cinema

IntroductionThe emergence of the Japanese film industry could be dated back to the year 1898 through the emergence of the silent films whereas the Korean film’s that the Koreans produced started since the year 1919 (Paquet, 2007)†¦ This essay would then focus on Korean directors’ usage of women to elicit political and social implications. Firstly, these depictions could intensify the changing roles of the women in Korean society and secondly, it could elicit reactions from both the female and male audience. In the hopes of further deepening these implications, a view on Japanese women would also be used as a comparison.Korean view on women in society and the Director’s perspective on leading ladiesFrom the Confucian ideal of a woman is depicted through the main role of women is to be prepared in becoming a wife and a mother (Paik, 1998). Nowadays, Korean women are entering the working sphere of the country whereas before it was limited to the male species. T he directors then would like to highlight the women in a movie especially when the societal changes are much concerned with the women of the society. These depictions could bring forth the reactions from both the female and male viewers.An example on the changing view of women’s role in society is through the film, ‘YMCA Yagudan’ or ‘YMCA Baseball Team’ where the leading lady’s character is depicted to be modernized and she had a major influence on the leading man.Japanese view on women in society and the implication on societal changes resembling the Koreans’ changes and the director’s depiction for these changesLike the Korean women, Japanese women are confined to what is known to be the private sphere. The duties then lie on the men’s shoulders to provide for the family. The Japanese view on women then gradually changed by using what is known to be the private sphere or domain where women belongs to a more public domain and become a way to see that the private sphere in the form of the household is matriarchal in nature (Friedman, 1992).It could be seen in the Japanese film, Hotaro no haka’ or ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ that the male main character had the burden to provide for his sister, the female main character. Nonetheless, the changing role on women in Japan then could be seen through the changes that the two siblings had to undergo in order to survive and breaking free from the usual connotation of the family structure would be a leeway for the changes to be realized (Jubei, 1995). In a way, both the sibling depicts the changes in societal perspectives by escaping the society imposition of what they ought to do. The sister along with the brother’s pride became the motivations in running away.ConclusionWhat could be inferred from all these claims is that the leading lady’s role in a film could be a way to see the social changes and the political stands. In a K orean film, it could elicit reactions from both the women and men. Another reason is that highlighting the women predicament in a film could make the audience see the societal changes in women’s role.ReferencesFriedman, S. (1992). Women in Japanese Society: Their changing Roles.  Ã‚   Retrieved August 27, 2007, from http://www2.gol.com/users/friedman/writings/p1.htmlJubei, Y. S. (1995). Hotaro no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies).  Ã‚   Retrieved August 24, 2007, from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~dfukushi/Hotaru.htmlPaik, Y.-J. (1998). Women's Development and Information on Women in Korea.  Ã‚   Retrieved August 24, 2007, from http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla64/112-122e.htmPaquet, D. (2007). A Short History of Korean Film.  Ã‚   Retrieved August 27, 2007, from http://www.koreanfilm.org/history.html

Road to Civil War

Road to the Civil War Joshua Douglas Axia College University of Phoenix It seems the United States is always at war. Our founding fathers fought the British for freedom and the Indians for land. Colonist fought each other for rights to land to grow their crops. Slaves fought for freedom and independence in this new country they were forced to live in. Slave owners fought for the right to keep their slaves so they could profit from their work. Women fought for their rights to be equal, to work outside the home and to vote.The North and the South fought each other in a Civil War for their rights to own slaves and to outlaw slaves. Why are wars important? The impact of war may seem negative at time. The loss of life and resources is tragic but many times the outcome of the war moved the United States forward shaping her into the country she is today. Tobacco was the crop to grow. It grew successfully and was in demand. In 1620, the demand for tobacco reached an all time high and the pri ces of products in Europe rose. Many people from Europe were out of jobs and unable to afford the things they needed to survive and take care of their families.Many left Europe and traveled across the continent to the United States where they thought they would be able to survive. Many of the immigrants arrived in Chesapeake looking for work. They were called indentured slaves and were required to work a certain number of years. Most indentured slaves did not live their entire term due to hunger, disease and the general conditions and abuse they were put under. This was the starting point of slavery. The boom in tobacco was sure to end at some point. During these times, the economy rose and fell on a whim.Indeed, in the1630’s and 1640’s the tobacco boom settled down. Virginia became a more social and political state. Wealthy settlers rose to political offices. They formed militias and defenses to govern their parishes. Since tobacco had become less profitable, the slav es were not worked as hard. This allowed many slaves to survive long enough to finish their indentures. Once they had done this, many slaves started working as hired hands on the plantations. Many saved their money and eventually they were able to buy their own land and become independent planters making their own profits.The economy swung back up in the years following the War of 1812. A domestic market emerged cutting off complete dependence on world trade. Many inventors also emerged with products that would make Americans more efficient and would help produce more products. Eli Whitney was one such inventor. He invented the cotton gin which removed sticky seeds from the lint. This was a huge success. Slaves were now able to clean more cotton per day which caused the cotton production to grow in the lower south. By 1840 the South produced a large portion of the world’s cotton supply.The rise in industries also helped the transportation circuit to grow by creating railroads to transport goods quickly. The economy was great but there were still issues regarding slavery and human rights. Women started speaking out about their rights such as working outside the home. Abolitionist emerged and started also speaking out about slavery. Many Southern colonists like their slaves. They were able to produce large quantities of crops quicker because they had so many people working the fields. They profited and were wealthy. Slaves allowed them to live the lifestyle of the wealthy.Many Northern colonists did not agree with slavery. Slavery was wrong and went against the very grain of what this country was founded on. The country was clearly starting to divide over these issues. The Dred Scott decision in 1857 was a major turning point on the road to the Civil War. Dred Scott was a slave that lived in Missouri. His master had taken him to live in Illinois which was a free state. Eventually the owner returned to Missouri which was not a free state. Dred Scott sued f or his freedom stating he went to live in a free state thus making him free and he should remain free.The case went to the Supreme Court. The court was made up of two northern judges and five southern judges. In the end, the ruling was 7 to 2 that Scott should remain a slave. Roger Taney of Maryland was a member of the Supreme Court. He was one of the judges that voted in favor of Dred Scott remaining a slave. He felt that African Americans were not and would never be a citizen of the United States and he made his opinion known. Around the country, the reaction to the decision varied. Many Southern colonists were happy with the decision.They wanted to keep their slaves and continue to profit off them and live the life of a wealthy man. While many Northern colonist felt this was unconstitutional. The Constitution of the United States was founded on the idea of freedom for all, not just a selected few. The result of this decision had a huge impact on the South. The decision spurred th em to action. In 1861, South Carolina seceded from the Union and the rest of the South followed splitting the North from the South. The Civil War now loomed on the horizon. The Civil War was a significant part of the United States history.Our founding fathers traveled across the continent from Europe to the Americas. They were looking for a new life, freedom from an opposing ruler and oppression from the social classes. Many early colonists had died in this pursuit of freedom. The survivors kept soldiering on, continuing to explore this new land and bargain with the Indians and other countries that had laid siege to different territories. Many wars were fought in this pursuit of freedom. These events, however unfortunate they might be, started shaping our country into what it is today.Had the men and the women in this country just set back and did nothing, where would we be today? What would this country be like? The Civil War and the result of the outcome of the Civil War turned ou t to be one of the most instrumental parts of our history. Many men and women died in the pursuit of freedom and equality that allows us to enjoy the freedoms and rights we have today. References: Davidson, J. , Gienapp, W. , Heyrman, C. , Lytle, M. , & Stoff, M. (2006). Nation of nations: A concise narrative of the American Republic (4th ed. ). Boston: McGraw Hill.

Private Nuisance Question

FOUNDATION IN ARTS LAW OF TORT ASSIGNMENT On the facts, the claimant Garfield suffered smashed panes of glass in his green house and sustains a fractured skull when he is hit on the head by a cricket ball. The local cricket club owner(defendant) may have an action bought by Garfield(claimant) under the tort of negligence or private nuisance. The author will first discuss on negligence and then later on to private nuisance. In the novel cases where the existence of a legal duty is less obvious, the Caparo v Dickman test must be satisfied.As it was reasonably foreseeable that claimant would be injured, there was sufficient proximity and it is fair,just and reasonable to impose liability on the defendant. Hence it is arguable that the local cricket club owed Garfield duty of care as the first element under negligence can be proven. The second element which Garfield have to prove is whether the defendant breach the duty of care. To breach the legal duty of care,is to fall below the appro priate standard of care expected of the defendant when performing the act in question.In the case of Bolton v Stone,it was held that if the likelihood of harm caused by defendant was low then the likelihood of the defendant breaching of the standard of care would also be low. However,base on the facts the claimant house is built so close to the ground that it is almost inevitable that the ball would be hit over the fence and into the garden’s house from time to time. Thus the likelihood of harm is great,creating a high risk of injury to the claimant and the standard of care expected of the defendant would be higher.However,by referring back to the facts,since a 3 metre fence is erected it would seem to be sufficient to prevent injury or loss as the law does not expect the defendant to take absolute precautions(Fardon v Hercourt & Ravington). Thus Garfield’s action to bring the case under the tort of negligence would probably fail. Garfield will then be best advised to bring the case in private nuisance. Private nuisance is the special damage to those who have a landed interest whose enjoyment of it is in some way diminished.On our facts,Garfield bought the house which we can assume that he is the owner of the house who have proprietary interest or exclusive interest in the land(Hunter v Canary Wharf). Thus he may sue the defendant for private nuisance and probably seek for an injunction. One should be noted that the law of private nuisance has attempt to preserve a balance between two conflicting interests,that of one occupier in using his land that he thinks fit and that of his neighbour in the quiet enjoyment of his land(Sedleigh Denfield v O’Callaghan).By doing this,the courts will look into the issue of ‘reasonableness’. In other words the courts will assess the reasonableness(level of interference) by taking into account some factors such as locality,duration,sensitivity and public benefits. With regards to locality,it wa s clear that the claimant had suffered physical damage and damage to his property. Thus the issue of locality is irrelevant(St. Helens Smelting Co. v Tipping). By referring to a similar case, Miller v Jackson,the claimants had bought a house just next to the cricket ground and the claimants knew about it.The cricket ball kept sailing over the claimant’s house and they sought an injunction. At the mean time,the defendant erected a highest possible wire fence,install unbreakable glass and cover the claimant’s garden with safety net and ask the batsmen to keep the ball low:the claimants were not content and seek further for damages and injunction after five more balls flew in their house in 1975. The court rejected the injunction as Lord Denning said that the claimant has come with open eyes.Base on our facts,it is highly unlikely that the claimant is unaware of the existence of the ground as it has been played for nearly 100 years. Therefore,since Garfield had come with open eyes it may not be actionable as it is already a pre-existing condition at the time of the agreement. (Southwark London Borough Council v Mills) Then,with regard to the issue of duration and seriousness,the law states that the longer the interference goes on the more likely it is to be unreasonable. However,a nuisance need not necessarily last long.If the time to carry out the activities are unreasonable or the degree of seriousness is high it could still amount to nuisance(Crown River Cruise Ltd v Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd). Coming back to the facts,after the incident having two cricket balls smashed the glass in his greenhouse,the next hit was few weeks later which caused Garfield to sustain fractured skull. Thus it may not seem to be unreasonable as the next hit was a few weeks after the first hit. But,having a fractured skull after being hit maybe serious and the court might consider it as a factor to issue the injunction.However,it is arguable on the basis of sensitivity if the force use for the hit was not too excessive or unreasonable and if Garfield have had injury on the head before the hit then the defendant may not be held nuisance. (Robinson v Kilvert) If the nuisance is established,the defendant will try to raise the possible defence which is prescription since the cricket has been played on the ground for nearly a hundred years. However the defence of prescription would only applicable if the claimant have beared with the nuisance for twenty years and not when the defendant’s started the activities(Sturges v Bridgman).Thus the defence may succeed if the defendant have moved in and beared with the nuisance for twenty years or more. The defendant would also raise the issue of public interest. The court would inevitably concerned to some extent with the utility or general benefit to the community of defendant’s activities. This means if the claimants actions is of importance, the risks that may happen when completing these actions m ay be acceptable(Watt v Hertfordshire).However,the court will not accept the argument that the claimant should put up with the harm because it is beneficial to the community as a whole(Bellow v Cement co. ). If Garfield purpose of suing is to restrict the nuisance,the only remedy that he can sought against the cricket club is a prohibitory injunction. It is an equitable remedy use to put a stop to certain offensive activities that affect the claimant continuosly and it will only be awarded if the court felt that it is necessarily to. If the nuisance is temporary and occasionally an injunction may not be issued.In conclusion,eventhough Garfield did experience private nuisance,the activities carried out by the defendant seem to be reasonable. Unless Garfield can prove that the degree of seriousness caused by the defendant is unreasonable,the defendant would probably not be liable. Furthermore if Garfield wants to claim compensation for the fractured skull he have to bring the case und er the tort of negligence as nuisance claims are limited to loss of enjoyment of land. However,as mentioned earlier that breach of duty could not be proved therefore the defendant would probably not be liable.

Critically discuss the nutritioal management in treating type 2 Essay

Critically discuss the nutritioal management in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus - Essay Example Type 1 DM where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. In Type 2 DM, the body cells insulin response is defective. Type 2 DM is often referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) since it may be treated without insulin injections. Management of diabetes involves physical exercise, pharmacotherapy and nutrition therapy. Diabetes management aims to control metabolism of the patient. Nutrition therapy refers to the modification of nutrient intake as a form of disease treatment. Nutrition therapy is individualised as no one eating pattern fits all patients (He et al., 2010). Nutrition therapy aims to promote healthful eating to attain individualised glycaemic, blood pressure and lipid goals, as well as attaining a desired body weight, which helps prevent complications of diabetes. The risk of microvascular complications is reduced by managing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. This alongside management of blood pressure and lipid profiles also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (Jenkins et al., 2011). The prime focus of glycaemic management in medical nutrition therapy is carbohydrate intake control. Carbohydrate intake directly affects postprandial blood glucose levels and hence insulin effect. Nutritio n therapy also focuses on energy balance and hence weight control. Effective management of type 2 diabetes requires pharmacotherapy, nutrition therapy and physical activity. Energy balance is an essential aspect of nutrition therapy for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Individuals suffering from Type 2 diabetes are often overweight and obese. Weight loss is recommended to manage the disease. It has been associated with improved glycaemia, blood pressure and desired lipid profiles (Estruch et al., 2013). Nutrition therapy promotes weight loss by decreasing energy intake by the patient while maintaining healful eating patterns. Reduction of adiposity results in improvement in insulin resistance.

Unionization in South Korea and Feminization of Labor in Indonesia Essay

Unionization in South Korea and Feminization of Labor in Indonesia During the Process of Capitalist Development - Essay Example This essay stresses that caraway argues the export oriented industrialization in Indonesia resulted in the feminization of labor in the country with female employees being used in labor intensive industries. Capitalist development in Indonesia resulted in the production of industries whose aim was to reduce costs of production while maintaining higher profit margins. Caraway perceives feminization of labor in Indonesia as being the result of popular perception that female employees were â€Å"patient, disciplined, and diligent†. This paper makes a conclusion that the class struggles due to buildup of tension between workers and the owners of factors of production are evident in the situation happening in South Korea. The continued frustration of workers through measure that limit their participation in negotiation for improved working conditions has historically been a ground for tension between the workers and corporations which are supported by the government. Just as Marx envisioned, the exploitation of workers provides a ground for revolution to remove the ruling class that supports exploitation of workers by the corporation. The KCTU in South Korea has been able to challenge the dominance of state favored FKTU over the years. Coming from a period when independent labor union had been banned, KCTU has achieved a lot in the country’s labor relations as it has gain the legal status to represents it members.

Ethics of Online Learning with Pros & Cons Research Paper

Ethics of Online Learning with Pros & Cons - Research Paper Example Online education refers to a system of education whereby the learner is autonomous in learning and is separated from the instructor by time and space. The history of online education stems from the growth of modern communication technologies such as the internet that have enabled the students to learn at their pace (Bill & Mary, 2007, p 122). The topic is important since online education presents certain ethical challenges that may hinder the quality of education. The topic is essential in my career as a mathematics teacher since students expect educational content that will enable them meet their learning objectives (Bill & Mary, 2007, p126). In addition, learners need more explanation on complex mathematical models and techniques in order to effectively solve mathematical problems (Browne, 2010, p 247). Accordingly, skills in mathematics improve the cognitive and analytical capabilities of the learner thus leading to succeed in the workplace. The topic interests me because numerous multinational companies have complained about the low analytical and mathematical skills of graduates in the labor market. Accordingly, the education policies must promote equity of access, quality and diversity of choice of the mode of study (Bill & Mary, 2007, p 135). ... It is also referred as e-learning, web-based learning and computer-based learning due to the use of web technologies and computing in delivering knowledge and skills to the learners (Smith, 1996, p 25). It entails the use of telecommunication technology and computing in delivering and receiving of the course content materials. This type of education relies on videoconferencing and internet in ensuring that students receive the digital content (Browne, 2010, p 250). Course materials can be provided through different online medium such as e-mails, bulletin, online videos, discussion forums and chat rooms. Online learning can take place in the workplace, home, online access points or at a public library. For the past few years, the number of online learners has grown substantially that traditional higher education enrollment due to the high internet access and flexibility of online learning. Since 2003, online enrollments have grown by more than 400 percent. According to latest statisti cs, about 6.7 million students are enrolled to a least one online course in the United States. About 32 percent of the US higher education students have participated in online education while 65 percent of the higher education institutions have implemented online learning programs (Browne, 2010, p 257). Accordingly, the 21 percent annual growth in online learning enrollments has by far exceed the just 2 percent growth in traditional classroom enrollments in higher education (Haughey, 2007, p 141). About two-thirds of higher education institutions regard online learning as part of their long-term strategy in increasing the access, flexibility and quality of education. Despite the ethical challenges, about 70 percent of the educators rate online education outcomes either

Critically iscuss how Best Practice HRM Can Contribute to Improved Essay

Critically iscuss how Best Practice HRM Can Contribute to Improved Organisational Performance - Essay Example Following this, the discussion examines the link between HRM and enhanced organizational performance. The paper examines the arguments and evidence that HRM policies and practices aid in promoting higher levels of organizational performance and studies whether the advanced arguments are convincing. The constantly evolving business environment coupled with the growing competition fuelled by globalization demands adoption of an effective human resource practice, which avails the organization a competitive edge. Human leverage is a significant contributory factor in attaining competitive edge through customer satisfaction and organization performance. Over the years, interest has been building in the notion of â€Å"best practice† human resource management (HRM). The overriding idea hinges on the notion that a certain bundle of HR practices bears the potential to contribute to enhanced employee attitudes and behaviour, ultimately decreasing the degree of absenteeism and workforce turnover. In the last two decades, a number of publications have explored the links between HRM and performance (Guest et al 2003, p. 294). Organization performance encompasses indicators such as financial performance and excellence and productivity, as well as outcomes in aspects such as competence, commitment, and flexibility. Enhanced organizational performance refers to enhanced employees attitudes and behaviours, minimized degree of absenteeism and labour turnover and enhanced degree of productivity, quality and customer service (Armstrong 2012, p.56). Ultimately, enhanced organizational performance has the capability of generating higher levels of profitability. Literature Review Human resource management (HRM) deals with the personnel policies and managerial practices and systems that control the workforce. HRM details a strategic and coherent approach of an organization’s most dear assets-the employees, who personally and collectively add to the attainment of the org anization’s set objectives. Human resource correlate with business performance, especially â€Å"best or high performance† HRM practices, whose goals is to enhance employees’ abilities and motivation (Sturm 2007, p.3). Nevertheless, the correlation tends to be relatively minute in statistical terms, besides the fact that literature does not agree on the reason why, on implementation, some human resource practices fail. This raises a critical question as to whether human resource systems bear the capability to create a competitive edge by themselves, or they must be continued or reinforced by with other variables. Performance in the context of the organization applies and is synonymous with productivity, efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness. HRM theorists have attempted to establish a causal link between HRM and performance. High performance human resource practices bear a positive effect on organizational learning, which impacts positively on organizat ional performance. Nevertheless, it has been complicated to institute a direct linkage of human resource practices on business performance (Lopez, Peon and Ordas 2005, p.147). As a result, there has been growing interest in studies examining the potential contribution of effective human resource policy in aiding enhancement of organizational performance. This has made the impact of human resource management on performance an essential research issue in the field of HRM. Similarly, there has been a continual search

Incipient Elements of Genre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Incipient Elements of Genre - Essay Example These movies features a number of styles ranging from the most recent ones CGI monster and deranged humans to the most earliest ones nosferatus classic. (Dirks, 2006) In this particular movie "End of Day", it main theme was to show how the end of time was coming to an end at the start of the year 2000. A girl by the name Christine had been born and sucked blood from a cobra immediately after bath. There two groups, those who belonged to the church and those who did not belong to the church in other words, they were satanic. Immediately after Christine was, she brought up in private area so that when the end of times near, she would save the world. Christine was always seeing strange things at night and even during the day. She would always ask her foster mother why she was different from others. At one time, as she taking an apple, she saw some creatures which were not visible to Arnold. His foster father had been seen by the satanic individual to collect Christine and when she failed to bring her to him, she was struck and caught fire mysterious. As Arnold and his friend were believed to be protecting the girl, they had different opinion altogether. His friend pretend to be protecting the girl against being taken by the satanic people but this was not the case. Arnold was confronted by one of the anti Christ individual mysteriously in his house and wondered where she entered the house from because all the doors were closed. He urged that he was very different from the anti Christ person but the person insisted that they were very much alike. Arnold was already possessed by the satanic spirit unknowingly. While one is watching the movie, the worst fear is how the world would be like when the time clocks year 2000. There are a lot fear when the day counts and yet the fate of the world was not known whether it was to be saved by the Godly people or the Satanic people. At one time, Christine was in the Church where she believed she had been taken by Arnold at very safe place only to recognize an anti Christ person among those in the church and she screamed. (Dirks, 2006) As Arnold was running away with Christine in a train, he though he had killed the anti Christ only to reappear again form nowhere. He was again knocked down by the train and as Arnold went behind to check on him, he had disappeared mysteriously. Some incipient elements of genre can also be seen when all the chairs in the church mysteriously by force that was not visible and wind blew breaking all the windows in the church. (Dirks, 2006) Toward the end the movie, Arnold save Christine from the anti Christ while at the same time he was happy to be left alone with her so that she could fulfill his promise of killing her. At that time some strange thing happened and Arnold threw himself to a sword killing him. The most shocking finale is whether this how the end of days will be in really life experience with such confusion for one can not really identify those who are good and those who are in the anti Christ. (Dirks, 2006) Reference Dirks, T (2006): Film Genre, Retrieved from http://www.filmsite.org/genres.html On 16th May 2006.

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 47

Reflection paper - Essay Example a tourism manager in the future, I can devise better means and/or give travellers gadgets in which they can record their travelling experiences including taking photos and recording videos. The conversation presented in this article reflects to my personal travelling experiences, which can be used to formulate tourism management strategies in future. Heat-Moon ascertains that the American topography is diverse and thus travellers should try and visit the various types of American landscapes. Caputo adds that travelling in America is best experience, compared to other countries (Caputo and Heart-Moon, 2013). In the past two years, I have travelled across many parts of the country and I have seen that America is gifted with a wide range of landscapes. The deserts in New Mexico and mountains in Arizona are incredibly unique and outstanding, compared to other parts of the world. As you travel, you will meet different people who will change your worldviews and perspectives. As Caputo recounts, I can argue that that travelling in America exposes you to different types of â€Å"social landscapes.† The conversation brings forth the aspect of different characteristics of a tourist and a traveller. When you plan to visit places as a tourist, you often use the main roads and superhighways, as Caputo recounts (Caputo and Heart-Moon, 2013). His colleague adds that a tourist will never use the back roads like the travellers. In the past, my personal travels were not that enjoyable because most of the times we used the main roads. However, when I changed my travel plans and became a traveller, I enjoyed the diverse American landscapes and people. Therefore, it’s much better to become a traveller rather than a tourist who is always on time budgets and visits specific places. Keeping record helps in deepening the experiences when you share them with your friends and family. Based on the conversation and my personal travelling experience, I can advise tourism managers with means

Which Way, Natural Selection or Intelligent Design Essay

Which Way, Natural Selection or Intelligent Design - Essay Example Looking from the position of the ontological complexity, the two ideas include the existence of the different forms of life, however, in the case with the intelligent design the designer and the material employed in the design  have to be included (Muggy 1). In addition, a problem arises regarding the intelligent designer origin. Since, this creator has a greater capability and more complexity than even the capabilities of the current human beings. This poses a question, are humans supposed to be designed? However, in regards of the dynamic complexity of a human life, both theories tend to agree on the reproductive capabilities of all the organisms, though this is not very clear in the intelligent design theory. On the other hand, the natural selection implies that there is a biological process which accounts for the observed similarities amongst offsprings and their parent organisms (Roderick 1). Indeed, it is easier to believe this since this phenomenon can be observed in many of the organisms, this further implies that there should be a particular activity that allows such functioning. However, the intelligent design theory postulates the presence of the design processes which are outside of whatever goes on during the reproduction. In regards to the explanatory power, the evolutionary theory also takes the lead. Due to the fossil records, the gaps between the species are completed. Indeed, fossils point out at the transitional period which a particular organism passes to another state as indicated in the Charles Darwin theory. However, the intelligent design does not account for the transitional fossils, thus, with the discovery of more fossils, the weaknesses of the intelligent design are laid bare. By and large, the... This essay stresses that a problem arises regarding the intelligent designer origin. Since, this creator has a greater capability and more complexity than even the capabilities of the current human beings. This poses a question, are humans supposed to be designed? However, in regards of the dynamic complexity of a human life, both theories tend to agree on the reproductive capabilities of all the organisms, though this is not very clear in the intelligent design theory. On the other hand, the natural selection implies that there is a biological process which accounts for the observed similarities amongst offsprings and their parent organisms. Indeed, it is easier to believe this since this phenomenon can be observed in many of the organisms, this further implies that there should be a particular activity that allows such functioning. This paper makes a conclusion that in regards to the explanatory power, the evolutionary theory also takes the lead. Due to the fossil records, the gaps between the species are completed. Indeed, fossils point out at the transitional period which a particular organism passes to another state as indicated in the Charles Darwin theory. The intelligent design does not account for the transitional fossils, thus, with the discovery of more fossils, the weaknesses of the intelligent design are laid bare. By and large, the intelligent design argument on irreducible complexity, that is contrary to the evolution principle, does not explain the reason why some forms of life exhibit similar characteristics and some organisms have parts in common, but perform different duties. Indeed this gives support to the evolution theory

The eventual fall of the Ottoman Empire Essay Example for Free

The eventual fall of the Ottoman Empire Essay How far did the reforms during the period 1826-39 contribute to the eventual fall of the Ottoman Empire? The Ottoman Empire (1299-1924), founded as a medieval dynasty, collapsed and re-emerged as a modern constitutional state in less than seven centuries. The crucial question is why? What caused so momentous a transformation? There is much historical debate as to the causes for, and underlying factors in the empires collapse. Ive focused my study on the reforms passed during the period 1826-39, for I would consider these central in understanding the nature of the empires transformation. The years between 1826 and 1839 were a key turning point in the empires history and relations with foreign powers. In this period, crucial wars were fought, reforms ratified and institutions dismantled. Sultan Abdulmecid declared in 1839, [my empire] will prove [] that it is worthy of a prominent place in the concert of civilised nations. As Suraiya Farooqhi et al, in their detailed study of the latter centuries of the empires history put it, such events are important for they physically acknowledged, reaffirmed, and maintained the new centralizing/westernizing course of the Ottoman state.i Historians, whose studies are based foremost on European sources e.g. Lord Kinross and Feroz Ahmadii, tend to see the reforms as progressive, and attribute the empires collapse to a failure to industrialise. On the other hand, other historians, e.g. E.Eldemiii and Professor Maksudoglu, as well as Stanford J. Shawiv, all of whom rely more heavily on Ottoman sources, see the reforms as far more degenerate. Maksudoglu suggests Osmanli [Ottoman] sources have been neglected and ignored. v Shaw argues that Ottoman history has been discussed but always from the European perspective, through the light of European prejudice, and largely on the basis of European sources.vi It is due to a neglect of Ottoman sources that many historians have misinterpreted the causes of the empires collapse; there exists an unnatural bias towards the conventional European justification. As Goodwin suggests, foreign historians tend to blame the international forces of capitalism their capital, their force and suggest that the West reduced the empire to a peripheral producer of raw materials.vii Nevertheless, most historians agree that European influence proved to be of ever-increasing significance in determining the empires transformations. Ahmad suggests that ministers from the Sublime Porte visited Europe, in particular France, more frequently and returned home impressed with what they saw and learned.viii In the 1830s, an Ottoman poet wrote: Go to Paris, young sir, if you have any wish; if you have not been to Paris, you have not come into the world.ix Although the poet was probably writing for the purposes of entertainment, not necessarily for historical accuracy, the extract offers insight into not only the opinion of the poet, but his influence on the audiences perception. The likelihood of the sources reliability, although anonymous, is further strengthened when looked at in the context of Eastern, in particular Muslim, society. The oral tradition was, and still is of significant importance. The point made by Ahmad and the poet shows how the Ottoman view of Europe shifted significantly in the period; Europe had something to offer the empire. Ministers visiting Paris understood the basis of European superiority and in turn saw the need to drastically alter their own system. The Janissary purge of 1826 was first of the Sultans drastic alterations. It was impossible to introduce military and administrative reform whilst faced with the staunch opposition of the conservative ulema [Islamic religious authority], supported by the Janissaries. Ahmad agrees; as he puts it, such schemes were impossible to introduce while the conservatives were so strongly entrenched. Backed by the Janissaries, they were sufficiently powerful to depose reformist sultans and execute their grand viziers.x As Mansel points out, the official history of enumerated acts of insubordination by the corps [stretched] back to the reigns of Selim I and Suleyman.xi By combining evidence from these sources, we can see that the abolition of the corps, also known as the the purging of the garden of the empire of savage and useless weeds, or the Blessed Event was inevitable. The abolition removed the final vestiges of conservatism, thus making it possible for foreign governments to influence the Sultan and the Sublime Porte [Ottoman government]. It was the beginning of an era of almost continuous reform, as Mansel put it, it seemed that only the Janissaries had delayed the empires return to the openness of the reign of Fatih and the early sixteenth century.xii The Janissaries created a climate of fear and disorder. The ulema had largely supported the Janissary reign of misrule, preferring conservative anarchy to innovation and reform.xiii By 1826 the Janissaries had managed to alienate the ulema, and even the common citizens were against them. This was partly due to the treatment of the citizens by the Janissaries and also, as Ahmad suggests, because of the Janissarys poor performance in the Greek insurrection of 1821. Mahmud II waited eighteen years to abolish the Janissaries, who had overthrown and executed his predecessor, Selim III. They were becoming a law unto themselves and were now even unable to fight; they were less soldiers, and more private citizens who just so happened to be on the military payroll. My argument is strengthened by R. G. Grant, who agrees that the Janissaries, once so admired, became a weakness through their political intriguing and their conservatism, which obstructed military reform.xiv Although Grant is correct, the Janissaries did obstruct military reform, they helped to defend the empires citizens against the Sultans excesses, as Maksudoglu argues, [after 1826] top officials lived a luxurious and corrupt life, while the government borrowed substantial sums of money from European powers, and inflation reached unprecedented levels. xv As Goodwin suggests it was no longer the Ottoman peasant to whom the sultans had to answer for their extravagance. There were no Janissaries now to growl at the dissipation of the court.xvi In 1875, due to the Sultans lavish spending, the empire declared bankruptcy. There is no doubt that this contributed to its collapse. The ulema, fearing a similar fate [as the Janissaries] offered the government no resistance. As Mansel put it, [the ulema] fearing similar annihilation if they opposed the government, [they] kept silent.xvii The Blessed Event was more revenge, than considered reform. As Cunningham notes, years later a British general watched with his own eyes as the Sultan supervised workmen striking the Janissary bonnets off gravestones in a Pera burial-ground.xviii Goodwin substantiating Cunninghams argument states: Janissary headstones, topped by the cocky turban of the order, were knocked over.xix Claims of acts of vengeance are supported by the eye-witness account of British Dragoman, Bartolomeo Pisani: Every corrner of the town is searched and every Janissary officer that is caught is conducted to the Grand Vizier and by him ordered to death [].xx The 1826 Janissary purge paved the way for further reform; without the Janissaries, the conservatives were powerless, and in a state of disarray. The abolition of the Janissaries impacted significantly upon Ottoman society. Suraiya Farooqhi et al propose that in Constantinople, the destruction of the Janissary corps had economic and social, as well as political implications: in Istanbul [Constantinople] and many other cities, the Janissaries had played a crucial role in the Ottoman urban economy.xxi According to Maksudoglu, many shopkeepers held paid Janissary posts.xxii The Anglo-Turkish Convention (1838) abolished protectionist policies. Charlotte Jirousek, an expert in consumption studies, agrees that the convention formally established a policy of free trade and removed the longstanding protections on domestic manufacturers.xxiii Suraiya Farooqhi et al argue that the 1838 Anglo-Turkish Convention eliminated state monopolies and removed many of the barriers in the way of European merchants.xxiv The convention had a devastating impact on Ottoman manufacturers and craftsmen, Mansel agrees that the convention opened the empire to a flood of British goods and ruined many Ottoman crafts.xxv The destruction of the Janissary corps (1826) and the Anglo-Turkish Convention (1838) further integrated Ottoman and European economies, just as the 1839 Tanzimat decree more closely aligned the Middle Eastern with Western political structures. Mansel argues, it was the Sultans reason and his determination to save his monarchy, which drove him to modernise.xxvi Ahmad suggests that the reformers had become more convinced that the empires penetration by industrial Europe and its absorption into the expanding world market was the only way for the empire to survive and prosper.xxvii Though a valid argument, attempting to achieve absorption into the world market without first addressing pressing domestic social concerns deemed the economic reforms counter-productive. Mansel agrees, as a result of the 1838 treaty, beggars became more common on the streets of the city [Constantinople].xxviii Glenny cites a failure to industrialise as a principle cause behind the empires collapse. Though his argument is understandable, it isnt entirely accurate. There were attempts to industrialise, in so far as to mirror European industrial development. According to Mansel, the phrases English standards and European standards were constantly recurring in official letters. xxix The Armenian Dardian dynasty was central to the Ottoman industrialisation process. Hovhannes Amira Dardian, an international entrepreneur visited England and France at government expense to study the latest industrial techniques and to purchase steam engines. In November 1831, the first Ottoman newspaper, Takvim-i Vekayi (Calendar of Events), or Moniteur Ottoman was printed in both Ottoman and French editions. Disagreement between Glenny and Mansel ought not to be seen as a weakness in my argument since Glenny is focusing specifically on the Ottoman guild system and not on general industrialisation. Between 1826 and 1839 the Ottoman Empire struggled to control key provinces; Kinross describes the empire as continuing to shrink in extent, retaining despite decay its internal organs while losing through disruption its outlying limbs.xxx Though, Maksudoglu argues that European powers decided to end Osmanli suzerainty over Greece.xxxi Disagreement between Kinross and Maksudoglu may be more apparent than real, since Maksudoglu, as he confesses, is founding his assertions primarily on Ottoman sources. European influence proved pivotal in inciting the territories to rise up against Ottoman governance. The War of Independence exposed the weaknesses of the Sultans reforms. As Mansel agrees, the Sultans reforms did not help the Ottoman Empire in its struggle against the Greek revolt.xxxii The War of Greek Independence began 25 March 1821 and is certainly one of the central elements in bringing about the case for reform. The War of Greek Independence, though initially taking the form of a Greek cultural renaissance, was in fact an attempt by the Greeks to actively destabilize the Ottoman Empire; as Glenny suggests: the Greek rebellions of 1821 were not spontaneous reactions to deteriorating social and economic circumstances.xxxiii By June 1827, after six years of war, the Ottomans under the leadership of the commander Reshid Pasha, succeeded in subjugating continental Greece, this ought to have signalled the end of the war, instead occupation of mainland Greece prompted British, French, and Russian intervention; the Russians, in particular, put immense pressure on the Ottomans. Maksudoglu, strengthening the line of argument, argues that the Russians were guilty of inciting the Greeks to revolt.xxxiv The Austrians under Metternich favoured the suppression of the rebellious Greeks. The British, encouraged by the ambassador Sir Stratford Canning, fought the Ottoman government. According to Mansel, in an effort to persuade the Ottoman government to recognise Greece, European ambassadors, who felt physically threatened in Constantinople, left for the island of Poros between December 1827 and June 1829.xxxv On 20 October 1827, the Ottoman fleet was completely obliterated at the Battle of Navarino. The support of British, French and Russian navies for the Greeks insurgents violated the 1827 Treaty of London in which the three great powers had committed themselves to securing an armistice between the Greeks and the Ottomans, without taking part in the hostilities between contending parities.xxxvi The British, as suggested by Glenny, were egged on by the philhellenic sentiments of Sir Stratford Canning.xxxvii Kinross agrees: the great powers, the rival expansionist empires of Austria-Hungary and Russia, intrigued from behind their adjoining frontiers, marking out spheres of influence, stirring up satellites, and preparing to move when the moment was ripe.xxxviii The great powers crucially interfered in the affairs of the Ottoman provinces, destabilising the empire. Agreement between Glenny and Kinross reinforces the argument. In 1832, the Ottoman Army was convincingly defeated in Syria by Mehmet Alis Egyptian army led by his son, Ibrahim Pasha. The Sultans new army made up initially of ex-Janissaries, proved just as ineffective. Kinross describes the Sultans new troops as being not yet a match for so practiced an enemyxxxix. Marshal Marmont, a former marshal of Napoleon I and Charles X proclaimed: they are not troops; they are a reunion of men the character of whose general appearance is a miserable and humiliated air. It is clear that they are aware of their weakness.xl Agreement between Kinross and Marshal Marmont strengthens the argument that the 1826 Janissary purge was, to a large extent, a failure. The Sultan succeeded in getting rid of the Janissaries, but failed to effectively replace them. As Count Helmuth von Moltke, who in 1835 was brought from Prussia to train the army, put it: it was indispensable for him to clear the site before setting up his own building. [] The first part of his great tas k the Sultan carried through with perspicacity and resolution; in the second he failed.xli From the outset, Mehmet Ali was a thorn in the side of the Sublime Porte, as Kinross put it, he was the Sultans menacing vassalxlii. The Sultan was forced to turn to the Ottomans traditional enemies, the Russians. According to Kinross, this was because British Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston, who at the time was pursuing a policy of retrenchment of his armed forces, rejected his plea for aidxliii. Though on the other hand, Lord Ponsonby is said to have accused the Sultan of throwing his crown into the lap of the Emperor Nicholas and reminded him of the power of the British to stop the Russians and Mehmet Alixliv. In 1840 the British forced Ibrahim Pasha from Syria and bombarded Alexandria. Mehmet Ali pulled his troops out of Crete and Arabia and accepted the hereditary governorship of Egypt. By 1839 the Ottoman Empire had significantly deteriorated. The Tanzimat decrees (1839) were issued in exchange for support in Egypt. As Goodwin argues, in 1839, in return for the powers putting pressure on Mehmet Ali to accept hereditary governorship of Egypt, he issued [] a reformist charter.xlv Kinross describes the reforms beginning in 1839 as nothing less than the transformation of Turkey from a medieval empire, based on the principles of Islam into a modern constitutional state, based equally on the secular principles of the West.xlvi The assertions of both Goodwin and Kinross strengthen my argument; the Tanzimat issued in secular principles, although it was promulgated in order to receive foreign support in Egypt. Western powers used the artificial doctrine of nationalism as a means by which to incite the non-Muslim citizens of the empire to rebel against the Government. As Goodwin put it, nationalism was a pretence.xlvii My argument is strengthened by Maksudogluxlviii, Eccleshall et al, and in part, by Glennyxlix. Kinross adds, inspired by nationalist feelings, they sought to break free of the empire and carve up the country between them.l According to Goodwin, the Philhellenic movement is often accredited with being responsible for revitalising the Greek spirit and alerting the western governments to the suffering of the empires Greek Christians. This argument is both misleading and certainly untrue. The majority of the Philhellenes were more driven by personal greed than by a desire to see Greek independence; all observers, both Greek and non-Greek, exempt Lord Byron from this criticism. Glenny also points out that: Turkish rule over parts of Greece was no longer viable.li The tributes paid to Byron after his death, by both European politicians and literary figures pressured the British government to adopt a more interventionist stance.lii Most historians agree that the preservation of the Ottoman Empire was in the best interests of the great powers. According to the British Foreign Secretary Lord Castlereagh, barbarous as it is; Turkey forms in the system of Europe a necessary partliii. Wellington declared: The Ottoman Empire stands not for the benefit of the Turks but of Christian Europe.liv A Russian secret government committee in 1828 came to the conclusion that the advantages of the preservation of the Ottoman Empire outweigh its disadvantages (since it would probably be replaced by powers under influence of Britain or France).lv In the context of nineteenth century Europe, the preservation of the Ottoman Empire was a necessity for the great powers, but only in the sense that it was essential that the empire didnt come under rival control. The agreement between Castlereagh and Wellington focuses specifically on retaining the balance of power, and not on preserving the empire as a goal in and of itself. In conclusion, the reforms passed in the period 1826-1839 significantly contributed to the empires collapse. Although the Janissary purge, as argued by Ahmad and Mansel, was necessary as they were no longer effective; without them, the Sultan was allowed to accumulate debt unhindered. Debt led to inflation, soaring food prices and general discontent. The ulema, fearing similar treatment [as the Janissaries] were forced to remain silent. The Janissary purge failed to cure the problem of an ineffective army, and merely served to avenge the acts of disorder carried out by the corps. Without the Janissaries, and with the ulema now impotent, there was no defence against harmful reform e.g. the 1838 Anglo-Turkish Convention flooded the empire with British goods and ruined many Ottoman manufacturers, other reforms, though not necessarily harmful, proved nevertheless ineffective. As Kinross points out by Metternich and others [] [they] were cynically dismissed as an essay in window dressing.lvi If it were not for the Janissary Purge, then it is possible that the empire would have been in a better position to defend itself against foreign intervention and the Sultans excesses. i Suraiya Farooqhi, Bruce McGowan, Donald Quartaert and Serket Pamuk An Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire Volume II 1600 1914 Cambridge University Press (1994) 2 Feroz Ahmad, The Making of Modern Turkey, Routledge (1993) iii E.Eldem, Pride and Privilege: A History of Ottoman Orders, Medals and Decorations, Istanbul (2004), p35 iv Stanford J. Shaw, History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey, Cambridge University Press (1991) 5 Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999), pxxv vi Stanford J. Shaw, History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey, Cambridge University Press (1991), pvii vii Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), p238 viii Feroz Ahmad, The Making of Modern Turkey, Routledge (1993), p24 ix Anonymous, quoted in Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p256 10 Feroz Ahmad, The Making of Modern Turkey, Routledge (1993), p24 xi Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p238 xii Ibid p249 13 Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), p.292 14 R.G.Grant, Battle a visual journey through 5,000 years of combat, DK, (2005), pg34 xv Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999), p214 xvi Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), p311 xvii Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p274 xviii Allan Cunningham, Anglo-Ottoman Encounters in the Age of Revolution, (1993), p34 xix Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), p298 xx Bartolomeo Pisani, quoted in, Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p238 21 Suraiya Farooqhi, Bruce McGowan, Donald Quartaert and Serket Pamuk An Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire Volume II 1600 1914 Cambridge University Press (1994) xxii Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999), p209 xxiii Charlotte Jirousek The Transition to Mass Fashion System and Dress in the Later Ottoman Empire p213-230 Donald Quartaert, editor Consumption Studies and the History of the Ottoman Empire xxiv Suraiya Farooqhi, Bruce McGowan, Donald Quartaert and Serket Pamuk An Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire Volume II 1600 1914 Cambridge University Press (1994) xxv Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p258 xxvi Ibid, p250 26 Feroz Ahmad, The Making of Modern Turkey, Routledge (1993), p24 xxviii Ibid p258 xxix Ibid p254 xxx Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire, Morrow Quill Paperbacks, New York, (1977), p.440 xxxi Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999), p210 xxxii Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p247 xxxiii Misha Glenny, The Balkans 1804-1999 Nationalism, War and the Great Powers, (Granata Books), London (1999) p26 xxxiv Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999), p208 xxxv Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p248 xxxvi The Treaty of London (1827), quoted in, Misha Glenny, The Balkans 1804-1999 Nationalism, War and the Great Powers, (Granata Books), London (1999) p34 xxxvii Ibid xxxviii Lord Kinross, Ataturk A biography of Mustafa Kemal, father of modern Turkey, William Morrow and Company, New York, (1978), p8 xxxix Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire, Morrow Quill Paperbacks, New York, (1977), p467 xl Marshal Marmont, quoted in Phillip Mansel, Constantinople City of the Worlds Desire 1453-1924, John Murray (Publishers), (1995), p259 xli Count Helmuth von Moltke, quoted in, Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), p302 xlii Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire, Morrow Quill Paperbacks, New York, (1977), p467 xliii Ibid p468 xliv Phillip E. Moseley, Russian Diplomacy and the opening of the Eastern Question in 1838-1839, Harvard, (1934), p78 xlv Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), pg304 xlvi Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire, Morrow Quill Paperbacks, New York, (1977), p440 xlvii Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998), pg295 xlviii Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999), p207 xlix Robert Eccleshall, Vincent Geoghegan, Richard Jay, Rick Wilford, Political Ideologies, Unwin Hyman, London (1990) l Lord Kinross, Ataturk A biography of Mustafa Kemal, father of modern Turkey, William Morrow and Company, New York, (1978), p8 li Misha Glenny, The Balkans 1804-1999 Nationalism, War and the Great Powers, (Granata Books), London (1999) p35 lii Ibid, Lord Castlereagh liii Ibid p248, The Duke of Wellington liv Ibid lv Ibid lvi Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire, Morrow Quill Paperbacks, New York, (1977), p475 Bibliography Feroz Ahmad, The Making of Modern Turkey, Routledge (1993) Allan Cunningham, Anglo-Ottoman Encounters in the Age of Revolution, Routledge (1993) Robert Eccleshall, Vincent Geoghegan, Richard Jay, Rick Wilford, Political Ideologies, Unwin Hyman, London (1990) E.Eldem, Pride and Privilege: A History of Ottoman Orders, Medals and Decorations, Istanbul (2004) Suraiya Farooqhi, Bruce McGowan, Donald Quartaert and Serket Pamuk An Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire Volume II 1600 1914 Cambridge University Press (1994) Misha Glenny, The Balkans 1804-1999 Nationalism, War and the Great Powers, (Granata Books), London (1999) Jason Goodwin, Lords of the Horizons A History of the Ottoman Empire, Chatto Windus, London, (1998) R.G.Grant, Battle a visual journey through 5,000 years of combat, DK, (2005) Halil Inalcik, The Ottoman Empire; The Classical Age 1300-1600, London (1973) Charlotte Jirousek The Transition to Mass Fashion System and Dress in the Later Ottoman Empire Donald Quartaert, editor Consumption Studies and the History of the Ottoman Empire State University of New York Press (2000) Lord Kinross, Ataturk A biography of Mustafa Kemal, father of modern Turkey, William Morrow and Company, New York, (1978) Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries: The Rise and Fall of the Turkish Empire, Morrow Quill Paperbacks, New York, (1977) Mehmet Maksudoglu, Osmanli History 1289-1922, International Islamic University, Malaysia (1999) Phillip E. Moseley, Russian Diplomacy and the opening of the Eastern Question in 1838-1839, Harvard, (1934) Stanford J. Shaw, History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey, Cambridge University Press (1991)

A Look at Iraqi Women Essay Example for Free

A Look at Iraqi Women Essay The country of Iraq has been the venue of much turmoil and unrest. A war that began in 1980 between Iran and Iraq, which was supposed to be quick and speedy, lasted longer than expected and as a result, more males were needed for the army. More draftees meant higher mortality rates, greater costs for the military arm of the government, higher need for recruits. (Efrati, 28) All the same, the prolonged duration of the war brought about a crisis in Iraq’s economy. Factories and various companies found themselves suddenly lacking in workers as the majority of Iraq’s men were drafted to fight in the army. Women, however, being left in the country, were many and were a clear source for human resources. This led to the encouragement, by the government, of having women in Iraq take on new roles and parts to play both economically and politically. (Efrati, 28) The government came up with numerous ways to include Iraqi women in the production process of society. Economy, which was once a man’s field in Iraq, broadened to include the now strong force of women all over the country. However, this was a period of stress and turmoil. War was raging and everywhere individuals were taking on roles they never used to have. Would this change remain upon the conclusion of the war? What would these newly inducted Iraqi women have to look forward to when war between Iraq and Iran would finally come to an end? In truth, in post-war situations, women are often at the receiving end of a social backlash. When the troops come back home, roles are reestablished. The women, who were taken out of their well-carved places in society to replace the men during the war, are made to go back to the traditional gender roles they once had prior to the war. It is almost as if war has ended for the country, between Iraq and Iran, but not for its citizens as the men and women struggle to reestablish former roles. (Al-ali, 742) In present day Iraq, there is evidence of the violence and anarchy that occurs during post-war situations. Women are at the receiving end of a constant chain of abuse and aggression to a degree that is greater than even that which existed during the period of war or during the period of intervention by the military. The women are subjected to lawlessness, lack of security, abductions, sexual abuse and harassment, chaos, and even the extreme events of rape. (Al-ali, 742; Ziad, 16) These occurences may be due to the fact that the males of the society, who were once an integral part of the household of these women, are intimidated by the fact that their roles were so easily replaced and taken over. The intimidation felt by the males may have led to a lashing out at the females who, in fact, did nothing more than that which was needed and asked of them by the country during the time of war. Also, the violence and physical nature of the work they conducted for the military has carried over to bring violence even into their own homes after the war. (Al-ali, 742) This paper tries to understand and enumerate the different roles that Iraqi women play both during and after a period of war. These will be categorized into three types of roles: social, economic and political. The political role will involve any roles they have had in relation to the government and its dealings. The economic role will involve any roles Iraqi women have had to play in relation to business and finance. And the social roles will involve all other uncovered role that these women have had to play in a society that has been predominantly ruled through male hegemony. Political Role of Iraqi Women Before the rule of the infamous Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Iraqi women were known to have participated politically and some were even noted to have been activists. However, autonomous political participation of these women was cut short at the onset of the 1970s. At this time, they were encouraged to join the Baath party and to try to earn positions in the government by running for the rubber-stamp parliament. The results of these elections showed how greatly marginalized women were in the Iraqi society. In the first Baathist parliamentary elections held in 1980, only 16 women won a seat in a 250-seat Council. The results of the 1985 Baathist parliamentary elections were not all that different when 33 women candidates won seats in the Council. (Al-ali, 754) In 2003, only a scrawny 8% of the parliamentary Council were females, showing the continued decline of women participation in the political arena of Iraq. This was despite the fact that an organization called the General Federation of Iraqi Women served as the political vehicle of women in Iraq. Over 1 million Iraqi women were members of this federation and yet the political representation of women in the government of Iraq remains negligible and even questionable. (Al-ali, 754) However, Iraqi Kurdistan which gained semi-autonomy was able to become a venue wherein Iraqi women could establish civil society organizations and associations. These women soon became steeped in party politics. Although of the 20 ministers of the Kurdistan Regional government, only two were female ministers, females in Kurdistan began to be able to avail of employment in the civil service. Although political activity of women in Iraqi Kurdistan was growing and they were gaining important political roles as members of the government, their political pariticaption was often opposed and blocked off by the other male politicians. Harassment of female activists denouncing killings were often reported. Also, projects of certain women-led organizations aiming to foster a more positive social situation, especially for the female citizens, were most often met by opposition from male politicians and in most cases were shut down and discontinued due to the strength of the opposition. (Al-ali, 754) Although females were beginning to voice out and claim new positions as active movers in the political arena, their actions were unappreciated and even reviled by their male counterparts. The political roles that females played were roles that they had to fight for. These were not freely given by the society they lived in. Although during the war women were held in high esteem for the important contributions they could make to the war-torn Iraq, their roles were once again brought down to those they traditionally had once war was concluded. (Al-ali, 756-757) After the war, women were seen to be pushed further back into the background of Iraqi society. Their political roles were greater and more influential prior to the war and continued to decrease significantly as war ravaged the country and even after the war was finished. Iraqi women, although aspiring and fighting for equal political representation, are greatly marginalized in the society they so bitterly fought hard to keep alive during the period of war. (Al-ali, 756) Political research has shown, however, that greater progress can be achieved by the war-torn Iraq if women are allowed to take a more active political role. Studies of post-war countries such as Northern Ireland, Bosniz Herzegovina, Cyprus and Israel have shown that including female perspective will hasten the reconstruction progress. Women are an essential aspect of the political arena of a country and the Iraqi government has to realize this if they wish to speed up the rebuilding of their society after the war. (Al-ali, 756-757) Economic Role of Iraqi Women The onset of the Iran-Iraq war proved to be damaging to the economy of both countries. As the male citizens of both countries continued to be drafted for the drawn out war, females were the main source of labor and skill for the ongoing economic processes. During the war, females were taken out of their traditional role of reproduction to more challenging economic roles of production.

Marginal Costing and Absorption Costing Comparison

Marginal Costing and Absorption Costing Comparison Marginal costing is also termed as variable costing, a technique of costing which includes only variable manufacturing costs, in the form of direct materials, direct labour, and variable manufacturing overheads while determining the cost per unit of a product. Where as Absorption costing, is a costing technique that includes all manufacturing costs, in the form of direct materials, direct labour, and both variable and fixed manufacturing overheads, while determining the cost per unit of a product. It is also referred to as the full- cost technique. In the costing of product/service, a marginal costing technique considers the behavioural characteristics of costs (segregations of costs into fixed and variable elements), because per unit variable cost is fixed and total costs are variable in nature, where as total fixed costs are fixed and per unit fixed cost is variable in nature and furthermore variable costs are controllable in nature, while total fixed costs are un-controllable in nature. Marginal costing is useful for short-term planning, control and decision-making, particularly in a business where multi-products are produced. In marginal costing technique, the contribution is calculated after deducting variable costs from sales value with reference to each product or service, in order to calculate the total contribution from all products/services which are made towards the total fixed costs incurred by the business. As the fixed costs are treated as period costs, are deducted from total contribution to arrive at net profit. In the context of costing of a product/service, an absorption costing considers a share of all costs incurred by a business to each of its products/services. In absorption costing technique; costs are classified according to their functions. The gross profit is calculated after deducting production costs from sales and from gross profit, costs incurred in relation to other business functions are deducted to arrive at the net profit. Absorption costing gives better information for pricing products as it includes both variable and fixed costs. Marginal costing may lead to lower prices being offered if the firm is operating below capacity. Customers may still expect these lower prices as demand/capacity increases. Profit Statements under Marginal and Absorption Costing: The net profit shown by marginal costing and absorption costing techniques may not be the same due to the different treatment of fixed manufacturing overheads. Marginal costing technique treats fixed manufacturing overheads as period costs, where as in absorption costing technique these are absorbed into the cost of goods produced and are only charged against profit in the period in which those goods are sold. In absorption costing income statement, adjustment pertaining to under or over-absorption of overheads is also made to arrive at the profit. Terms explained: Product and Period Costs: Product costs: the costs of manufacturing the products; Period costs: these are the costs other than product costs that are charged to, debited to, or written off to the income statement each period.

Analysis of the art of Pablo Palazuelo Essay -- Art Artwork Pablo Pala

Geologic form un-earthed: "Seeing through" the art of Pablo Palazuelo "Science and art are two 'di-fferent' ways of getting to know the world, ways which-from a shared origin-evolved separately. [...] The two 'di-fferent' conceptions as well as the corresponding attitudes and activities reveal their reciprocal 'in/cidence' (the result of their common origin) when they are studied in depth and 'without pre/judice.'" --Pablo Palazuelo, (Vision-Time essay, Reina Sofà ­a, 259) Today science and art reflect two different ways of knowing the world. As a scientist, the geologist gets to know the world empirically, through the visual perception of nature's explicit geologic forms. The artist, on the other hand, gets to know the world through intuition, a prescient feeling that reveals the implicit nature of form itself. The art of contemporary Spanish painter Pablo Palazuelo provides a vehicle through which the geologist can know natural form by experiencing its misterium conjunctionis of complementary "desires", where arbitrary distinctions between science and art disappear. Seeing through Palazuelo's art gives the geologist an insight into the way in which nature constitutes itself, an insight that completely reorients and clarifies the geologist's way of thinking. This fresh new perspective opens the window of conscious perception by awakening the scientist's dormant sensibilities. Geologic form was unearthed before me in this manner several years ago during a visit to the Museo de Arte Abstracto Espaà ±ol in Cuenca, Spain. The Lunariae series of Pablo Palazuelo caught my eye. At first glance I saw a brittle fracture system, not unlike ones I had mapped in a surface outcropping of rock or in an u... ...uries ago were forgotten and foresees those not yet born" (Energy, Matter and Form essay, Soledad Lorenzo, 9). Palazuelo's presentient art informs the vision of the perceptive scientist. The geologic form, unearthed by the geoscientist, informs the images of the artist. In this sense, through their open dialog, the conceptions, attitudes and activities of science and art do indeed reflect their "reciprocal in/cidence." "The image is the experience itself." --Pablo Palazuelo (El cuerpo geà ³metra essay, Theo, 2) Works CiteD: Palazuelo. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofà ­a, Madrid, 1995. Palazuelo. Pinturas, esculturas y gouaches, Galerà ­a Theo, Madrid, 1985. Palazuelo. Galerà ­a Soledad Lorenzo, Madrid, 1997. Palazuelo, Pablo, and Kevin Power. Visià ³n y Geometrà ­a: Una Conversacià ³n con Kevin Power. Granada: Deputacià ³n Provincial de Granada, 1995.

The Year of the Woman Essay -- mh

The Year of the Woman Reporters portray female and male candidates differently when covering campaigns for political office. In order to counteract the biased coverage in the papers the women of the 1992 Senate race used 30-second advertising spots to assert their key issue stances and strengths. Though this was not the sole purpose of their ads, they were very much geared toward compensating for the lack of fair coverage they were receiving in the news. Ultimately they persevered. Through verbal and nonverbal content, as defined by Lynda Lee Kaid, women designed their ads to portray a high level of competence. 1992 is widely known as 'The Year of the Woman,' when 5 women won Senate seats and 24 new women were elected to the House. "All male Senate races received more press coverage than races which included female candidates,' but despite male biased journalistic media coverage, 'women of the 1992 election succeeded with strong campaign spots," that helped them redefine themselves to the public and win c onstituent votes. Though women and men receive an equal amount of coverage by newspapers, "the content of the coverage that women receive as opposed to men, during an election is extremely different and male biased." Newspaper readers are more likely to read about a female candidate's personal life, appearance, or personality while reading about a male's stance on governmental issues. This gives the man more credibility as a candidate. Compared to coverage of male candidates, coverage of a female candidate is, "more personal, less issue based, and less likely to include evidence or reasoning to support quoted remarks". Ultimately women are portrayed as less informed on issues and instead as icons rather than educated citize... ...er women in this study won representation of their state. Each woman focused her ad on something different. It is clear that Braun's ad is heavily laden with endorsements, legislative achievements and highlights of power and leadership while at the same time concentrating a huge portion of the ad on family values. Boxer's theme was to fight for change and Dianne Fienstein highlighted her achievements in the face of undue hardship. Seargant and Ferraro took their ads and focused on highlighting power and leadership. Ultimately all of the women had feminine ad campaigns that were positive outlooks on women rather than weak, negative and superficially concerned. Though men started out with an unfair advantage of positive journalistic media coverage in 1992, women created ad campaigns that overcame the unbalance and won more seats in the House and Senate than ever before.

Interview Essay - Larry Clayville -- Interview Essays

Interview Essay - Larry Clayville Larry Clayville was born in Ustick, Idaho, on June 11, 1917. Larry explained that "there was once a post office in Ustick, but there is nothing there now. That is how far out in the woods I was". Larry is a very down to earth man who has seen a lot of life. He has read the newspaper every day of his life. He is a Father, a Grandfather, and seems to be a friend to many. Larry came to California for work in 1946. He is a POW survivor, and is a member of the "Lodge," and has many friends there. He is also currently involved in a relationship. Larry's definition of happiness is, "Having plenty to eat, having a warm place to sleep, and having friends and family. That's enough to make me happy." Larry explained that when he was young, happiness was getting "enough to eat." He said, "That was the worst part of the depression, when you thought about it, there were a lot of hungry people". Other than that, his definition of happiness has not changed a lot over the years. How does Larry know when he is happy? "When you just have that good old happy feeling." He defines that as, "When everything just goes good. You get up in the morning and every thing goes right. You are not mad at any body. It's a good feeling." When Larry is unhappy, he "talks to whoever is close." However, he admits that he keeps most of it to himself. Simple things contribute to Larry's happiness. "Just the bare necessities of life keep me happy." The activity that keeps Larry happy is "Living." He explains, "I am happy that I am alive when I wake up in the morning. Oh hey, if I am alive one more day, I have a chance." About the only thing that makes Larry unhappy any more is illness. "There's nothing that will ta... ...u don't like, but hey, if you dislike things enough, you will do something about them." When asked if he is pleased with his current interpersonal relationships, Larry said, "Yes." Larry also had some thoughts on religion. "I know that there is a higher power, and I believe in that. I came from a religious family, and I rebelled against that. But, I do believe there is something there, a Supreme Being or something like that." Larry also gave a piece of advice for achieving happiness. "If you treat people nice, they will treat you nice. Generally speaking. That is the way I have lived, somewhat of a golden rule." I think that Larry is an intelligent and understanding person, and I can tell that he is well loved by his family and friends. What I admire most is that he is a survivor, and will not let himself get down over the fact that life is not always fair. Interview Essay - Larry Clayville -- Interview Essays Interview Essay - Larry Clayville Larry Clayville was born in Ustick, Idaho, on June 11, 1917. Larry explained that "there was once a post office in Ustick, but there is nothing there now. That is how far out in the woods I was". Larry is a very down to earth man who has seen a lot of life. He has read the newspaper every day of his life. He is a Father, a Grandfather, and seems to be a friend to many. Larry came to California for work in 1946. He is a POW survivor, and is a member of the "Lodge," and has many friends there. He is also currently involved in a relationship. Larry's definition of happiness is, "Having plenty to eat, having a warm place to sleep, and having friends and family. That's enough to make me happy." Larry explained that when he was young, happiness was getting "enough to eat." He said, "That was the worst part of the depression, when you thought about it, there were a lot of hungry people". Other than that, his definition of happiness has not changed a lot over the years. How does Larry know when he is happy? "When you just have that good old happy feeling." He defines that as, "When everything just goes good. You get up in the morning and every thing goes right. You are not mad at any body. It's a good feeling." When Larry is unhappy, he "talks to whoever is close." However, he admits that he keeps most of it to himself. Simple things contribute to Larry's happiness. "Just the bare necessities of life keep me happy." The activity that keeps Larry happy is "Living." He explains, "I am happy that I am alive when I wake up in the morning. Oh hey, if I am alive one more day, I have a chance." About the only thing that makes Larry unhappy any more is illness. "There's nothing that will ta... ...u don't like, but hey, if you dislike things enough, you will do something about them." When asked if he is pleased with his current interpersonal relationships, Larry said, "Yes." Larry also had some thoughts on religion. "I know that there is a higher power, and I believe in that. I came from a religious family, and I rebelled against that. But, I do believe there is something there, a Supreme Being or something like that." Larry also gave a piece of advice for achieving happiness. "If you treat people nice, they will treat you nice. Generally speaking. That is the way I have lived, somewhat of a golden rule." I think that Larry is an intelligent and understanding person, and I can tell that he is well loved by his family and friends. What I admire most is that he is a survivor, and will not let himself get down over the fact that life is not always fair.

John Adams †Harmonielehre Essay

By inventing the serial system of twelve tone music and atonalism, Schoenberg had created â€Å"the agony of modern music†. The minimalists had rebelled against the systematic, â€Å"aurally ugly† music of Schoenberg and the avant-garde beliefs of atonality being the â€Å"Promised Land†, choosing instead to return to traditional tonality. Adams partially agreed with the rebellion against Schoenbergian music, his works containing distinctly minimalist elements. Thus when he spoke about â€Å"freeing [him]self from the model Schoenberg represented†, he meant to reject serialism and atonality, as well as the process of composing which â€Å"demands rigorous systemization of structure†. However, Adams has also expressed his respect for Schoenberg. Kirchner, with whom Adams studied while at Harvard, had himself been a student of Schoenberg. Though the minimalists had already paved the way for departure from the Schoenbergian model, it was perhaps still a difficult decision for Adams to divert from such an influential figure. After all, Schoenberg pioneered serialism and atonality. In addition, having grown up listening to the popular music of his time, Adams was constantly struggling to find a balance between what he listened to (notably American jazz, popular music, gospel music and rock ‘n’ roll) and the music that he studied in university. Adams had upset two camps of thought with Harmonielehre’s 1985 premiere: â€Å"Minimalists thought it was a tribute to their No. 1 bogeyman while modernists saw it as a reactionary piece that took their hero’s name in  vain.† This essay thus seeks to discuss the main characteristics of Adams’s compositional style in particular reference to Harmonielehre, and hence attempt to determine if, as a result of Adams’s internal conflicts, the said work is more of a refreshing new departure or a return to tried and tested orchestral gestures. Adams’s derivation from atonality may be considered a return to tried and tested orchestral gestures. He was particularly taken with the expressiveness of tonality, appreciating its potential to affect emotions in the hands of masters like Wagner, whom he greatly admired. In contrast, he found atonality â€Å"severely limiting in both its expressive range as well as in its ability to maintain large formal structures.† Adams has re-embraced tonality in much of his music including Harmonielehre, containing long passages employing a single set of pitch classes usually encompassed by one diatonic set. His earlier pieces generally remain diatonic throughout. The first movement of Harmonielehre begins and ends with pounding E minor chords repeated in a typical minimalistic style, and the piece culminates with a tidal wave of brass and percussion over an E-flat major pedal point. However, Adams is not a complete traditionalist as his harmonic vocabulary does not remain limited to purely diatonic chords. Non-diatonic pcs are frequently introduced in his later pieces beginning with Harmonielehre. Pcs outside E minor are first introduced in b.19 of the first movement, in this case D, making the chord an Em7. Example 1. John Adams, Harmonielehre, mm. 17-21, orchestral reduction D reappears in b.31 and henceforth gains prominence. Here, it is featured in the piano, blurring the E minor centre. Example 2. John Adams, Harmonielehre, harmonic sketch The end of the last movement (Meister Eckhardt and Quackie), features more  chromatic harmonies, with a ‘vast harmonic struggle that breaks through into an emphatic release on E-flat major’. Unlike a traditional tonal piece with systematically planned harmonies and a conclusive modulatory sequence, Adams simply â€Å"place[s] the keys together, as if in a mixer, and let them battle it out†. Nevertheless, the chromaticism is built on a diatonic basis, evident from their association with diatonic passages and the secondary role of the non-diatonic pcs. Harmonielehre is thus largely a tonal work and parodies the book by the same title written by Schoenberg, in which he discusses the functions of tonal harmony only to completely renounce it. By the title of Harmonielere, Adams explores aspects of harmony within his own language. Adams’s subscription to minimalism may also be considered a return to tried and tested orchestral gestures since minimalism had been going on for some time before he came on scene. The principal minimalist features include â€Å"a continuous formal structure, an even rhythmic texture and bright tone, a simple harmonic palette, a lack of extended melodic lines, and repetitive patterns.† Some of Adams’s early piano works, notably Common tones in Simple Time (1979-80, rev. 1986), Light Over Water (1983), and Phrygian Gates (1978) fit the aforementioned criteria. This is also observed in the opening of Harmonielehre (Example 3). The minimalistic repetitions of the E minor chords result in the creation of a repetitive pulse. Example 3. John Adams, Harmonielehre, mm. 1-10, orchestral reduction A simple harmonic palette (as discussed earlier) is a feature of both the Minimalist and Tonal traditions. Slow harmonic changes are evident in the opening (Example 3) – the E minor chord lasts till b.19 when D is introduced in the flutes and oboes and only 26 bars later (b.45) is a C added. The harmony finally changes again at b.59.These simple harmonies and gradual harmonic movement further imply the influence of minimalism. Example 4. John Adams, Harmonielehre, harmonic sketch However, Adams expands these minimalist techniques rather than using the aesthetic and style common in Reich’s or Riley’s music. While most minimalists (with the notable exception of La Monte Young) shunned the minimalist label, Adams embraces it and feels that he has exceeded the label: â€Å"Minimalism really can be a bore – you get those Great Prairies of non-event – but that highly polished, perfectly resonant sound is wonderful.† His later works, while still bearing some minimalist characteristics, depart from the common aesthetic, and no attempt is made to achieve systematic purity. Adams formulates his melodies using an additive technique, which is common to Glass. However, unlike Glass, there is no obvious pattern as to where or when Adams chooses to add or subtract notes, and the resultant melody is unpredictable. This is seen in the second violins in the first movement (Example 5): Example 5. Adams, Harmonielehre, mm. 180-84, second violins Another example can be drawn from the opening, featuring the Minimalist repetition of E minor chords which do not recur in any regular rhythmic pattern. The sense of pulse is unclear and somewhat unpredictable as the chords move closer by increments and create a syncopated effect, compromising the Minimalist technique of even and continuous pulsation. Adams’s deviation from Minimalism is also evidenced by his remarks in relation to Harmonielehre: â€Å"I’m not the kind of composer who†¦ previsages the entire structure of a piece in advance†¦ in a certain sense, I feel the structure as I’m creating it.† Adams is not a â€Å"pure† Minimalist – while he utilizes Minimalist techniques, his simultaneous fondness of expressivity is unique. The combination of both traits is a refreshing departure from both extremities. In Adams’ words, â€Å"I don’t have the kind of refined, systematic language that [the minimalists]  have†¦ I rely a lot more on my intuitive sense of balance†¦ as far as I can tell, most nineteenth-century composers wrote on intuitive levels.† He found that the Minimalist aesthetic of non-teleology resulted in a ‘confined emotional bandwidth’ and threatened to limit Minimalist music. Thus in most of his works, he employs Minimalist techniques to explore its â€Å"expressive emotional potential – something the first generation [of Minimalists] generally eschewed.† Adams’ fondness for expressiveness is not only evidenced by his embracement of tonality, but also by other signature Romantic traits found in his works. This is especially true in Harmonielehre, which â€Å"verges on Minimalism, but touches almost as much on a melodic Romanticism†. The combination of minimalist techniques with Romantic expressivity is evidenced in the opening of the last movement. The flutes take the accompanying line, with repetitive patterns first on E and G, then on an E minor triad. A melody characterised by expressive leaps (taken by the strings) is heard over the shimmering waves of repetition. Such timbre further creates a warm, emotive sound. The same movement contains a passage beginning with pounding E minor chords. The harmony here is relatively simple, gradually shifting from one chord to the next through the addition or alteration of a note (a rather Minimalist characteristic). Minimalist harmony combines with the Romantic textures to culminate in the climax (Example 6), with the texture and sound continuously thickening and broadening. Example 6, Harmonic sketch, Meister Eckhardt and Quackie Another example can be seen in the first movement (mm. 254-300), which contains a broad singing melody first carried by the solo horn then cellos, and later the upper strings. The accompanying triple arpeggios (first harp and woodwinds) weld the section with the preceding passage of repetitive patterns and pulses. Along with the sustained brass chords, the music reaches a climax with the amalgamation of the two different styles, reminiscent of Romanticism with the broadening texture and warm sound. Example 7. Harmonielehre I (bar 257 – 267) Thus although these passages clearly exceed the Minimalist style in their melodic and harmonic construction, the Minimalist technique dominates the accompaniment in rhythm and texture, a distinct example of how the music is a ‘refreshing new departure’. â€Å"The shades of Mahler, Sibelius, Debussy, and the young Schoenberg are everywhere in this strange piece.† The second movement of Harmonielehre (The Anfortas Wound) alludes to Sibelius’ Fourth Symphony (1910 – 11), which Adams claims as the ‘primary generating model’ , evidenced by the long, melancholic melody played by muted cellos. This movement also bears a programmatic reference to Wagner’s Parsifal (1857 – 1882) featuring Anfortas , represented by the long, elegiac trumpet solo. Wrenching harmonies, constantly descending chords and regular meters contribute to ‘†¦the imagery of sickness and confinement, one day after another, just rolling on.’ The ending of the movement contains two giant climaxes, the second one a tribute to Mahler’s unfinished Ninth Symphony (1909 – 1919). The first movement bears a tribute to the late Romantics, including allusions to, ironically, Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder (1900 – 1911). The shimmering effect in the opening of the third movement even alludes to early Impressionism. These Romantic traits, along with the Minimalistic slow harmonic rhythms, again show the eclectic treatment of both styles. In conclusion, Harmonielehre is a combination of â€Å"the harmonic economy of Minimalism with the picturesque extravagance of late-Romantic orchestration.† Adams does not revolutionize music in the way that Schoenberg or the minimalists did by completely rejecting the previous popular approach to composition. His music could thus be considered a return to tried and tested orchestral gestures. However, by combining both romantic expressiveness and minimalist techniques, he has created a new level of balance between the two which is indubitably a refreshing departure from both styles. In his own words, Adams says that â€Å"[Many composers] want to rewrite history or something. I don’t.† Bibliography Books J. Adams, Hallelujah Junction: Composing an American Life (London, 2008) A. Schoenberg, Theory of Harmony (London, 1983) O. Karolyi, Modern American Music: from Charles Ives to minimalists (United States, 1996), 304 D. A. Lee, Masterworks of 20th-Century Music: The Modern Repertory of the Symphony Orchestra (New York, August 2002), 1-7 Watkins, 572. / 576-77 Articles J. Adams, Introductory Notes for Harmonielehre John Adams, quoted in Michael Steinberg, â€Å"Harmonium, by John Adams,† program notes for the San Francisco Symphony, Stagebill, 4, 6-7 Jan. 1987, 20B. Philip Clark, Programme Notes for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, 28 Jan 2011 The discussion between Jonathan Cott and Adams concerning Harmonielehre in liner notes to Harmonielehre (Nonesuch 79115, 1985) T. A. Johnson, ‘Minimalism: Aesthetic, Style or Technique?’, The Music Quarterly, Vol. 78, No. 4 (Winter, 1994), 747-773 T. A. Johnson, ‘Harmonic Vocabulary in the Music of John Adams: A Hierarchical Approach’, Journal of Music Theory, Vol. 37, No. 1 (Spring, 1993), 117-156 T. May, ‘Interview: John Adams reflects on his career’, The John Adams Reader, ed. Thomas May (USA, 2006), 2-28 C. Pellegrino, ‘Aspects of Closure in the Music of John Adams’, Perspectives of New Music, Vol. 40, No. 1 (Winter, 2002), 147-175 A. Ross, ‘The Harmonist’, The John Adams Read er, ed. Thomas May (USA, 2006), 29-44 K. R. Schwarz, â€Å"Young Composers: John Adams,† Music and Musicians, Mar. 1985, 10. K. R. Schwarz, ‘Process vs. Intuition in the Recent Works of Steve Reich and John Adams’, American Music, Vol. 8, No. 3 (Autumn, 1990), 245-273 M. Steinberg, ‘Harmonielehre’, The John Adams Reader, ed. Thomas May (USA, 2006), 101-105 John Adams, quoted in Michael Steinberg, â€Å"Harmonium, by John Adams,† program notes for the San Francisco Symphony, Stagebill, 4, 6-7 Jan. 1987, 20B David Sterritt, â€Å"John Adams and His Nixon in China’: Could This Be Another ‘Porgy and Bess’?† Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 1987, 21-22 John Adams, â€Å"From Nixon in China to Walt Whitman: An Interview with John Adams† interview by Edward Strickland, Fanfare, Jan-Feb. 1990, 46. Websites P. Gutmann, ‘John Adams – Popularity without Pondering’, Classical Notes (accessed 15 November 2011), http://www.classicalnotes.net/columns/adams.html#harmonielehre J. Kosman, ‘Harmonielehre, John Adams’, Chester Novello (accessed 15 November 2011), http://www.chesternovello.com/default.aspx?TabId=2432&State_3041=2&workId_3041=23704 D. Robertson, ‘Transcript of David Robertson: Conductor and music scholar discusses the importance of John Adams’ orchestral work â€Å"Harmonielehre† in helping us understand the way music can look back yet anticipate the new in musical sounds’, The Music Show (accessed 20 November 2011), http://www.abc.net.au/rn/music/mshow/s924166.htm C. Zeichner, ‘Minimalism maximized – John Adams’, Ariama (accessed 21 November 2011), http://www.ariama.com/features/minimalism-maximized-john-adams Discography J. Adams, Harmonielehre, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle (EMI Classics), 1994, CD B000002RU2 General Comments An excellent response to the question. You have used an admirable range of sources and, most importantly, identified critical material arising from the premiere of the piece. You have not only used music examples effectively, but made your own harmonic analyses where none others were available. Your writing style is clear and concise and citation accurate. Countermarker’s comment: agreed. An outstanding essay, well-done! ——————————————– [ 1 ]. J. Adams, Introductory Notes for Harmonielehre [ 2 ]. Loc. cit. [ 3 ]. J. Adams, Hallelujah Junction: Composing an American Life (London, 2008), p.107 [ 4 ]. K. R. Schwarz, ‘Process vs. Intuition in the Recent Works of Steve Reich and John Adams’, American Music, Vol. 8, No. 3 (Autumn, 1990), p.245-273 [ 5 ]. Philip Clark, Programme Notes for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, 28 Jan 2011 [ 6 ]. Adams, Op. cit., 104 (Hallelujah Junction) [ 7 ]. Henceforth abbreviated as â€Å"pcs† [ 8 ]. T. A. Johnson, ‘Harmonic Vocabulary in the Music of John Adams: A Hierarchical Approach’, Journal of Music Theory, Vol. 37, No. 1 (Spring, 1993), 117-156 [ 9 ]. Examples: Harmonium (1980), Common Tones in Simple Tone (1979) and Shaker Loops (1978) [ 10 ]. T. A. Johnson, ‘Minimalism: Aesthetic, Style or Technique?’, The Music Quarterly, Vol. 78, No. 4 (Winter, 1994), 747-773 [ 11 ]. Johnson, Op. cit, 136 (Journal of Music Theory) [ 12 ]. Adams, Op. cit., 130 (Hallelujah Junction) [ 13 ]. M. Steinberg, ‘Harmonielehre’, The John Adams Reader, ed. Thomas May (USA, 2006), 101-105 [ 14 ]. T. A. Johnson, Op. cit, (Journal of Music Theory), 117-156 [ 15 ]. T. A. Johnson, Op. cit. (The Music Quarterly), 747-773 [ 16 ]. T. A. Johnson, Op. cit. (The Music Quarterly), 747-773 [ 17 ]. David Sterritt, â€Å"John Adams and His ‘Nixon in China’: Could This Be Another ‘Porgy and Bess’?† Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 1987, 21-22 [ 18 ]. John Adams, quoted in Michael Steinberg, â€Å"Harmonium, by John Adams,† program notes for the San Francisco Symphony, Stagebill, 4, 6-7 Jan. 1987, 20B [ 19 ]. K. R. Schwarz, Op. Cit. (American Music) 245-273 [ 20 ]. T.A. Johnson, Op. Cit. (Journal of Music Theory), 117-156 [ 21 ]. From the discussion between Jonathan Cott and Adams concerning Harmonielehre in liner notes to Harmonielehre (Nonesuch 79115, 1985) [ 22 ]. John Adams, in an interview held in 1986 [ 23 ]. T. May, ‘Interview: John Adams reflects on his career’, The John Adams Reader, (USA, 2006), 2-28 [ 24 ]. K. Robert Schwarz, â€Å"Young American Composers: John Adams,† Music and Musicians, Mar. 1985, 10. [ 25 ]. Joseph Pehrson, New music Connoisseur, review for Harmonielehre [ 26 ]. T. A. Johnson, Op. Cit. (Journal of Music Theory),754 [ 27 ]. Adams, Op. Cit., Notes for Harmonielehre [ 28 ]. Steinberg, Op. Cit., 103 [ 29 ]. Based on C.G. Jung’s discussion of Anfortas, the king whose wounds could never be healed [ 30 ]. Steinberg, Op. Cit., 105