Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Arts and Humanities

Understanding Aestheticism: Origins and Core Message

The term "Aestheticism" derives from the Greek word aisthesis, meaning "perception through the senses." This focus on sensory experience was also central to Romantic culture. Indeed, the movement has its roots in Romanticism, but it also signifies a distinct turn. Now, the artist, or more specifically the aesthete, must not only feel sensations but actively live them in their own life. The core message of Aestheticism is often summarized as "Living for beauty!"

The Aesthete and the Poète Maudit: Rebels Against Society

The figure of the aesthete presents some correspondences with the French figure of the "poète maudit" (cursed poet), who rejects all societal values and conventions. The poète... Continue reading "Aestheticism: Art for Art's Sake, Rebellion, and Dandyism" »

The Theatre of the Absurd: Characteristics and Influences

The Theatre of the Absurd is characterized by an essential absence of a consistent plot. Little happens in these plays, and what does occur often makes no sense whatsoever. There is a notable lack of progress and resolution. Furthermore, these plays typically feature minimal characterization, offering no real description of the characters.

Innovative Styles and Comic Elements

Absurdist Theatre is also composed of an innovative combination of previous styles. A significant comic side is present in these plays, with much of their inspiration coming from silent film and comedy. Characters often resemble Charlie Chaplin in their clownish behavior. Depending on the production, the play might... Continue reading "Understanding Absurdist Theatre and Animal Farm's Allegory" »

Areas of Study

• Hard science
• Financial
• Health
• Humanities

Megatrends

Megatrends are large, social, economic, political, environmental, or technological changes that form slowly. Once in place, they influence a wide range of activities, processes, and perceptions in government and society, possibly for decades. They are the underlying forces that drive trends.

Professions

1. Profession: a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science.
2. Career: an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework.
3. Vocation: a particular occupation, business, or profession.

8 Simple Steps to Good Decision-Making for Teens

1. Identify the problem you are facing.
2. Gather information and ask for advice.
3. Determine what

My Future Starts Now

What do you think your future self will thank you for?

Good morning, I’m here today to tell you about how your choices affect your future and have a big impact on the rest of your life.

Our future is decided by the everyday choices we make or choose not to make. If you don’t want to decide yourself, you let someone else decide for you or you just don’t make the decision, [ZW3] but you don’t know what would have happened if you had made the decision yourself or if you had made a different decision. In books, movies, and TV shows, people say that you can’t change the future, but just by making different choices, your future might look way different.

The Importance of Choices

are very important, we all make at least... Continue reading "The Impact of Choices on Your Future" »

Common Professions and Occupations

• Accountant (Contable): A person whose job is to keep or inspect financial accounts.
• Architect (Arquitecto): A person who designs buildings.
• Astronomer (Astrónomo): A person who studies the moon, planets, stars, and the universe.
• Bricklayer (Albañil): A person trained or skilled in laying bricks.
• Butcher (Carnicero): One who kills animals and prepares the meat for food.
• Carpenter (Carpintero): A person who practices carpentry.
• Designer (Diseñador/a): A person whose job is to plan the form or structure of something.
• Dustman / Refuse Collector (Basurero): A person whose job is to collect domestic refuse.
• Engineer (Ingeniero/a): A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.
• Factory Worker

Exam Review

Class #1: That's Entertainment!

"That's Entertainment!" – a 1974 film that got me hooked on the movies.

Brief background on the studio system: MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Columbia.

"Boy, do we need it now" was the slogan during the Vietnam War and Watergate.

It was the 50^th anniversary of MGM.

Road Show Picture: overtures, intermission, souvenir program.

Musical film: an original American art form.

"La La Land" drew inspiration from "Begin the Beguine," "Dancing in the Dark," and "American in Paris Ballet."

An era when movie stars could be singers and dancers, such as Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Judy Garland.

Esther Williams starred in "Aqua Musicals."

Blackface: an outgrowth of Minstrel Shows – more later.

Lena Horne and... Continue reading "Classic Hollywood Cinema: Musicals and Comedians" »

The fin-de-siècle:

It’s a period of English history which refers to the end of the 19^th Century until 1901.

Queen Victoria was crowned in 1837 and during the Victorian Age, England was a Country where repression was a common thing in everyday life. Repression against Homosexuality and sex in general was forbidden in literature and theatre.

In the Fin-de-siècle, which is a period which belongs to the Age of Modernism, there Is a reaction or rejection to Victorian values and they start to criticize the Repression and the Industrial world. (Aestheticism/Symbolism)

A very Important thing in the fin-de-siècle are the utopian works. The word utopia is Divided in two words u → no and topia → where. So one of the most important works of this period... Continue reading "caca" »

Filming

Continuity: ensuring that the details of a scene (e.g. hair style and length, clothing details, prop positions) match and make sense when moving from one shot to another.