Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Baccalaureate

Alternative Models of Behavior

_(1.2)

Money Matters

• Reductionist and simplistic model: “Everything and everyone has a price” – the “economic model” is richer and more subtle than this.
• The only component of a job is monetary compensation.
• Therefore, anyone can get anybody to do anything for sufficiently high compensation; the economic model cannot guarantee that! (Easy job life and poor results)

Happy-Is-Productive

• Employee satisfaction and happiness is not a means in itself but rather instrumental to firms’ goals.
• It is the view of managers who believe that “happy employees are more productive”.
• In this way of thinking, employees exert higher effort and dedication in the job not when they are better paid, but when they feel better treated.

1.1 Theatre Music

Theatre music is the music used to accompany a performance, whether for the theatre, opera, or any other stage production. It sets the scene and transmits sensations that differ according to the scenes it represents.

Historical Background

Theatrical performances, the ancestors of opera, were not always held in theatres. Their development continuously offered more theatrical and musical possibilities.

1.2 The Birth of Opera

The origin of opera can be found in the Camerata Fiorentina, which began in Florence, Italy, at the end of the 16th century. It was a group of poets, musicians, singers, and cultured nobles who met to discuss music. The Camerata decided to emulate the Greek classics; they chose a mythological topic, wrote the... Continue reading "The Evolution of Theatre Music and Opera History" »

Reported Speech Grammar and Tense Changes

• Present Simple: "I like ice cream." — She said (that) she liked ice cream.
• Present Continuous: "I am living in London." — She said she was living in London.
• Past Simple: "I bought a car." — She said that she had bought a car / She said she bought a car.
• Past Continuous: "I was walking along the street." — She said she had been walking along the street.
• Present Perfect: "I haven't seen Julie." — She said she hadn't seen Julie.
• Past Perfect: "I had taken English lessons before." — She said she had taken English lessons before.
• Will: "I will see you later." — She said she would see me later.
• Would: "I would help, but..." — She said she would help but...
• Can: "I can speak perfect English." — She

Urgent Call to Protect Our Environment

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to address a significant issue: our environment is being damaged every day. If we take collective action, we can ensure a cleaner planet for everyone.

The Current State of Environmental Pollution

First, I would like to highlight the primary sources of environmental degradation:

• Car fumes and vehicle emissions.
• Industrial smoke from factories.
• Toxic waste dumped into our rivers.
• The large amount of rubbish accumulating in our communities.

Proposed Solutions for a Sustainable Future

To change this trajectory, we must raise awareness and collaborate. We should:

• Recycle all waste effectively.
• Reduce driving by choosing to walk or cycle, which prevents air pollution.
• Avoid smoking to protect

Key Events of WW2

1939 September → Invasion of Poland (Trigger event)

1940 June → Germany invades France and defeats her in six weeks

1941 June - December → OPERATION BARBAROSSA

- Germany invades Russia. It is the largest military operation in history

1941 December → PEARL HARBOR

- Japan attacks on Pearl Harbor

1942 June → Battle of Midway

- The US Navy defeats the Japanese Navy.

1943 February → Stalingrad

- The German army surrenders at Stalingrad. One of the bloodiest battles, Hitler suffers a major defeat.

1944 June → Operation Overlord

- The Allies launch the largest assault in history on Normandy

1945 August → Hiroshima and Nagasaki

- The USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 200.000 killing. Japan announces its surrenders.... Continue reading "Key Events, Causes, and Consequences of World War II" »

The Reign of George I and the Whig Supremacy

During the era of the Early Hanoverians, George I faced significant opposition in Parliament between the Tories and the Whigs. Ultimately, the Whigs became the dominant political force. The first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, promoted trade, opposed war and military expenses, and sought to reduce taxes.

This period is considered a Golden Age because political debate extended to an intellectual elite. Politics became subject to the wit and satire of authors like Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. The liberal philosophy of John Locke and the rise of coffee houses provided new ways to share cultural ideas through periodical pamphlets. During this time, a new religious movement emerged: Methodism (... Continue reading "The Early Hanoverians and the British Golden Age" »

Conception of the Corporation

Legal fiction: nexus of contracts; pool of capital. // Legal entity: social and economic organism; purposeful organization.

Origins of the Corporation

Private agreement among property owners to pool and increase capital. // Created by lawmakers to encourage investment in long-term, large-scale projects needed by society.

Functions of the Corporation

Maximize wealth for shareholders. // Provide goods and services; provide employment; create opportunities for investment; drive innovation.

Responsibilities to Society

None (fictional entities can’t have responsibilities). // Fulfill business purpose and act as a good corporate citizen.

Ethical Standards

Unclear: whatever shareholders want, or obey law and avoid fraud or collusion.... Continue reading "The Corporation: Origins, Functions, and Responsibilities" »