Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems

T1: What are the Social Sciences (SSCC)?

The Social Sciences are a group of disciplines that study human beings in their social dimension. Their main objective is to understand how people live together, organize societies, create cultures, and establish social, political, and economic relations.

Social Sciences are considered an umbrella term, as they include different disciplines that analyze social reality from various perspectives. They focus on the relationship between the individual and society, not on the individual in isolation. It is important to distinguish Social Sciences from the Humanities, which focus on philosophical and artistic thought, and from Social Studies, an educational field that integrates content from different Social... Continue reading "Social Sciences Teaching: Curriculum, Methods and Cultural Heritage" »

Differentiation in Language Learning

Differentiation occurs when one category in the L1 corresponds to two or more categories in the L2. For example, English has one verb "to know," but Catalan differentiates this meaning into two verbs: saber and conèixer. An English speaker learning Catalan must learn to distinguish between these two verbs where English has only one. For this reason, differentiation is considered the most difficult category in the learning hierarchy.

Working Memory and Language Acquisition

Working Memory (WM) is a limited cognitive system that temporarily stores and processes information at the same time. In Second Language Acquisition (SLA), it allows learners to hold linguistic information in mind while understanding, comparing,... Continue reading "Key Concepts in Second Language Acquisition and Cognition" »

Common Logical Fallacies in Argumentation

1. Ad Baculum (Appeal to Force)

This fallacy replaces logical reasoning with intimidation or coercion. Instead of offering evidence, the speaker uses a threat—physical, social, or economic—to compel agreement.

Example: “Approve this project or you will lose your position.” It violates rational debate because persuasion under threat does not prove correctness.

2. Ad Verecundiam (Appeal to Authority)

This fallacy incorrectly bases truth on an authority's statement without evaluating evidence. While expert opinions can inform arguments, they do not replace proof.

Example: “A famous athlete uses this supplement, so it must be safe.”

3. Ambiguity Fallacy

Occurs when vague, double-meaning, or undefined... Continue reading "Common Logical Fallacies: Identification and Analysis" »

Introduction to Cat’s Eye

In Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood, the narrator reflects on a childhood experience that deeply shaped her understanding of herself and others. Through her memories, Atwood examines how quiet cruelty and emotional manipulation can affect a person over time. As the story progresses, the narrator’s perspective shifts, revealing her growth from confusion and passivity into awareness and reflection.

Thesis Statement

In Cat’s Eye, the narrator evolves from a passive and uncertain child into a self-aware and reflective adult as she comes to understand the emotional harm she experienced.

Initial Characterization

At the beginning of the story, the narrator is portrayed as quiet, compliant, and eager to belong. She does not... Continue reading "Character Development and Emotional Growth in Cat’s Eye" »

The IMC Strategic Process in Public Relations

The Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach ensures coherence between what an organization does and what it says. In Public Relations, IMC functions as a strategic blueprint for building reputation, credibility, and legitimacy, ensuring that communication is aligned with real organizational behavior.

The 10-Step Strategic Framework

Situation Analysis (SWOT)

• Theory: Analysis of internal and external environments to identify reputational risks, ethical pressures, and opportunities.

• PR Significance: Decisions must be grounded in real data rather than assumptions to avoid legitimacy and trust issues.

Define the PR Problem & Challenge

• Theory: Identification of negative perceptions and their connection

The IMC Strategic Process in PR

The Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach ensures that "what the company does" matches "what the company says." In PR, this is the blueprint for building reputation and legitimacy.

The 10-Step Strategic Framework

1. Situation Analysis (SWOT)

Theory: Analyzing internal/external environments to identify reputational risks and ethical pressures.

PR Significance: Actions must be based on real risks, not assumptions, to prevent legitimacy problems.

2. Define the PR Problem & Challenge

Theory: Identifying how the company is perceived negatively and linking it to ethics.

PR Significance: A clear problem definition acts as a "north star" for all communication decisions.

3. Set SMART Objectives

Theory: Goals must... Continue reading "IMC Strategic Process for Public Relations Success" »

Fundamentals of Software Testing

Imagine you buy a new remote-control car. Before playing with it, you check if it moves forward, turns left or right, and stops when you press stop. If something doesn’t work, you fix it before giving it to someone. Software Testing is exactly this, but instead of a toy, we check software (apps, websites, programs). It is the process of checking software to find errors (bugs) and to make sure it works correctly according to user requirements.

Objectives of Software Testing

• To find bugs: Like finding holes in a bucket before filling it with water.
• To check correctness: Making sure the output is right, not wrong.
• To improve quality: Better software leads to happy users.
• To ensure reliability: Software should not crash

White-Collar Crime: Definition and Context

White-collar crime cannot be understood only by looking at the illegal act. It refers to crimes committed from positions of social and economic power, usually within organizational or corporate contexts. What defines these crimes is not only illegality, but the status of the offender, their access to power, and the abuse of trust and authority involved. According to Sutherland, white-collar crime differs from street crime because it is embedded in legitimate institutions.

Survival-Based Crime vs Elite Crime

The main difference between survival-based crime and elite crime lies in motivation. Survival-based crime is motivated by necessity or subsistence, while elite crime is motivated by profit, advantage,

Why Barcelona Changed Its Image

Why has Barcelona changed its image in recent years? In recent years, Barcelona's branding has slowly changed, mainly because the old tourist image started to cause problems.

In the past, Barcelona was mostly known for tourism, beaches and nightlife. This image attracted many visitors and became very popular. However, over time the negative effects of mass tourism began to accumulate. For many people from the working and middle classes, the city started to focus more on visitors with a premium price tag.

From Tourism to a More Realistic City Image

Because of this, the city decided to change its image. Nowadays, Barcelona tries to show a more realistic side. Recent campaigns focus more on local neighbourhoods, culture... Continue reading "Barcelona Rebrands: From Tourism to Local Life and Events" »