Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Other courses

The Russian Revolution and the Rise of the USSR

• 1904–1905: Russo-Japanese War – Russia defeated; weakness of Tsarism exposed.
• 1905: Bloody Sunday – Peaceful protest crushed; break between Tsar and people.
• 1905: First Soviets created and Duma established (limited reforms).
• 1914: World War I – Economic collapse and military defeats.
• Feb 1917: February Revolution – "Peace, Bread and Land" strikes; Tsar Nicholas II abdicates.
• 1917: Provisional Government – Dual power with Soviets.
• April 1917: April Theses – Lenin calls for "All power to the Soviets."
• Oct 24–25, 1917: October Revolution – Bolsheviks seize Winter Palace; Kerensky overthrown.
• Oct 1917: Sovnarkom formed – Lenin introduces Peace Decree, Land Decree, nationalization, equality

Formal Letter Writing Template

Opening: Dear [Sir/Madam / Name / Title],

I am writing to [reason for writing: complain about / ask for / give my opinion on / thank you for / inform you about] [topic]. I hope you will understand my situation.

Paragraph 1: Context and Situation

First of all, I would like to explain the situation. [Brief background: what happened / where / when / your role]. At that time, I felt [emotion: confused, disappointed, grateful, worried, etc.], because [reason].

Paragraph 2: Details and Problem Analysis

In addition, I would like to mention that [specific example or problem]. For example, [what exactly happened]. As a result, [consequence for you: I lost time / I felt uncomfortable / it helped me a lot, etc.].

Paragraph 3: Request,

Collision theory 

- In order for a successful collision to occur, they must collide with the right amount of energy, and in the right orientation

       - Not all collisions are effective, only those that meet the minimum activation energy are effective

- The reaction rate also depends on how frequently reactant molecules collide

        - By colliding more often, reactant particles have more opportunities to undergo effective collisions

INCREASE CONCENTRATION OF REACTANTS: 

- More Particles, More Collisions: Higher concentration means more reactant molecules packed into the same volume.

- Increased Frequency: With more particles, the number of collisions occurring per second goes up significantly.

- More Successful Collisions: A greater... Continue reading "Temperature remains unchanged or decreases slightly as altitude is increased?" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

Unit 1: Foundations of Political Theory

Political theory studies the ideas, values, and principles that influence human action in society. The twentieth century was marked by scientific and technological development and by powerful ideologies such as totalitarianism, nationalism, and racism.

Ethics is defined as the systematic study of human relations and the values that guide our decisions. To understand politics, we must first understand moral ideals.

The Platonic ideal claims that there are universal and objective moral truths. Modern thought questions this idea by emphasizing historical change and moral pluralism.

Social Contract Theorists

• Thomas Hobbes: Describes the state of nature as a condition of permanent insecurity and potential conflict.

Experiment No. 1: Normal Consistency of Cement

Objective

To determine the normal consistency of a given sample of cement.

Apparatus

• Vicat apparatus (conforming to IS: 5513-1976)
• Balance
• Gauging trowel
• Stopwatch

Theory

To determine the initial setting time, final setting time, soundness, and strength of cement, a parameter known as standard consistency must be used. The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as the consistency that permits a Vicat plunger (10 mm diameter and 50 mm length) to penetrate to a depth of 33–35 mm from the top of the mould.

Procedure

1. The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as the consistency that permits the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould.
2. Initially,