Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems

The Suburbs

In the 20th century, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s, urban growth led to the creation of vast suburban outskirts adjacent to historical cities. These areas were subject to characteristic zoning laws that segregated them into residential, industrial, and service-sector zones.

Residential Zones

Residential zones vary based on residents' buying power, resulting in social segregation: slums for disadvantaged or marginalized groups; tower block neighborhoods of varying sizes and qualities for the middle and lower classes; and exclusive single-family housing developments for the upper classes.

Industrial Zones

Industrial zones house factories that have relocated from city centers, as well as new industries seeking lower land prices... Continue reading "Suburbanization: Urban Growth and the Creation of Rural-Urban Areas" »

Lamarck: The Evolution of Giraffes

1. The ancestors of giraffes had shorter necks and legs than nowadays.
2. As giraffes tried to reach the leaves on the top branches of the trees, their necks and legs grew.
3. Offspring inherited these characteristics.

Darwin: Natural Selection and Giraffe Evolution

1. Giraffes originally had some variation in the length of their necks and legs.
2. Natural selection favored the giraffes with longer necks and legs, leading to increased offspring.
3. As a result, the number of giraffes with long necks and legs increased.

Amniocentesis: Prenatal Genetic Anomaly Detection

Amniocentesis is a technique used in prenatal diagnosis to search for possible genetic anomalies. It involves extracting a sample of amniotic fluid and studying the fetal... Continue reading "Evolution of Giraffes and Human Ancestors: Lamarck vs Darwin" »

The Debate on Video Games and Adolescent Development

Many people think that video games have negative effects on adolescents and they should be limited. They say that video games are a distraction from their chores. However, others think they are necessary. The question is, should parents limit the time of play video games or ban it?

Positive Effects of Video Games

On the one hand, others believe that video games are essential in this time, as they help develop qualities such as improving English skills, playing in other languages, and increasing mental speed. Video games also act as a communication bridge with other countries and cultures, as well as a form of entertainment.

Negative Effects of Video Games

On the other hand, video games also have... Continue reading "The Debate on Video Games and Sexual Education" »

Audition 1: Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

Work and Composer

Symphony No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven. He was born on December 16, 1770, and died on March 26, 1827.

Genre

Instrumental and secular because it is a symphony.

Style

Between Classicism and a middle period called the Heroic Period.

Texture

Counterpoint: Musical phrases develop independently of one another.

Movement

Allegro

Rhythm

Short figures (predominantly)

Timbre

Orchestra with brass and percussion

Character

Nervous, intriguing

Context

To be filled with a mysterious story.

Text

No text can be found as it is an instrumental work.

Audition 2: Dvorak's New World Symphony

Work and Composer

New World Symphony by Antonin Dvorak. He was born on September 8, 1841, and died on May 1, 1904.

Genre

Instrumental and secular... Continue reading "Classical Music Analysis: Beethoven, Dvorak, Verdi, Vives" »

Financial Analysis Techniques

Sensitivity Analysis

• Considers changes in variables, only one change in each simulation.
• Provides a tool to answer “what if” questions.
• By comparing changes in different variables, we can assess project risks and make decisions accordingly.

Scenario Analysis

• Considers changes in two or more variables simultaneously.
• Allows consideration of the best and worst-case scenarios.
• Requires a large number of simulations.
• By comparing different scenarios, we can assess project risks.

Break-Even Analysis

• The Break-Even point is the level of sales that offsets all costs.
• It can be calculated in terms of profit or cash flow.
• It must assume a certain sales mix if the product contributions are different.

Monte Carlo Simulation

• Statistical

The Reality of Being an Influencer

Many people think that being an influencer is a very appealing career path. They imagine gaining widespread recognition, receiving free products, and traveling frequently. However, others hold a different view, arguing that it isn't a 'real' job and doesn't offer the financial stability of traditional employment.

Advantages of Being an Influencer

Firstly, let's consider the advantages. A key aspect is the ability to influence a large audience regarding topics you are knowledgeable or passionate about. Influencers can also serve as a valuable resource for consumers, helping them make purchasing decisions.

Disadvantages and Challenges

The disadvantages also play a vital role in understanding this profession. Many... Continue reading "The Influencer Phenomenon: Advantages, Drawbacks & Vocabulary" »

Classical Music

Transformation from the Early Modern Period to the Contemporary Age

Music between 1730 and 1820

The Rest of the Arts

Neo-classicism. 18th Century: The Age of Enlightenment. Music started to get closer to private houses and public concerts.

Classical Composers

• Liberal artists
• Wanted to reach out to new audiences
• Music: human, natural, pleasant for everyone
• Predominated formal clarity and melodic simplicity

Secular Vocal Music

• Most important: Classical Opera
• Opera underwent a change during the Classicism, which made it tend towards naturalness. It eliminates the excess of the Baroque and took the plots and the characters closer to the new audience.
• Opera Seria: Most important composer C.W. Gluck, who laid the foundation of the new opera in

The Olympic Games

The Olympic Games are an international sporting event celebrated every four years. They are organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). All countries are invited to participate under two flags: their national flag and the Olympic flag, which is composed of five interconnected rings of different colors. Each ring represents one of the five continents.

Historical Periods

The Games are historically divided into two periods:

• The Ancient Olympic Games (776 BC - 393 AD)
• The Modern Olympic Games (1896 to present)

The Ancient Olympic Games

The Ancient Games were celebrated in Olympia, located on a Greek island called "Katakolon." To participate, athletes needed to meet three requirements:

1. Be Greek
2. Be a man (women were not allowed

Population

Population is the number of people who inhabit a particular place. Population is influenced by physical environment, settlement patterns, economic activities, and the history of an area.

Before the 19th Century

• Climate changes around 10,000 years ago led to the Neolithic Revolution. As agriculture developed and population became more sedentary, towns and cities were established. Population grew slowly because it was dependent on the resources available.
• Wars, epidemics, and large-scale migration also either limited or promoted population growth. In the first century A.D. the world population was about 256 million. It increased until the Black Death of 1342. By the mid-17th century, the world population surpassed 500 million, and in 1800

The NAACP's Fight Against Lynching

Introduction

During the 1930s, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) fought tirelessly to pass anti-lynching bills in the United States. However, their efforts were met with fierce resistance from Southern Democrats, who used a variety of tactics to ensure the defeat of these bills.

The New Deal and Civil Rights

The New Deal, a series of economic and social reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, brought about significant political, social, and economic changes in the United States. However, African Americans were still not treated equally. New Deal agencies failed to provide work and welfare support for African Americans, and the main culprits were Southern Democrats... Continue reading "The NAACP's Fight Against Lynching: Obstacles and Setbacks" »