Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Leavisite Critique of Mass Culture

The Pre-Industrial Ideal vs. Mass Civilization

The Leavises argued that everything was different prior to the Industrial Revolution. As an example, the world of Shakespeare's contemporaries was one that boasted an organic, vital, common culture; the Industrial Revolution was seen as shattering the unity of this healthy organic, common culture. Mass civilization was characterized by increasing commercialism and declining standards. So, the Leavises associated the consumption of mass culture with passive diversion.

Consequences of Industrial Culture

There were, according to the Leavises, important consequences for the definition of culture. Given the worst effects of industrial culture, there was a need for society... Continue reading "Leavisite Critique of Mass Culture and Cultural Standards" »

1. Semantics: Semantics is the study of decontextualized meaning communicated through language. It concentrates on words, phrases, and sentences.

Three main challenges in semantics are circularity, context, and the status of linguistic knowledge.

2. Semiotics: Semiotics is the study of the use of sign systems. Ferdinand de Saussure is one of the most important semioticians.

3. Icon, Index, and Symbol: C. S. Peirce made a basic distinction between icon, index, and symbol.

• An icon is where there is a similarity between a sign and what it represents; a photograph is a good example as it resembles whatever it depicts.
• An index is when the sign is closely associated with a signified, often in a causal relationship; thus, smoke is an index of fire.
• A symbol

Transcendentalism: An Overview

Transcendentalism emerged as a significant religious, philosophical, and literary movement in New England during the 1830s, reaching its peak in the 1840s and 1850s. Although key figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Amos Bronson Alcott lived well into the 1880s, the movement's initial energy declined around 1860.

Transcendentalism encompassed complex and often mystical ideas that defied easy categorization. Even within the movement, there were significant differences in focus and interpretation among its adherents.

Defining Transcendentalism

Henry David Thoreau, a prominent Transcendentalist, highlighted the difficulty of defining the movement in his journal entry on March 5, 1853. He noted that Transcendentalism... Continue reading "Understanding Transcendentalism: History, Beliefs, and Key Figures" »

This photo captures a battalion of thousands of Maori performing the Haka, a traditional dance used before entering battle. Initially, European wars held little interest for them as they seemed inconsequential to their lives. However, their perspective shifted during World War II. They saw participation as a political strategy to claim their independence. The Maori, part of New Zealand, sought respect alongside the Pakeha (non-Maori New Zealanders).

The Maori presence in New Zealand predates the arrival of European explorers, leading to numerous conflicts with white emigrants known as the Land Wars, which spanned many years. World War II presented an opportunity, despite Britain's distance, as they believed it would later benefit their pursuit... Continue reading "Maori Warriors: WWII, Haka, and the Fight for Equality" »

Contesting Cultures: Westernization (Uma Narayan)

Defining Third World Feminism

• A "Third World feminist" refers to anyone who has acquired feminist views and engages in feminist politics in Third World countries.
• It can also refer to any feminist concerned with Third World issues.
• Some feminists from communities of color identify themselves as Third World feminists.
• The author, Uma Narayan, identifies herself as one, as she is an Indian woman living in the US.
• Feminist ideals endorsed by Third World feminists are not necessarily adopted from Western cultures.

About the Author

Uma Narayan is a feminist scholar and professor of philosophy at Vassar College. She analyzes the relationship between Third World feminism and the West, defending it against... Continue reading "Uma Narayan: Third World Feminism & Westernization Critique" »

Discourse Analysis

The Study of Discourse

Discourse can be described as a form of verbal interaction encompassing three main dimensions: language use, communication of beliefs (cognition), and interaction in social situations. Discourse studies provide systematic descriptions of these dimensions and formulate theories explaining their relationships. These studies also examine the properties of text and talk within their respective contexts.

Challenges in Discourse Studies

• Ambiguity of the definition: Differentiating between the abstract and specific uses of "discourse" is crucial.
• Delimiting discourses sometimes requires theoretical notions and considerations of the communicative context.

Discourse as Social Action and Interaction

Discourse can... Continue reading "Discourse Analysis: Language, Cognition, and Society" »

Understanding International Relations

International relations refers to interactions where the primary subjects are states, and the issues involved directly affect their national interests. Today, other significant social agents, such as multinational companies, also play a crucial role in international relations.

Key Characteristics of International Relations

• Diversification: International relations are implemented across a wide range of fields, promoting the establishment of institutions to address global problems.
• Globalization: This phenomenon impacts a larger number of states and other social agents, requiring them to confront global challenges and coordinate global interests worldwide.
• Institutionalization: International relations possess

What can be done to protect the environment and reduce global warming?

One of the most serious problems for humanity in recent years has been the search for a solution to environmental pollution and global warming.

I think that, although most manufacturers of products related to plastics are trying to stop the damage we do to our planet by developing environmentally-friendly activities, it's not enough for a real change.

The main guilty of this situation are the politicians because they should set standards for the manufacture of plastics and find other materials more eco-friendly to substitute it, for example. This would work because everyone would feel obligated to comply.

Many people argue that we're all guilty but what they don't realise is... Continue reading "Protecting the Environment and Reducing Global Warming" »

Communication in Early Childhood Education

Body Language

(Ribas Antuña: 2011) Body language is specifically mentioned in the Infant Curriculum. When learning a foreign language, our body is essential. Images and realia materials are extremely important in the teaching-learning process. Our body, one of the main elements of non-verbal communication, is also a means to make our pupils conscious of shapes, spaces, and objects. Pointing out is absolutely important. By using our body without speaking, students can make associations between English names and objects, parts of the body, etc. Our body is also a means and a tool for dramatization activities.

Verbal Communication

• Set of signs
• Oral or written communication in its multiple forms
• Convention