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

M12/3/GEOGR/BP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Greenhouse Gases and Earth's Temperature

Explain the relationship between atmospheric greenhouse gases and the temperature of the Earth’s surface.

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, and tropospheric ozone, play a crucial role in regulating Earth's surface temperature. These gases trap outgoing terrestrial (long-wave) radiation, while allowing incoming solar (short-wave) radiation to pass through. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, warms the Earth's surface.

Ecological Footprint Analysis

a) Definition of Ecological Footprint

An ecological footprint measures the amount of land and water required by a population to produce the resources it consumes and absorb its... Continue reading "Global Perspectives: Population, Resources, and Environmental Change" »

Extreme Sports: Balancing Thrills and Safety

Extreme sports are leisure or professional activities that involve some level of risk. Many people find them fun and challenging, while others consider them dangerous. If well-controlled and regulated, these activities can be both enjoyable and healthy.

Ensuring Safety and Minimizing Risks

When extreme sports are legal and their safety measures are thoroughly checked, the probability of accidents is significantly reduced. This allows enthusiasts to participate without undue fear.

Benefits for Physical and Mental Well-being

Extreme sports can be an excellent way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. The adrenaline rush they provide can also contribute positively to psychological health.

Overall Benefits

The empirical research of Pettigrew and Whipp

In a series of research studies between 1985 and 1990, the UK-based researchers Pettigrew and Whipp analysed how strategic change occurred in four sectors of UK industry. Their evidence did not extend beyond the UK but their conclusions are likely to be applicable to other geographic areas. They suggested that strategic change can most usefully be seen as a continuous process, rather than one with distinct stages, such as the formulation of strategy and then its implementation. In this sense, they argued that strategy was not a linear movement with discrete stages but an experimental, iterative process where the outcomes of each stage were uncertain. A first small step might be actioned and then... Continue reading "Strategic Change and Implementation: Research Insights" »

Qualities of Time

Irreversibility

Time cannot go backward. Once something has happened, it cannot be undone.

Inseparability from Space

Everything happens in a particular time and space. These two concepts are inseparable.

Relativity

Time is relative, depending on the observer or the circumstances (subjective).

Multiplicity

Each discipline or science analyzes time from a different perspective.

Essential Competences in Education

Besides Civic competence, our teaching unit prioritizes self-reflection and awareness of relevant social problems to improve society and foster active participation and citizenship. We will assess the following basic competences:

Transversal Competences

Communicative and Linguistic Competence

Students should be able to communicate... Continue reading "Time and Essential Competences in Education" »

Understanding Key Social Concepts

Ideologies and Economic Systems

Sexism

Sexism refers to the ideology that one sex is superior to the other, often leading to unequal treatment and discrimination.

Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, accumulation of capital, and profit-driven markets.

Social Inequality and Deviance

Discrimination

Discrimination involves the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or social class.

Labeling Theory

Labeling theory posits that individuals may adopt deviant identities when labeled as such by others, regardless of their actual behavior.

Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism emphasizes understanding... Continue reading "Understanding Social Concepts: From Sexism to Transnational Crime" »

Congresses Cons. Powers: Treaty Making, Appointment Powers, War Powers, Commerce Powers.

Theories of representation, including ethnicity - Stuart Hall 

Thomas More's Utopia (1516)

The Concept of Utopia

Utopia explores the idea of a perfect society, a concept that, by definition, cannot be achieved in reality. Moore coined the term "utopia" to describe this ideal.

Social Criticism and the Emerging State

The book applies reason to social criticism and examines the emerging state. The first half of Utopia describes an unjust society grappling with issues like enclosure, monetary policy, and rural emigration (dissolution of feudal mores). These problems, prevalent for generations, reflect the challenges faced by English society at the time.

Zeitgeist and Dystopias

Zeitgeist, or spirit of the time, refers to the dominant assumptions shaping a particular era. In the context of Utopia, it encompasses the... Continue reading "Thomas More's Utopia: A Renaissance Ideal of Society" »

1. Journalism as Modern Cartography

Guiding Citizens Through Society

Journalism acts as a modern form of cartography, creating pathways and bridges that help citizens navigate the complexities of society. It provides a map for understanding current events, issues, and diverse perspectives.

2. The Responsibility of News Providers

A Duty Beyond Personal Opinions

The importance of news comes with a significant responsibility for those who provide it. Journalists have a duty to present information accurately and objectively, going beyond personal opinions or biases.

3. Defining Journalism and the Role of a Journalist

Beyond Simple Questions

Instead of asking "What does a journalist do?", we should delve deeper into the core principles and purpose of journalism.... Continue reading "Understanding Journalism: Roles, Responsibilities, and the Pursuit of Truth" »