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

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" »

Rustow's Definition of Democracy

For Rustow, democracy is fundamentally about the way decisions are made. Considering its genesis, Rustow thinks differently from modernization theorists, arguing that democracy generates democratic education and behavior as a consequence of its institutions and procedures. These provide a certain education and lifestyle to society. Democracy is viewed as a learning process and a problem-solving device. It is not about values or moral standards, but rather a set of rules and instruments for comfortable coexistence. As Rustow states, “Democracy is a matter of procedure and not substance.” This is why we embrace and apply it, not because human beings are born tolerant, egalitarian, or similar. Without a democratic... Continue reading "Rustow's Theory of Democratic Development" »

Defining Globalization

Globalization is widely considered the dominant paradigm today. However, the term holds different meanings for different people. Some view it as another word for 'Westernization,' referring to the spread of Western culture worldwide. Others interpret it as internationalization, leading to a homogenization of global culture.

Scholarly Definitions of Globalization

• The spread of transplanetary connections between people.
• A fundamental shift in the nature of social space, encompassing markets, emotions, ideals, music, and more.

Historical Development of Globalization

• The European discovery of America.
• Magellan and Elcano's circumnavigation of the globe.
• The era of European imperialism.

Key Period: 1870-WWI

• Rapid industrialization,

The teaching of "Media" should be based on the creation of critical social thought. The purpose of education should be to prepare people to participate in society, providing them with tools and resources to develop their own critical social thought. We need to provide the resources to know how to, and to want to, make social decisions, resolve day-to-day problems, and exercise their role consciously, constructively, and responsibly. Citizen awareness and commitment to the world we live in should be encouraged, starting with awareness between science and social problems, and the correlation between the decisions of individuals on the group as a whole.

The Critical Model

• Objectives: Teaching a critical thought approach, thoughtful and committed

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Cost-effectiveness analysis ranks policies based on their costs for achieving a defined objective. This analysis is implemented when there is no reasonable consensus on how the relevant costs and benefits can be evaluated. Cost-effectiveness doesn’t evaluate the worthiness of a project based on its benefits relative to costs; instead, it takes some outcome or goal as given and evaluates the efficiency of the various options for achieving it. For example, if policymakers decide to reduce CO2 emissions by 10%, there would be many ways of achieving this goal.

Institutions in Public Policy

Institutions are the laws, organizations, and unwritten rules that make public policy possible. Groups ranging from a handful of homeowners... Continue reading "Public Policy: Cost-Effectiveness, Institutions, and Entities" »

Types of Employers, Introduction to Competencies, Skills Versus Competencies

Some years ago, when executives and managers began to realize that employees' skills were not the only factor determining their success, they started to use competencies. Competencies are a concept taken on board by human resource departments to measure a person's appropriateness for a particular job.

What is a Competency?

In simple terms, a competency is a tool that an individual can use in order to demonstrate a high standard of performance. Most organizations recognize two main groups and then have numerous subgroups into which competencies can be further divided.

Competencies in the Business World

There has been a lot written about competencies. It is easy to see how... Continue reading "Understanding Competencies in the Professional World" »

Over Half of Europe’s Amphibians Face Extinction by 2050

1. Due to the effects.
2. Because the effects of viruses.
3. They are very pessimistic.
4. Amphibians are essential to.
5. When the effects are more.
6. The extinction of many amphibians.
7. Because planet warming will.
8. To reduce gas emissions and to encourage.

Svalbard: The Land Beyond the North Cape

1. Between Norway and the North Pole.
2. The name means “cold coast” in Norse.
3. Probably Norse sailors.
4. Svalbard became Norwegian.
5. By boat.
6. 12º C below zero.
7. Because of the Polar night there.
8. Bears are known to hunt humans.

Arranged Marriages

1. Are usual in Asian countries.
2. To assist people in finding their ideal.
3. Are ready to be married if they.
4. To be as compatible.
5. Origin.
6. Can count on their relatives.
7. Are often prejudiced against.
8. Try

Liberalism and Individual Rights

• Civil liberties (right to life, to freedom, to private property, as well as all the rights that arise from these: honour, religious freedom, right of assembly and association...)
• Market freedom, by understanding economic freedom as the foundation

Homelessness

-homelessness: We currently live in a world where politicians are corrupt, where women do not charge the same as men and where millions of families are taken from their homes for not being able to pay them, that is, we live in an unjust and cruel world and for that reason, In my opinion, we should try to change it.

For start,he problem presented by this image is a social-economic problem. Perhaps, the man is in the street without a home because he does not have a job and because of that, he can not pay for a house and food and for this reason, he asks for money This lack of money may be due to a crisis, how Spain suffered in 2008.

Secondly, the homeless are people who have nothing and for that reason, we should help them, because... Continue reading "Social and Economic Issues: Homelessness and Work Discrimination" »