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

Foundations of Governance and Colonial Conflict

1. Constitutional Basis of Government

In a modern democracy, a constitution sets forth the basic rules and procedures for how the people shall be governed, including the powers and structure of the government.

2. The British Constitution

The British constitution is comprised of a series of documents that developed over time instead of a single document.

3. Rights of British Subjects

By the late eighteenth century, British subjects believed that the British constitution guaranteed them certain rights, including the right to be tried by a jury of their peers and the right not to be taxed without their consent.

4. The Stamp Act of 1765

The Stamp Act of 1765 established a tax on virtually all forms of paper... Continue reading "Foundations of American Governance and Colonial Resistance" »

Key Considerations for Strategic Partner Selection

1. Compatibility of Goals

2. Complementarity of Resources

3. Cooperative Culture

4. Commitment

5. Capability

Resource Complementarity

• The extent to which one party’s contributed resources are complementary to the other party’s resources, resulting in synergies pursued by both.
• The greater the resource complementarity between foreign and local parents, the higher the new value added owing to superior integration of complementary resources pooled by different parents.
• Resource complementarity also reduces governance and coordination costs and improves the learning curve.

Cooperative Culture

Cooperative culture concerns the extent to which each party’s corporate culture is compatible, thus leading... Continue reading "Strategic Partner Selection: Key Business Considerations" »

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" »

Assessment Codes

B, D, D, A, C, B, D, D, A, B

Globalization and American Values

Colonial Globalization and Free Trade

Colonial globalization promotes American values through free trade. It represents the dark side of free trade in colonial history, where capitalist countries consistently seek cheap labor and control over resources.

Key Concepts in Media and Entertainment

The Paramount Decision

The Paramount Decision was a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandated film studios sell their theater chains, regulating vertical integration within the industry.

Synergy in Entertainment

Synergy refers to the vertical and horizontal integration of entertainment companies and the products they market. For example, Pepsi's involvement in various entertainment ventures.... Continue reading "The Global Reach of American Culture: Media, Trade, and Societal Impact" »

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.

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,