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

1. Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism, and Communism Explained

Conservatism (1815-1860)

• Conservatism is a political and social philosophy promoting traditional social institutions in the context of culture and civilization. The central tenets of conservatism include tradition, human imperfection, organic solidarity, hierarchy, authority, and property rights.
• Human beings are better off when guided and sheltered by authority.
• It is opposed to the ideals of Liberalism and Socialism.
• Highest goods: stability, security, order.
• Free individuals are willing to sin.
• Enemy: those seeking freedom from tradition.
• Social stability requires physical force.
• During the Continental System, France demanded money and men from dependent countries in Europe. Europeans

How Does the State Participate in the Economy?

United States of America

The State does not participate in regulating the market and economy. For example, in the USA, there is no minimum salary approved by law or severance pay if someone is dismissed.

Sweden

The State participates in regulating the basic economic and labor issues. For example, there is a minimum salary approved by law and severance pay if you are dismissed.

Cuba

The State regulates nearly all aspects that affect citizens, such as salaries and the prices of basic products.

Is Civil Society Involved in the Welfare State?

United States of America

There are plenty of civil society associations to help needy citizens because their basic needs are not covered at all. This service is given... Continue reading "State Participation in the Economy: USA, Sweden, Cuba" »

Ezra Pound's Scientific Approach to Literature

Nevertheless, the method I had proposed was simple; it is perhaps the only one that can give a man an orderly arrangement of his perception in the matter of letters. In opposition to it, there are the forces of superstition, of hang-over. People regard literature as something vastly more flabby, floating, complicated, and indefinite than, let us say, mathematics. Its subject matter, the human consciousness, is more complicated than are number and space. It is not, however, more complicated than biology, and no one ever supposed that it was. We apply a loose-leaf system to bookkeeping so as to have the live items separated from the dead ones.

In the study of physics, we begin with simple mechanisms:... Continue reading "Scientific Methods in Literary Criticism" »

Intercultural Communication: Bridging Cultural Differences

Intercultural communication is the study and practice of communication across diverse cultural contexts. It encompasses both domestic cultural differences (e.g., ethnicity and gender) and international differences (e.g., nationality and world region). This approach to communication emphasizes recognizing and respecting cultural differences, striving for mutual adaptation and biculturalism (rather than assimilation), and fostering intercultural sensitivity in individuals and organizations. The ultimate goal is to achieve empathic understanding and competent coordination across cultures.

Defining Communication and Cultural Context

The following sections delve deeper into the definitions... Continue reading "Understanding Intercultural Communication: A Comprehensive Guide" »

Syllabus

Recall

Live Performances

Audible

Chords

Composes

Jam Session

Playable

Musical Masterpiece

Took Up

Release (Unplugged)

Jingle (Composer)

Lyrics

Tunes

Easy Listening

Gig (Chorus)

Cognitive Benefits

Tone Deaf

Vocals (Conductor)

Background Music

Choir (Deafening)

Acoustic

Airplay

Recorded

Musical Store

Useful Phrases

• To name just a few / Give just a few
• Can well / May well
• Fighting for survival / Fighting for living
• Tell the difference / Say the difference between
• With the path / With the aim

Music Vocabulary

Positive Connotations

• Familiar
• Invested
• Has benefits
• Music to my ears
• Boost
• Soothing
• As fit as a fiddle
• Significantly
• Purchase
• Ring a bell
• Factor
• Consultant
• Evidence
• Target customers
• Has an ear for music
• Source
• Chain of shops
• Available
• Crafted

Negative Connotations

• Has a negative attitude
• Don'

Absolute and Constitutional Monarchies

Characteristics of Absolute Monarchy

The King held absolute power over everybody. This power was justified by divine right, guaranteeing peace and stability for the realm.

Representative Example of Absolute Monarchy

The French Monarchy under **Louis XIV**.

Characteristics of Constitutional Monarchy

The King’s power was limited by courts and Parliament. This structure protected against the absolutist pretensions of the monarchy. Monarchs were selected by Parliament and their power was formalized by the acceptance of the **Bill of Rights**.

17th Century European Society and Economics

Population Trends in 17th Century Europe

The population of Europe decreased during the 17th century due to several factors:

• Poor harvests
• Wars

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can affect the communication process because they often influence how the message is transmitted and received. Effective communication with people from different cultures is especially challenging. Cultures provide people with ways of thinking, seeing, hearing, and interpreting the world.

The same words can mean different things to people from different cultures, even when they speak the "same" language. It is almost impossible for everyone to share the same ideas or opinions because everyone comes from different cultural contexts, and these contexts influence our relationship with the world.

When languages differ and translation is necessary for communication, the potential for misunderstandings increases.... Continue reading "The Impact of Cultural Differences on Communication" »

Types of Colonial Administration

A colony is a territory dominated entirely by the occupying power. There are two primary types:

• Settler colonies: Destinations for emigration from the parent country.
• Exploitation colonies: Primarily used to provide resources for export.

Protectorate: Theoretically, the metropolis respects the native government; however, the occupying power exploits local resources and controls foreign policy.

Concession: Administration and occupation of a territory within a state for the purpose of trade. For example, concessions were granted to colonial powers to use a number of Chinese ports.

New Ways of Organizing Business

• Trust: A group of companies operating under a single management body to hold a monopoly and control prices.

Post-1880 US Immigration: Causes and Destinations

Who Immigrated?

• Southern and Eastern Europeans
• Fleeing persecution and governmental problems

Where Did They Settle?

• Primarily in major cities for job opportunities
• Rarely in rural areas

Why Did They Come?

• Urbanization in the U.S.
• Promise of religious freedom in the U.S.
• Economic problems in Southern and Eastern Europe
• Abundant factory jobs in the U.S.
• U.S. recruitment and contract labor opportunities
• Perceived U.S. spirit of tolerance for immigrants

The Progressive Movement: Aims and Reforms

Aims of the Progressives

• To end corruption in government and business
• To address issues from the Gilded Age
• To improve the nation's social and economic conditions

Methods and Reforms

Federal Reforms

• 16^th Amendment (Income Tax)

What is Anthropology? What are the sub-disciplines of Anthropology?

Anthropology - the study of the human species and its immediate ancestors

Subdisciplines (CABL)

Cultural - study of human society and culture. Analyzes, interprets, and social and cultural similarities and differences. Ex: ethnography (field work) - live in small communities and study behavior, belief, custom, social life, economic activities, politics, and religion. Ethnology (based on cross-cultural comparison) - examines, compares, analyzes, and interprets results of ethnography and archaeology to compare similarities and differences.

Archaeological - reconstructs, describes, and interprets human behavior and cultural patterns through material remains (tools, weapons, garbage,... Continue reading "Introduction to Anthropology: Sub-disciplines and Concepts" »