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

Understanding Discourse and Language Functions

The Notion of Discourse

Discourse refers to messages that proliferate and spread rapidly, often linked to specific language functions.

Key Language Functions

• Referential Function

  When the focus is on revealing facts or information.

• Emotional Function

  When the sender expresses their mood, allowing insight into their privacy.

• Poetic Function

  When the purpose is to draw attention to the message itself, highlighting its form or content.

• Conative Function (Appeals)

  When the aim is for the receiver to accept an idea through persuasive arguments.

• Phatic Function

  When speakers attempt to maintain open communication using conventional expressions like "say," "if," "uh-huh," "well," etc.

Characteristics and Structure

The press in the 19th and first third of the 20th century allows us to understand historical events and the different interpretations of reality from various political perspectives. Different media outlets responded to political parties and ideological currents within Spanish society.

The development of the press was stimulated in the 19th century by freedom of the press, becoming the main organ of expression for various political currents. This began during the reign of Fernando VII and consolidated throughout the century.

Key Publications

Under Isabel II:

• The Liberal
• The National Guard
• The Echo of the Working Class
• The Rocket

During the Restoration:

• The Emancipation
• The Socialist
• The Spanish and American Emancipation
• Diario de Barcelona
• La Vanguardia

The International Association of Workers (1864-1876)

The International Association of Workers (IAW), also known as the First International, was the first major organization that sought to unite workers from different countries.

Foundation and Key Figures

Founded in London in 1864, it initially brought together British trade unionists, French anarchists and socialists, and Italian Republicans. Its purposes were the political organization of the proletariat in Europe and around the world, as well as providing a forum to discuss common problems and propose courses of action. Key figures who collaborated included Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Mikhail Bakunin.

Ideological Tensions and Split

Significant tensions arose due to programmatic differences... Continue reading "International Association of Workers: History & Legacy" »

Branches of Government

Executive Branch

The Executive Branch is led by the President, who performs their duties, appoints a ministry, and heads the cabinet. In case of illness, death, resignation, or removal, the President is replaced by the Vice President.

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch is a collegial body whose function is to draft and enact laws. It is formed by the legislature, typically meeting for sessions, and has two chambers.

Judiciary Branch

The Judiciary Branch is responsible for administering justice through the courts, including lower courts.

Political Concepts Defined

The State

The State is the social and political organization, sovereign and fixed throughout its institutions, which has the power to regulate national life in... Continue reading "Fundamentals of Government and Political Science" »

Enric Prat de la Riba

Enric Prat de la Riba (1870-1917) was in charge of the government as President of the Diputació de Barcelona in 1907 and President of the Mancomunitat de Catalunya in 1914. He was key in the concretion of policy, class interests, and the cultural content of the Noucentisme movement. Prat de la Riba and his collaborators, along with people of diverse political affiliations, carried out a series of unprecedented actions, both in terms of volume and objectives. He became president of the Diputació de Barcelona and published La Nacionalitat Catalana (The Catalan Nationality).

International Congress of the Catalan Language

The International Congress of the Catalan Language was held at the main theater of Barcelona from the 13th... Continue reading "Catalan Noucentisme: Key Figures and Cultural Impact" »