Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for University

The Mechanics of Narrative Structure

• Typically, a narrative begins with an initial situation (Exposition).
• A series of changes occurs according to a pattern of cause and effect.
• Finally, a new situation arises—through character choice and conflict—that restores equilibrium to the world of the story and brings about the end of the narrative.
• The new story equilibrium almost always results in character change.

Character Focus in Narrative Film

Narrative films generally focus on human characters and their struggles.

Characters are typically responsible for cause and effect within the narrative.

Developing Dynamic Characters

How do writers develop round, dynamic characters?

• Through conversations with other characters
• Through group associations
• Through

Citizen Kane

Rosebud

Closure – The effectiveness of these norms depends on society’s ability to impose external situations.
For example, when a child has divorced parents, each parent has a different idea of an appropriate bedtime. Therefore, there is no social norm that is established, and the child lacks the closure needed to make it effective.

Delinquency – The relationship between juvenile delinquency and social networks is described by two different approaches.

Normative Influence (Socialization) – This states that you will behave similarly to the people you consider your friends.

Opportunity for Delinquency – Interpersonal relations are relevant as part of the process by which the social structure shapes the spatial and temporal contours of social life,... Continue reading "Understanding Social Norms and Their Impact on Behavior" »

The organizational structure is the framework of hierarchy, relationships, responsibilities, and information flow within a firm. It is shaped by several factors, including company size, international orientation, the number and consistency of product lines, and expansion plans.

Defining Organizational Structure

Dimensions of Activity and Responsibility

• Horizontal: Focuses on the division of *activities*.
• Vertical: Pertains to *authority* and *hierarchical relations*.

Key Organizational Structures for International Operations

Functional Structure

A functional structure groups each portion of the organization according to its purpose, such as a marketing department, a sales department, or a production department.

Export Department

Companies typically... Continue reading "Global Business Organizational Structures" »

Federal Constitutions: Stability, Rights, Economy & Courts

Effects of Federal Constitutions

1. Social Stability and Federalism

Federalism can impact stability in divided societies.

Pros (PS):

• May support stability: federalism gives different groups (ethnic or regional) some power and a stake in the system.
• May serve as a kind of safety valve that releases pressure by accommodating diverse demands at the subnational level.

Cons (DS):

• May compromise stability: federalism can empower separatist or secessionist groups.
• Note: Independence movements are not all bad, but this may result in conflict, whether groups are right or wrong.

2. Protecting Democratic Rights

Federalism shapes democratic rights in important ways.

Pros (PS):

• Allows different regions of

Globalization: Economic Impacts and Global Dynamics

This report aims to explain the significant impacts that globalization has had on the global economy. We will first delve into the core concept of globalization, followed by an examination of its specific effects on developed countries. Subsequently, the most important advantages and disadvantages of globalization will be outlined. Finally, a comprehensive conclusion will be presented, summarizing the key findings.

Defining Globalization

Globalization is primarily an economic process of integration that also encompasses significant social and cultural aspects. It involves the international flow of goods, services, capital, technology, and data. Furthermore, it represents the increasing interaction... Continue reading "Globalization's Economic Footprint: Impacts on Nations" »

Hispanic Americans

Largest minority, Identify with the Democratic Party, Longoria Affair: Felix Longoria was a Mex-American soldier that died during the WW2, Mrs. Longoria asked Tom Kennedy if the burial home can be used for Felix but was denied due to segregation. Dr. Hector Garcia, a Vet from WW2 and founder of American G.I., reached out to Senator Lyndon Johnson to secure the funeral for Felix at the Arlington National Cemetery  (news went nationwide) which lead to the turning point of Mexican American civil right movement due to Lyndon Johnson becoming President he was able to pass the Civil right Act and Voting Right Act.

American Indians

Begun to reassert their sovereignty and rights to self-government. Strained relations with state and... Continue reading "Civil Rights and Education in the United States" »

Government Favorability

Local > State > Federal. Government favorability has been on a decline since 2001.

Participation Correlation

• High Participation: Elections with high participation rates, a strong mayor form of government, and elections held concurrently with state and national elections.
• Large Cities: Culturally diverse cities.
• Controversial Topics: Low participation, the opposite of high participation.

Types of Local Governments

Numbers of Local Governments:

• The number of Special Districts has been on the rise.
• The number of School districts has decreased.
• The number of Municipalities, Townships, and Counties has stayed the same.

Functions of Local Governments

• Municipal: Woven throughout the others.
• County governments: Primarily for governing

Functions and Arguments

A function is a module of program code that takes input (arguments) and produces output (a return value).

• Arguments allow us to customize the operation performed by the function.
• The return value is often the result of executing the code.
• Calling a function causes the code in a function to execute. If called again, it will execute again.

To document a function, use a multi-line comment immediately after the def line.

Local Variables

Local variables are variables used inside functions.

• They are accessible/usable within that function only.
• This refers to the variable's scope.

Global Variables

Global variables are variables used outside of a function.

• Global variables' scope includes both inside and outside of functions.
• However, since