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

Imperialism: External Domination

Imperialism is a form of state rule characterized by external domination. This involves the external control of foreign territories without their absorption into the ruling nation-state, leading to an unequal distribution of power between the sovereign state and its dependencies.

Motives for Imperialism

• Economic: Plunder, exploitation, and settlement.
• Non-Economic: Spreading religion and ensuring security.

Opportunities for imperialism stemmed from pre-existing unequal distributions of power. While not the ultimate trigger, technological advances in ship design, navigation, and armament provided a significant European advantage, often coupled with resistance to diseases.

Mercantilism and Economic Growth

Mercantilism... Continue reading "Rise of European Imperialism and Global Trade Shifts" »

Technological Progress in Pre-Industrial Europe

Ancient Innovations and Stagnation

In comparison to ancient times, the Middle Ages seem to have been more innovative and fruitful for technological development benefiting the population at large. While there were significantly more innovations in China than in Europe during certain periods, why did conditions stagnate in Europe initially?

Pre-Roman and Transitional Innovations

Various mechanical innovations were established in pre-Roman times, such as salt extraction and domestic tools. Innovations dating to the pre-Roman transition include the harvester, barrel, and soap.

Roman Era Developments and Limitations

In ancient times, developments included central heating, cement, and various architectural... Continue reading "Pre-Industrial European Technology: Ancient Roots, Medieval Rise" »

Criticism of Frederick Taylor's Principles of Scientific Management

Frederick Taylor is a controversial figure in management history. His innovations in industrial engineering led to rapid increases in productivity, but at the same time, he has been accused of destroying the soul of work and of dehumanizing factories.

Defining Span of Control in Management

Span of control refers to the number of subordinates a supervisor can manage efficiently and effectively.

Line Authority Versus Staff Authority: Key Differences

Line authority involves direct and legitimate authority over subordinates.

Staff authority is an assistant function, as it guides line managers or functions in performing specific activities.

Delegation, Centralization, and Decentralization

Oliver Goldsmith, son of an Anglo-Irish clergyman, spent his childhood at Lissoy. It is thought he drew on memories of this place when writing The Deserted Village. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he excelled in flute-playing, storytelling, drinking, and gambling. After graduating in 1750, he moved to Edinburgh to study medicine, though he did not obtain a degree. Subsequently, he studied in Leiden and, during 1755-56, travelled through France, Switzerland, and Italy, arriving in London destitute in 1756. He then began a literary career as a reviewer and hack-writer, producing biographies, compilations, and translations.

Over the next fifteen years, Goldsmith was exceptionally prolific, authoring numerous popular histories... Continue reading "Oliver Goldsmith: Literary Life and The Deserted Village" »

Modes of Acculturation: Opening New Horizons

The Origins of Orientalism

• The beginnings of an academic interest in Oriental languages and literature in Britain can be traced back to the early 17th century.
• There were both secular and religious reasons for this interest.
• Following the Protestant Reformation and the challenge to the doctrinal authority of the Latin Vulgate, a knowledge of Arabic had come to be seen as an important adjunct to the philological skills of Hebrew and Greek Bible translators.
• At the same time, there was renewed scientific and medical interest in Arabic, once it was recognized that the Latin translations of several important medieval scientific treatises were of questionable reliability.
• Chairs of Arabic were established at

Renaissance Art Masterpieces

Florence and Early Renaissance Innovations

Architecture

• Leon Battista Alberti, West Façade of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, 1458-1470
• Michelozzo di Bartolommeo, Palazzo Medici, Florence, 1445
• Michelozzo di Bartolommeo, Interior Court of the Palazzo Medici, Florence, 1445
• Filippo Brunelleschi and Lorenzo Ghiberti, Sacrifice of Isaac, Competition Panel for East Doors, Baptistery of Florence Cathedral, 1401-02
• Lorenzo Ghiberti, East Doors, Gates of Paradise, Baptistery of Florence, 1425-52
• Bernardo Rossellino, Tomb of Leonardo Bruni, Santa Croce, Florence, 1444

Painting and Sculpture

• Cimabue, *Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Prophets*, c. 1280-1290
• Giotto di Bondone, *Madonna Enthroned*, c. 1310
• Giotto di Bondone, *Lamentation*

Understanding RFID Tag Types and Coupling Methods

Inductive Coupling vs. Propagative Coupling

Directions

Turning

• Turn right: Girar a la derecha
• Turn left: Girar a la izquierda

Continuing

• Go straight on: Sigue recto
• Past the supermarket: Pasa el supermercado
• Cross the road: Cruza la carretera
• Take the first street on your right: Coge la primera calle a la derecha

Maria Rossi

Personal Information

• Age: 25
• Residence: Milan, Italy
• Marital Status: Married
• Profession: Pop singer (8 years)
• Interests: Music, golf, and painting

Performance

• Song Title: You Alone

Grammar: Future Tense with "Going To"

Affirmative

Example: I am going to swim. She is going to the cinema.

Questions

Example: Are you going to play football? Is Carmen going to have lunch in Burlada?

Negative

Example: I am not going to have lunch today.

Telling Time

On the Hour

• It's 3 o'clock: Son las 3 en punto
• It'

Neoliberalism can be contemplated from three different points of view.

Neoliberalism as an Ideology

First, it is an ideology. Here, the student must summarize the main ideological points and compare them with the tenets of Keynesianism to understand the economic and political changes we are living today.

Neoliberalism as a Mode of Governance

Second, it is a mode of governance, that is, it is a conception about how the role of government should be. In a few words, governments have to imitate the principles and values of free markets. The most significant consequence is that governmental technologies taken from the world of business and trade are replacing the pursuit of some ideal of the ‘public good’ which characterized the Welfare State.

Neoliberalism