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Islamic Architecture, 2008.
An analysis of the ways in which Islamic architecture has influenced the architectural styles of other religions.
2,936 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the origins of the distinctly Islamic architectural style. The paper begins by discussing Islamic history and then goes on to discuss how Islamic architecture has set a standard for religious architecture that has influenced other religious groups and contributed to various architectural styles evident to this day. Additionally, the paper also discusses how Islamic architecture has more recently been influenced by the West, not for religious architecture, but for office buildings and residential units.
From the Paper
"In the Islamic tradition, the idea of the dome was developed with religious connotations. The first centralized Ottoman mosque was created at Diyarbakir in 1521 with four semi-domes and not mere vaults. The four corner areas are surmounted by four small cupolas, while the central dome is supported on four piers. This is the logical conclusion to the mosques of earlier times. The squareness of the mosque at human level represents earthliness, and the domes represent the heavens, much as the square and the circle do in Chinese architecture. The two-centered arch forms a spiritual limbo in the design. The interior is spacious and well-lit, another reference to the heavens (Goodwin 178)."
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Japan's Occupation of Hong Kong, 2008.
A discussion of Japan's occupation of Hong Kong in the 1940s.
3,010 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 129.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a critical look at the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong in December of 1941. The paper points out that the occupation lasted till the early autumn of 1945, and the brutality of the experience is still a topic of resentment. It asserts that the occupation of World War II is part of Hong Kong's history and local memory for it harshly affected every family then living there. The paper adds that Japan's unknowable agenda caused some people in Hong Kong to rather welcome the 1997 lapse to the PRC, aware that their territory would be defended by the Red Army should their worst fears come to pass. The paper concludes that the fall of Hong Kong and the Japanese occupation were shattering events that have shaped Hong Kong's culture and consciousness.
Outline:
Introduction
Taking Hong Kong
A Fighting People
The 21st Century
A Changed Identity?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"One is unsurprised by comments of older people from Hong Kong on a 'Japanese mentality' or condemnation of recent Japanese elections favouring right-wing candidates. Stories still abound of Hong Kong civilians forced to dig hideouts for Japanese boats on Lamma Island, the diggers killed to keep the boats' locations secret. Part of the trouble involves how such horrid events contrasted with a colony of which many Chinese were most proud for Hong Kong had grown from nothing after the 1840s, the work of ordinary immigrants from the Mainland, the British administration working in their favour in years when the Mainland was hopelessly turbulent or just inefficient. In fact, after World War II, people wanted a return to stable government, eschewing decolonization in favour of colonial rule that lasted till 1997. The Japanese occupation had a deep impact, in this sense, as in 1952 proposed liberal reforms were not of interest to the public. Authoritative, stable rule was wanted instead, for the IJA occupation had destroyed Hong Kong's pre-War trading economy based on entrepot shipping and services linking the Chinese treaty ports that were most profitable. Hong Kong was a place of employment, education and hope, different from other European colonies in the region, its atmosphere said to be happier and more harmonious than in British Malaya or Singapore. Its people were often the children or the grandchildren of 19th century migrants, many from Canton, the whole social order differing from that of China, the well to do proud to descend from some ordinary soul to head for Hong Kong to make his fortune, away from the rigid class system of Mainland China, Qing instability and corruption."
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Digital Black and White Photography, 2008.
An analysis of the history of digital photography and a comparison of its results with those of analog cameras, focusing on black and white developments.
1,353 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that digital cameras are better than analogue cameras. Specifically, the paper looks briefly at the history of digital photography, at its utility in matters such as record-keeping and crime-fighting and at some noteworthy instances of digital photography producing impressive and compelling works. Finally, the paper looks at all of the various reasons why it may be said that digital black and white photography is better than analog black and white photography.
From the Paper
"More than that, the technology that makes digital black and white photographs possible always runs the risk of becoming obsolete. For instance, the old Epson 2200, 7600, 9600 printers have been pushed aside by Epson Stylus Pro 4800, by the Epson Stylus Pro 7800, and by the Epson Stylus Pro 9800 (FLAAR Network, para.8); simply put, unlike the fairly low-maintenance prints rendered by analog cameras, the "splashy" digital B&W prints of today place photography enthusiasts in the uncomfortable position of seeking out new technological tools that have a (quite literally) a built-in obsolescence factor. Be that as it may, though, most photographers will gladly accept this trade-off if it means the chance to be more creative."
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Maoist-Leninism and Capitalism in China, 2008.
An analysis of the fundamental threat that is posed to the continuing stable development of China from the convergence of Maoist-Leninism and capitalism in contemporary China.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the convergence of Maoist-Leninism and capitalism in contemporary China. It focuses on "ideology" as an element of change in China today in order to highlight the nature of the challenge facing a country. The paper looks at China's surging economy and geriatric political structure that is supported by a decayed ideology and suggests that there is a fundamental threat that is posed to the continuing stable development of China from these contradictory ideologies.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Problem Facing China
What is "Ideology"?
The Connection Between Capitalism and Democracy
An Unstable Marriage: Capitalism and Communism
An Uncertain Future
From the Paper
"From this perspective, we can understand the fundamental threat that is posed to the continuing stable development of China from these contradictory ideologies. Capitalism seems to necessarily stimulate independent political thinking, which is highly repellant to the Communist Party which sought independent thinking only in terms of market management and technological innovation. The Communist Party thus bases its continuing monopoly on political power upon an ideology that no one in China truly believe in anymore. This co-existence of contradictory ideologies may continue for years to come, but obviously cannot be sustained in the long term. It is this fact that gives rise to the pessimism of many observers regarding the future of China."
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Ideology and Value Change in Contemporary China, 2008.
A paper describing the ideology and development in the People's Republic of China
3,033 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 130.95
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Abstract
This paper refers to the rather negative predictions of Maurice Meisner (1999) and Minxin Pei (2006) concerning early 21st century development in the People's Republic of China (PRC) to reflect the actual results of a high-growth capitalism pursued by a still repressive state socialist regime. The author concludes with the statement that both Meisner and Pei seem justified in their discouraging assessments of the future.
Outline:
Introduction
Maurice Meisner on Social Values
Minxin Pei on Corruption
Consumerism and Decadence
Chinese Ideology, Social Values and Poverty
Wanderers and Vagabonds
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"When discussing capitalism, socialism and democracy, Meisner points out that the great majority of Chinese have benefited from post-Reform capitalism in better incomes, housing and spending power but this has been done at a price of terrific environmental destruction, bureaucratic corruption and indeed, peasant riots that occurred in different parts of the PRC through the 1990s. (Mao's China 532-533) There has been a rise in everyday crime including organized crime that has increased in both urban and rural areas. In 1997, the PRC executed 3000 convicts, more than the rest of the world's executions combined. (Mao's China 533) In the 1950s, the regime had worked to eradicate drug addiction and trafficking, prostitution, gambling and the activities of organized crime. Daniel Lynch commented on what he calls 'thought work' on the part of the CCP in 1980s campaigns against 'spiritual pollution' and a 1987 campaign against 'bourgeois liberalization', later crackdowns on book marketing, anti-pornography drives, and all towards a summary given by Lynch that in the 1990s this sort of effort had largely failed. (1999) Like Meisner and Pei Lynch rather expected a rise in the resentment of the dispossessed that might begin using Internet media to organize protest activities. (1999)"
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Italian Slums in Boston in the 1930s-40s, 2008.
A review of William Foote Whyte's book "Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum".
744 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This book review analyzes the premise of social organization that is represented within William Foote Whyte's social analysis of Italian culture in North Boston in his book "Street Corner Society: The Social Structure of an Italian Slum". The paper points out that, although the premise of Whyte's study focuses on the lower class ethnic community of the Italian immigrant culture, he invariably provides an unbiased view of both the educated and uneducated classes within this socially organized, tightly knit social group. In conclusion, the paper maintains that Whyte provides an innovative sociological perspective in his study of sociological cluster groups that dispels the stereotypical dualism of the educated and the uneducated that were far more intermixed in these diverse social strata.
From the Paper
"A common misperception of the poor is that they have little social organization or that they are not part of the majority of Americans that partake in social organizational processes. Whyte was a pioneer in the 1930s and 1940s at providing an unbiased social analysis of the Italian slum culture, which provided a wide variety of social organization within gang culture, as well as clubs that were formed to bring cultural unity to North Boston. Whyte actually lived amongst these peoples, and provides direct evidence of these types of organizations, such as Doc's gang in section I. Doc is an uneducated young man in Whyte's (1993) research that had control over the Norton Gang in the area."
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Standard of Living and the Industrial Revolution in Britain, 2008.
A study of the standard of living of the working class during the industrial revolution in Britain.
3,490 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 143.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the standard of living of the British working class during the industrial revolution, and aims to analyze whether industrialization was good for this diverse class or not. The paper points out that, despite the extensive research conducted on this famous era of economic activity, scholars cannot seem to agree as to whether the working class benefited from this phenomenon or not. The paper concludes that the overall effect of the industrial revolution on Britain's working class was negative rather than positive, based on a model of clearly poor social conditions alongside unreliable economic data.
Outline:
Introduction
Pre-Industrial Revolution: The Situation in Europe and Britain
An Economic Model
General Standards of Living of the Working Class
Conclusion
From the Paper
"England's agricultural working class pre-industrialization were arguably amongst the most advanced in the world, let alone Europe. The rest of Europe's working class was not so impacted by the industrial revolution, at least not to begin with. The industrial revolution came to England first owing to "Britain's superior record of labour productivity growth" (O'Brien, 1996, p. 216). When output per worker and returns were hectare were connected, production in Britain was nearly double that of French agriculture. Regions such as France were also more dependent than Britain on intensification of labour input to raise and maintain agricultural output above population growth levels (ibid, p. 218). It was thus no coincidence that the industrial revolution was to have a greater impact (and a swifter one) on England in comparison with that nation's European counterparts. Even before the advent of machinery, England owned a remarkable share of animal products to final agricultural outputs - around 75% (ibid, p. 222). Back then, farm animals provided "an 'engine for growth' which provided for a cumulative rise in agrarian productivity which in turn supported structural change for the economy as a whole" (ibid, p. 225). This British dominance was a direct reflection of the company's readiness to fulfill what was necessary to bolster the economy. In this case, livestock was necessary for an agricultural-based economy. It appears, however, that England, with its at-the-forefront economic planning, was primed and ready to adapt to whatever economic future awaited."
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Stephen Douglas and Popular Sovereignty, 2008.
A discussion of 1850s politician, Stephen Douglas, and the doctrine of popular sovereignty.
940 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the political history and views of Stephen Douglas, among the leading politicians in the nation in the 1850s. The paper points out that, aspiring to the presidency, Douglas had to confront the question of the legality of slavery in the territories. Responding to this issue, Douglas advocated popular sovereignty, letting the voters in each territory decide the question. The paper states that, while the concept seemed simple, the doctrine collapsed in the face of myriad complications, and as it collapsed, Douglas and his presidential hopes faded. The paper concludes that popular sovereignty was theoretically a sound means of allowing territorial populations to organize themselves as either slave or free, but it failed as a political idea because it could not satisfy the demands of the various factions in the dire years leading to the Civil War.
From the Paper
"The second blow to Douglas came with the submission of the first state constitution ostensibly reflecting popular sovereignty. A constitutional convention at Lecompton, Kansas, wrote a constitution that was put before Kansas voters. The voters were given an alternative: to vote for a constitution which permitted current residents of Kansas to keep slaves they had brought into the territory, or to vote for a provision which opened the state to unlimited importation to slaves. Voters could not for a state constitution which prohibited slavery. Anti-slavery voters boycotted this referendum, so that the constitution sent to Washington allowed the free importation of slaves into Kansas."
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First Nations Literature, 2008.
A critical look at North American culture as seen through First Nations literature.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses 'First Nations literature' as referring to the poems, novels, stories, plays, legends and songs created by Aboriginal writers from North America. The paper describes the lack of First Nation literature and how what does exist reflects upon North American society. The paper provides examples from two books (a novel and an historical text), a play, and a film in its analysis.
From the Paper
"The very making of this film offers a critique on North American society, as the filmmakers hoped to revitalize Inuit traditions and bring the legends of the past to a whole new generation of youth. The new growth in Native literature is continuing this trend, with distinctive Aboriginal voices speaking up to offer a renewed critique of Western society. This literature is uniquely capable of reminding all North Americans about the continued impact of our bloody history, the contemporary failure to ensure social justice for all, and the need for hope in creating a shared future together."
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Spanish and Italian Economic Declines, 2008.
An analysis of the factors affecting the economic decline of Spain and Italy in the seventeenth century.
2,138 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the reasons behind Spain and Italy's economic decline in the seventeenth century. It looks at the problems that the countries faced and discusses why their economies declined while other economies in Europe did not, despite the fact that the other European countries encountered many of the same problems. The paper examines this issue from several perspectives.
From the Paper
"It is fairly clear to most historians that both Spain and Italy, though more so Spain that Italy, suffered a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Spain had gone from the European centre of global power and expansion only to be concerned with shoring up its own borders so to speak and figuring out how to feed its population. Yet, authors such as Kamen are still inclined to invalidate the assumption of Spain's decline by devaluing or paring away at what decline might mean or imply: "At the outset we need to keep in mind the two basic confusions in this picture: an unwarranted identification of Castile with Spain and a crucial failure to distinguish between Spain and its empire."
Yet, this parsing of words is, seemingly only meant to obfuscate the obvious. The fact is that the literature supports the observation and even the Spanish self perception supports the assumption that Spain, in reality, could not be realistically separated from its Empire because it had spent so long and so much in the way of resources to establish it in the first place that its identity was irrevocably tied up with Empire. Additionally, Castile certainly was part of Spain and, as the research indicated, a decline in Castile almost certainly led to a decline in the fortunes of Spain. The conclusion then is that Spain and Italy did decline in the early modern period both in comparison with their historical statuses as well as relative to certain other European countries at the time."
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The Origins of World War II, 2008.
A comparison of popular public opinion regarding the origins of World War II with that scholarly opinion on the subject.
3,318 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 138.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the popular beliefs regarding the origins of World War II with scholarly books and journal articles on the subject. The paper reveals that public interpretations of the causes of the war tend to be based upon an inadequate awareness of the complex factors which combined to produce a second world war only twenty-one years after the first one ended. The paper demonstrates that the public often misunderstands why a historical event occurred and tends to form beliefs that are only partially accurate. The paper includes the full text of some of the sources at the end.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, it is the consensus of scholars and historians that the origins of World War II can be traced to the disastrous Treaty of Versailles. This Treaty incited bitter resentment throughout Germany and enabled Hitler to rise to power because it placed sole blame for World War I on Germany, imposed draconian war reparations payments, and turned the German military into a feeble militia. In contrast, popular belief regarding the origins of World War II is based upon vague notions that Hitler and the Nazis wanted to conquer the world because Germans considered themselves to be the master race."
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"Samuel Adams: America's Revolutionary Politician", 2008.
An analysis and review of John K. Alexander's book, "Samuel Adams: America's Revolutionary Politician."
926 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly reviews John K. Alexander's book, "Samuel Adams: America's Revolutionary Politician." It illuminates Alexander's thesis and explores the evidence presented by John K. Alexander in his work. The paper suggests that Alexander's work is not objective enough to be an invaluable resource, however it commends the number of sources that are used and suggests that the book is well written.
From the Paper
"There are two other items of considerable interest which must be discussed when examining Alexander's work: his use of resources and his ability to contextualize the characters he discusses. To begin with the former, a quick glance at the selected bibliography found at the back of the book indicates an impressive mix of primary and secondary resources. In that regard, Alexander has made a concerted effort to review as much of the material available on the life and times of Samuel Adams, as possible - albeit the way in which this material has been used is an open question. Proceeding further, Alexander has done a commendable job of placing Adams and other principals within the proper historical context; to wit, whenever quoting eighteenth century correspondence, every effort is undertaken to adhere to the grammatical and spelling conventions of Adams' time, and Alexander also sees to it that those contemporaries of Adams have "ample opportunity to speak for themselves" (xi). In the end, this sort of reliance upon primary correspondence gives the book an authenticity it might not have otherwise."
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The History and Development of the UNIVAC, 2008.
An examination of the history of the UNIVAC (universal automatic computer) and its role in the development of the world of technology.
1,541 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history and development of the universal automatic computer, the UNIVAC. It describes the new possibilities that were opened up with the UNIVAC for companies and organizations in the US and shows how the UNIVAC paved the way for further funding and development of computers that have led to the modern digital age.
From the Paper
"The UNIVAC entered the public spotlight when CBS used it to cover the 1952 presidential election. Reports vary, but UNIVAC predicted the outcome of the election at around 8:30 PM the night of the election after only 1-5% of the votes had been officially counted (Cho, 2004; Deagon, 2001). Onlookers, even at Remington Rand, were dubious that the computer could produce accurate results with such a limited amount of data so quickly. Despite this skepticism, the programming and computational prowess of the UNIVAC ultimately proved accurate. The prediction it made was based on the available counted votes, the history of returns in presidential elections, and past voting habits of people throughout the nation. UNIVAC's original prediction was that Eisenhower would best Adlai Stevenson in the election by a significant margin. UNIVAC predicted 438 electoral votes would go to Eisenhower and only 93 for Stevenson, with 100 to 1 odds in favor of Eisenhower (Cho, 2004)."
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The Dynamics of Christianity around the World, 2008.
This paper discusses the patterns by which twenty-five countries experienced the arrival of Christianity.
4,295 words (approx. 17.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 165.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, whether a person's experience of Christianity is evangelical or just awareness of ancestors who long ago adopted the religion, there is often the idea of Christianity as a catalyst for positive change. The author points out that the theme of monotheism as superior and as a marker of civilization combines well with other stabilizing projects wherever Christianity is taken. The paper relates that, if a religion favors one god that values humble efforts at getting along with others, a powerful personal philosophy for dignity can be found in situations of poverty and perhaps extreme oppression. The author underscores that, in the early 21st century, the same cycle of Christian myths and allegories continues even in a world that seems more secular, devoted to a religion of consumerism. The paper states that the early 21st century is dramatized as a time of Muslim and Christian activism, including theories of colliding civilizations, religions and cultures; however, this situation has become merely as politicized as they were in the Middle Ages. The paper describes Christianity in several countries.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
In the Beginning
One God Better
Underdogs, Again
Christian Myths
Christian Beginnings
Into the Present
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"The New Testament repeats the message of God preferring the humble of the earth, forgiving every kind of human sin if an individual, of any kind, makes a genuine effort to turn over a new leaf. The New Testament appends the letters of Paul, a reprobate turned Christian, who went to tell Gentiles of the good news, the divine nature of the departed Jesus and the hope that he offered to ordinary people. A favorite Christian theme, in keeping with its roots in Judaism and what came later in Islam, is the superiority of one god above polytheistic religions."
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The Cultural Evolution of Aboriginal Marriage, 2008.
A comparison of historical and modern day Aboriginal marriages in Australia.
1,089 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the early historical origins of Aboriginal marriages, in their practices and ceremonies, that are found in what is now modern day Australia. In particular, the paper presents an historical overview of the ancient practices of these Aboriginal marriages and shows how they are used within the modern context of marriages of Aboriginal Australians today.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the history of the marriage ceremonies and practices of the Australian Aborigines is one that has stayed true with the ancient customs that were initiated through a creationist religious mythology. The binding essence of the firestick provides a sexual and legally binding ceremony that is provided though family members, uniting the man and the woman within the tribe. The evolution of these marriage rites include a multi-cultural integration with other ethnic or racial groups, which provides a foundation for the relevancy and survival of these ceremonies. In this manner, this study has provided a historical evaluation of the marriage ceremonies and practices of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia from the early past to the present tense."
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The Age of McCarthyism, 2008.
This paper analyzes the actual threat to American institutions and values posed by the Communist party during the age of McCarthyism.
2,810 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the era of McCarthyism, from the late 1940s to the late 1950s, was characterized by an anti-Communist fervor that was closely associated with investigations engineered by Senator Joseph McCarthy. The author points out that one of the primary claims of anti-Communists, such as Senator McCarthy, was that Communist agents had infiltrated many important American institutions in the service of the interests of the Soviet Union. The paper relates that, while historians dismiss McCarthy's allegations as wildly exaggerated and politically self-serving, it is generally acknowledged that Soviet espionage in the United States was a reality. The author underscores that it is clear that the majority of party members at the end of the 1930s were not interested in the destruction of the United States as a fifth column for foreign interests but instead were interested in furthering social justice in the United States.
Table of Contents:
The Need for Critical Analysis
The Threat of American Communist Espionage
The American Communist Party
The Question of Proportionality
From the Paper
"This is an important document as it reveals a broader understanding of the Communist Party than the McCarthyism hysteria would suggest. Far from being a threat to "American institutions and values" it would appear, from Howard Johnson's words, that the Communist Party seemed to represented the ideal of American values. Note, in particular, how Johnson addresses the issue of subversion. As students of history, we must recognize that many Communist Party members joined as it offered an organized means of challenging aspects of American society - such as racial segregation - that were both legal and supported by powerful political interests, but nonetheless immoral and inhumane."
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