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The History of the Powwow, 2006.
A historical look at this native American-Indian dance.
2,205 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a brief history of the different Native-American powwows, describing first the origins of the powwow and then some of the dances unique to different Indian tribes. The paper discusses attempts by the U.S. government to eliminate the powwow, looks at how the powwow has evolved and survived over time, and describes what the modern powwow looks like today.
From the Paper
"The Indians depended on the buffalo to provide the basic necessities of life. They provided food, shelter, clothing and many other items used in day to day life. As the buffalo migrated, a group of Indians related by family or by tribe, also known as a clan, followed. In the hard winter months, when buffalo were not plentiful, the tribe would split into smaller groups in order to survive. When summer came, the groups would come together again for the buffalo hunt."
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Australian Women and Equality, 2005.
Examines women's struggle for equality in Australia from the 19th century until the present day.
2,083 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
In order to understand the issues of equality among Australian women, this paper first defines equality issues in general and then equality issues specific to women. The paper then examines how Australian women have struggled with issues of equality from the 19th century until today in all spheres of culture, including politics and literature.
From the Paper
"Australia presently ranks 29th in the world in terms of female political representation, according to the Geneva based Inter-Parliamentary Union. Feminist critics have taken aim at both parties, saying that Labor is not on track in filling "appeasement" quotas, and that women in Mr. Howard's office were elected on a tide of anti-Labor sentiment. Women in Australian politics are fighting the 19th century stereotype of being "the fragile little thing...the drover's wife." Women politicians feel that what is written in literature reinforces the "fragile" stereotype. In some cases the inequality has an odd result: women politicians are placed on pedestals by their male colleagues."
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Childhood in the South, 2006.
A review of literature looking at the different ways children and childhood are viewed from country to country and region to region.
3,673 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper examines literature concerning the differences between the treatment and view of children in southern-based settings and the treatment and view of children in western, northern-based settings. The paper also discusses the methodology through which cultures justify and define the rights and "best interests" of children, and the ways in which the dynamics of child-adult relationships are identified and categorized.
Erica Burman: Appealing and Appalling Children,
Psychoanalytic Studies, 1999
Chris Jenks: Childhood 1996
Erica Burman: The Abnormal Distribution of Development:
Policies for Southern women and children; Gender Place & Culture:
A Journal of Feminist Geography 1995:
B. Rwezaura: The Concept of the Child's Best Interests
in the Changing Economic and Social Context of Sub-Saharan
Africa (in The Best Interests of the Child, Philip Alston)
Allison James: Childhood Identities: Self and Social Relationships
in the Experience of the Child 1993:
Michael Freeman: The Moral Status of Children: Essays on the
Rights of the Child 1997:
Martin Woodhead: "Psychology and the Cultural Construction of
Children's Needs" (in Constructing and Reconstructing Childhood:
Contemporary Issues in the Sociological Study of Childhood) 1997:
Abdullahi An-Na'Im: "Cultural Transformation and Normative
Consensus on the Best Interests of the Child" (in The Best
Interests of the Child) 1994:
From the Paper
"Meantime, the world is changing rapidly for some children, notably in the north, though the ongoing - and often positive, forward-leaning - dynamics of market globalization, high-speed information and communication systems, and more; but for many millions of children in the south, the world stays pretty much the same. For those southern children, it is, unfortunately, all about survival. If enlightened leadership in the north and south can carefully construct better approaches through progressive and pragmatic models - not just degrees and "conventions" through the United Nations, but real, tangible formulae - for positive plans that improve futures for children universally, the world will be a safer, richer, more peaceful place in which to live and grow up."
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Shamanism, 2006.
An overview of shamanism, its origins, history, foundation and practices.
1,566 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
This report aims to provide specific examples, similarities and differences among the various shamanic or native cultural accounts of shamanism. The main focus is to hone in on how shamanism has historically dealt with areas such as the healing of man's suffering through shamanic journeys and the exorcising of evil spirits.
From the Paper
"Shamanism can be considered one of the, if not the, oldest forms of healing. The art may go back as far as the beginnings of human kind. "Our human bodies have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years through their relationships to the physical environment." (Wangyal-Rinpoche, 1980) Traditionally, a Shaman would utilize an understanding of the spirits that are believed to be all around us to receive their help in healing or in the situations requiring some type of needed skill for problem solving. The basic principles of shamanism seem to be a pretty universal phenomenon. This has been discovered through the studies of shamanic practices over many diverse cultures that seemingly have had no interaction with one another."
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The Aztecs, 2005.
Discusses the extraordinary traditions and culture of the Aztec civilization of South America.
1,814 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
The great Aztec civilization was so foreign and so utterly isolated from other world civilizations, that, when the Spanish conquistadors first saw it, their emotions were a mixture of awe and horror. They were awed by the artistic, technological and social advances they witnessed; but they were horrified by their pagan ways, the human sacrifices and the cannibalism they saw. This paper examines the origins of the Aztecs, and examines this civilization in terms of mythology, agriculture, craft and religion. It also traces the destruction of the Aztecs by the Spaniards in the 16th Century.
From the Paper
"As limited as the land devoted to producing maize was, animal sources of nutrition were even harder to come by. "Dogs, turkeys, and the Muscovy duck were the only domesticated animals in ancient Mesoamerica. All were used for food, but they made only a minor contribution to the Aztec diet." (Smith 2003:63). This situation is most closely analogous to the rice crop of eastern Asia, and contrasts sharply with the ancient West, where numerous animals were domesticated on a large scale for the purposes of nutrition. By virtue of their dependence upon maize, the Aztecs developed some of the most advanced farming techniques in the world."
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Chinese Wives, 2006.
A look at the role of the ideal Chinese wife from an historical perspective.
5,069 words (approx. 20.3 pages), 21 sources, APA, AU$ 159.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the role of the ideal Chinese wife as it relates to the late Qing Dynasty and the revolutionary period. The paper investigates how the idea of the ideal wife changed during these periods. It begins with a historic overview of the role of woman and marriage during much of the Qing Dynasty.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Historic Overview
The Role of the Ideal Wife (Qing Dynasty)
Footbinding
Wives during the Chinese Revolution (After the Qing Dynasty)
Comparison of the Roles of Wives during the Qing and Revolutionary
Periods
Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Indeed, under the Qing dynasty marriage was expected of all young men and women. According to the laws of the dynasty, marriage was viewed as necessary during the teenage years also referred to as young adulthood. Although young adults throughout China married, the period known as young adulthood was something designated for the elite. According to Smith (1994), this time seemed ideal for marriage because it was the stage at which the demands of education and parental involvement began to decrease."
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Indian Culture, 2006.
An overview of the culture and traditions of India.
989 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the cultural life learned within the family unit of Indian families. The paper looks at the typical family structure, relationships and living arrangements within the family and the lines of authority. The paper also describes the different types of medicine practiced in the country, how it is administered and who is typically responsible for its administration.
From the Paper
"In India, the essential themes of cultural life are learned within the family unit, and in most of the country, the basic units of society are the patrilineal family unit and wider kinship groupings, with the most widely desired being the joint family, consisting of three or four patrilineally related generations living under one roof, working, eating, and worshiping in mutually beneficial social and economic activities (Indian pp). Patrilineal joint families include men related through male lineage, and their wives and children, and while most women are expected to live with their husband's relatives, they retain bonds with their birth families (Indian pp). Clusters of relatives live near each other in order to maintain strong bonds and respond to family obligations, such as economic and emotional support, and assistance in daily work and emergencies (Family Ideals pp). Moreover, specific annual rituals help define kin groups, such as the worship of the goddess to ensure the welfare of the lineage."
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Egyptian Architecture, 2006.
An examination as to why ancient Egyptian construction still fascinates architects today.
2,754 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, long after the Egyptian pyramids were first built, there still remains a fascination with this unique architectural design. It looks at how the Pharaonic builders completed their task with an ability and sophistication that has never seen been surpassed. Their capability of understanding the force of gravity, of weight and the stone cube was remarkable. The paper concludes that no where else, by any other culture, has the stone mound been transformed so accurately and substantially into geometrical form.
From the Paper
"As communities grew larger, it was more possible for leaders to emerge and for power to be solidified within, without fear of external invasion. This internal security accounts for the amazing continuity of the Egyptian civilization2 . Certainly, in no other country after the Paleolithic age, can so many constant elements be found over so long a period as in Egypt. The sense of permanence was made possible by this exceptional locale. Although the exact number of people who lived in the country is not possible to know, estimates vary from between one-and-a-half million to over five million3. Most of this population consisted of peasants and civil servants."
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"The Ghost Dance", 2004.
A review of the book, "The Ghost Dance: Ethno-History and Revitalization" by Alice Beck Kehoe.
954 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Alice Beck Kehoe's book, "The Ghost Dance: Ethno-history and Revitalization", claiming that although it covers a relatively small slice of a much greater historical period, it has indeed become an enduring work. The paper presents this work as a short read focusing upon only one Native-American nation and in an overall scheme of the broader anthropological study that comes under the heading of "Ghost Dancing of the Grand Canyon". Moreover, the paper explains that the work does indeed have some detractors among which are the eastern Native-American nations.
Outline
Book Report Thesis Statement
Ethnography
The Case Study Approach
Revitalization
The Main Detractor
From the Paper
"The anthropological science of ethnography is a widely accepted methodology for the study of a particular cultural. It entails a lengthy study of a particular culture such as Ms Kehoe is accomplishing in her work using the tools of detailing "oral histories," "written histories," "face to face interviews," and "media resources." Using these factors and others, such as "studies of specific geographical locations and their influences," "photography," along with many other factors to arrive at as an accurate characterization of an Ethnic History of a given group as possible. The Ethnography Ms Kehoe uses are the locations along the Colorado River System that is the home of the Native American Paiute (sic) Nation. The story, seen through the eyes of Mr. James Mooney of the Smithsonian Institution begins with an explanation of the "Ghost Dance Religion," as explained to him beginning of New Years Day of 1892. Furthermore, this context along with the many "Illustrations," and "References," in use by Ms Kehoe carries the study forward through massacres at Wounded Knee of 1896 and 1973."
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Chinese Terracotta Warriors, 2005.
This paper discusses the archaeological Chinese treasure Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, especially the terracotta warriors, dating from the 221 B.C. and discovered in 1974.
3,165 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 114.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the ancient Chinese believed that life in the nether regions after a person dies was similar to the present-day human world; therefore, emperor and supreme ruler of this world Qin Shi Huang commissioned the construction of a huge mausoleum, designed to look just like the Xianyang palace. The author points out that the tomb of the Emperor Qin has not been excavated; however, his buried terracotta army unearthed nearby has stunned the world and is being called the "eighth wonder of the world". The paper relates that the life-size images of his armed forces were made out of pottery and bronze and buried near him to guard his soul; of the more than 2,000 warriors already unearthed, no two look alike and their uniforms show different military ranks.
From the Paper
"Was this the same as the "pottery men" found by others many years ago in another village? They report their discovery to a local official, and over the next several weeks, archaeologists reveal a huge underground vault or room or cave. It was bigger than a football field and inside was thousands of life-sized clay or terracotta stat ues of soldiers. The pit is the resting place of more than 6,000 full-size soldiers, all standing in formation, many with their horses ready for battle. Most of the warriors are over six feet tall; some are close to seven. The statues tower over modern-day Chinese. The detail is astonishing. Thirty years later, the work continues on uncovering and restoring this vast discovery."
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Women in Hindi Society, 2006.
Discusses the status of women in Hinduism within a cultural and anthropological context.
3,587 words (approx. 14.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 125.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the position of women in Hindu society has changed considerably in modern times with the advent of modernity and technology, however she is still not on par with her contemporaries in the west. It argues that modern laws have mitigated the tightly restricted position women occupied in Indian society to some extent, however there is still much that needs to be done to raise the status of women in Hinduism.
Outline
Introduction
Traditional Concepts of Women in Hinduism
Status of Modern Woman in Hindu Society
The Dowry System
The Sati System
Female Foeticide
Hinduism vs. Modern Status of Women
Conclusion
From the Paper
" The status of women in Hinduism is much different from that of women all over the world. While Hindu women are also subject to the gender inequality that exists all over the world, it may be noted that religious restrictions and dictates mandate additional limitations upon the Hindu woman. Traditionally, her status has always been one of inferiority to man, but the underlying contempt that leads to this treatment of her as inferior is belied by the religious deception of her portrayal as a supremely moral being, as strong and as pure as a goddess. It may therefore be observed that Hinduism imposes upon Hindu women a religious standard of morality and purity that is almost impossible for a real woman to attain. It requires a level of self sacrifice and piety that is paradoxically denied to her by virtue of her "uncleanliness" caused by menstruation. Therefore, while Hinduism calls out to women to maintain the status of purity and morality that will ensure the attainment of a religious standard to serve in religious institutions, it also ensures that this standard will never be achieved - because she is ostracized from the religious shrines when she is menstruating. The highest ideal for Hindu women is the attainment of religious zeniths of purity. Everything in a Hindu woman's life is conditioned around religion and Hinduism is the source of all the cultural and societal values that are imposed upon the woman."
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?The Forest People? by Colin Turnbull, 2005.
This paper discusses "The Forest People," by author ColinTurnbull in which he analyzes the BaMbuti, 'people of the forest', located in Congo, Africa, specifically in Ituri Forest.
1,385 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that "The Forest People" by Colin Turnbull uses a personal narrative and ethnographic analysis to describe an anthropological experience which took place in the mid 1900s. The author points out that the author's ethnographic account differs from other studies of this type because he puts BaMbuti life in the context of the rapid industrialization taking over the region. The paper concludes that modernization has no place in the lives of most Africans because they have learned to survive and live despite the inconveniences forest life.
From the Paper
"Indeed, many social scientists like Turnbull had attempted to depict an accurate and objective picture of what life in Eastern and Middle Eastern nations is, determined through scientific methods. By scientific method, this means that the procedures in which anthropological accounts were recounted were through systematic and objective thinking and analysis on the part of the researcher/anthropologist. Thus, during Turnbull's time, qualitative studies have become prevalent because the qualitative paradigm offered more avenues and opportunities for new discoveries to be generated in exploratory studies conducted in nations and societies in the African and Asian regions, among others."
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Relationship between the Human and the Divine, 2006.
A paper looking at the relationship between the human and the divine in Greek, Hebrew and Roman cultures.
949 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the doctrine of divine illumination, prevalent in most ancient cultures. The paper explains that the doctrine of divine illumination holds that human beings require a special divine assistance in their ordinary cognitive activities. The paper then takes a look at how this doctrine manifested itself in ancient Greek, Hebrew and Roman cultures.
From the Paper
"Furthermore, some of the cultures believed in the intermingling of the gods with humans. Not only did the gods interact in the lives of humans, but they also fathered children by humans. Therefore, humanity could only be understood as a relative concept, "relative to the sub-human (animal) and the super-human (divine)" (Flint-Hamilton). In fact, in some societies, there was practically no separation between the concept of human and divine."
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Essays on Culture, 2006.
Three short essays looking at the meaning of culture and its significance.
843 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper presents three short essays about culture and its significance to society and individuals. The first essay examines the term "culture bump", the second considers the significance of race and ethnicity to culture and the third explains the phrase "culture is like water for the fish".
From the Paper
"A culture bump is an event that occurs when a person has expectations of a particular behavior, but gets something different when interacting with individuals from another culture. Expectations refer to the expectations of "normal" behavior as learned in one's own culture. A culture bump can be a pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant experience. People can experience culture bumps anytime and most people experience many different culture bumps when they live or travel in another country."
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Acupuncture in the Western World, 2005.
A brief discussion of the way that acupuncture can fit into modern western medical practices.
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
Practiced for over 2,500 years in China, where it originated, acupuncture is an important part of the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine. This paper explains that at first, acupuncture caused quite a stir among culturally-biased skeptics in the Western medical community, but over time it has come to be recognized as a legitimate medical technique that should be integrated into standard medical practice for a number of conditions.
From the Paper
"According to traditional Chinese Medicine, health is achieved through the harmonious balance between the opposing forces of yin (spirit) and yang (blood) (Acupuncture, Medicomm). The attraction between them creates an energy known as qi (pronounced chee) and health is dependent on its proper flow. Imbalances in this natural flow of energy are thought to result in disease. Acupuncture aims to restore health by improving the flow of qi which is thought to flow through the body via fourteen primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi, or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at specific points along the channels called acupoints. Thousands of acupoints along the meridians are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems."
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Chinese Culture, 2005.
A brief examination of Chinese business and social culture.
1,014 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a quick look at basic Chinese culture for a traveller or businessman. It explains that Chinese customs are rooted in thousands of years of tradition. Therefore, etiquette is socially ingrained and in many instances, immutable. The writer points out that a foreigner who stays in China for any length of time or who hopes to do business with China should be respectful and observant of Chinese manners.
From the Paper
"Chinese thinking styles have been found to be different from Western style of thinking. A study of Chinese corporate executives by Francesco Sofo and Ting Wang showed that the Chinese subjects showed a "high" style of thinking, characterized by analysis and critique: Chinese people will not immediately agree to an issue before thinking about it carefully and questioning all possibilities. Blind faith is not common. Similarly, Chinese executives enjoy implementing plans and creating rules, as long as their social position requires it. Because Chinese culture is hierarchical, it is important for people to be aware of and respectful of different roles and levels of power. Moreover, Chinese culture is less individualistic than American culture; personal progress is never placed above the progress of the organization. Chinese people generally frown upon open displays of anger or any other strong emotion and are indirect in their modes of communication. Directly insulting a person is one of the strongest taboos; "losing face" is an insult to a person's honor and integrity."
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