Influences Of Feminism On Political Science

Influences Of Feminism On Political ScienceThis essay will evaluate the influences of feminism on political science. Feminists have given us a different out have a bun in the ovening on what we define as political science. In simple ground government activity is about power. However the ways and spheres with in which this power is exercised and the actors who have authority to use it can be debated. By challenging conventional images of what is political, womens rightists have broadened the definition of politics.The question above will be answered in this essay by firstly presenting at the historical roots of feminism. I will thusly move on to describe the term feminism and how this movement has developed over the years. In the second half of the essay I will look at how feminists view the state. Finally I will carry out a case study to reinforce the contributions make by feminism to the domain of political analysis.Although feminist aspirations have been expressed in soci eties dating back to china, they were not underpinned by a political theory until the publication of Mary Wollstonecrafts a refutation of the rights of women (Heywood, 200261). In terms of Europe, the first set of women who highlighted issues regarding their sex did this for religion and within religious frameworks (Walters, 20056). Following this in the early 19th century campaigns were nonionized for improving education, increasing opportunities to work outside home, legal rights for married women and the concept of giving women the right to vote was initiated (Walters, 2005 41). As a result of the demand for voter turnout rights for women, the suffragettes movement came into being. In 1918, women over the age of 30 were given the vote and in March 1928, under a conservative government, they finally won it on represent terms with men (Walters, 2005 85).In simple terms feminism can be defined as an ideology committed to promoting the social subroutine of women and, in most cas es, dedicated to the goal of gender equality (Heywood, 2002 423). set-backly the idea that there is gender and inequality in terms of sex, secondly the feature that this aged system should not be allowed to dominate forms the base of feminism (Heywood, 2002 61). Feminism essentially can be divided into three sub sections. First vibrate, second wave and third wave. It can be observed that with time feminism has become more radical as demands have increased. The first wave feminism, which is also k straightawayn as escaped feminism, was initiated by the suffragettes movement. Mary Wollstonecraft laid the fixations for first wave liberal feminism with the help of her book a vindication of the rights of women (Pettiford, 2005 159). In A vindication of rights of women, she used liberal arguments to make the case for equal rights and opportunities for women (Pettiford, 2005 159). freehanded feminism focuses on the reasons behind women being classified unessential to men. They do n ot question the epistemological assumptions for these differences and mainly focus on the given content. Liberal feminist believe that by empowering women legally they can excite their status in society. These include a number of issues for example the problems faced by refugee women and sex trafficking (Smith, 2007 188). The second and third wave feminism is critical of liberal feminism.Second wave feminism came about after the Second World War in a number of countries. By 1947 the UN had established a kick that served the purpose of looking at the status of women in society. In 1949 by issuing the declaration of human rights, the UN ack promptlyledged that both men and women have equal rights in terms of marriage and divorce (Walters, 2005 97). With the help of the womens liberation movement, the demands of more radical feminists were presented to the world. The aim was to stretch the concept of politics and stop it from being whole restricted to its arena definition. The famou s slogan the personal is political came around (Heywood, 2002 12). Politics was not just now about the state or government now it was seen as an everyday experience. This means that it is present in relationships between families, work colleagues and almost any association one individual might have with another. root feminists demand a sexual revolution through which they argue we can remove the patriarchal state that currently exists (Heywood, 200212).The third wave of feminism raises some fundamental questions about their discipline. These include looking at the methodologies that are used in political science.By challenging the state as being the only arena for power and politics, feminists have produced a range of arguments through which politics can be defined or analyzed. To begin with by uncovering the idea of patriarchal state, the feminist have made a huge contribution to make us view how are legal and state institutes are controlled by men and also how conventionally pol itics has been viewed as male stream (Hay, 2002 71). Feminist perspectives can be divided into five broad categories The neutral state, patriarchal state, capitalist state, women-friendly welfare state and finally the post structural state.Liberal feminist have made contributions to the idea of a neutral state. They influenced policy making. humans debates surrounding equal pay, quotas and citizenships are now being seen under the light of equality and universality. These will enable women to step into institutes that have a male majority. Liberal feminists have armed us with a numerous of essential ideas regarding justice that are still being used in feminist debates (Marsh, 2006 119-120).Radical feminist have given us ideas that help in unmasking the patriarchal nature of the state. This in turn has helped in uncovering how the state has a set off to play for gender inequalities within sundry(a) settings (Marsh, 2006 122).Marxist and socialist feminist contribution was to conce ptualize the state as a social relation and to tensity the importance of understanding capitalist relations when theorizing the state (Marsh, 2006 123). It emphasised the idea of the work women do for their family without demanding a wage and established a fresh vista to liberal and radical feminist perspectives on the state (Marsh, 2006 123).The women-friendly welfare state feminist approach contributed to feminist debates on the state by highlighting the single-valued function of context in feminist state theory. It provided tools for analysing by challenge speculative widely accepted theories and judgments about womens link to the welfare state which was built on Anglo-American theory and research. Furthermore by looking at gender and state in terms of theory it gave us a softer approach of analysis to the set of womens agency (Marsh, 2006 124-125).Post structural approaches have contributed significantly to feminist debates about the state by highlighting the differentiated nature of the state and by questioning the unity of state responses (Marsh, 2006 125).The classical definition of politics provided to us by the author Robert Dahl which is that power exists when A is able to make B do something that B wouldnt normally have chosen to do (Heywood, 2002 11). This makes power a key concept of political science. If we then look at feminism, it is not weighed down to deduce from the definitions of the movement provided in the first part of this essay that feminists do and then focus and criticise the use of power.It can be argued that ideas such as rational choice theory and feminism have produced a whole new language with a range of lexis for the analysis of political science. The question of what is politics? and whether or not it is a science or not can be looked in a whole new light. The key three terms that have been developed for this debate are ontology, epistemology and methodology. Ontology refers to what is out there in the world to know. Epistemology helps us to trace how we know about these ontological issues that exist. Finally methodology is a term used to describe the means employed to search for ontology and epistemology. Feminism has been described as going through three epistemological phases rationalist (positivist), anti rationalist and post rationalist (interpretive). By rejecting conventional borders of political science and bringing up the issue of public/private dichotomy, feminists have indeed provided essential tools to dissect and analyse political issues and discipline (Stoker, 2002 113-115).In order to summarize and emphasise the contribution of feminist theory I will now analyse a case study. Currently the world is plagued by wars in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. Along with this the current recession has left many unemployed and it is guard to say the world is going through a rather dark time. Due to word restriction I have decided to only look at the war on Iraq and analyze it from a fem inist point of view.The key issue I will be looking at is how the kernel of protection and security has taken a new dimension when we analyze the war on Iraq from a feminist perspective. To begin with decision to enter Iraq was made by representatives of a patriarchal structure which included ideas such as revenge, strength and bravery. These ideas would contradict feminine ideas like compromise. War on Iraq followed after kinfolk 11 attacks on the twin towers in New York. It also resulted because the Bush administration claimed that Saddams regime were in possession of weapons of mass destruction. However these weapons were never found and civilians as well as military personnel are dying on a regular basis in these parts of the world. If we then look at this in the broader sense, the soldiers who die in these wars leave behind families. This increases the responsibility on women as they have to usually become the breadwinners of the family (Owens, 2008 270). This not only chall enges the fable of protection but also allows us to see how feminists historically contributed to allow women to become responsible for the welfare for their families. For example if we were to accept the idea of women being consign to households, who would provide basics necessities of life to these families. Along with this if a women has taken up a role of the head of the house then why should she not be allowed to make decisions on higher institutional levels. Feminists define security broadly and encompass ideas such as violence, physical, economic and ecological security (Owen, 2008 270). The national security of states, defined in masculine terms lays emphasis on military strength, can overlook the physical and economic security of individuals (Owen, 2008 270).This essay has reflected on the various influences that feminism has had on political science. By questioning the relationship between public/private, feminists have contributed in revealing the complexities of the po litical world. The case study I used above can show us how if we were to filter conflicts from a feminist perspective, we can take account of humanitarian crises that lie ahead. Finally by showing that power is a universal and everyday practice, feminism has allowed us to see that politics indeed exists in our society and in political institutes such as the state.

Education Systems In Australia, Singapore And The Uae

features of life Systems In Australia, capital of capital of Singapore And The UaeThe first goal of this project is not just to study, analyze and task the currently prevalent arrangements of breeding being followed in Australia, Singapore and the UAE but too to be able to draw a comparative analysis citing the advantages and drawbacks of these in comparison to each separate. For this purpose, it is important for us to understand what an nurture frame of a rural means and how they bottom vary with respect to each other.Education is defined as an act that is prudent for having a positive education impact on the person indulging in it, not just on the mind, but the character as well as the physical and mental abilities of the individual. Education is a means done which the society in superior general is responsible for the transmission of all in all the collective fellowship set along with certain values and the acquired skill that has been accumulated over the gene rations. This makes procreation a sequential constant process and in that respectfore, different countries and societies and establishments employ different techniques as deemed correct and necessary by them to transmit this knowledge.Education clay in AustraliaIn Australia, statement is considered by the schema as the responsibility of the respective decl bes or the territories as appropriate. The state presidential terms be held responsible for being able to provide the funds for education as well as regulate and monitor public and private schools. The federal government, on the other hand, is engaged in funding the universities, which however set their let curriculum. In Australia, alike in a lot of other places around the world, a three- floor based system or model is followed which comprises a tyrannical old education for all in primary schools, which is then followed up by a subaltern education in secondary/high schools. The final tier in this system in the ter tiary education in federal government managed universities or TAFE colleges across the country.The Australian system of education has been ranked at 6th for their Reading on a worldwide scale, on 8th for their wisdoms and on 13th for their Mathematics also on worldwide scales by the programme for Inter matter Studnt Assessment in the category 2006. Also, Australia has been listed as 0.993, being among the leading in that scales, in the Education Index that as published by the UN in 2008. They are tied at the first position for Education Index with other countries like Den intent, Finland and New Zealand.Education in Australia is mandatory till a specified age, which whitethorn vary between states which mother complete jurisdiction over the education in their respective states. However, this age varies between 15-17 age in general, which means that education up to the secondary take aim is imperious for all.Besides monitoring and regulating the activities of a school in a stat e by the state government, each state also has a Vocational Education and provision( warhorse) or otherwise a good and Further Education system(TAFE). The main intent and function of VET is to be able to prepare people for work in a career that may not necessarily need a university degree to be attained. It is the responsibility of each state in Australia to manage and coordinate their own system for VET and the training and education of individuals and prepare them for their work, and state representatives worthy on a national train to synchronize and coordinate their efforts and unify them in a common direction towards the education of these individuals for specified tasks. Also, the national meet ensures that VET continues to be acknowledged between different states and remain applicable and valid even if a personal travels from one state to another. A VET gradation done in on particular state is applicable in all the other states within the Australian domain. Typically, th e course of VET takes around dickens old age of study.The universities in all the states are funded by the central or the national government. However, each of these universities is entitled to set their own course curriculum and the government has no jurisdiction over this matter. However, for a course to run in a university set by its governance, the course must be endorsed by just closely professional soundbox. A course in one of the universities in Australia takes a quantify period of roughly three to four years at the minimum.In the work place and the offices as well as other places of employment, the employers take into account only if the courses endorsed by some(prenominal) professional body to employ new staff for the purpose of training or employment. The training received as one of the on red ink work places of a company, if provided in some form of documentation, adds to the advantage of the educatee and counts into the overall qualification of a student pursuin g a course.Education system in Singaporethe entire system of education in Singapore is coordinated, and managed by the Ministry of Education, or the MOE, which has the responsibility of controlling the proper governance, development and management of the state schools, which receive funding from the central government. The government also has a role in advising and supervising the activities of private schools. on that point are set principles to determine the role of the government in the curriculum and the shore leave the schools have, along with the nature and kind of aids that the government provides and the admission policy to the various private and public schools. on that point are SPEDs or schools with special education for children with disabilities and the funds for these come in p humanistic discipline from Voluntary Welfare Organizations as well as the MOE and the national budget, of which about 20% is contributed to these schools. In Singapore, education is compulsor y till the age of primary school take, and it is a criminal offence for parents to not be able to provide their wards with this. English is the primary medium of talk in the education system in Singapore and is even the first language for the children in their preschool age. The education system in Singapore is defined as world-leading and it is one of the very few that were picked out especially for praise by the education minister Michael Gove of the unify Kingdom. Singapore also follows a system which is in a manner of speaking a three-tier model but in existence has four fundamental levels. The difference comes in the precollege/pre-university level which is considered an intermediate level between school and college but essentially is an extension of senior school itself.The following tiers are maintained in the learning process of a student righteousness from the beginningKindergarten the first phase in the education cycle is the preschool phase or the kindergarten. This is meant for children from ages groups three to six years, after which they move to the next level of education.Primary school this is the post kindergarten phase which is further divided into the following Foundation stage, in which a basic introduction is stipulation to the students about English, their yield tongue or a regional language, Mathematics, History and Civics and sometimes even basic sciences. The next is the orientation stage where more(prenominal) in depth knowledge in English, math and other related courses is given depending on the ability of the student assessed so far in the preschool and the foundation stage. At the end of this, in that location is a primary school leaving examination (PSLE) conducted on the national level which determines whether a particular student is ready to leave the primary school at this stage. Also, the chronicles in this examination determine what seat the student gets in the secondary level of education. lowly education based on the score achieved in the PSLE, the students get different tracks or streams in the secondary school. The different streams or tracks are Special, Express, Normal (Academic), or Normal (Technical).At this level, the aim of the education system in Singapore is to make a clear distinction between students belonging to different levels of adroitness. This has its pros as well as cons. The criticism do against this system is that the age of ten to twelve years in a students life is too less to make a comparison of him with his other peers and it may be de-motivational towards the student in not granting him a chance to study and excel with students of higher academic capabilities. Also, the distinction made creates a divide among the students and the general sense of belonging to the same class is lost. The sixth grade, some believe is too early for competitive studies and this kind and degree of competition can a lot become very difficult for the students to handle. However, the t ralatitiousists believe that it is this system which is in a way helping students of all levels of aptitude cope with the pressure of academics. By put all the high performers of the exam together and quasi(prenominal)ly, dividing the class up into unwrap sections, each having different difficulty levels of academics not only helps the weaker students as they no long-range have to compete with the academically brilliant students who are not of the same league, but also the smarter students by putting them in a competitive surroundings where they get a chance to interact and learn with other students of similar potential. Hence, the Singapore system of education does believe in having students of equal intellect and aptitude studying together, while always emphasizing and encouraging the need for having a competitive environment where every student is aspiring to do well.The grading system followed by some of the schools in Singapore is similar to the one followed at the Singap ore-Cambridge GCE examination at the level O. This exam is taken by students after they have completely about four to five years of education at the secondary level, with each student appearing for a minimum of six grammatical cases or courses. The marks obtained in this exam have a corresponding grade attached to them and therefore, and these obtained grades have a meaning attached to them as mentioned belowA1/A2 (Distinction)B3/B4 (Merit)C5/C6 (Credit/Pass)D7 (Sub-Pass/fail, that is, outlet at a lower standard in the exam or fail)E8/F9 (Fail)The overall total performance of a student academically is calculated through various different systems of grading which include the L1R5, the L1R4 and L1B5 systems. For the purpose of evaluation of exams that are of a non-major kind, many schools are known to use the Mean Grade per subject method of evaluation. Schools that have currently been running the Integrated Program have also been known to use the GPA system for the purpose of eval uation, that is, the Grade gratuity Average method of grading. Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are mandatory for all students at the secondary level in schools, in which all the students are required to participate in a minimum of one such activity, and this participation and their performance is graded along with other academic achievements through the four years of their education. This system of scoring is known as LEAPS (Leadership, Enrichment, Achievement, Participation, Service).There are however a few criticisms made of the prevalent education system in Singapore, often by parents of students there, that the education system is too rigid, sometimes even elitist and over-specialized in certain cases. A sharp contrast to the education system in the fall in States, an often set about criticism is that there is little or no support and encouragement in the system for creative thinking and little emphasis on arts and creative vision. The argument put in response t o this has always been that the students of Singapore have always outperformed the others from different parts of the world in international competitions of mathematics as well as the sciences. However, what is argued is that the fact that Singaporean students performing better shows only that they are better prepared and more oriented towards preparing for these particular kinds of examinations than developing skills and the ability of free creative and critical thinking.Education System in UAEWith the amelioration that United Arab Emirates has been undergoing over the knightly few years, one can very well predict the development in the system of education. The administration of the country has not only increased academic opportunities in big cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai parade also in every remote area constituting the country geography. The country now has mature enough to offer education comprehensively to students ranging from kindergarten and going all the way to universi ty levels. In fact the academics department has also made education free to the citizens of the country. This is the reason that the policies like Emiritization are seen to be successful in UAE. The students are being trained from the early days so that once they are grown-ups they have the force to beat the best in the world. Moving further into the advancements that the countrys education has seen in the recent past, private education is provided to children of both sexes who pursue higher education abroad. Several thousand students in the country have done exceptionally well and have also made the country proud by being amongst the best by this system of the country. If one compares the education system animate in the country in the 1970s when the seven Emirates were formed, there has been a drastic change. With consistent policies of privatisation, UAE has been going great guns. This can be seen in the re-evaluation of the Governments role. There is a special organization in t he countrys capital that is looking after this privatisation policy helping the country and its citizens mutually. This body is called the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). Pioneer institutions like United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Zayed University (ZU) and also Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) are doing a remarkable job in the context. So, now that the country is seeing so many reforms, one can very well see that the theme behind the same is the country wants its youth to be able to meet the challenges of the new century. Also, the quality of education given to the individuals is good enough so that once they are graduates they are capable enough to have jobs in the corporate world. (UAE Education Centre cosmopolitan information, 2010)The country has provided the following breakdown to the education systemKindergarten 4 -5 years oldPrimary length of programme 6 years old with an age level between 6-12 years oldPreparatory length of programme 3 years old with an age level between 12-15 years oldSecondary length of programme 3 years old with an age level between 15-18 years oldIn this program, secondary school certificate is awardedTechnical Secondary School length of programme 6 years old with an age level between 12-18 years oldIn this program proficient secondary diploma is awardedThe education system of the country has become so strict on the past few years that it has made primary education compulsory for all levels of the society without any discrimination of its citizens. The best part of the system is that the ratio of staff to children has been kept as 120 which was more beyond reckoning when the Emirates were formed. This ratio is increased to 115 at intermediate and secondary levels of education.Another very significant mark in the development of the education system in the country is the formation of Federation. The weekend schedule of the education system was also revised in the year 2006 with Friday and Saturday being considered to implant the weekend.Levels of EducationPrimary and Secondary EducationAs it has been mentioned, education at this level has been made compulsory in the part of the world. It has four-tiers in this sector. This has been mentioned as follows4-5 years old Kindergarten6-11 years old primary Schools12-14 Preparatory Stage15-17 Secondary SchoolIn range to ensure that the children of this age are well-equipped with Islamic principles and the traditional culture of the place, the teaching staff is also chosen in the primer of Emiritization to an extent which would reach 90% by the end of year 2020.At the moment, the name of pupils attending primary school is of the order of 40%. Many of them offer foreign language courses as well but at the same time maintain the integrity of the place. The Government has allowed admissions to expatriates but on the basis of merit which would also levy fees.As far as the citizens of the country are concerned, they are experiencing the highly liberal policies of ADEC where the organization has taken the responsibility to bear all the fees of model school. Integration with Zayed University has also planned to improve English speaking capability of the masses. There are 30 faculty members from the same to look after English speaking courses in the schools at the primary and secondary levels. (Zayed University announces the five year strategic plan , 2009)IT EducationThe Ministry of Education in UAE is making its best possible efforts so that the plans and strategies related to the development of educational programs are able to meet international standards. As a part of all the educational strategies made by the company, there is special attention given to the introduction of latest IT resources at every level of education. Being at par with the latest IT services would make the country highly competitive on the global front. The education system is working on providing a computer amongst every ten children at the kindergarten lev el. The stupendous success of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid IT Education Project (ITEP) has advanced the IT system of education in the country. It has not only installed various labs in the region but it has also provided a highly valuable education resource purchasable at www.itep.ae. ITEP serves about 40 schools in the country so far including about 13,000 students. The success rate of the students is of the order of 97%Higher EducationThe most remarkable fact about UAE education is that it has been able to diversify itself in very little time. The Government institutions are available free of charge. Even some internationally accredited private institutions are also available free of charge making it highly easy for the citizens to receive impeccable education. Universities like United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) offers leading research facilities in higher education. There are more than 70 undergraduate degrees and also a substantial number of streams at the graduate level. As the country has now collaborated with many international institutions, the quality and diversity of education has gone up tremendously. Talking about Al Ain, there is more than 280,000 square meters of space available for residential as well as educational purposes. The country is also focussing to a large extent on public-private partnership in education. Top organizations of the fame of Mubadala Development Company and also UAEU have undergone the execution of a 30-yrs concession agreement. This will allow BOOT (Build Own knead and Transfer) basis development. (build, own, operate, transfer, 2010)Zayed UniversityThis University was established with a motive to educate the women citizens of UAE. It has a facility of the worth of 370 million Dhms which encompasses an area as large as 711,000 square metres. There are in all six colleges with different departments and laboratories. The academic division of the university has been mentioned as followsArts and SciencesBusiness Science sCommunication and Media SciencesEducationInformation SystemsThe main motive of the University is to infuse bilingual knowledge in both English and Arabic with a proficiency in IT and also a considerable capability of denary and research skills. The University has been undergoing tremendous innovations in the past few years. Dubai Internet City (DIC) is an example of this. ZU has also partnered with IBM so as to make an enhancement of its e-business and also communication activities. The University also organized, Women as Global Leaders conference in 2006. This is done to ensure that the students of the University are prepared well enough so that they could make an mobile participation in the society.Higher Colleges of TechnologyIn order to provide technically a more sound system of education, a system of UAE colleges was devised in the year 1988. It started with only 4 colleges but has 12 colleges for men and 12 for women in cities like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah. The adva ncement in the number of students has gone from 239 to 15,000 in only about 2 decades. There are a number of examples in this area. As for example, Dubai Mens College provides a cent percent digital atmosphere. Academic assignments, examination mark sheets, the number of classes missed and also the library can now be accessed online in the college. The commercial arm of Higher Colleges of Technology is Applied Research and Training (CERT) has made a number of alliances with multinational firms and many elite organizations which helps in the professional development in the region. CERT is also planning to make a separate CERT City. The idea behind doing the same is to have a fully integrated facility for research, innovation and also entrepreneurship.Conclusion of ComparisonIf one puts it on the substantial and the developing scale, Australia and Singapore would certainly lie on the developed side and United Arab Emirates would lie on the developing scale. The reason for the same is that it has been only about 30 years since the formation of the Emirates. As we have seen, most of the development in the country has come from the making of the federation. such bodies were significant mush before the UAE system of education even started. But as far as the growth in education system is concerned, one would definitely put UAE right on top. The provision of free and compulsory education for the citizens is one of the traits of a country that is developing its education system. But with the rate of growth that UAE has been witnessing over the past few years, in little time, the country would be able to catch up with the likes of Australia and Singapore which are relatively developed. Very soon the results of organization like ITEP and UAEU would certainly see international levels. It is the collaboration with multi-national concerns that by the end of this decade, the country could be of the likes of Singapore and Australia.As far as the International Maths and Sci ence Study is concerned, Singapore was placed at the first place showing the mark that it has made in the mentioned subjects. This is contrast with UAE where the focus has never been specifically on Maths and Science. As the stage of development has begun in the technological era, the country focuses largely on IT than in any other subject. The education system in Singapore is more specialized and rigid than any other country. It has also been seen that the education system in Singapore involves lesser descends of creativity. As we have seen, there is also a segregation of the more intelligent ones and the lesser ones in the education system of Singapore. The teachers are also allotted in the same order of quality. This is likely to make the intelligent more intelligent but the lesser intelligent ones would not get a chance. This has been criticised especially in the primary and the secondary levels. (A guide to universities in Singapore, 2010)As far as Australia and UAE are concer ned, there is a similarity in the fact that both the countries have implemented compulsory education at the primary level. But as far as Australia is concerned, this at times is not called education at the kindergarten level where play-school is highly prominent. Such availability is not very common in UAE. To be more precise, education is considered to be compulsory in Australia between 5 and 15 only. As far as world raking is concerned, the countrys rank of 6th in Reading, 8th in Science and 13th in Mathematics does place Australia behind Singapore in the latter two subjects. If one compares UAE for that matter, it does not even include Maths in its compulsory system of education. Moreover, there is a huge amount of consideration that is given to Arabic and English in order to make bilingual scholars. The conditions as we have seen are contradictory in both Australia and Singapore. backup and management of the education system is looked after from territory which is different fro m that we have seen in the case of UAE. There are certain centralized bodies that have the authorisation to don the particular job.Moving on to the system of free education, as we have seen, UAE is a pioneer in providing free education. The case is not similar when compared to Australia and Singapore. In fact it is highly expensive to study in the two countries. When the same is compared to UAE, for the citizens it is absolutely free. This service continues for even abroad studies. Also, the existence of expatriate-citizen is more articulate in UAE than in the other countries. Singapore and Australia do not have policies like Emiritization to educate the natives more liberally. There are many expatriates who have been going to Australia particularly for their education. UAE also allows meritorious expatriates to study with fees levied on them but it is not as much pronounced as in Australia and Singapore.The distribution of education is also more segregated in Australia as compare d to UAE and Singapore. This is visible in the chart mentioned in the Australian education sector. As far as flexibility in switching subjects is concerned, Singapore in the most liberal of the three countries. This allows the students of Singapore to be able to choose a subject of their liking. Unlike the other two countries, Singapore allows continuously improved standards to target rather than a single target set of the highest standard and expectations.As we have seen, Singapore is also maintain to have educational streaming not giving equal opportunities to all to study. In UAE this is there with respect to natives and expatriates, but in Singapore it is on the basis of talent and intelligence. This should certainly be resurrected in the future so that Singapore can produce larger masses of qualifies professionals.As far as preparation for examination is concerned, Singapore is not considered to be a favourable place. This is because the country has always ranked in Maths and Science and not in other subjects. This is an indication of rote learning which cant be considered to be optimal in the education system. But the Singapore Ministry of Education takes pride in the fact that it ranks in the Maths and Science streams as the countrys text books are sold as far as in North America. When it comes to Australia, as the level increases from primary to secondary, the countrys education system gets all the more regularized. This is taken care of from the primary level itself in UAE to a considerable extent. (Singapores Education System, 2010)ReferencesUAE Education Centre General information. (2010). Retrieved on July 27, 2010 from http//www.uaeinteract.com/education/Zayed University announces the five year strategic plan. (2010). Retrieved on July 27, 2010 from http//www.ameinfo.com/198293.htmlBuild, own, operate, transfer (BOOT). (2010). Retrieved on July 27, 2010 http//www.businessdictionary.com/definition/build-own-operate-transfer-BOOT.htmlA guide to un iversities in Singapore .(2010). Retrieved on July 27, 2010 http//www.uniguru.com/studyabroad/Singapore/top-best-university/education-system-in-Singapore.htmlYes Australia official website .(n.d.) retrieved on July 27, 2010 from http//www.yesaustralia.com/cursoestudo-sistemaensinoing.htmSG Box official website .(n.d.). retrieved on July 27 2010 fromhttp//www.sgbox.com/singaporeeducation.htmlMOE official website. (n.d.). retrieved on July 27, 2010 fromhttp//www.moe.gov.sg/education/

Speech on Christianity after Festive Season

Speech on Christianity after Festive SeasonA Job to DoIt is all over. That for which we hoped has answer and g wizard. Christmas is over. All of the excitement and energy has waned. The decorations provoke disappe ard boxed and stored in the attic, the garage or the basement for another year. indoctrinate vacation is over. The old year is gone, and a new one has begun. Everything is back on schedule. We are back to life, as we know it. It happens every year.It is part of life not just a Christmas, alone at other times as well. Something is on the calendar for which we are filled with great anticipation-birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, vacations, graduations, a new hypothesise, a new adventure. Then in the blinking of an eye, the time has passed, and we are back to life in the ordinary, the normal, maybe it is a new normal, but there is a routine. There are things that ingest to be done groceries need to be purchased, the house needs cleaned, bills need to be paid-we stool a job to do, whether it is our employment, parenting, school work, housework. Whether you are in childhood, or are an adolescent, teenager, young adult, middle age, or enjoying the years of retirement, there are things that we have to do each day. We all have a job to doThrough the advent season, Christmas, and now into the New Year, into the season of Epiphany, the stories, the lives of John and Jesus have been intertwined. We have heard the sister stories of the announcements of their births, the sister stories about their births and today, the weaving of their stories continue, yet now, in their adulthood. They too have a job to do.Johns job is to be the one who prepares the way of the Lord. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness. In the other gospels, he is the prophet, the baptizer. Luke presents him differently. His job is not to baptize. His job is to preach. He is a preacher first and foremost for Luke.Like any good preacher, some of his sermons localize out the peop les sinfulness and their need for repentance. He reminds them that they have wondered off the path, ventured into dangerous territory, and turned away from God and Gods purposes.Like any good preacher, some of his sermons localise on how we are to live life in the sphere of Gods influence. He preached sermons that answered the question What shall we do? How do we live as people of God? These are the sermons that remind us of what we learned in Sunday School, Kindergarten, or around the dining room table-share, parcel out people fairly, be honest, and dont be greedy, but be content with what you have. All throughout life, we need to be reminded of these values.Like any good preacher, some of his sermons focused on the judgment of God and his coming into to the world. The messiah, the anointed one comes to turn the upside down things right side up. A day will come when God will reveal himself and he will unblock the world of evil, and restore creation to its rightful order.John was to preach repentance, covenant living, and the coming of the kingdom of God. John had a job to do.Jesus had a job to do as well. He came to the Jordan. He heard the words of his cousin. He stepped in line with the other people. If you want details about his baptism, you need to take aim the other gospels, because Luke is not interested in that event. For Luke, Jesus, in serviceman flesh, joined the crowd and was baptized without notice. Just as his birth was unremarkable, for Luke so was his baptism. Luke tells us that one-time(prenominal) after his baptism, while he was in suppliant, the divine Spirit came upon him. I like to think that he was in prayer seeking, like you and I do, dread and direction for fulfilling Gods purposes, that the Holy Spirit came upon him, anointing him for the tasks that lie ahead, and through the blessing You are my Son, the Beloved with you I am well pleasedi he was set isolated for the task ahead.Through his baptism, his commitment to prayer, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the blessing of God, and his experiences of the wilderness temptations, Jesus was commissioned for the job for which he was born, the job that will lead him to martyrdom and the tomb. We will learn more about his job throughout the coming weeksWhat is important for us to know is that after the calamitys of the angels, the heavenly choir, the journey to Bethlehem, the smelly shepherds, the visitation of the Magi, the singing of Joy to the World, life got back to normal. John and Jesus grew up. The cousins matured. John and Jesus both had jobs to do.This morning, we are here to ordain and show Stephen Anderson, Mary Anne Fitzgerald, and Bernice Gibson to the mogul of Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). They too, now have a job to do. The Holy Spirit led the nominating committee, through their prayer for discernment, to these three persons. The Holy Spirit came upon them as they sought Gods will on the matter and led them to accept the job as Ruling Elder. Upon further assessment, this congregation, through its prayer for discernment, affirm the call of God upon Stephen, Mary Anne, and Bernice, and elected them to the office of Ruling Elder, to lead this congregation in the work of the Kingdom of God. Now today, we will ordain and install them to the office, and bestow upon the apostolic authority to guide us in our Christian vocation.Beginning today, they will attend to the job they are called to do. These three will join the other Ruling Elders on session who have also been called and confirmed in the job before them.In that job, they will need to be prepared to be honest, pure, and loving in their lifestyle. Leadership is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. God holds teachers of His truth doubly responsible because we who lead are in a amaze where we can either draw people toward Christ or drive them away from Him. This is illustrated in the life of the famous author Mark Twain.Church lead ers were largely to blame for his becoming hostile to the record book and the Christian faith. As he grew up, he knew elders and deacons who owned slaves and abused them. He heard men exploitation foul language and saw them practice dishonesty during the week after speaking piously in church on Sunday. He listened to ministers use the Bible to justify slavery. Although he saw genuine love for the Lord Jesus in some people, including his mother and his wife, he was so disturbed by the badly teaching and poor example of church leaders that he became bitter toward the things of God. Indeed, it is a privilege to be an elder. But it is also an awesome responsibility. The Ruling Elders have a job to do.But so do you. Each of you has a job to do. Just as the commission of Jesus began with his baptism, and was confirmed through his prayer life and his struggle with the temptations of the world, each of us, regardless of whether we hold a position of authority and speak from the pulpit, m ake decisions in the session room, teach Sunday School classes, work in the nursery, provide for fellowship or pray for those who do, we have a job to do.Kimberly Leetch rightly states, Every time we feed a hungry(p) soul, visit one who is isolated, celebrate a widowers birthday, give money to charity, reduce, reuse, and recycle, we are bringing about Gods kingdom on earth. Gods kingdom is not an otherworldly, unreachable place. This is Gods kingdom. justly here. Right now.iiEach of us has a job to do. We may not all be preachers like John the Baptist. We may not all be called to be the decision makers. We may not all be called to positions of leadership in the church or in the community. However, we are called to live acts of kindness, to share what we have, to treat others with respect and dignity, to be content with that with which God has blessed us.When Martin Luther became discouraged and filled with doubt, he would put his hands on his head while saying, I have been baptized . Friends, remember your baptism. In it, God claimed you, God called you out of the world, and he placed you back in the world to serve him to serve God and to serve human need. Remember your baptism. Remember, that because of your baptism, you have a job to do.Amen.i The Holy Bible New Revised Standard Version (Nashville Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Lk 322.ii The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Kace Leetch. Clergy Stuff. www.clergystuff.org.

Captain Ahab and Moby Dick Essay -- essays research papers

Captain Ahab and Moby Dick Literary critics point to a renewing of themes and juxtapositions when analyzing Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. Some see the land opposed to the sea or Fate opposed to free will. Most mention man versus nature or good versus evil. A perspective that seems overlooked though is the perspective of the egotism and the other. The self and other is when wiz discovers the other (something not us) inside oneself, when one realizes that one is not a single being alien to anything that is not them. There are many another(prenominal) such relation institutionalises throughout the take, such as that of Ishmael and Queequeg and Ahab and Starbuck. However, this composing will focus on the essential relationship, which is of Ahab and Moby-Dick. By recognizing the other within ourselves, we are saved from hating the other in itself. Captain Ahab struggled to see Moby-Dick within himself, in this began the books main problem of the self and the other. Before I get to th is problem lets track the character of Ahabs development up to that point.Chapters early in the book describe Ahab as having lost his leg to Moby-Dick. This character development suggests that Ahab is the victim of an attack by a vicious animal. However, by chapter 36 The Quarter underprice", Ahab is described as a man infatuated with destroying a great white whale, named Moby-Dick. By chapter 37 Sunset", it is obvious that Ahab is mad and in chapter 44 The Chart", the reader is made aware of Ahabs "monomaniac thought of his soul." He was so obsessed with Moby-Dick that he couldnt sleep. Ahab must have had some cause for his feelings toward the whale. It seems that Ahab and many other sailors have been exposed to the story of Jonah, which may have established man and whale as enemies. Also, is chapter 54 The Town-Hos Story" Melville tells of an account of Moby-Dicks capabilities. In this story, Moby-Dick snatches Radney from his ship and takes him below the oceans surface. However, for some reason Ahab does not hear this story. Melville may be showing the reader that the whale can be violent, and by not allowing Ahab to hear this story he (or the reader) wont be able to use this information as an excuse for Ahabs madness. By telling only the reader of the Town Hos story, both the characters of Ahab and Moby-Dick are developed further. The character of the whale is set up as a dan... ...k this way Ahab created himself. Just standardized a master and slave relationship the self and the other are linked. There can be no slave without a master and there can be no master without a slave. When a master defeats and creates a slave, the master creates a role as "master" for himself or herself as well. In Melvilles book, Ahab played the role of hunter and Moby-Dick became the hunted. The self/other relationship can be far more complicated than what has been offered here. Many racists, sexists and those who cannot tolerate queerness do not always follow the standards. Ahab and Moby-Dick are a special case of the relationship, and they are one that deserves consideration. Once again when I say self/other I am referring to a type of linkage of two separate beings. It is when one (the self) discovers the other (something not us) within oneself, when one realizes that one is not a single being alien to anything that is not them. The main point of this paper is the main problem of the self and the other which is that Captain Ahab struggled to see Moby-Dick within himself. Since he could not see this he hated and became obsessed with Moby Dick and thus apart of himself.

Cultural Diversity Essay -- School Education Diverse Essays

Cultural Diversity Children should be exposed to all segments of society. Youngsters learning with children of different races, matterities, and religions feed to be more than tolerant and accept of individual differences. They learn customs, beliefs and rituals of classmates that maybe quite different from what they oblige been taught. Youngsters learning in an environment of diversity argon well prepared to deal more effectively in society after they complete their education. A uncouth respect and understanding of other cultures removes barriers and stereotypes. soulfulness differences need to be threatening. In fact, companionship of other cultures helps a person realize and appreciate the similarities more than the differences. It is most important that the find outer is trained to teach about and respect individual differences. A diverse group of youngsters evict add a great deal to the classroom environment. Interaction between children, handled effectively, can promot e a climate of curiosity, mutual respect and acceptance. Nina Rees addressed the topic of teaching styles at both public and private drill transcriptions. She suggested students achieve great results in an environment in which competition and different religious and cultural backgrounds exist. (Rees 93). Although students may have a different religion, culture, race and socio-economic level, they all deserve an as outstanding education. There is a national attempt to give parents the option of a public or a private education for their youngsters. There is in addition such a thing as a Voucher System. In PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, SPECIAL NEEDS, AND VOUCHER SYSTEMS- A GENERAL REVIEW OF basal PRINCIPLES, the author writes, the idea of the voucher system is that parents ... ...iling grades coming from the students, they are remaining open and continue to be rewarded with extra funding.Viadero,D. Increased choice found to have modest impact on school improvement. Edweek.Re trieved October 7,2002 from Edweek.com Greene,J.P. (2001). The surprising consensus on school choice. Public interest,144,pp.19. Retrieved November 22,2002 from britannica.com Rees,N.S. direct choice a report card. World & I, 15 (9),pp.28. Retrieved November 23,2002 from britannica.com secret vs. public schools. www.internetcampus.com Public schools,private schools,special needs,and voucher systems. www.angelfire.com School choice programs what?s happening in the states? www.heritage.org/schools/ Schoolreformers. www.schoolreformers.com Test scores public vs. private schools. http//osx.soc.uh.edu/bmoeller/kpftnews/092002story6.html Cultural Diversity try -- School Education Diverse EssaysCultural Diversity Children should be exposed to all segments of society. Youngsters learning with children of different races, nationalities, and religions tend to be more tolerant and accepting of individual differences. They learn customs, beliefs and rituals of classmat es that maybe quite different from what they have been taught. Youngsters learning in an environment of diversity are well prepared to deal more effectively in society after they complete their education. A mutual respect and understanding of other cultures removes barriers and stereotypes. Individual differences need to be threatening. In fact, knowledge of other cultures helps a person realize and appreciate the similarities more than the differences. It is most important that the teacher is trained to teach about and respect individual differences. A diverse group of youngsters can add a great deal to the classroom environment. Interaction between children, handled effectively, can promote a climate of curiosity, mutual respect and acceptance. Nina Rees addressed the topic of teaching styles at both public and private school systems. She suggested students achieve greater results in an environment in which competition and different religious and cultural backgrounds exist. (Rees 93). Although students may have a different religion, culture, race and socio-economic level, they all deserve an equally outstanding education. There is a national attempt to give parents the option of a public or a private education for their youngsters. There is also such a thing as a Voucher System. In PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, SPECIAL NEEDS, AND VOUCHER SYSTEMS- A GENERAL REVIEW OF BASIC PRINCIPLES, the author writes, the idea of the voucher system is that parents ... ...iling grades coming from the students, they are remaining open and continue to be rewarded with extra funding.Viadero,D. Increased choice found to have modest impact on school improvement. Edweek.Retrieved October 7,2002 from Edweek.com Greene,J.P. (2001). The surprising consensus on school choice. Public interest,144,pp.19. Retrieved November 22,2002 from britannica.com Rees,N.S. School choice a report card. World & I, 15 (9),pp.28. Retrieved November 23,2002 from britannica.com Private vs. public sch ools. www.internetcampus.com Public schools,private schools,special needs,and voucher systems. www.angelfire.com School choice programs what?s happening in the states? www.heritage.org/schools/ Schoolreformers. www.schoolreformers.com Test scores public vs. private schools. http//osx.soc.uh.edu/bmoeller/kpftnews/092002story6.html

Alexander The Great Essay -- essays research papers

Alexander the Great Alexander the Great was the king of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian Empire, and one of the greatest military geniuses of all times. Even at an archeozoic age, Alexander had the promise to become a great leader. Through all his victories and conquests, he has become a great hero and has had a large pertain on history. That is why I chose he book Alexander the Great, by J.R. Hamilton for my review. Hamilton does a very estimable job with the story of Alexander the Great. The book begins by talking about the Macedonian homeland and the make up of the people, their culture. Alexander was born in 356 BC in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia he was the watchword of Philip II, king of Macedonia, and of Olympias, a princess of Epirus. After discussing his parents and their relationship, Hamilton negotiation about how Aristotle was Alexanders tutor from age 13 to 16 and stimulated his interest in science, medicine, and philosophy. The book then talks about ho w well prepared Alexander was to take over the throne. Then, in the summer of 336 BC Philip was assassinated, and Alexander took over the Macedonian throne.Hamilton does a very good and descriptive job of how Alexander soon showed his power when the large city of Thebes revolted in 335. Alexander stormed the city with mighty force and took 30,000 people as slaves. An heavy point the book discussesnext is when Alexander begins...

The Tragedy of War :: history

The Tragedy of WarWest Russia, World War II One winter daylight at dark down the artillery opened hurricane fire on the enemys positions. Soon came the squadron and geysers of soil and curls of smoke erupted from the earth. The front enemys dugouts were razed to the ground for the first ten minutes. White rockets occurred on the sky as though they were artificial constellations. Then the infantry began to shoot in drift to destroy that which had been missed by the shells. The battle was won owing to one soldier a slender, thin eighteen-year-old son, named Sasha. There was an enormous machine-gun, skillfully hidden privy a stack of big stones. It starfed the whole road round a little bridge which was the only way to reach the fortification. No one was adequate to(p) to come closer and dismantle the private behind the cannon. If Sasha had not helped, enemys crafts would have come an hour later and would have killed all the soldiers on the battlefield. The commanders saw him among the cracks of the rocks. Then he disappeared. A few minutes later a bomb explosion was heard and the machine-gun ceased shooting. And there were no holdbacks for invasion. In the flush the chief commander of the companies called Sasha in his room. You ignored my explicit instructions he cried. That was the worst and recklessest thing to do The boy felt himself as the biggest traitor in the world. But nevermind, continued the commander. Ive decided to reward you with a seen-day-furlough for being so devoted to your country. The boy smiled with satisfaction. Where do you want to go? asked the commander. Id like to visit my mother and father in Karanga. OK. Ive provided you with a lorry to Petropavlovsk and from there youll have to catch up the train. Thank you, sir, thank you actually much He went into the sleeping-hall and began to gather the things he needed. Then he called in at the field hospital to say Goodbye to his best friend Volodya. And Volodya gave him a little purse with money and asked him to deliver it to his wife in Petropavlovsk where Sasha was expected to catch up the train. At sunrise the next morning the young boy was already travelling with the lorry. In the cabin there were also two men a driver and an ex-soldier now an invalid because a shell had take him of his right leg.