Outlining serves Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Outlining serves - Coursework Example Having the outline in place helped me overcome the initial blocks encountered in writing. The outlines helped in breaking down the writing into its main ideas with supporting details. The outline helped in the identification of weaknesses in the argument. It helped in realizing where the supporting details to the main idea were insufficient. The outline was of great importance in tracking points that were misplaced as supporting arguments that were in the fourth paragraph instead of the second paragraph (Working Center Staff n.d.). The outline further helped in motivating me to write and stay focused on the writing process. That resulted in organizing the ideas in a manner that made the most impact. The organization involves including strong supporting details at the start and end of paragraphs that will help capture the reader’s attention. Some strong details were omitted in some parts of the paragraphs to use them at the end of the essay so that it could have a strong bang t o the reader. The outline was of value in creating a guide that results in the writing being easy and time-saving. Finalizing the outline helped in approaching each section with known intentions of what to include. The outline helped in ensuring my draft has balance. Looking at the outline, it is easy to tell some parts of the writing that are less or more substantial than others. The outline, therefore, helped in organizing the draft in a way that the ideas were balanced both in quality and quantity against each other (Working Centre Staff n.d.).

School Couselor in charge of presenting a sex education course to Assignment

School Couselor in charge of presenting a sex education course to either the student body or their parents - Assignment Example But majority of them support sex education. â€Å"Over the past 20 years, in survey after survey, local, state or national, 80 to 85 percent of parents indicate they want their children to receive comprehensive, medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education.† (Parents as Advocates for Comprehensive Sex Ed in Schools , 2008). They need their children to come to know about delaying the inception of intimate sexual relationships when they become mature and responsible. The duty vested on parents also includes sharing the skills and information with their children for using condoms and other contraceptives when they are likely to be sexually active. A school counselor has to consider many factors when counseling the parents of the school aged children. As sex education is a broad field that includes the study of human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health abstinence, contraception and other aspects like human sexual behavior, a counselor has to make the parents aware of these factors. It is common knowledge that majority of the parents are embarrassed to talk to their children or teenagers about sex. A counselor can assume a vital role in sex education by encouraging the parents to share such matters with their children. Parents should understand the fact that their children will listen to them carefully, if they will only talk. It has been identified that the communication gap between parents and teenagers often causes for many issues related to children. A counselor should make the parent aware that a parent should always be ready to extend the hand of help, when a child seeks for it. It would be better for a parent to talk to a child around the age they first become sexually active, or when they are getting to that point (Parents and sex education, n.d.).They should be revealed of what can happen and the methods of birth control. One of the difficulties of parents in revealing or discussing sex

Managerialist model of management and leadership

Managerialist model of management and leadership Explore to what extent the managerialist model of management and leadership adopted in England and Wales has influenced management culture in one other country and the impact that this may have on your own management and leadership style. Introduction Managerialism has become the predominant ideology in educational management. It has been a stably indispensable ingredient in the policy of government in order to operate public school, in contrast to the traditional bureaucratic ideals, it provide high priority to management and leadership (Pollitt 1993). Leadership, is a complex social phenomenon, and has been studied and developed over many years. Leadership is a process in which an individual influences the group of individuals to accomplish the common goals and targets. Leadership is born in a organization context, that is to say no organization or group then there can be no leadership. Leadership includes attention to goals, which means leadership has impacts in contexts where everybody is moving toward a goal. So leadership seems like a power relationship existing between leader and followers (Northouse ,2007). Management is defined realistically in the context of an organization. That is to say that management is a process which enables organizations to set and achieve their objective by planning organizing and controlling their recourses, including gaining motivation from their employees. Although it is being argued that the application of some managerialist approaches cause problems. In England and Wales, education is overseen by the department for education and department for business, innovation and skills. Almost all state-funded school are maintained schools funded by the government in which the local authority, Ofsted and the TDA are influential partners. In China Education is a state-run system of public education run by the Ministry of Education. In the basic education, the Chinese government, government established a uniform standard for basic education, to control the national curriculum, the system of enrollment examinations, and teacher qualifications level. Chinese education system is reforming, through studying advanced educational counties and excessive government control is being reduced. In relation, to this assignment, I want to explore to what extent management and leadership approaches adopted in England, and Wales have influenced management culture in the China and the impact trends on development of management and leadership style. I am particularly interested in exploring to what extent western approaches can be implemented in China. For example, which theories adopted in British might be applied in China and any weaknesses it might have minimized. I will explore what theories exert impact either positively or negatively in management system in British school. Taking it as a higher revelation ,which will give me consideration about my leadership and management styles. Specifically, through studying managerialism and bureau professionalism, organizational culture, leadership style (trait, style and transformation leadership theory), I will focus on the following: To explore how managerialism has been introduced to England and Wales and how it has impacted upon education management. To explore how government policy in China controls education and influences the actions of head teachers and school organizations Compare what happened in China with what happened in England The impact of that government controls have on head teachers in china and its implications for my own management style. Literature review 2.1)Managerialism in English Education (definition)Managerialism is a set of belief and practices, and it assumes that a better management can solve the various problem existing in public sectors(Pollitt,1993) Although there are different definitions of managerialism, as a fads and buzzwords, it has been given various names including, New public Management, New Managerialism, Entrepreneurial Governance and Neo-Taylorism (Power 1997 cide in McGrah. 2004) (Traits)Managerialism is introduced to England education for couple of decades. In fact it has been as a belief that effective leadership and management is considered as the most important element for operating successful schools and colleges (Bush 2004 cited in McGrath). Its traits were summarised by (Bush 2004) as followed: manaerialism , First, it empowers manager right to manage, which is rising the process of management above that which is to be managed. Secondly, it seems like cost centres and devolved budgets to achieve greater financial control. Thirdly, managerialism uses the contracts instead of the high-trust relationship to clear sub-units in order to atomising of large-scale organisation. Fourthly, managerialism use performance assessment to link the individuals aim and the objectives of organisation. The last but not least, a virtual-market environment is created , it promotes competition and transforms students into customers. As features of managerialism mentioned before, the better management and leadership have become requirement and a trend. Pollitt ( 1993, p49) stated that managerilaism is a the acceptable face of new-right thinking concerning the state. It is an ingredient in the pot pouring which can attract support beyond the new right itself. During the last two decades, Bush (1986, 1995,1999, 2004) also consistently claimed that effective leadership and management play a crucial role for the successful operation of schools and colleges. He (2004,p 2)suggested successful management requires a clear link between aims, strategy and operational management. In his view there are three aspects should be clear, that is: formal aims, organizational or individual aims and the determination of aims. Gunter (1997) accepted the same conception that managerialism has to emphasise the managerial efficiency rather than the direction at the achievement of educational objectives. Although the opposition to managerialism has never stopped, the government continually emphasise the effective management and leadership in school, college and universities as the means by which governmental and organisational goals may be achieved (Simkins 1999). However,a fact that managerialism have affected the development of education and society and the trend have shown that it will continue to play an important role in education system. 2.2 Leadership theories in common use in England schools Undoubtedly, managerialism needs high quality management or leadership and policy maker have placed great emphasis on the good leadership. So the model of leadership has been promoting. Although there is no unified definition of leadership at present, clearly, it is different with the management. Yukl(2002) and Northhouse (2007) described that leadership is an influenced process where individual influences a group or organization through his or her action and motivation. Bush(2004) clarified it used by three dimension to define the leadership which is a basis for develop a working definition. That is, leadership as influence, leadership and values , and leadership and vision . Because the significance of effective leadership has been increasingly acknowledged, researchers never stop to study and analyse leadership theories. In consequence, there are many leadership theories according to different concerns the style approach emphasized on and various social context. However, in England, every leader has their own leadership style which very often can be analysed using trait, style and transformational leadership. Trait theory is one of most important theories. It originated in the 19th century, is based on the Great Man theory of leadership. The Great man theory believes that a successful leader should have certain innate characteristics that make them special and concentrate on their success. Trait theory developed the Great man theory and emphasise on the identification and analysis of the superior qualities of leaders. This theory concentrate on the personality which are innate traits that leader requires. (Power 1997 cide in McGrah. 2004) As a theory, the traits leaders should be held have been studied since its birth. Although no one has been able to provide the definitive list of traits which are different between leaders and non-leaders, there are seven traits that have been considered important over the years. That is: self-confidence, intelligence, helicopter effect, persistence, integrity, motivation and responsibility, which emphasis on what qualities a leader should have is useful. (Power 1997 cide in McGrah. 2004) For the reason that trait theory is still important at present, two strengths should be mentioned. The greatest one is that it is very easy to understand, people likely think about what their leaders is and what their leaders should be like. Another great function of trait theory is that trait theory can be used to identify potential leadership candidate as a first sieve. These strengths also effect following new theories, but as a theory, the greatest weaknesses are also constrict its development. The greatest weakness is that the definitive list of traits has been argued. That is to say, if a new list is identified the recognized leader should be in dilemma, because they likely do not have all the traits specified. (Power 1997 cide in McGrah. 2004) Compared with trait theory that focus on the personality, style theory concerned with the behaviour. Northouse (2007) comment that In common, there are two general kinds of behaviour should be considered. One is task aids goal achievement and other is relational assists interpersonal support. Style theory seeks a way to help leader to effectively combine these two behaviours. As a theory, the greatest strength is that it established the idea that the leaders style is composed of two major components- task and relationship, more importantly, the key to good readership is finding the right balance, which changes the focus of research to what leaders do and how they act while it provides leaders with an insight into how others see them. However there are three doubts about this theory. First, how does style of leadership impacts on performance and attitude of staff. Secondly, whether is there a style that is effective in all situations? Thirdly, it does not take account of the context o r situation in which leadership is exercised. (Northouse 2007) Currently, the Transformation Leadership theory (TL) has become popularised in the educational leadership field. Transformation Leadership theory focuses on values, ethics standards and long-term goals. A connection leaders create is characterized, it is to raise the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and followers. Caldwell and Spinks (1992) commended that transformation leadership theory is crucial for self-manage schools. As opposite to them, Bennett et al(2003) argued that because this theory put too much on the top leader as a heroic figure and encourage manipulation of followers, it gave rise to overemphasis on conception of distributed leadership. Similarly, Bush(2004) discussed that transformational model is popular in the literature but the contemporary policy climate cannot provide enough condition for its growth, because the English system increasingly requires school leaders to adhere to government prescriptions which affect aims, curriculum, content and pedagogy as well as values(Bush 2004,p78). As a same opinion, Bottery (2001) gave a the same view that the more centralized , more directed, and more controlled educational system that has dramatically reduced the possibility of realising a genuinely transformational education and leadership. However, transformational leadership theory is consistent with the collegial model in which a challenge should be faced is that leaders and staffs have shared values and common interests. 2.3) government control of education in China. Whenever, just like most countries, education is a Long-Term Priority in China, it has never been ignored by Chinese government Since the founding of New China, the Chinese government has always attached great importance to education, It is establishing the worlds largest education system.(Basic Education in China(2010)). The Ministry of Education (2009) stated that in the last 3 decades of reform and opening up, China has been unremitting efforts to explore a path of educational development with Chinese characteristics. It is well-known that education system is controlled by central government. Centrol government was in charge of basic education and high education before the market economy replaced the planning economy in 1985. That is to say, the curriculum and leaders and teachers management were all administrated by government. Accordingly, the leadership and management in school were driven by government and its policy at that time. After 1985, educational system was no longer compatible with the prevailing economic system and social needs, there was a transition happened in the highly centralized administrative system of education.(Su 2004). National Conference on Education implemented policy The reforms were intended to expand their management and decision-making powers, this policy gave administrators the necessary encouragement and authority to ensure smooth progress in educational reform. Lee (2006)gave a clear explanation that the local governments were given some administrative powers. The basic education was mainly the responsibility of local governments. In higher education and vocational education, colleges and universities were more independent decisions-making power. Furthermore, the investment system underwent a gradual change under which the state made unified development plans and provided budgetary appropriations for education. The second great changes taken place in Chinese education in 1993 after the speech of the making ones rounds austral Deng Xiaoping is published. Education Law of the Peoples Republic of China states that the Ministry of Education is responsible for formulating guiding principles for education, establishing regulations, planning the progress of educational projects with expanded administrative scope and power and it is co-ordinating the educational programs of different departments, and standardization educational reforms. In short, The Ministry of Education is highest power of education in China. Despite that the new Ministry assumed a central role in the administration of education, the reform decentralized much of the power it previously wielded and its constituent offices and bureaus, which had established curriculum and admissions policies in response to the State Planning Commissions requirements. In summary, Location management is running in basic education and excessive government control over colleges and universities was reduced ( the Ministry of education) than before. there are considerable autonomy and variations in and among the autonomous regions, provinces, and special municipalities. Management and leadership approaches used in China Due to a fact that some managerialism in china is borrowed from westerns, so some parallels can be drawn between the Chinese case and its Western counterparts in terms of the public management including educational management. For example, Devolution of educational management from the central to the local level was the means chosen to improve the education system. Devolution refers to the transfer of authority to an autonomous unit that can act independently, or a unit that can act without first asking permission. (Bray, 1999) Lee and Lo( 2001 )agreed with the ideas from Massey (1993), Ferlie (1996) and continued to claim that In the west, the theme of reinventing government is ideologically embedded in the current of the new right. It promoted the three Es (efficiency, effectiveness, and economy) in the public management, and advocates profit, property rights and markets to substitute for the mechanisms of power in the restructuring of public administration. In the Chinese context, the remaking of public maintaining to the role of top policy makers, the assessment of the state capacity, the dilemma between the state hierarchy and market mechanisms and the controversy of property rights. During the reform ear, the top Chinese policy makers have been trying to gain not only a realistic policy making role for the party-state at the macro level, but also feasible approaches in the remaking of public management at the micro levels. Compare between in china and uk Despite a fact that critique to government control has existed, government control in education system has placed in differently level in Britain and China. China is country whose educational system is ran by state, before 1985, the government controlled over the education system since 1949, that is to say the Chinese government is the most powerful to manage education through all educational policies made by Chinese Communist Party. For instance, government monitored implementation of its policies at all educational institutions by its party committees. Almost every head teacher and senior management is member of Chinese communist party. The orientation of educational institution guided by policies made central government. Notably, there was a change happened in the national conference on education in 1985, the establishment of the ministry of education symbolised some coordination of education. Although State Council (central government) still played the central role in the adminis tration of education and the new ministry of education is in charge of all organisations, the decentralisation to constituent educational bureaus and local governments, as a rudiment, has established, which had power in different level to establish curriculum and admissions policies. Education law of the peoples republic of China (Article 14) state that: The State Council and all local Peoples government at different levels shall supervise and manage the educational work according to the principle of management by different levels and division of labour with individual responsibility. Secondary and lower education shall be managed by the local Peoples government under the leadership of the State Council. Higher education shall be managed by the State Council and the Peoples government of province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the central government. By contrast, in England and Wales, the school leaderships are reduced to implement the policies and values of government and its agencies (Bush 2004.p 4). The government is very appreciative of school leadership who continue to give their time and energy to the voluntary work of serving on school governing bodies.() Although governments have the constitutional power to impose their will but successful innovations require the commitment of those who have to implement these chances in the England and Wales (Bush 2004.p 4). He explained if the teachers and leaders believe the policies are not suitable for teaching and learning, which should give to rise to lack of passion and enthusiasm to implement an initiative. Therefore, government should appreciate school to have visionary leadership as long as the visions and values of school are closed with government imperatives. Bush argued that what extent the leadership is able to modify government policy depends on school-level values and vision. Similarly, Furlong (2002) claimed that professionals have been status of teachers because of increased government control of education. That is to say, in England and Wales, professionalism is allowed to exist only by the grace of central government due to the central monitoring of teacher performance. (Bush, 2004 p5) Governing bodies and individual governors should also review their effectiveness and carry out self evaluation of their own skills and evaluate the skill set possessed by the governing body as a whole so that any skills gaps can be met. Governors should also receive defined information to enable them to challenge and hold the school leadership team to account (Reflection- to what extent could that trait, style and transformational leadership used in china (500-750) Based on a fact, leadership theory , mostly, is copy from western leadership theory, so there are three phases. They are: trait, style and transformational leadership theory. Exactly, trait theory is the oldest theory either in western or in china, this theory is not solely copy of the Great Man theory, but it is based on Great Man theory, summarized the common traits of successful leaders. It is way it currently, is still useful. One reason is that it provide a ideal for us to look for a leader. On the other hand, want-to-be leaders can use it to identify their basic personality that they need to work on if they want to be considered a leader. In china, if you want to work as a leader in educational institution, the basic qualities as first sieve should be required, they are as followed: Intelligence: leaders should have professional knowledge and be intellect to deal with issues and problems. Self-confidence: it is quite different between leaders and their followers. No matter how hard the leaders confront with challenges, leaders should be confident to tackle them, it is not fake it but positive to seek effective way due to a believe you can deal with them. Helicopter effect and motivation: China is a country whose thought is more collective, as a leader, she or he should be able to encourage everyones aim to be same with organization. leaders need to motivate not only themselves but also staff. Persistence: as good quality, the leader must have it. As leaders in education, they should meet challenges, obstacles and results that are not expected. Never giving up and keeping forward are ever objectives. Integrity: helicopter effect come from respect and trust and integrity is foot of respect and trust. Responsibility: leaders should put responsibility before accountability. As time goes by, the trait theory has not content to leadership needs, style theory,as supplement, is used at educational system. China is a country who requires good relationship. The style theory provides a way to find the right balance for task and relationship. Task aids goal achievement while relational assists interpersonal support. With popularity of transformational leadership theory in western, this theory is permeating to China. It is part of the new leadership paradigm that give more attention to the charismatic and effective elements of leadership. It meet the needs of todays work groups who want to be inspired and empowered to succeed in times of uncertainty, because this theory focus on the intrinsic motivates and followers development. It provide easier way for leaders to combine the aim of organization and individuals targets. It is more humanism, and it consider emotions, values, ethics, standards and long-term goals and includes assessing followers motives, satisfying their needs and treating as full human beings. That is why this theory is broad researched and applied in China. These three theories have their own strengths and weaknesses, how to exert their advantages and avoid their disadvantages is strategy and tactic. Conclusion :500sieve three most important things you have learn In conclusion, therefore, it can be seen that despite widespread opposition to managerialism, like everything in the world, there are two sides, the dark side of managerialism is overstate. managerialism has become a dominant ideology in educational management either in England and Wales or in China. It is a production of development of society. Notably, as we can see, the application of managerialist approach can cause some problem. However, managerialism emphasizes on managers right to manage. It is typified by a set of practice including the assumptions, techniques, ideas and behaviours, so the practice of management is raised above importance of the function being managed. So the introduction of manageriamlism led to a greater emphasis being place on management and leadership as these skills were necessary to meet the new requirements. According managerialism, government needs the good management and leadership to control education. However, the government policy cannot be change d by leaderships who develop alternative approaches based on school-level. In other words, governments in England and Wales have the constitutional power to impose their will but successful innovations require the commitment of those who have to implement these changes; while in China, central government control and management at different level, on the one hand, kept stable of educational development; on the other hand, it led to limitation of innovation. Management and leadership As a predominant ideology in educational management, managerialism needs the effective management and leadership that also are required by governmenal and organizational goals. Management is of mind. It is important. As a science, it is concerned with now and here, which means manager need to do things right; while leadership is concerned with future, as a art, leadership is sole and heart, it need to do right things. So management and leadership, in most time, could not be divided. Indeed, leadership theories have provide a dramatically different view of the driving forces behind leadership. As is mentioned before that in England the trait, style and transformational leadership are very often analysed by most leaders even if they have their own leadership style. During the process of development of leadership theory, the researchers and leaders have been looking for the best way to obtain the sense and avoid their weakness. This is why some good strengths of old theory (traits and style theory) are still important for today. With the development of leadership theory, the new theories always fit requirement of age in order to fit effective management and leadership. Areas of weakness in what you have done I have done my best to show in this essay that management and leadership in educational system in England and Wales and China. Because the aims of education are more diffuse and contested. As is known that aims are tied up with peoples values and beliefs. So management and leadership in education should be different with other public areas. In addition, because of the differences of context and tradition in different countries, management and leadership in China and England are in different way, although it is in very subtle, implicit ways. The analysis and discussion have been showen, some of these were somewhat out of date. although it is not clear which leadership style is the best for England and China, at least, the strengths and weakness mentioned before are meaningful for further research. if it is merely reflecting the way for me to see my own leadership style. However, in the long run, negative effect of managerialiam and leadership theories should be attractive my eyes. As we know that things will change, but only slowly. research in these areas is important, the eventual solution would identify the better way to manage schools, colleges and universities in other words, a greater respect for aims of education to look for a fittest management method.

The Debate Over Euthanasia Essay -- Euthanasia Death Argumentative Ess

The Debate Over Euthanasia The controversy over euthanasia has recently become highly publicized. However, this issue is not a new debate. Society has voiced its opinions on the subject for hundreds of years. Euthanasia, which is Greek for "good death", refers to the act of ending another person’s life in order to end their suffering and pain.1 Two forms, passive and active euthanasia, categorize the actions taken to end the person’s life. Passive euthanasia involves removing a patient’s life support, withholding food and water, and discontinuing medical treatments. Active euthanasia includes any direct action taken to cause the death of the person, such as administrating a lethal drug.2 The debate over this issue stems from moral, ethical, and religious beliefs. All of these standpoints either side with the patient dying a natural death or from an accelerated death by euthanasia. History Throughout history, euthanasia has been used as a way to relieve a patient from an incurable illness or from living a life of unbearable pain. Many cultures, such as the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, did not oppose one’s decision to end his life rather than living with agonizing pain.3 During this time period, this choice was commonplace. A few ancient philosophers, who believed that the ending of a human life belonged to the gods only, met it with objection. When the Christian era began, the subject was rarely discussed or practiced because of the strong trust and faith held in God and his divine command. It was not until the eighteenth century Enlightenment period that new ideas favoring euthanasia were put forth by philosophers and other prominent figures such as Samuel Williams and David Hume.4 By the close of the 1800’s... .... - "Euthanasia: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions," International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, 2 March 1999, http://iaetf.org/index.htm (8 March 1999). - Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide: All Sides of the Issues, 3 March 1999, http://www.religioustolerance.org/euthanas.htm(4 March 1999). - Green, James T. The Effects of Chemotherapy, 22 January 1999, http://www.databaun.com/jamez/writing/chemo.html(2 March 1999). - "Interview With Timothy Quill M.D.," Frontline/WGBH Educational Foundation, 1998, http://www2.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/medicine/quill2.html(4 March 1999). - Larue, Gerald, Th.D. Playing God: Fifty Religions Views on Your Right to Die Wakefield, NJ: Moyer Bell, 1996. - Manning, Michael M.D. Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1998.

The Grand Illusion and Social Identity

War leads to the massive loss of life, the non-recognition of human rights and dignity. But then, amidst its horrors, great acts of humanity are committed by people of various social backgrounds. Violence and conditions of uncertainty transform social identities with regards to ethnicity and class, enabling men to aid others for the very reason that they are fellow humans. This paper expounds on this idea through insights from a film classic, a sociological theory as well as common knowledge history.Background of the FilmThe 1937 film â€Å"The Grand Illusion† was one of the masterpieces of French director Jean Renoir. Having served in the First World War himself, Renoir witnessed first hand the gruesome experiences of being powerless in the face of an oppressive situation. He sought to express his anti-war sentiments through film. Although he used World War I as the setting, the film came at a time when the world was once again at the brink of another.The film underscores the theme that war is not the answer to society’s problems but rather exacerbates them. It shows how the elite or the aristocracy resorted to war in order to sustain and expand economic and political interests. Prior to World War II, the Jews began to dominate Germany’s economy with the superb entrepreneurial skills peculiar to their culture that enhanced their social mobility.The success of the war depended on the support of the citizenry whose bulk was composed of the middle and working classes. For Germany, the single greatest binding force that united them together was in the ethnocentric conception of the superiority of the German race. This was compounded in the narrow nationalist promotion of â€Å"Germany for Germans†. Both ideas worked to entrench a strong Anti-Semitist sentiment in the country.This shifting of social identities towards the ultimate expression of humanity in war is effectively captured in â€Å"The Grand Illusion†. Here, social iden tity stems from the recognition of one’s membership in a social group united through similar roles and viewpoints (Stets and Burke, 2000, p.225). Renoir’s intention was to portray the transcendence over ethnicity and social class as illusions, aptly because they are the glaring opposite of social reality.Social Identity and TranscendenceSocial Class across NationalitiesFrench-German AristocratsThe film portrayed the universality of social class and the common group identities of similar social classes across borders. The German Captain von Rauffenstein is seen inviting his prisoner, the French Captain de Boeldieu, to lunch just because the latter was an officer, and so, a fellow aristocrat. Their identification with one another stems from their common fulfillment of the roles and expectations associated with their class.The scenes that followed showed them enjoying each others’ company thus forming an in-group, highlighting their difference (in-group favoritism) from the commoners, the out-group. They talk animatedly about experiences privileged to the elite – cuisine, women and familiar people. Their use of German, French and English further emphasizes their ability to overcome the German-French and prisoner-captor divide.Stets and Burke (2000) stated that â€Å"in-group homogeneity is especially strong when no motivational forces exist to distinguish the self from others within the group†(p.226). In the final scenes, Captain de Boeldieu distracts the German guards to enable his two companions to escape. German Captain von Rauffenstein tried to talk him into submission first but was forced to shoot him. De Boeldieu was a fellow aristrocrat (part of an in-group) but more than this, he was also a French officer, an enemy (motivational force).The scenes depicting the dying de Boeldieu talking to von Rauffenstein saw how identity roles take center stage over group identity. Though both of them see their identity as aristocrats, in the process of the war, they came to see their roles differently. Von Rauffenstein believed in the purpose of the war while de Boeldieu believed that their class was dysfunctional and welcomed the possibility of society being led by the lower class.Similarly, identity roles taking precedence was illustrated in de Boeldieu allowing Lieutenant Marechal, his fellow aviator who was a mechanic before the war, to escape. Group identity would dictate that de Boeldieu, in order to perform his duty, would take advantage of the situation for himself. But because he saw his identity role differently, he died allowing a commoner to regain his freedom.French-German CommonersThe transcendence over social class across nationalities was also demonstrated during the escape of Marechal together with another prisoner named Rosenthal who was a Jew. Traveling on foot over unfamiliar and hostile territory presented difficulties and was further exacerbated when Rosenthal sustained injuries. As such, th ey were forced to ask for help at the farm that they came across with.The resident was a German woman, Elsa, whose husband tragically died fighting in the war. She shared a similar identity with Marechal who also came from a working class background. The common realization that there is much to lose in the war but none to gain (similarities), led both Elsa and Marechal to overcome differences in nationality and language barriers for the woman to help the fugitives.Ethnicity and Social IdentityOne of the characters in the film was a Jew named Rosenthal. He belonged to the upper class but was originally a commoner. The film dispels the exaggerated dissimilarities that led to prejudicial or Anti-Semitic sentiments when Rosenthal’s character was portrayed as compassionate. Although he was upper class, he gave parts of his meals to his fellow prisoners without exception. Thus, he maintained favorable relationships with all captives in the camp.This suggests that Rosenthal as a Jew and the non-Jew prisoners overcame ethnic differences because their identity was primarily based on all of them being prisoners (social group). Thus they performed a common role and viewpoint – to dig a tunnel and escape in order to return to their respective territories and continue performing their duty to fight against the common enemy. Here, the German guards are the out-group.ConclusionThe transcendence over social identity is easily accomplished under circumstances of chaos and instability that are not conventional during times of peace. This is because as social experiments have proven, divisions between groups are minimized when there are common goals that can only be achieved through collective efforts (SIT lecture). In the film, prisoners from different classes and ethnicities worked together to dig a tunnel as a common means of escape. The sharing of food for equal sustenance to all was also depicted, albeit through Rosenthal as an individual, increasing everyoneà ¢â‚¬â„¢s chances of survival.Transcendence on an individual level can also be accomplished when one’s perception of identity role deviates from the traditional group identity boundaries, i.e. de Boeldeiu’s self-sacrifice for a commoner as a way out of the aristocrat failure as a class in contrast to von Rauffenstein’s steadfast conformity to aristocratic duties. The latter’s conformity is due to his commitment of a role that is salient to him (Stets and Burke, 2000, p.232).As social identity results from comparison of one’s self from others and recognizing the similarities in experience can also lead one to transcend socially defined divisions. This was exemplified in the relationship of the French Lieutenant Marechal and the German peasant, Elsa.Non-transcendence on the part of the German guards and their officers, who represented the German state under Hitler in history, was due to their segregation of themselves as a superior race and their dete rmined attempts to compete over economic and political superiority as well.In general, the film has been rich in examples showing how social identification leads to social conflict and also to conflict resolution. The lessons borne out of this classic film are invaluable as we face a world today where war seems to be the solution to contradictions among nations, races, ethnic groups and social classes.List of ReferencesStets, J.E. and Burke, P.J. (2000). Identity Theory and Social Identity Theory. SocialPsychology Quarterly, 63(3), p.224-237.Social Identity Theory Powerpoint (Lecture).

The Value of Digital Privacy in an Information Technology Age

Running head: The Value of Digital Privacy in an Information Technology Age 1 The Value of Digital Privacy in an Information Technology Age Tara Brooks Professor Bristow, J. D. Law, Ethics and Corporate Governance, LEG 500 4 May 2012 Abstract How many of us have paused during conversation in the past several years, suddenly aware that you might be eavesdropped on? Probably it was a phone conversation, although maybe it was an e-mail or instant-message exchange or a conversation in a public place.Maybe the topic was terrorism, or politics, or your church service. You pause suddenly, momentarily afraid that your words might be taken out of context, and then you laugh at your paranoia and go on. But your demeanor has changed, and your words are subtly altered. Privacy is a growing concern in the United States and around the world. As we increasingly use the Internet and the seemingly boundary less options for collecting, saving, sharing, and comparing information trigger consumerâ€℠¢s worries.Online practices of business and government agencies may present new ways to compromise privacy, and e-commerce and technologies that make a wide range of personal information available to anyone with a Web browser only begin to hint at the possibilities for inappropriate or unwarranted intrusion into our personal lives. Privacy is very important-especially on the Internet. It is amazing how many websites are designed to reveal private details about people—actually it is a little scary. In this paper, I will be discussing different topics on the value of digital privacy. Keywords: privacy, personal information, digital privacy . List and describe at least three (3) technologies that allow an individual to research citizens’ private data. The three technologies that allow an individual to research citizens’ private data are Bluetooth, GPS, and Google (Internet). The first technology I will discuss is Bluetooth. Bluetooth has several ways it can be hack ed. Some ways are blue jacking, blue snarfing, and blue bugging. In blue jacking, someone might send unsolicited messages to the victim in the form of a business card or a mobile contact with a text that may look intimidating to read. In many cases, someone may also send sounds like a ring tone.The victim’s mobile could then be infiltrated and he/she might never know what has happened. Blue jacking messages can also be viewed as spam messages with emails. There have also been reports about people getting hacked by Trojan Horses which could mean a serious compromise. Blue snarfing is considered a serious compromise in the category of Bluetooth hacking especially if the information vulnerable, is quite critical, as such attacks can allow someone access to victim’s contact list, text messages, emails and even private photos and videos. In blue bugging, someone uses sophisticated attacks to gain control of victim’s mobile.It works just like Trojan horses, where some one can manipulate the user’s phone the way he/she desires by executing commands on the victim’s phone. The hacker could forward mobile calls from the victim’s mobile to his own device and can even manipulate the mobile to follow a Bluetooth headset instructions like; receive call, send messages etc. (Hubs by Hassam, 2011) The second technology is GPS. A GPS tracking unit enables you to determine the precise location of person, vehicle or other object. GPS (Global Positioning System) is the only functional system, which can record the position of an object at regular intervals.A GPS tracking unit is so helpful that it can store the recorded location data within the tracking unit. Satellite transmits signals that can be intercepted by GPS receivers to find the precise location of any object you are searching for. Aside from making driving easier, the on-board electronics revolution has given some people a new direction in their lives. Unfortunately, it could take them right into your bedroom or living room. These people are GPS thieves. When they steal your device, they sometimes get more than just an electronics item they can sell for $100 or more on the street. They get your home address.With the push of a button, one common navigational feature, the home setting, fully automates the process of directing you to your home — a convenience that burglars and stalkers are sure to appreciate. It's enough to turn your free-floating anxiety about data theft into full-blown paranoia about home invasion. About two years ago, thieves stole a number of Acura cars from a corporation's garage in Atlanta, and, in three cases, they used the GPS units in the cars to find and then burglarize employees' homes. (Gary Thomas, â€Å"Thieves Target GPS Devices to Find Out Where You Live†, December 2009)The final technology is Google. Our class exchanged names with one another. We went to the lab to find information on the person that we were given . It is amazing and scary to see how much information can be discovered from Google. Some information is phone numbers, addresses, and where someone actually lives. I can simply type in the name of the person or business, preferably with quotation marks around the name, and if the phone number has been entered somewhere on the Web, than it will come up in my search results. I can also find all sorts of useful information with Google Maps, simply by typing in an address.In fact, I can use Google Maps to view an entire neighborhood. 2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public access to this information, both for the researchers and those who are being â€Å"investigated. † One main advantage and disadvantage of blue tooth is that I am in Control: From a researcher’s view, I’m able to exchange data across my cell phone, I’m still have the ability to keep my information private. In order to make a transfer or allow someone to access the files on the phone, I would have to give them access by accepting or rejecting the request through my phone.As someone being investigated, I need to ensure if I have the Bluetooth feature enabled on the phone and not disabled while using it, others that I may not even know request to send me a file. Implementing security, even for these types of device pairings, can prevent an unauthorized user from using the headset. As someone that is â€Å"investigated†, I would definitely want to keep my information such as contacts, addresses and other information private and safe. Some of the advantages of GPS are that it can track lost items and it can track people.As a researcher, I realize that the crime rate keeps on increasing in every part of the world and a lot of highly valuable objects have been, and will, be stolen. It doesn’t matter how irrelevant you think an object or equipment is to others if it is something that is very expensive you should make sure you install a GPS tracking system on it. As a researcher, I can found my item or child quickly. Many phones have GPS capabilities that young children and teens may not know about; this is a great access if a child goes missing.As a person that is â€Å"investigated†, the disadvantage of GPS technology that can save lives can also provide a framework for invasion of privacy. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, locational privacy â€Å"is the ability of an individual to move in public space with the expectation that under normal circumstances their location will not be systematically and secretly recorded for later use. † (Peyton Brookes, Advantages ; Disadvantages of Mobile Tracking, 2012) As a researcher, information is probably the biggest advantage that Internet offers.Internet is a virtual treasure highway of information. Any kind of information on any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The search engines like Google, Yahoo are at your service on the Internet. The re is a huge amount of information available on the Internet for just about every subject known to man, ranging from government law and services, trade fairs and conferences, market information, new ideas and technical support, the list is endless. Also as a researcher, Internet has made life very convenient. With numerous online services I can now perform all my transactions online.I can book tickets for a movie, transfer funds, pay utility bills, taxes etc. , from my computer. Some travel websites even plan an Itinerary as per my preferences and take care of airline tickets, hotel reservations etc. As someone that is â€Å"investigated†, if I use the Internet for online banking, social networking or other services, I may risk a theft to my personal information such as name, address, credit card number etc. Evil people can access this information through unsecured connections or by planting software and then use my personal details for their benefit. Needless to say, this ma y land me in serious trouble.Google stores enormous amounts of data to power its Web search and advertising engines, and many privacy advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over the amount of personal information Google has the ability to access. 3. Determine what measures citizens can take to protect private information or information they do not want to be disclosed. Some measures that citizens can take to protect private information are use different passwords for every account. It is easy to use the same password for each account that you have, but it is not safe or wise. Hackers have tools specifically designed to crack into accounts.A strong password contains letters, numbers, different cases, and symbols. Another way, if you have old online accounts that are not being used, closes them. Hackers could use them to infiltrate your more important accounts. Get rid of them. If you can't remember where you have old accounts search your email inbox with queries like â€Å"regist ered†, â€Å"confirm† or â€Å"your account† to find email records of old accounts. Another measure to do is go paperless. Bank and credit card statements can contain social security or account information. Check with these agencies to see if you can go paperless, and use a secure online portal for your transactions. . Discuss a federal law that grants the federal government the legal right to make private information on U. S. citizens available to the public, and whether or not you agree with this law. to fire for any reasons that are not unlawful, such as discrimination, etc. Since she did not obey company policies, she will be terminated. Human Resources will inform her if she will be receiving benefits or compensation from the company. 5. Determine whether there are â€Å"electronic privacy laws† that can prevent others from having access to â€Å"private information† as well as how effective they are. . . FEATURES- Internet – DNS Securit y 610 -8References Halbert, T. , & Ingulli, E. (2012). Law & ethics in the business environment (7th ed. ). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning http://autos. aol. com/article/gps-thief-home-invasion/ http://www. ehow. com/list_6068148_bluetooth-advantages-disadvantages. html#ixzz1u3e6jVDc http://hassam. hubpages. com/hub/Types-Of-Bluetooth-Hacks-And-Its-Security-Issues http://techgyo. com/index. php/3-major-advantages-gps-tracking-system/#ixzz1u44hGdujsOME