Identify the defining features of Realist perspective and assess their Essay

Identify the defining features of Realist perspective and assess their relevance to the analysis of contemporary world politics - Essay Example This easy explores the defining features of realist perspective such as state actors, egoism, anarchy, power, security, and morality with the aim of presenting an assessment of their relevance to the analysis of contemporary world politics. In their analysis of international politics, realists assert the central role played by the state in dictating international relations as opposed to other theories of international relations like liberalism that accepts international institutions as being part of the actors day (Kegley, 2013). Realists saw the state as triumphant over other forms of political authority like feudal principalities, city-states, and empires such as the Soviet Union. According to the views of realists such as Hobbes, the state enjoys a distinctive monopoly of legitimate violence given that in the global arena, all the people regardless of nationality, language, culture, ethnic background or religion have accepted or have a state that force them to resolve their confli cts. Such a people also look for the state to protect their interests against aggressions from other states and international actors (Kolodziej, 2005). The assertion of the state as the main player in international relations means that actors in the international politics will put the importance of state interest the centre of any interactions with other players in the global area. Realist conception of the state as the central actor in international relations through its exercise of power in certain ways has far-reaching significances on the relationship between states and other actors on the international arena (Kaarbo & Ray, 2011). Such assumptions are essential in the contemporary world politics where such bodies as multinational corporations have no legal or political right to act as independent or autonomous actors in the international economy since they are only part of state power or instrument of foreign policy. Multinational corporations are not in themselves, substantial economic and political force, in their exercise of power and influence, they are only an extension and reflection of the power and might of specific states under which they act (Steans, Pettiford, & El-Anis, 2013). The main concern for realist is the state of anarchy, which stands for a situation where there is no international government to intercede on interstate conflicts. Realist believes that the main concern in international relations is the condition of anarchy, which is based on their view that the world lacks a central sovereign power to regulate relations between states. The absence of international body with the authority to create and enforce regulatory measures on interstate relationships, realists argue, means the states as main players put in place their own scheme for survival and are free to define their own interests and pursuit of power day (Kegley, 2013). Anarchy in the international politics therefore, leads to a circumstance where power has the superseding role of dictating interstate relations (Steans, Pettiford, Diez & El-Anis, 2013). Realists point out the failure of international institutions like the Permanent Court of International Justice and the League of Nation is because such international organizations exert minimal pressure on behaviour of states. This realist assumption is clear in the way contemporary states peruse their interests by choosing to overlook international

Boeotian black figure tripod kothon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Boeotian black figure tripod kothon - Essay Example The komos is a parade of masked men costumed as satyrs and an occasion of feasting, joyous drinking and dancing.1 According to Maurice Emmanuel, representations of komos was much affected by the painters of vases and the fashion spread over the whole of Hellenistic world, to Boeotia and its kothons.2 The homosexual theme painted on the kothon served its purpose because; the kothon was the preferred drinking-vessel by soldiers taken on campaigns because it is easily carried in a knapsack. Greek men are known to practice pederasty and soldiers were known to fight with their lovers in battle. In the Constitution of the Lacedaemonians, Critias wrote about the vessel: â€Å"The reason why it is so well adapted to military use is that it is often necessary to drink water that is not pure. It is first of all useful because the liquid to be drunk cannot be seen with any clarity.†3 The Boeotian black figure tripod kothon further demonstrates this with its inward turning edges which wou ld inevitably catch a residue of the impurities inside its lip. One man, in dancing depiction, stretches an inviting reach toward the other dancing figures chin in the depiction of hopeful gesture for a romantic response. It appears that the dances are part of Dionysian rites with its revelry and wine-involved dances. Dionysius or his representation, however, is not depicted in the painting. According to Csapo and Miller, it is difficult to establish a connection to Dionysius on the basis of available iconography because the kothon paintings only show general associations such as the use of wine in the ritual and the masked satyrs.4 In the previously cited kothon artifact housed in Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, there is a more detailed depiction of the komos in the Boeotian kothon (see the picture below). In this case, the komos is collocated with a sacrifice ceremony, involving wine-poring, piper playing and

Bushfire risk in Maryborough in Victoria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bushfire risk in Maryborough in Victoria - Essay Example Regardless of the positive influence of the fires on the country’s flora and fauna, the extent of the loss of lives and destruction of property in the country is unwarranted thus compelling the country to country to invest millions of dollars with the view of safeguarding the population. Among the most adversely affected states in the country is state of Victoria, which has had a long history of bushfire disasters. The most recent of such disasters in the state was the Black Saturday bushfires, which resulted in more than one hundred and seventy deaths (O’Brien, 2002). To prevent such unwarranted loss of human lives and property, the Victorian state government has instituted several agencies such as the Department of environment and primary industries and the county fire authority both of which work in collaboration to mitigate on such disasters in the future. To do this, the organizations carry out effective risk assessment thus inform their population appropriately wi th the view of preventing the loss of lives and property in case of such fires. Additionally, the authorities strive to curb the fires in case they break out before the result in extensive loss of the country’s flora. ... Risk assessment and planning involves the utilization of varying amount of resources depending on the nature and size of the underlying potential of the risk. Such develops the concept of acceptable risk, which refers to the risk that the community can only accommodate. The cost of implementing an effective countermeasure to such risks is always too great for the community to bear. Furthermore, vulnerability of the countermeasure always exceeds the expected loss, such compel the community to understand and tolerate the prevailing risks (Lerche & Glaesser, 2006). An effective assessment of the risk that the fires present to the local population in the state of Victoria has helped reduce the deaths and magnitude of property damage in the event of such fires. However, the assessment compels the analysis of such factors as the climatic condition and the nature of the vegetative cover in the state. With such, the state authorities can therefore manage the settlement of the people and cont rol the activities of the local communities with the view of reducing the activities that pose threats such as smoking and garbage burning among other uncontrolled fire during the dry months. Sensitization and preparedness helps minimize the destruction of the fires since the local population stay aware of the nature of the prevalence of the fires. Additionally, the state authorities are also therefore capable of carrying out specific measures that help minimize the risk. Risk assessment matrix and methodology The fires vary in size thus pose varying risks to the local community. The varying magnitudes of the risks thus validate the use of a risk matrix, which

Personal essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Personal - Essay Example I also know the wonderful feeling of having a great smile given to you through excellent dental care. At the age of fifteen, when my orthodontist removed my braces, I finally had my new smile, and my orthodontist took great pride of his work. I can never thank enough to my orthodontist for his great work, and I ended up choosing this career since then. My decision to pursue in dentistry field was based on series of important events over the years. I want to help people who want to get treatment but do not have enough money. My attraction to dentistry began about twelve years ago when I started visiting my dentist, and seeing an inner working of the field and that is when everything started to fall into place. During my high school years, I took pride of winning star and honor club awards for mathematics and excellent attendance with good GPA. I took pride in winning awards, team and community involvement which gave me great confidence in my ability. To make sure my choice was right; I spent number of days with my uncle in India, who is general dentist, when I was thirteen. I was fascinated that patients who were in lots of pain left office with great smiles on their faces. I grew confident about my decision to attend dental school after consulting with people in the field. Through professionals such as my orthodontists, my great uncle and other dental personnel I came to know that this was the industry for me. As I started my first year of college, I began with working in pharmacy and volunteer organization. Working in the pharmacy allowed me to help patients by preparing their medications, helping with insurance claim forms, and maintaining their profiles. As pharmacy technician, I developed really good customer service skills by interacting with customers and playing large role in their personal health care plans. Coupled with my dedication to dental work is my belief in building understanding, caring relationships with each

Bushfire risk in Maryborough in Victoria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Bushfire risk in Maryborough in Victoria - Essay Example Regardless of the positive influence of the fires on the country’s flora and fauna, the extent of the loss of lives and destruction of property in the country is unwarranted thus compelling the country to country to invest millions of dollars with the view of safeguarding the population. Among the most adversely affected states in the country is state of Victoria, which has had a long history of bushfire disasters. The most recent of such disasters in the state was the Black Saturday bushfires, which resulted in more than one hundred and seventy deaths (O’Brien, 2002). To prevent such unwarranted loss of human lives and property, the Victorian state government has instituted several agencies such as the Department of environment and primary industries and the county fire authority both of which work in collaboration to mitigate on such disasters in the future. To do this, the organizations carry out effective risk assessment thus inform their population appropriately wi th the view of preventing the loss of lives and property in case of such fires. Additionally, the authorities strive to curb the fires in case they break out before the result in extensive loss of the country’s flora. ... Risk assessment and planning involves the utilization of varying amount of resources depending on the nature and size of the underlying potential of the risk. Such develops the concept of acceptable risk, which refers to the risk that the community can only accommodate. The cost of implementing an effective countermeasure to such risks is always too great for the community to bear. Furthermore, vulnerability of the countermeasure always exceeds the expected loss, such compel the community to understand and tolerate the prevailing risks (Lerche & Glaesser, 2006). An effective assessment of the risk that the fires present to the local population in the state of Victoria has helped reduce the deaths and magnitude of property damage in the event of such fires. However, the assessment compels the analysis of such factors as the climatic condition and the nature of the vegetative cover in the state. With such, the state authorities can therefore manage the settlement of the people and cont rol the activities of the local communities with the view of reducing the activities that pose threats such as smoking and garbage burning among other uncontrolled fire during the dry months. Sensitization and preparedness helps minimize the destruction of the fires since the local population stay aware of the nature of the prevalence of the fires. Additionally, the state authorities are also therefore capable of carrying out specific measures that help minimize the risk. Risk assessment matrix and methodology The fires vary in size thus pose varying risks to the local community. The varying magnitudes of the risks thus validate the use of a risk matrix, which

Product Life Cycle Essay Example for Free

Product Life Cycle Essay INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE The international product life cycle is a theoretical model describing how an industry evolves over time and across national borders. This theory also charts the development of a company’s marketing program when competing on both domestic and foreign fronts. International product life cycle concepts combine economic principles, such as market development and economies of scale, with product life cycle marketing and other standard business models. The four primary elements of the international product life cycle theory are: the structure of the demand for the product, manufacturing, international competition and marketing strategy, and the marketing strategy of the company that invented or innovated the product. These elements are categorized depending on the product’s stage in the traditional product life cycle. Introduction, growth, maturity, and decline are the stages of the basic product life cycle. During the introduction stage, the product is new and not completely understood by most consumers. Customers that do understand the product may be willing to pay a higher price for a cutting-edge good or service. Production is dependent on skilled laborers producing in short runs with rapidly changing manufacturing methods. The innovator markets mostly domestically, occasionally branching out to sell the product to consumers in other developed countries. International competition is usually nonexistent during the introduction stage, but during the growth stage competitors in developed markets begin to copy the product and sell domestically. These competitors may also branch out and begin exporting, often starting with the county that initially innovated the product. The growth stage is also marked by an emerging product standard based on mass production. Price wars often begin as the innovator breaks into an increasing amount of developed countries, introducing the product to new and untapped markets. At some point, the product enters the maturity stage of the international product life cycle and even the global marketplace becomes saturated, meaning that almost everyone who would buy the product has bought it, either from the innovating company or one of its competitors. Businesses compete for the rema ining consumers through lowered prices and advanced product features. Production is stable, with a focus on cost-cutting manufacturing methods, so that lowered prices may be passed on to value-conscious consumers. Product innovators must guard both foreign  and domestic markets from international competition, while finally breaking into riskier developing markets in search of new customers. When the product reaches the decline stage, the innovators may move production into these developing countries in an effort to boost sales and keep costs low. During decline, the product may become obsolete in most developed countries, or the price is driven so low that the market becomes close to 100% saturated.

Use Of Technology In Task-Based Language Learning

Use Of Technology In Task-Based Language Learning A RESEARCH PAPER  ON  RESEARCH ON THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TASK-BASED LANGUAGE LEARNING 1. INTRODUCTION It is well known that our life is extremely affected by technology, and technology plays an important role in language learning. With the spread and development of English around the world, English is used as a second language. This paper studies on the use of technology in task-based for learning English as a foreign language (EFL). A task is defined by Jane Willis (1996) an activity where the target language is used by the learner for a communicative goal so as to succeed a result. The learners start with the task. Task is used as a symbol for different activities including grammar exercises, practice activities and role plays. Tasks may involve solving a word problem, creating a crossword puzzle, making a video, preparing a presentation or drawing a plan. According to Rod Ellis (2007), ‘Task’ which has four main characteristics: à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ Task involves a primary focus on (pragmatic) meaning.à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ Task has some kind of ‘gap’.à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ The participants choose the linguistic resources needed to complete the task.à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ Task has a clearly defined outcome. Task based learning is a different method to learn languages. Task-based learning emphasizes the main role of meaning in language use. Skehan (1998) implies that meaning is primary in task-based learning †¦the assessment of the task is in terms of result and that TBL is not ‘concerned with language display’ (98). In the task-based learning, the tasks show basic the learning activity. As cited by Prabhu (1987), students can learn more efficiently when their minds are headed towards on the task, sooner than on the language they are using. Doughty, Long (2003) and Willis (1996) assert that Task-based language learning (TBLL) method supports discussion of meaning using ‘meaning-focused’ and ‘communicative’ task completed activities and gives students the chance to practice language extensively within a meaningful context, attractive students in the ‘authentic,’ ‘pragmatic, and contextual production of language’, where language production is not the aim but ‘the vehicle for attending task goals’ (p.25). In other words, TBL has the advantage of getting student to use his/her skills and can help the students learn language easily and effectively. Willis (1996) explains that the main events of the three phases in task-based learning: Pre-task can include brainstorming; ‘Introduction to topic and task:Teacher explores the topic with the class, highlights useful words and phrases, helps students understand task instructions and prepare.’ Task cycle shows us; ‘Task: Students do the task, in pairs or small groups. Teacher monitors from a distance. Planning: Students prepare to report to the whole class (orally or in writing) how they did the task, what they decided or discovered. Report: Some groups present their reports to the class, or exchange written reports and compares results.’ Language focus shows form and ask questions about language features; ‘Analysis: Students examine and discuss specific features of the text or transcript of the recording. Practice: Teacher conducts practice or new words, phrases and patterns occurring in the data, either during or after the analysis (p.38).’ TBLL provides some important benefits. Task based language learning (TBLL) has the benefit of getting the student to use her/his skills at her current level. Krahne (1987) said that ‘During the task the learners are allowed to use whatever language they want, focus entirely on the meaning of their message. This makes it closer to real life communicative situation, which is a way of bringing the real world into classroom TBL that involves real communication is necessary for language learning.’ Moreover, task-based language learning which helps to realize the language in context and to use it in condition in real life. Willis (1996) has also emphasised the importance of a real world for tasks. The aim of the task is to create a real goal for language use and provide a natural context for language study. It provides the language learner with an active role in participating and creating the events. TBLL offers more chances for the students to show their thinking through thei r movements so it contributes to progress by encouraging students to lesson. Furthermore, students are more success in the language they use. It presents cooperative support. Students can work together, so task-based increases students’ motivation for learning. Task-based learning can be very successful at intermediate levels. It is difficult to primary levels students. In spite of benefits of task-based learning, there are many disadvantages of task-based learning, such as: According to Skehan (1996), task-based learning comprehends some risks if fulfilled carelessly. Task-based learning requires a high level of creativity on the part of the teacher. For instance, If the teachers are limited to more traditional roles or do not have time and resources to device task-based learning this type of teaching maybe difficult. Evaluation of task-based learning can be difficult. ‘The nature of task-based learning prevents it from being measurable by some of the more restricted and traditional tests (Krahne 1987).’ The use of technology suggestions important advantages for task-based language learning and it plays a positive role in TBLL. Chapelle (2001), Gonzolez-Lloret (2003) said that ‘The arrival of information technology has improved the quality of many scientific disciplines, including some language education and learning through technology has become a real life’ (p.84). Technology has enormous effect in task-based language learning, as a resource for EFL and as a means for communication between the EFL students. In addition, TBLL provides the basic technology for supporting learners to obtain major communication skills in the English language. Each technological tool has its specific benefits and application with important of four language parts. These are speaking, listening, reading and writing. That is to say, Ybarra and Green (2003) indicate that students trying to learn English as a second language need additional language support. They need to practice in hearing lang uage, reading language, speaking language, and writing language so as to develop their experience and skills. I believe that students can learn easily and effectively with use of technology in task-based language learning. Technological tools which can be taken advantage of the task-based language learning. Task based learning is useful for moving the motivation of the learning process from the teach ­er to the student. It gives a different way of understanding language for the students. Because of this, the students can be a better learner. When the students are a better learner, they can motivate themselves and solve their problems. Thus, motivational factor is significant in one’s achievement. RESEARCH QUESTION 1- How can we explore the benefits of task-based language learning in EFL students?