Medieval society and contemporary times

The Dark or Middle Age is usually the time that stretches from year 400 to 1000 which, historically speaking, points us to the European Early Middle Ages. The Italian scholar Francesco Petrarca coined the idea of a dark age. Though it was originally projected as a comprehensive critique of the nature of Latin literature in later times, later historians stretched the concept to contain not only the insufficiency of Latin literature but also a lack of present-day written historical accounts and material cultural achievements in the larger context.The term itself has been further enlarged by popular culture as a means to clearly illustrate the Middle Ages as an age reeking of backwardness, lengthening its pejorative practice and increasing its span. In the 20th century, the consequent emergence of archaeology and other related field in the sciences has removed much dust on the period and provided a more nuanced comprehension of its positive and contributory advancements. Other expressio ns of periodization were put forward: the Early Middle Ages, Late Antiquity, and the Great Migrations, depending on what fraction of culture is being highlighted.Petrarca noted that even though Classical Antiquity lacked the sense of Christianity it nevertheless had much of advancement in terms of culture whereas in Petrarca’s time was now labeled as the age of darkness because of the lapse in such cultural achievements.Two periods in history were observed and written by Petrarca: the Greek and Roman classical period trailed by an age of darkness in which Petrarca saw himself as still existing. The Roman Empire is believed by humanists to rise again one day and bring back classic cultural stainlessness. The promotion of classical culture championed as an ideological campaign by humanists was the beginning foundation of the concept of the European Dark Ages, and was for that reason not a neutral historical examination. It was conceived to convey disapproval and dissatisfaction of one period in time and the endorsement of another.Humanists such as Leonardo Bruni believed they had attained this new age during the late 14th and early 15th century, and that a third, Modern Age had commenced. With Petrarca labeling their age as â€Å"dark†, the age before their own had in effect become a â€Å"middle† age sandwiched between the classic and the modern. Around 1439, the first use of the term â€Å"Middle Age† appears with Flavio Biondo.The very definition of feudalism calls for the use of many qualifiers primarily because there is no broadly established agreement of what it stands for. A working definition is desirable in order for one to start to comprehend feudalism.During the middle ages, the idea of Feudalism points to a general and broad set of reciprocal legal and military obligations and responsibilities among the warrior nobility of Europe which revolved around the three major concepts of vassals, fiefs, and lords and on how these t hree crucial elements fit together inn the society. A lord was a noble who possessed land, a vassal was an individual who was permitted or rewarded custody of the land by the lord, and the land was branded as a fief. The vassal would present military service and assistance to the lord in exchange for the fief. Thus, the very obligations and connected relations between lord, vassal and fief form the structural basis of feudalism.The lord should have to make a certain individual a vassal before the former could grant the fief to the latter. Composed of the two-part act of homage and oath of fealty, this was practiced at a formal and symbolic ritual called a commendation ceremony. The vassal would give his word to battle in the side of and for the lord at his command during homage. Fealty is rooted from the Latin fidelitas, or faithfulness. Hence, the oath of fealty is seen to be a promise that the vassal will be faithful and devoted to the lord. The lord and vassal were now in a feuda l relationship with agreed-upon mutual obligations to one another right after the completion of the commendation.Granting a fief, or its revenues, to the vassal is one of the lord’s major obligations in a feudal system inasmuch as the fief is primary reason as to why the vassal preferred to engage himself into the relationship with the lord. Moreover, the lord from time to time had to accomplish other responsibilities to the vassal and fief which includes, among other else, the maintenance of such a relationship. It was still the lord's responsibility to sustain and keep the land in good condition since the lord had not given the land away but merely loaned it to the vassal while the latter had the privilege to amass revenues produced from the fief. The protection of the land and the vassal from harm is another rightful responsibility of the lord.On the other hand, the core obligation of the vassal towards the lord was to impart â€Å"aid† mostly in the form of militar y service through the utilization of available equipment the vassal could get hold of through the revenues generated from the fief. In essence, the vassal was responsible to take heed of the calls for the service in the military on lord’s behalf. It is quite notable that this guarantee and protection of military assistance was the ultimate motivation the lord preferred to form a junction with the vassal into the feudal relationship.Likewise, the vassal also had to fulfill other obligations to the lord from time to time which includes providing the lord with â€Å"counsel† so that the lord, when faced a major decision, would summon all his vassals and hold a council. One common illustration to this is when the lord had to decide whether or not to go to war. Moreover, the vassal may have been mandated to offer a consented quantity of his farm’s produce to his lord, and that the vassal was occasionally prescribed to grind his wheat in the mills and bake his bread i n the ovens owned and taxed by his lord.During the medieval times, there was a conception of three orders in the medieval society. These three can be briefly identified as those who work or the peasants, those who fight or the warring class, and those who pray or the members of the clergy.For the most part, the peasants provide the manpower in the upkeep or maintenance of the whole system through their labor in the fields and other economic institutions within the feudal system in the middle ages. These are the men and women who comprise the bulk of the system who toil not only to sustain their existence in the smaller scale but also to provide the necessary development of the system right at its very foundation.The estate of warriors in the system naturally has the obligation of fulfilling the task of protecting the system from outside invasion which may root from other systems in its proximity, or from internal disputes which may range from the peasant class up to the nobles. Thei r role is crucial in the sense that their responsibility is crucial to the safekeeping of the entire system by regulating the possibility of intrusion which can inevitably lead to the collapse of the ruling men and of the feudal system in general.Lastly, the clergymen were tasked to look after the spiritual life of the people within the medieval manor. A few of these duties include the administration of the needed sacraments with steadiness and to function as an ideological guardian of the ruling order, the absolution men and women from their sins through confession, and proclaiming secular and ecclesiastical pronouncements. In essence, the function of the clergymen in the medieval village was well beyond the ordinary functions of peasants and of the warriors for the reason that it was the village priest with whom medieval men and women identified the Church, reflecting its teachings, and authority as an utmost concern of the medieval people within the system.Apparently, there are s trands of similarities which can be observed from this class distinction between the medieval times and the contemporary generation. For the most part, the contemporary age also has within it counterparts of the medieval clergymen (priests in the Roman Catholic Church or elders in several other religious faiths), peasants (the modern working man and woman), and warriors (the military forces of nations). However, the structure of the contemporary society does not merely revolve around this three classes. Quite on the contrary, the contemporary society has a bounty of classes from which the structure of almost every nation is reflected. We now have, among other things, Non-Government Organizations which seems not be fit in any of the medieval classes.In a society based on class hierarchy, it is expected that roles are quite distinct and the functioning of every individual is separate from those of the rest. Roughly speaking, the hierarchy of classes entails the supremacy of one over t he other in both economic and social terms where the distribution of power and obligations are directly proportional the attainment of classes. To live in a hierarchy is to basically involve oneself in a system where tasks are delegated accordingly depending on the roles imminent to the class one might fall under. In contemporary society, there is a striking and undeniable existence of a hierarchy which is based on several factors such as economic, legal, and political elements to name a few.ReferencesMaliszewski, James, Lisa J. Steele, and C. A. Suleiman. Dark Ages: Europe. 160 vols: White Wolf Publishing, 2002.Russell, Frederick H. The Just War in the Middle Ages. New Ed ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

Wk5 Progress a Assign. INTL304 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Wk5 Progress a Assign. INTL304 - Assignment Example Measurement and signatures intelligence is a form of material sampling intelligence collection which detects, locates and explains those characteristics which are possessed by the target objects. The data which is collected from these objects is then translated into understandable target characteristics. It is used to avail needed intelligence to commander all through the spectrum of operations so as to give them a full understanding. Raw information which is to be later processed is to be collected through materials acquisition intelligence collection. A number of sources can be used to collect this important data. Signals intelligence is the first source whereby interception of signals between people is done. This is done by the National Security Agency which collects processes and reports the signal intelligence. Imagery intelligence is also collected from visual photography and radars sensors by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. The central Measurement and Signature intelligence organization identifies and describes the characteristics of specific targets through use of scientific and technical intelligence. To collect intelligence from human sources, the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of State and the FBI are used. Intelligence is also collected from the publicly available information such as print and mass media by the Foreign Broadcast Information Service and the National Air and space Intelligence center. Lastly, the information available in the imagery and geospatial data is collected by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency1. With increase in nuclear attacks threats, there is a change in demand for innovation of technologies, which can identify the origin of a detonated nuclear weapon. The tool, which carries out this particular task, has the capability of collecting and identifying the radioisotopes

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Reflection paper - Essay Example For instance, both parents collaboratively decided on the school where we are to be enrolled and the means to support us. The goal was for us to finish our studies and to provide the direction to eventually become self-sustaining and self-reliant. As a leader, he also assumed the roles of a coach, a mentor, a guidance counselor and a disciplinarian. He was both an authoritarian leader and at the same time, a democratic leader where he encouraged us to voice out our opinions and to participate in decision-making processes that would be beneficial for the whole family. When I started school, my teachers became my leaders in the academic setting. Again, teachers from various grade levels have identified course objectives and designed various instructional approaches with the use of instructional materials that would assist in achieving the define goals. As leaders, my teachers became my mentors, coach, guidance counselors in terms of academic performance, and provider of knowledge, and a developer of skills. Especially in higher education, as I pursued the Police Leadership Program, my professors in the course provided opportunities for learning advanced modules in areas where I need to focus on. As leaders, my professors provided the direction and guidance through course modules, lessons, concrete examples, and by giving home works and scenarios that would develop my cognitive and analytical skills, as well as the leadership skills needed for law enforcement officers. My professors have prepared personal and professional development programs that would enable us to become future leaders. Finally, in the work setting, as a police officer in Saudi Arabia, I was able to get a first-hand experience of leadership from my supervisors. They are the true leaders in a law enforcement agency where functions expected from leaders were observed. These functions included planning, organizing, directing,

The efficacy of art therapy or CBT Research Proposal

The efficacy of art therapy or CBT - Research Proposal Example Participants are to be selected through random sampling. The research procedure to be used will be experimental, with a control group whose serotonin levels, heart rate and other measures will be tested before and after the test using a t-test. This will be supplemented with survey questionnaires and the hypothesis will be rejected at 0.05. Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychiatric condition that is associated with anxiety about one’s body image, especially common in female teenagers and young women. The patient obsesses about a perceived defect and assumes that it makes her look very ugly, while this might not be the case because the patient might actually look quite normal. One of the problems associated with this is that the condition is associated with extreme levels of anxiety that might even deteriorate to the point where it translated into acute depression. In a meta-analytic review of cognitive behavioural interventions which have been used in treating anxiety and depression, Smits et al (2008) found that the use of CBT had been found to be efficacious in the treatment of anxiety; as a result, it may also be possible to apply it effectively in treating the anxiety associated with body dysmorphic disorder in females. It must be pointed out however, that while there are some studies which have been carried out on CBT and its efficacy in alleviating anxiety in general, the results are not conclusive enough to be applied on a generalized basis. The problem which arises in this context is: can CBT be applied specifically in the context of 18 to 21 year old females who are suffering from anxiety associated with body dysmorphic disorder, in order to alleviate such anxieties? Body dysmorphic disorder is a relatively severe psychiatric disorder wherein patients who have it appear to think they look ugly or deformed although in reality, they may be quite normal

Apple Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Apple Company - Essay Example It took Apple only five years from 2003 to 2008 to have the market value of its shares increased by as many as 25 times, as the value of Apple’s share in 2003 was $7.5 which increased to $180 in the year 2008. â€Å"At July 2008 prices, before the US Financial Crisis, Apple stock market capitalization was $160 billion. In January 2010 Apple shares topped the $210 mark† (Vertygo Team, 2011). The case study of Apple Company provides an excellent practical example of how the theoretical marketing principles can be brought to life by incorporating them into the business strategies, and their benefits can thus be obtained. This paper discusses the potential ways of integration of the marketing theory with practice, and explores the comprehensive marketing strategy adopted by the Apple Company that has led it to the profound success. The secret of Apple’s success lies beyond the design standards of its products as well as the core philosophy of Apple which suggests tha t â€Å"the user doesn’t always know what they want† (Tiojanco, 2012). ... potential hurdles in the way of integrating marketing theory with practice, and recognition of the measures that can be taken to overcome those obstacles. Subjectivity in the knowledge of marketing theory is introduced by the conflicting and complimenting marketing theories of different scholars and educationalists. There is not a single established way of marketing that has gained mutual consensus of all scholars and authors. In fact, different good practices have been explained in different books and literatures depending upon the context, circumstances, organizational objectives, and internal and external environmental and cultural factors that vary from one case study to another. However, there is a need to generalize certain marketing practices and principles that have been approved by a vast majority of scholars. Such marketing principles include but are not limited to improving the brand image by fulfilling corporate social responsibility, incorporating innovation and diversit y in the product design so that the product addresses the needs of a vast majority and diverse population of consumers, and selecting the right medium and the right time to advertise the products. Application of the marketing theory in practice requires understanding of difference between the role of advertisement and promotion. â€Å"[A]dvertising-like messages are used for longerterm strategic efforts to build brand awareness and attitude while promotion-like messages are designed for shorter-term tactical needs to stimulate an immediate sales response† (Percy, 2008, p. 28). Some of the hurdles in the integration of marketing theory with practice include lack of consistency between the organizational structure and the scope of work and organizational objectives, lack of involvement of

My philosophy of education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My philosophy of education - Essay Example During an observation at Battery Park City School, I found an example. In a class of first graders, when a girl was moving a bean bag chair by herself, a boy classmate walked up to her and helped her move it. As soon as Liz, who is their teacher, saw it, she said, â€Å"Oh! Look at him. How gentle he is! You are a gentleman.† In this case, the boy is recognized and feels a sense of pride with what he has done. This helps the boy learn that helping others is a good thing. The teacher’s words are helpful not only for the boy, but also for the rest of students in class. Hearing their teacher praise their classmate for lending a helping hand will help them realize that helping others is a good thing. Through a few words of praise, students could learn what is right and it helps form their personality. In this context, praise is an effective learning method and teaching method. Alice S. Honig discussed the positive solutions to address typical difficulties. One of the positive solutions mentioned was praise. According to Honig, â€Å"Children who are tense may show signs of pressure and frustration, like biting their nails or stuttering. Harsh response will only make children more tense. Instead, find situations in which these children shine, and bolster their self-confidence with Praise. For example, ‘Marques, you did a beautiful job of hanging up your coat!’ †. For Gartrell as cited in Meece and Soderman, appropriate praise is one that is â€Å"sincere, constructive, and encouraging†. Children tend to flourish when adults take notice and recognize a child’s effort and accomplishments. Recognizing positive changes in a child’s behavior and abilities also helps. Pro-social behavior is developed when the positive results of a child’s behavior on another is pointed out. In promoting a positive verbal environment, praise is used as a means to encourage a child’s intrinsic motivation. As the articles

Political change in the third world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Political change in the third world - Essay Example In spite of all such allegations previous BJP lead coalition government had elected A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President of India irrespective of religion and race. Both print and electronic media is very active and they have full freedom of expression in India. They never miss any chance to criticize the communal thoughts of political institutions. In conclusion, the citizens of India support heavily the 'secularism' element of the Constitution which always guides India's political institutions to be secular. Answer: National Liberation Front ruled Algeria for three decades after independence from France in 1962. During this period under President Houari Boumedienne Algeria accomplished some positive economic development due to strategic economic planning by the state controlled centralized public sector and economic institutions. After 1979, the disadvantage of development strategy started appearing, including corruption in administration, continuous inflation, inequality of income, poor performance in agricultural sector, food scarcity and imbalance in economic structure. As a result the nation faced civil unrest by Islamist militants and worst economic crises. In this situation the stubborn government and their failed development strategy give rise to the strong Islamist movement. Chadli Benjedid, the successor of Boumedienne after his death made the political and economic situation even more badly. Political conservatism and unfavorable attitude of workers and managers of public sect ors halted the economic reforms. In October 1988, major youth riots led to the worst political crises ever. As a result due to Islamist movement Islamic Salvation Front became stronger and politically active in Algeria. 3. What was the Biafra War and why did it break out Answer: The Nigerian Federation was divided into three major ethnic groups: the Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa/Fulani. European used these three major ethnic groups to divide Africa among themselves. As a result of tension caused by other groups the Ibos and other minority ethnic groups which were collectively known as the Biafrans demanded independence from Nigerian Federation. To control oil reserves and access to the Atlantic Ocean in the southern Niger Delta the Hausa/Fulani refused to grant independence to the Biafrans which made the situation more worse. Junior Ibo officers had overthrown Tafawa Balewa's government in January 1966, after the military coup. The ministers that survived after the coup appointed Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Ibo, the head of government. As a result the Biafra War broke out with anti-Ibo riots by the Muslims on Ibo people in the north Nigeria, which caused a massacre in September of 1967. 4. What was distinctive about the features and legacies of Japanese colonialism Answer: Japanese colonialism in North and South Korea is only one of its kinds in the world. In comparison with the colonialism of England and Ireland, the Japanese colonialism is appreciated because of its program of colonial industrialization. In 1945, about 25% of Japanese industrial plants were based in Korea. Japan had established heavy industrial plants, network of railroads, system of hydro-electric dams and ports around the Yalu River. Japanese also formed a strong central government to