Writing with style Essays - Human Behavior, Culture, Punctuation

Writing with style: Preparing Essays, PAPERS and Dissertations in History and economic & social History University of Glasgow rev. 23 September 2010 DAS/MDF CONTENTS Introduction 2 1. Preparing Essays: The Basics 2 What Your Tutor Is Looking For in an Essay Structure Presentation Quotations Punctuation and Syntax Style Tables and Figures 2. Plagiarism 8 3. References 9 Footnotes Forms of Reference Bibliography 4. Dissertations 15 5. Citing Primary Sources and Theses 16 Appendices: 1. Mock Essay with Footnotes 19 2. Sample Dissertation Pages 20 INTRODUCTION Written work is central to assessment in History and Economic and Social History. Most undergraduate courses will require students to submit one or two essays, and these provide preparation for examinations. Postgraduates also write essays or papers. Both final year undergraduates and master's students write dissertations, which, while much longer than the typical essay, share many of its features. This handbook seeks to provide guidance to students about the preparation and presentation of written work and about the use and acknowledgement of books, articles, web sites, original documents, and other source materials. Its audience includes students in their first year, who are writing university essays for the first time, all the way to postgraduate students working towards a taught or research degree. PGR students should also familiarise themselves with College and University guidelines on layout of research theses. The first part of chapter 1 is intended primarily for first year students, although more experienced students may still find useful tips here, particularly in sections 1.5 onwards, which cover matters of style and presentation. The guidance on referencing in chapters 3 is relevant to all students writing essays and dissertations. Chapters 4 and 5 are intended for final year and PG students, who are writing dissertations and theses based upon original sources. All students should pay close attention to the advice on avoiding plagiarism in chapter 2. 1. PREPARING ESSAYS: THE BASICS Undergraduate students will usually be asked to write essays, while postgraduates will more often write papers. An essay answers a question set by the tutor, and the student has to start by figuring out what the question is about. A paper is one where the student decides the issues, approaches and parameters, within a general field agreed with the tutor. The initial sections of this chapter are primarily intended for undergraduate students writing essays, although all students should observe the points on punctuation and style from section 1.5 onwards. 1.1. What Your Tutor Is Looking For in an Essay Your tutor is looking for a coherent overall argument which answers the question you have chosen. You should answer the set question in as focused a way as possible. What is the point of the question? What subsidiary questions does it raise? Your tutor needs to see that you understand why the question has been asked and what implications it has. Plan before you start; your tutor will soon notice if your essay begins to lose coherence. A good plan of attack is necessary to a successful essay. Your essay will normally consist of an analysis which presents a series of points, in the form of an argument. Avoid a narrative or chronological approach. It is important that you present appropriate evidence and detailed case studies, but make sure that these support substantive points of your analysis. Do not include description just to fill space. Think about the relevance of all parts of your essay to the question, and the logic of your conclusion. Sustained argument is essential to a successful essay. While showing awareness of different points of views, you should be able to do more than just present the opinions of others; you need to be able to show that you have developed your own view of the topic. Your essay should not consist simply of quotations and paraphrases from your reading. 1.2. Structure There is no hard and fast rule for how an essay should be organised. Some essays will require you to be more aware of debates among historians, while others will place greater emphasis on primary sources. Nonetheless, your essay is likely to have to consider the following issues: . What is the historical context of the set question? What is happening in the period that is relevant? Is there a larger historical problem of which the set question is a component? . What have historians said about the question (or about the larger historical problem)? If they disagree (as they almost certainly do), is this due to differences in methodology, definitions of key concepts, or the evidence they select, or does it reflect particular ideological viewpoints

The Question of Superpower Status of the United States essays

The Question of Superpower Status of the United States essays Americans have just witnessed what may stand in historical perspective as the onset of a new era. That is, the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center on September 11th. The World Wars represented for most people the depth of carnage, brutality and government excess that is possible when the moral foundation of society is lost to the acquisition of power. The twentieth century brought with it a new awakening to multiculturalism as technology enabled the conceptualization of a 'global community'. The twenty- first century may well prove an era of change in power, especially in the sense of the United States as sole superpower'. Richard Ned Lebow has said, "Power is defined as capability relative to other states" (1994, p. 249). The collapse of the Soviet Union is said to have been the deciding factor in America' ascension to sole superpower' status. The problem with being at the head of the pack' is that a balance must be maintained between the use of such power for responsible leadership and the misuse in the interests of exploitation and, or, expansion (Lipsett, 1998). Balance is also the key word in considering the military buildup as opposed to the economic consequences of military spending. There are many who would side with the "declinist theories that posited an exhausted America, the geoeconomic assumption that military power was pass, and the chaos' theorists who saw America as incapable of dealing with the real problems that would define the next age of history, including proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, local famines and genocide, pollution, and resource depletion" (Harkavy, 1997, p. 578). It is thought that the United States' continued role as a superpower will be based on the political conduct as well as world opinion as to the abuse of such power The future of America's power status is dependent on "American power and p...

How to identify workplace harassment

How to identify workplace harassment If you’ve been paying attention to the news or social media lately, chances are you’ve seen some of the heartbreaking stories and backlash from sexual harassment in industries like entertainment, news, and politics. #Metoo has become an inescapable part of our landscape, as women (and men too) share stories about how people in positions of power took advantage of them in highly inappropriate ways, ranging from the unprofessional to the criminal. The sheer force of this movement can feel overwhelming- but while we get story after story of public figures involved in sexual harassment, it’s also important to know what these issues may look like in everyday life, for the rest of us. Before we get started, an important note: if you have been harassed, or think a colleague’s or boss’s behavior has crossed a legal line, you should seek out specific legal advice right away. And if you suspect you may have been the victim of workplace harassment but arenâ₠¬â„¢t sure, the first place you should go is to your company’s Human Resources department. This is what they’re there for- acting as a neutral resource to help you identify, report, and resolve problematic behavior or actions in the work environment. We’ve put together some resources and information for reference, but if you’re facing harassment at work you should always seek the qualified help of professionals who are highly trained in workplace harassment issues.What is workplace harassment?Workplace harassment can take many different forms. Sometimes it’s obvious. It can be blatant sexual or personal requests from a colleague, client, or boss, like:I’ll give you a promotion if you sleep with me.If you don’t do this for me, I’ll fire you.I can make it worth your while if you come have a few drinks with me.I’ll give you more business if you take care of me, *wink wink*.Harassment can also be subtler and more insidious, such as personal comments that make you feel uncomfortable or highly personal topics of conversation that aren’t relevant to your work. This is sometimes known as a â€Å"hostile work environment.†Examples of this type of harassment could include:Telling dirty or inappropriate jokes at workCommenting on physical attributesMaking suggestive comments in emails or on social mediaDisplaying suggestive pictures or websitesMaking sexual innuendosUnnecessary touching without consentUnwelcome sexual advances, or persistent requests for dates or other personal favorsPersonal ridicule or mockerySabotaging others’ work or otherwise interfering with work performanceOpen discrimination or commentary based on gender, race, sexual preference, or other personal attributesThis kind of harassment isn’t necessarily always sexual- it can also be considered workplace bullying. Whether there’s a sexual component or not, personal harassment is never okay. Essentially, if someone is being singled out or targeted for personal reasons and not professional, it could be harassment. And even if someone is being singled out for ostensibly professional reasons, there’s still a line of professionalism that companies and employees are required to follow. Once that commentary or behavior crosses into the personal, it could qualify as harassment. If you feel uncomfortable with the behavior of someone in the workplace, that’s usually a red flag.Per Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sexual harassment is considered a form of illegal discrimination in the workplace, which means victims are protected by federal law. If harassment is done on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, victims may also be protected under Title VII. If the harassing behavior is unwelcome and creates a hostile work environment, that can create a situation where the employer is legally liable for the harassment.Who’s affected by harassment?S exual or other harassment can happen to anyone, anytime, in any kind of professional environment. We often hear stories about it happening between a boss and an underling, but in reality it can happen with supervisors, colleagues, clients, or other people who are involved in a professional capacity. A supervisor can be harassed by an employee.And it’s important to note that no particular gender or group has a lock on sexual harassment. Although 1 in 3 women between the ages of 18 and 34 report having experienced sexual harassment on the job at some point during their careers, this problem is not limited to female victims- men experience this kind of harassment as well. Harassment comes in all shapes and sizes, and harassers are not always stereotypical boss figures. Anyone who makes you feel personally uncomfortable in the workplace is a red flag.What to do if you’re being harassedAccording to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as much as 70% of s exual harassment goes unreported, often because victims are afraid of retaliation or just don’t feel comfortable coming forward with their experiences. If you’ve experienced harassment (or have seen it happen at your work), you’re protected.Know that it’s not your fault. If you’re experiencing sexual or other harassment in the workplace, you didn’t bring this on yourself- it’s on the harasser. You’re legally entitled to having a safe, professional working environment.Know you’re not alone. In a comprehensive, eye-opening 2016 report on workplace harassment, the EEOC found that between 25% and 85% of women reported sexual harassment in the workplace. The variation is likely due to people’s hesitation to report harassment, but no matter what, the figure is staggering- at least 1 in 4 women have experienced harassment. The numbers are rising for men reporting harassment as well: a 2012 study by the EEOC revealed that approximately 17% of men had experienced sexual harassment at work. It’s a widespread problem that has often been kept hidden.Know your rights. If you’ve been harassed, or think you may have been, it’s important to know what your rights are. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a detailed reference guide about how to handle the issue from several different perspectives, giving information on how employees, colleagues, and employers can resolve harassment claims.Talk about it with someone trusted. This can be a trusted confidante, but if you’re experiencing harassment or have witnessed it and want to take steps to resolve the issue, your company’s HR department is a good first resource. They can help you by confirming your company’s harassment policies and either resolve the issue internally or help you with the next steps of a formal complaint. Employment attorneys can give you a sense of the legal perspective if you thin k the harassment rises to the level of a legal issue. Always consult with legal and professional resources to determine what you can do officially to document and report the problem.One of the hardest takeaways in this post-Harvey Weinstein era has been discovering how widespread and pervasive the culture of harassment can be in the workplace. Ideally, it’s not something you’ll ever face in your career, but if you’re one of the growing numbers of women and men dealing with harassment (or bringing it to light), understand that you’re not alone and there are resources out there that can help you.

Unified Tobacco - Business and Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unified Tobacco - Business and Ethics - Essay Example His decisions are based on his definition of right and good. And in Socialism, the ethics of virtue is expressed through the concept that the fulfilment of a human is in helping others (â€Å"Ethics† 2006). As such, both Ethicists’ most probable way to handle this conflict is to find ways to communicate to the protest groups the positive side of the tobacco business, despite its evident disadvantages to the community, but under different premises. Unified Tobacco sells a product that is known to be harmful to everyone’s health. The hazard of smoking is plain and simple: it causes ailments that potentially lead to death, not just to the users themselves but also to those who are considered passive smokers. The issues of the protesters are actually valid. However, to address these concerns, the government has already established various resolutions to regulate the use of cigarettes, particularly in public places. Furthermore, the government and other concerned groups are involved in various massive campaigns to promote information regarding the disadvantages of using this product. Man always has a choice of whether or not to patronize cigarette smoking. Even the manufacturers themselves warn the public of the dangers of smoking through their tagline â€Å"cigarette smoking is dangerous to one’s health†. However, on the other side, the tobacco industry helps bring jobs to the community. It employs hundreds of people and gives them a livelihood. Further, it greatly contributes to the community’s economy. The industry supports the development of the community through its tax returns and through company-initiated activities that aim at promoting social welfare and cater to community needs. In the end, the tobacco industry largely contributes to the community’s economy despite the nature of its product. As it makes one a good person to be of assistance to the community in general and to participate in the pursuit of common good, a Virtue Ethicist’s action plan is to facilitate the increase of the company’s drive to promote awareness on the use of cigarette smoking.

The Story of an Hour by kate chopin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Story of an Hour by kate chopin - Essay Example This also shows that the aspect of her seclusion to rediscover her emotions is vital. The narrator has critically analyzed her internal mental world, unlike her external world outside her bedroom. The window outside her room is vibrant and alive similar to her mental aspect while covering everything about her physical aspect. While the blatant use of some words is proof of this internal world, there are several cases of playful or ironic usage certain images or phrases to show the character’s joy in the story and the underlying message that marriage is limiting. The fact that at the end she also dies because of the excess happiness in many ways is symbolic of the â€Å"marriage† disease. Unless her antagonist â€Å"husband† is not present, she can never feel free much like an affliction. The detail that it is only her heart that is affected as compared to the entire body is indicative that her sadness from this disease symbolically stems from some internal factor. For example, in the description of her husband’s face, it is evident that he had affection for her sentiments that she does not reciprocate (Chopkins 7). This kind of direct and simple language is utilized only to highlight the things the main character hates. Therefore, the language shows that she never actually lov ed her husband. This helps bring out and simplify the language construct in the story for easier understanding of the character. The language becomes rich and lively with vibrant images and color when louse’s emotions are described in detail in regards to the things she likes. This contrasts sharply with the areas where the character is emotionally unattached or indifferent. The contrasts in some of the sentences in the book help highlight the characters responsive indifference. However, as the story progresses, the character and language come alive, as her real feelings are shown

The Wealth of Nations Essay examples -- Economics Economy Politics Ess

The Wealth of Nations Adam Smith’s famous attempt to explain the nature and causes of the wealth of nations rests on several crucial assumptions about human nature which in turn rely on false universalism and questionable dichotomies. To begin with, Smith makes roughly three claims about human nature. Primarily, Smith assumes that self-interest is inherent in all human beings. As opposed to animals which rely on benevolence, in opposition to natural pity (Rousseau p. 53), the human â€Å"will be more likely to prevail if he can interest [others’] self-love in his favour, and show them that it is for their own advantage to do for him what he requires of them† (Smith, p. 18). Smith later relies on this â€Å"self-love† to ground his arguments on the steady base of human nature. More subtly, the â€Å"faculties of reason and speech† play a crucial role in Smith’s treatment of human behavior. Although he never openly lists these â€Å"faculties† as essential to human nature, his argument relies on this assumption. The step from having some goods and needing others to trading with those who have the needed goods and want the overabundant ones cannot be warranted without a presumption of a rational actor. Similarly, every development towards improved efficiency, if these are anything more guided than random evolutionary steps, require such an actor to instigate it. In the case of the arrowmaker, Smith must assume some force driving the arrow maker to save time and maximize profits. Of course, the concepts of barter, trade, and the rest require speech, or some kind of communication. Finally, Smith instills â€Å"a certain propensity in human nature; the propensity to truck, barter, and exchange one thing for another.† (Smith p. 17). This, he sugg... ...to the commonness of rationality. Far from all cultures were capitalistic, nor is it possible to prove any would have become capitalistic in the future. Thus Smith’s description of human nature is applicable primarily to Western European coastal trading humans, rather than to the supposed universal and original human specimen. WORKS CITED Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations. Ed. Cannan, Edwin. Chicago, IL: U of Chicago Press, 1976. Rousseau, Jean-Jacques. â€Å"Discourse on the Origin of Inequality.† The Basic Political Writings. Trans. Cress, Donald A. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett, 1987. Visvanathan, Shiv. â€Å"The Laboratory State.† Science, Violence, and Hegemony: A Requiem for Modernity. Oxford University Press, 1988. October 11, 2001.

Theories and goals of education don’t matter a whit if you don’t consider your students to be human beings

The book entitled, A Loss for Words, by Lou Ann Walker, tells the wonderful tale of how a child deals with the disabilities of her parents (Walker 1987).The protagonist of the tale, Lou Ann Walker, narrates her experiences of how she acted as the ears and was the voice for her deaf parents.   While the family setting was warm, loving and typical of most happy families, the challenges that Lou Ann Walker and her parents had to face outside the house constantly challenged their character (Walker 1987).The story revolves around the experiences of Lou Ann Walker who was born in the American Midwest in 1952 and recounts the experiences she has as one of the three daughters who were capable of hearing of Gale and Doris Jean Walker who were both deafened as infants due to illnesses.The inspiring tale of how she served as the â€Å"medium† for interactions for her parents with the outside world.   â€Å"I’d seen plenty of families where there was more communication and les s love, (Walker 1987)† as the author declares when she recalls how warm it was in their home despite the hearing disabilities of her parents.The book is not above the frustrations that people have to deal with when they are outcast and misunderstood and Lou Ann Walker is able to show this through the lighthearted narration of just how crude and condescending the reactions of people were to the plight of her parents.The manner of education that her parents got, while seemingly different for those who are unaware of the circumstances of the hearing impaired, showed just how difficult yet heartwarming it was.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The beauty is in the narration of the tale as it seeks to embed itself in the hearts of its readers and finds a way to bring the comfort and warmth of the author’s own family to the reader.References:Walker, Lou Ann (1987) Loss for Words: The Story of Deafness in a Family Harper Perennial ISBN: 0060914254