161 research outputs found
Whose Agenda is it Anyway? U.S. News Coverage of the Honor Killing of Noor Faleh Almaleki and the Discursive Construction of Boundaries
No full textThis dissertation employs the method of critical discourse analysis to investigate the relationship among discourse, power, and knowledge in U.S. news coverage of the honor killing of Noor Faleh Almaleki. Building upon Western European research on honor-killing news coverage as a site for the discursive construction of boundaries, I employ the theoretical perspectives of Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, Edward Saїd, and postcolonial feminism to demonstrate how the social constructs of gender, sexuality, religion, race, ethnicity, culture, class, time, and space intersect to produce sharp boundaries of difference between Muslim, Middle Eastern, and South Asian migrants and dominant members of the U.S. nation. As a result, the findings of this dissertation point to the presence of an overarching hegemonic discourse in the U.S. news' coverage of Noor's honor killing that rather than serving the interest of reducing violence against women, serves the agenda of excluding Muslim, Middle Eastern, and South Asian migrants from the U.S. nation. Based on the findings of this study, I encourage readers to acknowledge the intricate relationship among discourse, power, and knowledge in honor-killing discourse. Furthermore, I invite readers to recognize their role as producers and consumers of discourse, and as change-agents, who have the capacity to transform these stigmatizing honor-killing discourses into a discourse that is inclusive of all the stakeholders, women and men, affected by these crimes
Historical representation in the age of lost innocence: a study of Bernardo Bertolucci's and Gilbert Adair's adaptations of The Holy Innocents
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Comunicação e Expressão. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Letras/Inglês e Literatura CorrespondenteThis research discusses the representation of French youth's culture in the late 60's in a postmodern context of critical debates, through a comparative analysis between Gilbert Adair's novel The Holy Innocents (1988), its filmic adaptation The Dreamers (2003) by Bernardo Bertolucci and Adair's second version of his novels The Dreamers (2004). Through the theoretical framework of Fredric Jameson's interpretation of art as a capital product and Linda Hutcheon's concept of historiographical metafiction, the analysis shall demonstrate that these texts represent the historical context of the May 68 uprise through a combination of nostalgia and irony. This combination results in a postmodern contradiction which indicates a need to revise history from a contemporary perspective in which longing and distance are two main issues. In this sense, historical representation becomes more than a view of the past, it is also a reflection on the postmodern context.Esta pesquisa discute a representação histórica da cultura francesa jovem no final da década de 60 em um contexto pós-moderno de debates críticos, por meio de uma análise comparativa entre o romance de Gilbert Adair, The Holy Innocents (1988), sua adaptação fílmica, The Dreamers (2003), de Bernardo Bertolucci e a sua segunda versão do romance de Adair The Dreamers (2004). Como quadro teórico, essa pesquisa utiliza a interpretação de Fredric Jameson da arte como um produto capital e o conceito de Linda Hutcheon de metaficção historiográfica. Em vista disso, a análise deve demonstrar que estes textos representam o contexto histórico do movimento francês Maio de 1968, por meio de uma combinação entre nostalgia e ironia. Essa combinação resulta em uma contradição pós-moderna, que revela uma necessidade de revisar a história por meio de uma perspectiva contemporânea em que falta e distanciamento são dois tópicos principais. Neste sentido, a representação histórica se torna mais do que uma visão do passado, ela também é uma reflexão sobre o contexto pósmoderno
Beforeplay: Family stories, teen and adult parents and sexual health communication.
No full textIn previous research, teens and parents continually report difficulties sharing what they know about sexuality with members of their families. This can lead to distressing emotional, social and physical consequences ranging from risky sexual behaviours to disconnections within the family. The importance of preserving family connections while sharing expertise around sexual behavior led to the question- what are families' stories of sexuality and how do these stories matter to sexual health and relationships? Through the qualitative method of narrative inquiry guided by social construction and critical social theories, this research study explored, through the narrative methods of storytelling and drawing, the interplay between family connections, knowledge about sexuality, and communication exchanges about sexual behavior. This work offers insights into the uniquely-situated and diverse pathways of sexual health and family communication, supporting ongoing development of health promotion programs that are oriented toward the needs of individuals and community. Discussion includes how family drawings created by participants, concept mapping, and ghostwritten stories formed the analysis, and how these outcomes may influence sexual health education and counseling.The original print copy of this thesis may be available here: http://wizard.unbc.ca/record=b173764
Principles of regulatory policy design
No full textThe author contrasts command-and-control regulation (tight control of water purification, for example) with more flexible forms, including incentive regulation (such as price cap regulation), potential regulation (providing for closer scrutiny if enough customers complain), and reactive rather than proactive policies (the firm proposing actions, the regulatory saying yes or no). He contrasts informing regulation (for example, requiring that consumers be informed about ingredients in a product) and enforcing regulation (for example, prohibiting the use of certain chemicals in foods). A country's institutional structure can limit the regulators'potential for commitment, he says -- especially if regulators are limited in their ability to deliver rewards or penalties. The scope and function of regulation may also be fairly limited when technological conditions allow competition to discipline producers. Sophisticated buyers with economic power may reduce the need for regulatory control, and rapid technological change can render comprehensive command-and-control regulation ineffective or debilitating. Many forces operate simultaneously, making regulatory design a complex undertaking. Inertia is one such influence. Regulatory policies that once served an important purpose sometimes persist even though they no longer serve that purpose -- sometimes because they favor a constituency that convinces the regulator to keep the control in place. Subsidies and tariff protection often continue long past the time needed to promote the development of an infant industry, for example. When there is limited public outcry against continuing the special treatment, and the affected firms strongly urge its continuance, the regulator may be convinced to continue special treatment that no longer serves the public interest. Regulation may also be affected by the regulators'personal ambition. When regulators are"captured"by regulated firms -- diverted from the goal of protecting consumers through the promise of personal rewards for favorable treatment of the firms -- regulation may not serve society's best interest. Even if regulators are not motivated by self-interest, their ideas of what is best for society may differ from those of other government officials or of society at large. When that happens, which goals are pursued depends largely on the autonomy regulators that are granted and on the balance of power among government bodies.Regulation should be viewed in this large context to be understood fully.Administrative&Regulatory Law,Environmental Economics&Policies,National Governance,Economic Theory&Research,Insurance&Risk Mitigation
An evaluation of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) as an alternative to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) for use on dairy farms in the Waikato
No full textGrazed pasture provides the bulk of feed on New Zealand dairy farms. As such, the amount, and the nutritive value, of the pasture grown directly influences farm production and profitability. In the Waikato (North Island, New Zealand), low soil moisture is a major constraint to pasture production and recent droughts have highlighted the limitations of the predominant pasture species, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), in this region. Methods of mitigating the effects of low soil moisture include the use of drought tolerant species, like tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum), and by using irrigation. The main objectives of this research were to compare the pasture dry matter (DM) production, nutritive value and survival of two tall fescue types (Continental, CTF; and Mediterranean, MTF) with perennial ryegrass (PR). Pastures were sown as either a grass monoculture or as grass-dominant mixtures with either white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) or chicory (Cichorium intybus) as companion species. The experimental design was a split block with two identical small plot experiments that were either fully irrigated (I+) or were not irrigated (I-) and were rotationally grazed by dairy cows. One experiment was established in autumn 2007 and spanned one year. A second experiment was established in spring 2008 that spanned two years, in order to determine whether productive pastures of tall fescue can be established in both seasons. Annual DM yields of I+PR pastures averaged 16.9 t DM/ha across the 3 years evaluated in this study. This was consistently greater (P < 0.003) than either I+CTF or I+MTF pastures (averaging 13.7 and 12.5 t DM/ha, respectively). Average I- DM yields were more similar at 14.5, 13.6 and 12.8 t DM/ha from I-PR, I-CTF and I-MTF pastures, respectively. Generally, PR pastures produced superior seasonal DM yields than CTF or MTF pastures, with three exceptions. In summer 2007/2008 both I+ and I-CTF pastures produced 0.6 and 1.5 t DM/ha more (P=0.004) DM than I+ and I-PR pastures, respectively. Also, in winter (P<0.001) and spring 2009 (P=0.003) I-CTF pastures produced more DM than I-PR, however, at these times an irrigation interaction was observed (P<0.001) where I+PR produced more DM than I+CTF. The enhanced I-CTF production was associated with higher tiller densities observed on I-CTF relative to I+CTF pastures that were likely a result of reduced competition from companion and weed species under low soil moisture. Irrigation enhanced annual DM yield of PR pastures (range 2–37%). While the effect of irrigation on yields of CTF and MTF was variable, ranging from a negative response (-23%) to a 16% increase, that was likely influenced by the companion species and weed content of the pastures. The addition of a companion species either reduced or produced equivalent DM yields to the monoculture pastures. While the companion species chicory contributed greatly to yield in the warmer months (December to April), this was commonly associated with a decline of sown grass yield and tiller density. Nutritive value, as defined by metabolisable energy (ME) content of herbage, from PR pastures (mean 13.0 MJ ME/kg DM) was greater than from those based on tall fescue pastures (mean 12.3 MJ ME/kg DM). However, crude protein (CP) content was greater on the CTF and MTF pastures (mean 23.9%) than the PR pastures (mean 21.5%), including the monoculture pastures (23.2 vs. 20.7% from tall fescue and PR respectively), indicating that CTF and MTF plants contain higher CP than PR plants. The ME content was largely unaffected by companion species, and the effect on CP was variable, though when differences were observed they were the result of increased CP content on the mixed pastures relative to the pasture monocultures. The magnitude of PR loss during drought was 7.5 times greater than observed on the CTF and MTF pastures. Where the decline in tiller density from I-PR pastures was 2280 tillers/m2, compared to a loss of 300 tillers/m2 from I-CTF pastures during the autumn 2009 drought, equating to a 46 and 16% reduction in tiller density from I-PR and I-CTF respectively. At both sowing times, sown grass establishment was similar. However, the less vigorous nature of the fescue seedlings allowed for higher levels of companion species in the sward relative to PR (32 vs. 13%, respectively). Although, by the end of each experiment the sown species in CTF and PR pastures dominated, signalling that both autumn and spring establishment of these pastures can be successful. The contribution of MTF to pastures was poor when sown with a companion species and by the end of the two year spring sown experiment averaged 16%, indicating poor survival. These results suggest that perennial ryegrass-based pastures are more productive and of higher quality than those based on tall fescue both in irrigated and non-irrigated conditions under dairy cow grazing in the Waikato. However, the greater companion species content and CP levels of CTF pastures and enhanced production when soil moisture was low relative to PR indicates that CTF may have a role in terms of a specialist pasture species on farm. The poor survival and yields of MTF pastures indicate that this species is not suitable for use on dairy farms in the Waikato
The Image of Sweden : Nation Branding and Public Diplomacy in Germany
No full textABSTRACT Title: The Image of Sweden - A study of the Swedish Embassy’s Nation Branding and Public Diplomacy in Germany Number of pages: 46 (57 including enclosures) Author: Heidi Marie Nömm Tutor: Göran Svensson Course: Media and Communication Studies C Level – Bachelor’s Thesis. Period: Autumn term 2006/2007 University: Division of Media and Communication Department of Information Science Uppsala University Purpose/Aim: The purpose of my research study is to examine how the press, culture and PR department at the Swedish Embassy in Berlin is organising its external communication of Swedish affairs and “branding” Sweden as an attractive and competitive nation in Germany. My research objective is therefore to investigate the nature of the Embassy’s Nation Branding by means of one specific media channel, which is the Embassy’s German website, in order to find out how Sweden’s nation brand is communicated according to my chosen theory. Material/Method: The method of analysis is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods: a qualitative interview in terms of collecting information about the Embassy’s external communication, as well as a quantitative content analysis of the Embassy’s German website. Furthermore I’m making use of secondary data from previous research, various articles and several information sources from the Internet. Main results: On the basis of the results I have gained by dint of the content analysis, it can be concluded that the Embassy’s German website foregrounds and focuses on communicating cultural topics, whereas political and governmental issues are being undermined. Hence, the website shows an uneven representation of Anholt’s nation brand key areas which denote that it is communicating a too one-sided and unbalanced picture of a national image, thus Sweden’s nation brand. Keywords: Nation Branding, Public Diplomacy, external communication, content analysis, case study, Swedish Embassy Berlin, channel of communication, information flow
Progress in the peripheries: improvement and national image in the fictions of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, 1780 - 1830
No full textThis thesis examines the relationship between improvement and national image in Irish, Scottish and Welsh novels published between 1780 and 1830. Given the social, economic, and physical impacts of the agricultural and industrial revolutions in this period, the project focuses on texts that illuminate the tension between engaging with popular portrayals of picturesque landscapes, rural tradition and Celtic primitivism, and advocating or accepting the need for economic modernization that may compromise those national images. Exploring the dialogical nature of the ‘national tale’, a genre whose parameters are extended here to include regional focuses within the relevant national settings, this study contextualizes literary representations of landscape and estate management by incorporating analysis of contemporaneous non-fiction accounts found in tours and agricultural surveys.
This thesis is presented in four sections. The introduction examines the usefulness of ‘national tale’ as a genre label in current scholarly debate and explores the influence of writers such as Daniel Defoe, William Marshall and Tobias Smollett on textual representations of landscape and tourism. Chapter one focuses on English-language Welsh novels from the 1780s and 1790s, highlighting the potential ideological disconnect between sustaining a public image of Wales as a picturesque idyll and acknowledging the signs of industrialization. Chapter two explores Maria Edgeworth’s approach to antiquarianism, tradition and the travelogue in her post-Union presentations of benevolent improvement in Ireland. Chapter three examines the way writers such as Christian Isobel Johnstone and Alexander Sutherland negotiate the popular image of the Romantic Highlands while exploring the sustainability and consequences of improvement
Games and Rhymes fro pre-school and dance Education
No full textThe bachelor thesis mediates a comprehensive view of folk traditions, customs, games, songs and poems with a special focus on motion education in the preschool period and the following first two years at primary schools. The work is divided according to four seasons ? spring, summer, autumn and winter. For each season the basic folk traditions and customs are described, as well as poems and songs, particularly those listed in the collection Czech Year by Karel Plicka. At the end of each section a range of games is indicated that tend to be played throughout the particular season. Folk games constitute the essential part in here as they are the most widespread and popular for education of children in the Czech environment. In case of the majority of games, the own practical insight of the author is provided resulting in a set of teaching recommendations and adaptations of the original games
Literary program focused on bringing folk traditions, customs and weather lore closer to preschool children
No full textBakalářská práce se zabývá literární a dramatickou výchovou v předškolním vzdělávání. Jejím cílem bylo sestavení literárního programu, který má děti seznámit s lidovými zvyky a tradicemi v období podzimu. V sestaveném programu jsou využívány metody dramatické výchovy s využitím aktivit pro rozvoj předčtenářské gramotnosti.Práce je rozdělena na dvě části. V teoretické části je popsána literární a dramatická výchova v předškolním vzdělávání. Jsou zde vysvětleny zásady práce s textem, kompetence učitelky v MŠ a metody dramatické výchovy. Dále se teoretická část zaměřuje na lidovou slovesnost v předškolním vzdělávání a výběr zvyků a tradic pro roční období podzim. Na závěr jsou v teoretické části představeny knihy Chaloupka na vršku a Chaloupka na vršku nové příběhyod autorky Šárky Váchové. Praktická část se skládá z literárního programu Průvodce podzimními zvyky a tradicemi. Dále je zde podrobně popsán průběh šetření a vyhodnocení výsledků na základě strukturovaného rozhovoru s respondenty, kteří program realizovali.The bachelor thesis deals with literary and dramatic education in preschool education. Its goal was to compile a literary program to acquaint children with folk customs and traditions during the autumn. The compiled program uses methods of drama education with the use of activities for the development of pre-reading literacy.The work is divided into two parts. The theoretical part describes literary and dramatic education in preschool education. The principles of working with the text, the competencies of a kindergarten teacher and the methods of drama education are explained here. Furthermore, the theoretical part focuses on folk literature in preschool education and the selection of customs and traditions for the autumn season. Finally, the books Chaloupka na vršku (The Cottage on the Hilltop) and Chaloupka na vršku nové příběhy (The Cottage on the Hilltop new stories) by the author Šárka Váchová are presented in the theoretical part. The practical part consists of the literary program Průvodce podzimními zvyky a tradicemi (Guide to Autumn Customs and Traditions). Furthermore, there is a detailed description of the survey and evaluation of results based on a structured interview with respondents who implemented the program.
The films of Chantal Akerman : a cinema of displacements
No full textThis thesis attempts to broaden the critical boundaries within which the films of
Chantal Akerman have been discussed. First, it extends analysis from Akerman's
70s to her 80s and 90s films. Second, it argues that as well as her gender and
aesthetic identities, Akerman's Belgian and Jewish identities should be
acknowledged. Finally, it suggests that each of these four identities: woman,
independent film-maker, Belgian and Jewish allow her a position of marginality,
figured in her films through the trope of 'displacement'.
The structure of the thesis is two-fold: it extends discussion of Akerman's cinema to
films not previously considered, and through this extension engages with
contemporary issues in film and cultural theory such as female authorship,
independent and national, and marginal cinemas. Chapter one `Woman' and chapter
two `Independent' extend the reading of gender and sexuality and formal and
aesthetic innovation in Akerman's cinema. In the first chapter this is done through
consideration of the films Golden Eighties (1986) and Nuit et jour (1990), while in
the second her short films, video work and work for television are examined.
My third and fourth chapters offer areas of Akerman's work which have not
previously been studied. Chapter three, `Belgian', considers the significance of
Akerman's nationality for her film-making while engaging with theories around
national cinema. It examines the possibility of a `Belgian national cinema' and the
intersections which arise between this and Akerman's cinema, especially around
Toute une nuit (1982). Finally, in my fourth chapter, `Jewish', I use Histoires
d'Amerigue (1989) and D'Est (1993) to argue that Akerman's is a `wandering'
cinema, in which she is constantly examining the homelessness and displacement
that her Jewishness engenders
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