Factors Leading To Growth In International Business Commerce Essay

Factors Leading To Growth In International Business Commerce Essay International business is defined as the transactions that are carried out across national borders to fulfill the objectives of individuals, companies and organizations. The different modes by which international business is being done are import-export trade, foreign direct investment, licensing, franchising and management contracts. Over the last five decades international trade and investment have grown faster than the domestic economies. International business facilitates flow of idea, services and capital across the globe. The result is higher levels of innovation, faster dissemination of goods and information worldwide, more efficient use of human capital and improved access to financing (Czinkota, Ronkainen and Moffett, 2009). 1.1 Brief History of International Business International business is not a new phenomenon but has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. Through the routes established in the Mediterranean, the Phoenicians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks did trading. As sophisticated business techniques emerged, facilitating the flow of goods, resources and funds between countries flourished. This growth was further stimulated by colonization activities. The Industrial Revolution stimulated the growth of international business by providing methods of production for mass markets and efficient methods for utilizing raw materials. The inventions and technological developments from Industrial revolution further accelerated the smooth flow of goods, services and capital between the countries. The production grew at unprecedented levels by 1880s as the industrial revolution was in full swing in Europe and in the United States. Growth continued in an upward spiral as mass production was realized and the manufactures were pushed to seek f oreign markets for their products. This marked the emergence of multinational corporations. (Ajami,Cool, Goddard and Khambata, 2006) 2.0 Factors leading to Growth in International Business 2.1 Development and expansion of technology The introduction of telegraph in 1837, the telephone in 1876, the wireless in 1895, the aero plane in 1903, the television in 1926, the liquid fuelled rocket in 1927, the coaxial cable in 1930s and digital computer in 1946 were all the key events that triggered the growth of international business. Next to air transport, electronic communication, digital information processing has been the other principal area of technological innovation. All these technological advancements provided the platform for companies to set off increased number of international business activities. (Marios Katsioloudes, Spyros Hadjidakis, 2007) 2.2 Liberalization of cross border activities The governmental barriers for international business have been lowered after the Second World War. The European Union, NAFTA, ASEAN and other regional economic blocs throughout the world provide fewer restrictions on cross border movements. The European Union was awarded the Nobel prize for peace 2012 in recognition for its constructive handling of peace, improving relations between nations through trade, reconciliation and human rights in Europe over the past six decades. (Europa.eu, 2012) The European commission president Jose Manuel Barrosa at the outset of receiving prize said that, we honor this prize and will preserve what had been achieved. This achievement will propel the quest for shaping a better organized world with the values of freedom, democracy and human rights.(Guardian.co.uk, 2012) 2.3 Development of supporting services Governments and companies have developed services that facilitate further international business. For instance Mail, which is a government monopoly, could be transferred by an airline other than that of the country of origin, could go through many different countries before reaching the final destination with the stamp of the country of origin. Also banking institutions have developed effective and efficient means for companies to receive payment for their foreign sales. The banks can assist in the payment of any currency through various international transactions upon the receipt of goods /services. (Katsioloudes and Hadjidakis, 2007) 3.0 Distinctive elements of international business The four distinctive elements of international business are: Globalization International Business Environment Unique Culture International Business Management 3.1 Globalization People around the globe are more connected than ever before. Goods and services produced in one part of the world is increasingly available in other parts of the world. This phenomenon is termed as globalization. Globalization refers to the shift toward a more integrated and interdependent world economy. Globalization has two components which are globalization of production and globalization of markets. (Aswathappa, 2009) Globalization of markets refers to the merging of separate and distinct market place into a single market. (Subba Rao, 2009). The global acceptance of consumer products such as Sony Walkman, Coca-Cola, Levis Jeans, Citicorp Credit Cards, MCDonald Hamburgers are all considered as prototypical examples of this trend. By offering a standardized product worldwide they are helping to create a global market. ( Katsioloudes and Hadjidakis, 2007) Globalization of production refers to the tendency among firms to source goods and services from locations around the world to take global advantage of national differences in the cost and quality of factors of production. (Labor, land, energy and capital) Companies hope to lower overall cost structure by doing so. For example, Boeing companys jet airliner 777 has 132,500 component parts which are produced around the world by 545 suppliers. (Katsioloudes and Hadjidakis, 2007) 3.2 International Business Environment The international business environment is highly characterized and influenced by International Politics International Culture International Trade International financial markets and Institutions 3.2.1 International Politics International politics is a primary concern for Multi National Enterprises. (MNEs) The past two decades have witnessed dramatic change in their political systems. Most of the countries in the Eastern Europe, in the Americas are building market economies in varying degrees. MNEs feel more confident in starting up their operations in market driven economy as they are endowed with more freedom to fix prices and more liberty in carrying out their business operations. Until MNEs feel that the government is willing to take the steps necessary to ensure that promises are kept and they are able to repatriate their funds, they are going to proceed very cautiously with their investment plans. (Rugman and Collinson, 2006) 3.2.2 International Culture Despite the various patterns and processes of globalization, Cultural awareness is a very important aspect for MNEs when it operates in international arena. As an example, the culture, beliefs and etiquettes which are followed in the India is entirely different from that of the western world and the companies and persons who are involved in businesses in India should comprehend the Indian culture to its full extent. When going to a business meeting in India, bring family photos. Indians enjoy talking about each others families, which is seen as building trust and rapport before doing business. (Czinkota,Ronkainen and Moffet, 2009) Real Business Case Saudi Arabia: Many organizations from foreign countries entered into the Saudi Arabian market following the crisis it faced in 1970s. But not all were successful as they failed to understand the Saudi Arabian culture. A major U.S security company won a large contract to install security system for a client in Saudi Arabia. The troubles started when the shipments from the U.S. which landed in Saudi Arabia were not released by the custom officials. The reason behind the detainment of the shipments was that the security devices were wrapped in newspapers which contained fashion photographs of scantly claded women. This offended the cultural sensitivities of the officials of a nation in which majority of the women wear a long garment called Abayah. (Misra and Yadav, 2009) 3.2.3 International Trade International trade is a broad term, which includes all commercial transactions that take place between nations. Multinational companies are major players in international trade and account for the major proportion of International trade. Some classic examples for international trade are, Ford which makes gear box in its factory in Bordeaux and exports it to assembly plants in different EU countries. Spain depends upon Nigeria, Algeria and Libya for 99% of its natural gas requirements. (Misra and Yadav, 2009) 3.2.4 International Financial Markets and Institutions Irrespective of whether a company or bank engages in international trade, it is important that its managers understand some key aspects of international financial markets. The euro currency market, international monetary system, the foreign exchange market all influence the functioning of markets for goods and services. The euro currency market may offer a low cost borrowing opportunity; the international monetary system may set a framework that may affect many firms and the foreign exchange market determines the cost and availability of foreign currencies used in business by many firms. (Misra and Yadav, 2009) 3.3 Unique Culture International business and its by product globalization will ensure and enforce a unique culture around the globe. For example, Pizza which has had its origin in Italy is now widely accepted and consumed all around the world thus integrating the culture and bringing about a unique food culture. Similarly Indian costumes are in high demand these days in the U.S and Europe. So international business is bringing forth a common culture which brushes out all national and cultural barriers. (Ashwathappa, 2009) 3.4 International Business Management International business management is all about developing business operations on an international scale. (Coade,1997). The key features of international business management are: The elements of market analysis which are required to start business operations overseas. Guidance on how to influence the international strategy on business Construct a dynamic market entry strategy Easy ways to search for a competitive advantage 4.0 Why do companies go international? The desire to expand sales and revenue to acquire inputs at least cost and to minimize business and financial risk through geographic diversification has led to the growth of MNCs. The factors that led the companies accelerate their business activities worldwide are: Minimize competitive risk Expand sales Acquire resources Cost 4.1 Minimize Competitive Risk Companies seek to have global presence for defensive reasons. The intense competition between companies in the domestic market incites companies to have global operations. Real Business Case Tata Motors: Since early 1990s India have been witnessing strong waves of liberalization, privatization, and globalization. The automobile giant in India, Tata motors realized that if it wants to grow then it cannot afford to have business solely to the fortunes of one country as automotive business is highly competitive and the competitiveness depends on the quality, economies of scale and efficiency can be improved if the organization enters foreign market. The senior management of Tata Motors where left with the question whether they should remain as an exporter of vehicles which they were doing since 1961 or to enter into the international market which can compete with the best in the business. The answer they have zeroed in was to widen its business operations than just exports (Misra and Yadav, 2009). 4.2 Acquire Resources Another important motive of companies to set for international business is to acquire resources such as raw materials, capital, products, technology, products or services. The reasons for it would be: Non-Availability of resources in the home country. High prices of resources in the home country. To seek resources of better quality/standard. Real Business Case Philips: Cheap labor in China brought Philips to China. In 2002 Philips had 23 factories in china which were either wholly owned or joint ventures. Two third of the companys export products were from these plants. According to Gerard Kleiterlee, the president and CEO of Philips Electronics, China is the second largest market for Philips Surpassing Germany in the last quarter of 2009. We are one of the largest multinationals in the country operating in 600 Chinese cities and employ 15000 people. (Philips.com, 2009) 4.3 Minimize Risk Organizations always want to minimize the risk by minimizing the swings in sales and profit. Companies try to mitigate the vulnerability to a single economy by having a broader base in multiple geographies. Real Business Case Nestle: In 2001, Nestle witnessed slower growth in Western Europe and in the U.S. but this was offset by higher growth in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia. According to Peter Brabeck , Vice chairman and CEO of Nestle, Nestle has delivered a good performance by any measure in the first half of 2002 demonstrating its capacity for growth and performance improvement even in a difficult global environment (Nestle, 2002). 4.4 Cost Cost aspect is a significant motivation for organizations to have inclination towards global business. Many organizations go in for international business to become more competitive internationally by reducing their costs. Real Business Case Toshiba: The manufacturing of Toshiba laptop is dispersed geographically where the mix of factor costs and skills are most favorable. The manufacturing of laptop components such as memory chips and display screens take place in Japan, microprocessors and hard drives made in the U.S. and finally assembly takes place in Singapore from where it is shipped to the U.S, Western Europe and Japan. (Toshiba.com, 2009) 5.0 Global Trends shaping International Business 5.1 Emerging markets increase their global power Emerging markets are viewed as the worlds economic growth engine. The emerging markets where once seen as home for natural resources, cheap labor and low manufacturing cost. But now these emerging markets are seen as promising markets as they are having rapid population growth, sustained economic development and growing middle class. It is expected that BRIC nations (Brazil,Russia,India and China) would account for 50% of global GDP growth by 2020. (Ernst and Young, 2012) 5.2 Cleantech become a competitive advantage Most of the governments and organizations around the world are very well aware about the carbon emissions and its repercussions. The cleantech enabled transformation to a low carbon, resource efficient economy will be the source for next industrial revolution. China, India, Brazil and Germany are gaining advantage in solar, wind, biofuels for its energy requirements. (Ernst and Young, 2012) 5.3 Global Banking sees recovery through transformation The financial institutions all around the world are forced to have regulatory changes following the global economic slowdown. (Ernst and Young, 2012) The final shape of global regulatory framework is still not clear but the international banking will change tremendously in following fundamental ways: Heightened corporate governance More restrictions on priority trading, investments in hedge funds and private equity funds. Executive pay will be limited. More focus on consumer protection. 5.4 Demographic shifts will transform global workforce Even though the global population is on a rise, the availability of skilled workforce is shrinking. The data suggests that the demographic divide will arise between countries with younger skilled population and aging shrinking workforce. The war for talent will be intense in areas which require higher skill levels and education. (Ernst and Young, 2012) 5.5 Rapid technology innovation creates a smart, mobile world Last twenty five years have been marked by digital revolution and it has changed the way we work and communicate. Yet the consumers want more powerful devices and applications, meanwhile businesses are looking for cost-effective technology. Still there is room for greater innovation in the areas of business intelligence, smart devices and cloud computing which would revolutionize the whole process by which international business is being carried out. (Ernst and Young, 2012) 6.0 Conclusion From daily bread to fuel, cosmetics to cars, entertainment to essentials, it is hard to see a product without having the label of a foreign brand. In fact international business has transformed our lifestyle, culture and tastes. It has to be noted that the positives of international business is overarching than the negatives. International business has served as a bridge for the developing nations to attain the status of developed nation, for underdeveloped nations, it is a ray of hope and for the developed world it is a means to further extend their business operations and supremacy. The good, international business has done to the human kind can never be estimated and the history has proved that the international business activities were blossomed when peace existed between nations. Thus international business can be viewed as symbol of prevailing peace, prosperity and general well being of mankind.

Report on Classroom Observation Essay

Introduction Internship teaching is the culminating experience of the first degree program in education. It provides the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge on pedagogies in the actual classroom setting and gain the experience. The internees are exposed to an environment where they encounter learners for the first time and face them with multitude of ideas, approaches, techniques and processes. During the internship period I got ample opportunities to demonstrate the art of teaching in actual situation and participate in all activities at the school level. The duration of internship was one semester. I tried to perform the assigned responsibilities in Azimpur Girl’s School and College under the direct management and control of the heads of respective school and under the supervision of two subject-supervisors and a school co-coordinator, assigned by Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka. Aim Teaching is in the center regarding all educational issues. So as a student of Institute of Education and Research, we should have an experience in teaching at the field level. Before starting teaching face to face it helps a practice teacher to acquaint themselves with the process, method of teaching if they observe a class of a certain level before entering in a class as a teacher. I have observed 3 science classes of grade 8. I have analyzed those classes and gave a brief description of one of the classes below. Azimpur Girl’s School and College Class: 8Sec: B Time: 11. 45-12. 25 Date: 29. 08. 05 Period: 2nd About the lesson The class was on physical science on â€Å"Work, Power and Energy†. The lesson contains discussion about the following topics: 1) Work and the mathematical expression of work 2) Different types of work 3) Power Description I had to observe the physical science class of Md. Shamsul Alam sir. I was waiting in front of his classroom. When he came I asked him politely if he could give me the permission to observe his class. He told me to sit in the class. When the teacher entered the class all the students’ stood up and when he told them to sit, they took their sits. At first he declared the lesson. Then he started his lecture by relating the lesson with practical experiences. Then he showed the mathematical expression in the black board. He explained the different types of work and to do so he dropped the duster from his hand and so also took a book higher from the desk. Now he told that if any student is more curious to know more about this he could go through the text book of higher secondary level, but this is adequate to write down in the exam paper. Then he asked the class â€Å"what is power? † one of the students answered. He agreed with him. Then he discussed on the unit of power. After that, he discussed with the students on energy, its unit and different forms of energy. He sometimes asked some examples and the students’ participated. While continuing the class he also told students to co operator with me. He left the class before the due time to let me introduce myself in the class. I talked with the class about their class times, syllabus, hobbies etc. when the bell rang for the next class, I left the room. Main features of the lesson observed: A. Physical facilities: †¢ Location of the class: The class is in the middle of the 2nd floor in the main school building. †¢ Shape of the class: The shape of the class room is almost square. †¢ Doors and windows: All the windows are in the right side of the class and the only door is in the left side of the room. The door is not very much spacious. †¢ Students’ bench and table: Every 23 students sit in a bench. The bench and the writing table are joined together. There is a long wooden string in every two sides of bench. There are columns and every column has rows with only one bench. There are 4 columns and 5 rows of benches in the classroom. The benches are not that much congested. Students have space to easily move. †¢ Blackboard: The blackboard is put in the wall of the class. It is not portable but fixed. It is not in the middle of the front wall. So all of the students cannot see easily what is written in the board. †¢ Lighting and ventilation: The natural lighting is not quite adequate for the class. The cross ventilation is not available in the classroom. †¢ Provision of artificial lighting and ventilation: There are 4 electric fans and lights in the class. But this is not quite adequate for the room. As there is no generator in the school and power failure being a common problem, sometimes students face problems as they suffer from the hot summer and cannot concentrate to their lessons. There is another problem of the artificial lighting as it is reflected in the blackboard and the front right side of the class cannot see the right corner of the board. †¢ Teachers table and chair: The wooden chair and table are in the front side of the class. The table is spacious but its drawers are hardly movable. The chair is quite ok as we should use in not for a long time to sit there while teaching. †¢ Color of the class: The colors of the walls are white but fade. It should be brighter. †¢ Other furniture: There are no other furniture except the above mentioned desk and benches for the students and the chair and table. B. Evaluation of the teacher’s proficiency: †¢ Dress up: His dress up was suitable for the class. †¢ Teaching method: His teaching method is good. When he was working out the problems, he asked the students for its possible solution. It shows that he applied the participatory approach. Sometimes he feels the need for recalling. So he asked the students to write down the important notes. He relates his lessen with real life. He told the students about he group of problems which had an equivalent solution and then worked out one or two from that group of problems. †¢ Teaching materials: He used no other teaching material except the black board. †¢ Learning environment: He learning environment was come and quite which was obvious for science lesson. But the environment was not fear free because of his way of punishment. †¢ Use of teaching materials: Except the blackboard he did not use any other teaching material. †¢ Use of black board: He used the blackboard neatly. His writings were legible and could be seen from even the last bench. He also did not stand parallel to the board making the students facing his back, but stand making angle with the board. But he did not look at the students while writing on the chalk board and the students took the advantage for side talking. Before going out of the class he wiped the board. †¢ Students’ involvement and participation: Students’ involvement and participation is not very high. Moreover most of the participants the conventional good students. †¢ Classroom questioning: After finishing a problem, he encouraged classroom questioning. But to arouse interest he did not asked any question to the students. †¢ Punishment and reward: His quantity of rewards was less than the quantity of punishment. Moreover his way of punishment did not suit to the child psychology. †¢ Classroom control: His classroom controlling power is really strong. No student disturbed in the class while he gave his lesson. Only few students talked in the class while he was using the blackboard. He used a nice technique while calling the rolls. †¢ Teacher student relationship: Teacher student relationship is not friendly, but grim. He maintained a big distance with them. Students were afraid of him. The teacher was caring but not frank. †¢ Way of expressing: He explained the steps of the solution clearly to the students with agile expression. †¢ Expertise in his particular lesson: He had a good expertise on his subject. He can answer the students’ questions proving his sagacity and he had other knowledge related to his subject beyond the text book. †¢ Beginning of the lesson: He didn’t make any specific motivation for the lesson. But his starting was quite good. †¢ Class work observation: He observed the given class by walking and watching the activities of the students entering the passages between the columns. He also gave individual feed back to some students. He did not collect the class work copies from the students. †¢ Home work: He gave homework at the end of the class and at the beginning of the class collected the homework copies. He corrected every copy and gave back the copies that day. But he did not give any feedback according to homework. †¢ Wittiness: Hardly ever he created suitable funny situation in the class making the students laugh. But obviously it is related to the lesson. He used some different words in the class, like he said that if anyone feels any pain in his mind meaning that if they had understood the topic. †¢ Voice and tone: His voice is suitable for the class. It can be heard from the last bench. The changing tone of his voice creates some special situations or attention in the class which is something urgent. †¢ Confidence: His face, behavior, talking shows that he is confident, confident about his expertise and controlling power. It is proved from the situation when students ask him questions and he answered in a very smart way. †¢ Punctuality: He was punctual. He started the class at the right time and finished before 5 minutes for me to introduce myself to the class. †¢ Discipline: The students were disciplined through out his class time. †¢ Cleanliness: He maintains cleanliness in every step. C. Strengths of the teacher: †¢ Good controlling power over the class. †¢ Appropriate voice and flexible tone †¢ Tries to relate the lesson to everyday life. †¢ Maintains the rules of using black board. †¢ Asks the students about the possible way of solving problems to enhance student participation. †¢ Punctual. †¢ He can clarify the salvation of a problem clearly. D. Weakness of the teacher: †¢ Does not give attention to classroom participation and student involvement. †¢ Does not give much emphasis on girls. †¢ Cannot crate a friendly, fear free classroom situation. †¢ Emphasizes on negative reinforcement rather than positive reinforcement. †¢ Bad way of punishment and scolding. †¢ Does not use any other teaching material but the blackboard. †¢ Does not make a specific and effective motivation towards a specific lesson. †¢ He didn’t check the class work copies. E. Possible ways of improving the lesson: †¢ He could use a poster with the necessary algebraic formulas, in this lesson. That poster could hang on one corner of the black board thus the students could remind the formulas in a friendly and effective way. †¢ To be confirmed about the students’ class performance the class work copy of every student can be collected and corrected. And basing on it the teacher can keep a record by grading them about their class work copies. †¢ He could do something at the beginning of the lesson to motivate the students. †¢ If he could check the class work copies of all the students it would help the students to do his class works more sincerely. Conclusion This class observation helped me a lot to improve myself in teaching and learning. In this sense I will ever greatful to the administration of Azimpur School and College for giving me the unique opportunity. Tamanna Kalim Material Developer BRAC Education Programme Bangladesh.

Compare and Contrast Iliad vs. Odessey Essay

The Iliad begins with Chryses, a prophet of Apollo, coming to a Greek camp and offering valuable â€Å"penalty tokens† requesting the return of his daughter who the Greeks had captured in a raid. Because Agamemnon believed she was rightfully his, he refused. Most of his fellow Greeks wanted him to return her in order to avoid conflict. In order to preserve his time (honor, respect, value), Agamemnon brings danger to them all. Chryses prays to Apollo and a plague is released upon the Achaeans. Achilles, a basileus in the Greek army, suggests seeking insight from the prophet Calchas. Upon doing so all are informed that Agamemnon is responsible for the plague because he refused to return his geras (prize), the daughter of Chryses. In order to preserve his time and relieve the burden of the plague, Agamemnon decides to take someone else’s geras. He threatens to takes Achillesgeraand this make the destructive anger of Achilles â€Å"sing†. However, Athena intercedes and causes him to restrain himself. Agamemnon’s men seize hisgera, Briseis, and Achilles refuses to fight. Needing him for a successful battle, they offer him his gera and more, but he refuses. His rage is kindled against Agamemnon. Achilles rejects the system upon which heroic culture was built. Because he receives his time from Zeus, he doesn’t care what people think. Upon hearing about the death of his companion Patroclus, Achilles attacks the Trojan forces and kills Hector, Patroclus’s killer. He drags his body behind his chariot for days wishing he would have fought sooner and prevented the death of his friend. When Priam, Hectors father comes to meet with Achilles, they celebrate a mutual respect for the lives lost and for each other and they make peace. Hector is buried and the city still stands. The Odyssey opens with Zeus reflecting on mortal affairs. He spoke among the deathless ones about the folly that mortals suffer by their own hands. Aegisthus, cousin of Agamemnon committed adultery with Clytemnestra, Agamemnon’s wife, and then helped her to murder Agamemnon. He went on to explain how Orestes, son of Agamemnon, then killed Aegisthus and his mother to avenge his father’s death and how this all could have been avoided if he would have taken the warning that Hermes gave him before all this happened to heart and abstained from adultery. Yet, mortals blame the gods for all evil, â€Å"when really it’s through their own folly they suffer, even more than necessary.† Then Athena rises in the divine assembly and requests that the righteous Odysseus is released from imprisonment on the island of Calypso. Zeus then sends Hermes to set him free. The story focus’s on Odysseus who escapes from the island and sails upon the sea in a raft. But his enemy Poseidon, as the story attests, causes a storm that destroys the raft and makes Odysseus swim for three days until he lands on the island of Phaeacia, where King Alcinous rules. The virgin princess Nausicaa meets him on shore and takes him to the palace. After revealing his identity, Odysseus recounts his wanderings to the Phaeacians. After leaving Troy, he and his men, with twenty boats, came to the land of Thracians and lost many men in a raid. After departing, a storm takes them to the land of the Lotus Eater. If anyone eats the lotus, they will forget their purpose, to go home again. Then Odysseus comes to the land of the Cyclops where many of his men are eaten alive and he is imprisoned in a cave. Odysseus tricks the Cyclops and escapes. He then comes to the island of Circe, â€Å"hawk.† Then Odysseus gains the respect of the witch Circe with the help of Hermes and him and his men enjoy a year on the island. Then Circe tells him that he must consult the spirit of the prophet Tiresias to learn what awaits him. He sails away and speaks with spirits. The spirit of the murdered Agamemnon praises Odysseus’ wife Penelope for being faithful and warns Odysseus to beware of women when returning home. Traveling on, they pass by the island of the Sirens, whose seduce men with their song. Odysseus prevents his men from hearing their song and they make it past. Next, he passes by the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Five men are eaten, and the rest go to the island of Helios Hyperion, the sun. Circe warned him not to eat the cattle but they did anyway. When they sail away, Zeus destroys their boat to punish their impiety. Odysseus alone escapes. He finally comes to the island of Calypso, where the story began. In the text, â€Å"The Greeks, History, Culture and Society,† authors Morris and Powell compare and contrast the Iliad and the Odyssey as such, â€Å"The remarkable Odyssey†¦has a tripartite plot, but moves more in spirals than in a straight line. Whereas the Iliad describes a man at odds with his society, a man apart, the Odyssey describes a man who journeys far, suffers much then returns to his proper place in society†¦the Iliad is tragic, the Odyssey is comic [meaning the story ends in harmony and acceptance].† In the Iliad, people die in combat, often times honorable men against honorable men. Morals are a major theme expressed in the Iliad. Upholding a state of honesty, restraint, discipline, honor, and respect are important characteristics that are sought for. The Odyssey deals with Odysseus striving to return home and the morals of mortals are critiqued by Zeus. While Achilles challenges his commander Agamemnon and abhors devious behavior, Odysseus uses trickery to survive and overcome obstacles. The Iliad and the Odyssey compliment each other by telling two different stories that both give insight into the Trojan War, the Trojan Horse, the funeral of Achilles, and the return of Menelaus and Helen to Sparta. They both deal with the struggles and hardship of mortal life. The purity of women is praised in these stories. Nausicaa is an honored virgin princess and Penelope is known and respected as a virtuous woman who staves off lustful men seeking to sleep with her, while Clytemnestra dishonors her husband and dishonors herself by committing adultery. They both deal with the gods interceding in human affairs. Human behavior is portrayed in both stories along with the challenges of life. The mortals in both stories have to struggle against fear, anger, and other ego-based dimensions of human existence. Both stories give us insight into the minds of the inhabitants of the earth during this time period and their perception of reality. The reality of the â€Å"gods†, supernatural beings, was common knowledge for most people during this time. Today, the existence of the gods is dismissed by most, questioned by many, and known by few. Reality, as they perceived it, was similar in many ways as it is today, but it was also very different. Both stories help up us reflect and gain a deeper understanding of life in ancient Greece.

The Legacy Of The South - 854 Words

The South was in ruin. Politically, economically and socially, the post-Civil War South had to rebuild everything from its infrastructure to an economy no longer based on slave labor (â€Å"The New South† Lecture). Reconstruction found the southern United States in crisis and the rest of the country on the verge of exponential growth. Fortune seekers and families alike began moving West, followed by African Americans leaving the South in record numbers in the 1880s, heading toward the industrial cities of the northeast (â€Å"Industrialism† Lecture). A large influx of immigrant workers coupled with new management techniques and technologies, including assembly line production, created an America in transition, especially for women. Black, white, native-born or immigrant, American women found themselves moving West, helping rebuild their communities, or working in factories (Compilation of information from multiple lectures). These women in transition began entering int o the normally male-dominated public sphere—an unprecedented move creating a â€Å"new product† of women, according to Dorothy Richardson in her autobiography The Long Day, which discusses the transitory nature of the life of working women and how they struggled to survive (Richardson 279/†Reforming America† Lecture). From 1865 to 1917, the social and economic instability of the United States impacted women, causing them to employ coping mechanisms to counteract the uncertain times. Regardless of socioeconomic status,Show MoreRelatedThe Legacy Of South Korea1133 Words   |  5 Pagespeople grew through the years, into what has become known as the society of today. South Korea is no stranger to this and they continue to preserve its historic landmarks with pride. Although most of South Korea s history is clouded by conflict, the struggles the people have endured have only united them as one, and has helped shape the country into a great nation which the c itizens are proud of. The citizens of South Korea have seen their country beaten, conquered, divided, and still refused to letRead MoreThe Legacy Of The South Carolina1453 Words   |  6 PagesOver the last three decades several United States auto jobs have migrated to the South. Some of the things that have attracted these auto giants to these Southern States is the cost of living and operating advantages which far surpass those of their Northern counterparts, which also attract more white-collar workers. The Volvo plant is no different, their goal for building in South Carolina is an attempt to re-focus it US market share, which had long diminished. Although having these auto giantsRead MoreNigeria And South Africa The Legacy Of The British1817 Words   |  8 Pages Nigeria and South Africa-The Legacy of the British Nigeria and South Africa are two of the largest countries in Africa. These countries are very diverse with rich in cultures and and strong resources that would make any country great. However, these countries apparent strengths are what is dooming these nations. Nigeria’s rich and diverse culture is cause much tension between different regions in the nation as there is dispute over which culture has the right to the country’s resources. WhileRead MoreEssay on The Legacy of Apartheid in South Africa1635 Words   |  7 Pagesoccurred in South Africa, during the period of Apartheid. From 1948 to 1994 non-white Africans were subjected to horrific treatment, enforced by the South African National Party. The repulsive forms of racial segregation in South Africa, resulting from race and color, not only oppressed the colored majority group, but also denied them of any rights or human dignity. It can be easily stated that the apartheid movement bestowed cruel and unusual punishments upon the people of South Africa, in orderRead MoreThe Legacy Of A New Democratic South Africa948 Words   |  4 Pagesand for laying the foundations of a new democratic South Africa.† (Nobel Prize) Mandela begins building his credibility with facts and statistics, and employing emotional appeal and ultimately sustaining the readers’ interest. Mandela’s lived an eventful life and delivered a spectacular speech for his works of peace in South Africa. The NobelPrize.org records that Nelson Mandela, born in 1918 in South Africa â€Å"studied law and became one of South Africa’s first black lawyers.† (Mandela Facts) InRead MoreNelson Mandela s Legacy Of The Black People Of South Africa1567 Words   |  7 PagesNelson Mandela was a leader in every aspect for the black people of South Africa from the minute he was born to the minute he died. While Nelson Mandela was on trial for sabotage, [a crime that he did not actually commit] he said these words that defined his legacy until the day that he died, â€Å"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democraticRead MoreSports Infrastructure Legacy And Economic Legacy872 Words   |  4 PagesWoodhou se March, 2010), it is difficult to definite the Olympic legacy due to the multidisciplinary and dynamic. But in general, the Olympic legacy is something left and have a long term influence to the Olympic host city or the state or country after holding the event. Legacies could be tangible and intangible, positive and negative, direct and indirect, intended and unintended, or measurable and not. Moreover, the content of Olympic legacy normally divides into five categories: sporting, social, environmentalRead MoreNigeri The Western Coast Of Africa1151 Words   |  5 PagesNigeria including language, education, religion, economy, transportation, and etc. So this Legacy paper will discuss about the legacy of Nigeria on religion, economy, and demographic followed by British Colonization. Nigeria has two major religions, which are Islam and Christianity. Fifty percent of populations believe in Islam, forty percent of populations believe in Christianity. Christianity is one of the legacies that British had left. Gordon said that religion was one of the ways for Nigerians usedRead MoreHow the Apartheid Came to Be in South Africa1184 Words   |  5 Pagesapartheid was introduced to South Africa. Apartheid means apartness and is the political policy of racial segregation. Each racial group was segregated from other races within South Africa. These groups consisted of whites, blacks and coloreds (Asians and Indians). The minority white population had the rule over the whole country. Apartheid did not only detach whites from non-whites, but it also set apart the Blacks from the Coloreds. When apartheid ended in 1994 a legacy was left behind. CrimeRead MoreNelson Mandela Fight For Human Rights796 Words   |  4 Pagesall over the world suffer from it. That’s why it is important to fight for human rights. There are many people who stand up to fight to keep their human rights. Nelson Mandela fought for everyone to be free. Gandhi fought to end racial injustice in South America and to be independent from Britain. Erika Andiola fought for her brother and mother’s rights from being detained because her family were immigrants. These three individuals all fought for their human rights and freedom from discrimination.