How College Admissions Officers Read Recommendation Letters

How College Admissions Officers Read Recommendation Letters SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Sometimes the best way to learn about preparingyour college application is to know how the process works on the other side. When admissions officers sit down to review hundreds, if not thousands of applications, what are they looking to learn about you? More specifically, what do they want to find out from your letters of recommendation? This guide will explore how readersconsider your recommendation letter for college admissions, along with how you can use that knowledge to your advantage. First, what are the requirements for letters of recommendation? What Are the Recommendation Letter Requirements? Almost all four year colleges seek the opinions of your counselor and one or two teachers. They want to gain feedback from people who have supervised and worked closely with you in your school setting. If you’re applying to a specific program or field of study, it’s a good idea to ask a teacher in that subject. Schools that require two recommendations often prefer to hear a range of perspectives and wantyou to ask one humanities teacher and one math or science teacher. MIT, for instance, specifies that they want â€Å"one math/science, one humanities.† Admissions officers usually prefer letters from junior year teachers, since those teachershad you in class recently and for a whole year. Why are these factors important? Because teachers who know you well can add depth to your application by giving insight into your academic and personal strengths. Let’s break down more specifically what admissions officers look for in letters of recommendation. What Do Admissions Officers Look for in RecommendationLetters? Admissions officers want to get to know you better. They’re not looking for hyperbolic or insincere-sounding praise, but rather for a holistic view of your personality, goals, and the challenges and successes you’ve experienced up until this point. When you apply to college, you’re aiming to present yourself in the best light. From your personal essay to how you write about extracurriculars on your college application, you’re plugging yourself as a desirable candidate worthy of admission. Recommendation letters go beyond your self-advocacy and show that your teachers and counselor endorse your candidacy, too. They both provide support and further reveal who you are as a student and person. From your recommendation letters, admissions officerscan learn about your academic interests and motivations, your personal qualities, and your contribution to your school community. These features, added together, present a vision of your future role and accomplishments at college. Let’s break down each of these areas in greater detail and dig deeply to find out why admissions care about your academics, personal qualities, and role in your school community. Quality #1: Your Academic Performance and Interests First and foremost, colleges are institutions of learning and scholarship. They want to accept students who have the academic readiness and skills to succeed in the classroom, to take on innovative projects, and to contribute thought-provoking ideas to the intellectual discourse. Colleges create tremendous value in society by educating and providing opportunities for students, who go on to solve social problems, proliferate new ideas, or invent new technologies. Through challenging courses and discussions, students develop fresh perspectives and grow as thinkers and scholars. Admissions officers want students who will succeed academically at school, spawn new ideas, and elevate the intellectual climatebeyond campus. Your recommenders, especially your teacher(s), can shed light on your interests and attitude toward learning. Their letters go beyond your grades and test scores and talk about what you’re curious about, even whenit’s not assigned in the classroom. Beyond your interests and achievements, they might touch on your effort, collaboration, time management, organization, and accountability. Again, if you’re applying to a specific program, you should obtain a recommendation from a teacher in that field. If you're planning to be pre-med, for example, have yourBiology teacher corroborate your commitment to studying medicineand conducting experiments. Below is some advice directly from college deans and admissions offices about what they want to hear from your recommenders about your academic profile. What Do Admissions Officers Say? Admissions officers are relatively tight-lipped about how they make their admissions decisions. However, some offer tidbits of insight, and the websites of admissions offices also give some helpful suggestions about what officers want to see. Below is some advice from Harvard, Yale, and MIT. While these schools top the list of competitiveness and selectivity, their advice could be applied to your application to just about any school. Harvard dean William Fitzsimmons says, "Recommendations can help us to see well beyond test scores and grades and other credentials and can illuminate...intellectual curiosity, creativity, and love of learning.† In a similar vein, the Yale admissions office states, â€Å"Not only do [recommenders] discuss your performance in their particular class or classes, but they may also write about your motivation, intellectual curiosity, energy...and impact on the classroom environment. It is important that you solicit recommendations from teachers who have taught you in academic subjects, who know you well, and who have seen you at your best.† MIT wants to know, â€Å"Has the student demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks and go beyond the normal classroom experience?† Selective and rigorous schools especially, like the ones above, want to find students who have a love of learning and a natural curiosity for deep understanding and exploration. These qualities bode well for your experience at college, and they predict impressive accomplishments and contributions to society in your future life. Schools don’t just want to know about academics, though. For one thing, focusing only on your academic interests doesn’t tell the whole story of who you are and what you’re like. Plus, there’s an excess of academically qualified students for a limited number of spots. In building a diverse, multi-faceted student body, admissions officers want to gain a magnified look into your character and personality. Quality #2: Your Personal Qualities and Strengths Admissions officers want to learn about your personal qualities and strengths from your recommenders. These personal qualities could include integrity, caring for others, thoughtfulness, humor, and passion. Two traits they especially value are demonstrated leadership and strength ofcharacter. Why do admissions officers care about these aspects? For one thing, they’re looking for students who will take advantage of the opportunities they provide at college. They want students who will edit the college newspaper, do research in the labs, or lead volunteer trips to Honduras. They want students who will inspire and be inspired, who will stand up for causes and make an impact among their peers and faculty. In building a student body, admissions officers are constructing a community. They want that community to be made up of students who will thrive, get along with one another, and forge positive, growth-fostering connections. Just as colleges are seeking to nurture the next generation’s thinkers and creators, they’re also seeking to find and prop up leaders and people with strong character who will add to humanity’s forward progress. Let’s take a look at what admissions offices have to say about what they’re looking for in this domain. What Do Admissions Officers Say? Back to you, Dean Fitzsimmons: â€Å"Recommendations are extremely important...and can illuminate such personal qualities as character and leadership.† Note that demonstrated leadership is a compelling characteristic that impresses admissions officers, as mentioned above. Having sustained involvement in a club or sport and advancing into a position of leadership throughout high school will be looked upon favorably. At the same time, admissions officers don’t expect all students to lead a club. You may enjoy individual pursuits, like art, writing, and photography. If this sounds like you, admissions officers will appreciate seeing a sustained commitment as you work towards a sense of expertise and self-expression. MIT's admissions office goes into even greater detail about how your recommender can write about your personal qualities, giving guiding questions that she could answer: â€Å"A well-written letter for an outstanding applicant can highlight impressive characteristics beyond his/her own self-advocacy. We are looking for people who have and will make an impact... Does the applicant have any unusual competence, talent or leadership abilities? What motivates this person? What excites him/her? How does the applicant interact with teachers? With peers? Describe his/her personality and social skills. What will you remember most about this person? Has the applicant ever experienced disappointment or failure? If so, how did he/she react? Are there any unusual family or community circumstances of which we should be aware?† As MIT suggests, it’s appropriate for you or your recommender to share family background or personal challenges if theyshed light on your personal journey and development. Is this all sounding personal? It is. Admissions officers are looking to gain a fuller sense of who you are from your recs. As MIT says, a strong letter can highlight your character traits beyond your own self-advocacy. A third factor that admissions officers seek is the role you play in your school community. While this may overlap with your academic and personal qualities, it also speaks to the actions you’ve taken outside of the classroom. They don’t just want to know about your strengths, motivations, and values. They’re also looking to see how those internal qualities manifest themselves as external action. Quality #3: Your Contributions to Your School Community Admissions officers are seeking to build a diverse class of students who will make the campus a lively, interactive, dynamic community full of artistic, social, andsupportive outlets. Students who are involved in high school are likely to get involved in college. They will seize opportunities and seek to contribute. In a sense, understanding your role shifts focus from your internal interests and strengths to your external actions. What do you choose to invest your energy in, and how do you choose to spend your time (when you aren’t busy finishing assignments or prepping for the SAT)? Letters from teachers and counselors can also give context to your accomplishments by describingthe culture of your school. All of this circles back to the college’s mission to create value in society by educating and supporting the next generation of thinkers, professionals, creators, and leaders. By gaining a clearer picture of who you are now, they begin to have a sense of what paths you might explore in the future. Let’s take a look at the perspectives of admissions officers on this aspect of your identity. What Do Admissions Officers Say? Harvard's Dean Fitzsimmons says thatrecommendation letters should "offer evidence of an applicant's potential to make a significant difference to a college community and beyond." Yale specifically emphasizes your counselor as the person who can speak best to your role in your school community, as well as provide important context to your achievements: â€Å"The counselor recommendation gives us a sense of your place in your high school class and in the larger school community. Your counselor can help us assess the degree of difficulty of your program, tell us what a particular leadership position means at your school, provide information on your background, and, in general, provide the sort of textured comments about you that can help your application come to life.† If your recommender has gone to the college you're applying to or has specific knowledge of the school or program, then she could customize the letter and write specifically about how she sees you fitting in there. MIT emphasizes this idea: "If you have knowledge of MIT, what leads you to believe MIT is a good match for this person? How might he/she fit into the MIT community and grow from the MIT experience?" Even if your recommender doesn't have personal knowledge of the school, she can point to your high school contributions as predictive of the role you'll play at college. Finally, your recommenders should talk about any special skills or talents you have. I mentioned that your letters should focus in on your interests and passions. This is especially true if you're applying to an art or design school, like Juilliard, where admissions officers need to know that you're devoted and ready to take on the challenge of focused, determined study and practice. Quality #4: Your Special Skill, Talent, or Commitment While all letters should speak to your special academic skills or personal strengths, this category is important to touch on for schools that require a great amount of dedication to a specific art form or craft. Juilliard, for example, requires one artistic recommendation: â€Å"A letter from a teacher, conductor, coach, or artistic mentor. Juilliard continues to renew its efforts to identify and educate leaders in the profession, students who can be outstanding performers and also effective advocates, collaborators, teachers, and community partners. In addition to addressing the applicant’s talent and accomplishment, the letter should also discuss the following individual characteristics which indicate potential for success in the field: 1. Perseverance; 2. Dedication; 3. Collegiality; and 4. Leadership.† While many other colleges are looking for a diversity of interests and students who will create value in society in myriad ways, schools like Juilliard are looking for talented, dedicated performers who will carry on as leaders in their profession. Thus recommendation letters can play a vital role in the application by attesting to the student's drive and talent. Now that you have a sense of what admissions officers are looking for in letters of rec, how can you use this knowledge to inform your college planning? How Can You Get Strong Letters of Recommendation? As you read above, schools want meaningful insight into your identity that goes beyond the information on your application. So who in your life can give them that? Counselors and teachers who know you well and with whom you've shared your thoughts, values, and goals for the future. Getting to know your teachers is a process that spans the entire school year. On top of this, you can also open yourself up and share what would go into your ideal recommendation letter. Let's consider these steps individually. Get toKnow Your Teachers and Counselors If you're reading this article as a sophomore or junior, then you're in luck! You can go into the year with a proactive mindset, making sure to participatein class and be open about your interests and goals with your teachers. If you're someone who has trouble participating a lot in class, it's still a good idea to push yourself, but you can also try to share your work and thoughts with your teachers on an individual level. At the end of the year, it's going to be hard to get a strong rec letter if you've barely said two words to your teachers. Ultimately, you want to ask people who know you well, are enthusiastic about advocating for you, and can give an enlightened and revealing perspective. Your recommendations should add depth to your application and further personalize your candidacy. As University of Virginia says, "Get to know your school counselor and teachers. Your school counselor and teachers have years of experience working with students preparing for college. They are a great resource to use as you navigate the college search and application process. They'll also be writing letters of recommendation for you and you want to make sure they have some interesting things to tell your colleges." In addition to considering which teachers know you well, you should try to find out who has a reputation for writing good letters.Rec letters take time and thought to craft. If a teacher uses the same form letter for all her students, word will usually get around so you know to steer clear. Teachers known for writing good letters may get swamped with requests, so ask early before spots fill up. When college app deadlines loom near, hopefully you have teachers and a counselor that have gotten to know you well. Regardless of how well they know you, you should help them out by sharing what you would like to go into your recommendation letter. Share YourThoughts Even though teachers may keep their final letters confidential, it's definitely not cheating to talk to them about should go into your letter. In fact, it shows smart planning and organization. Just as you put time and effort into the other parts of your application, you cando a lot to shape your recommendation letters. You should meet with your counselor and teachers and talk to themabout your plans, meaningful experiences you've had, and academic and personal qualities that you'd like for admissions committees to know about you. If you're applying for a specific program, tell your recommenders. Communicate your thoughts, and in this way you'll both remind your recommenders of interesting anecdotes to include and help them write a detailed letter. Most schools have their students fill out a "brag sheet," answering questions like, "What's a significant challenge you've overcome, and what did you learn from it?" and "What three adjectives best describe you and why?" Take your time with this, and engage in deep self-reflection so you can produce meaningful responses. While you should give your recommenders at least a month ahead of your deadline to write your letter (or ask at the junior year), your work - of reflecting and writing out your brag sheet - shouldstart even earlier than that. Be proactive about getting to know your teachers, and communicate your thoughts on the important elements - academic profile, personal strengths, and community presence - that admissions officers want to see in your letters. Remember that admissions committees want to build a diverse and dynamic class that will take advantage of the opportunities provided at college and achieve great things in the future. As you plan and prepare your application and talk to your recommenders, think carefully about how your rec letters can present you as a desirable candidate to join that class of successful students. What’sNext? Are you deciding between teachers, or feel like you don't have anyone to ask for your letter of recommendation? Read more about who you should ask to provide this important part of your application and how and when to make your request. Sometimes the best way to learn about recommendation letters is by reading examples of them. Check out these bad letters and what makes them so subpar. Then head over these 4 examples of great recommendations that would impress admissions officers. Want to improve your SAT score by 240 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

10 Facts About the Geography of Baja California

10 Facts About the Geography of Baja California Baja California is a state in northern Mexico, the westernmost in the country. It encompasses an area of 27,636 square miles (71,576 sq km) and borders the Pacific Ocean on the west; Sonora, Arizona, and the Gulf of California on the east; Baja California Sur to the south; and California to the north. By area, Baja California is the 12th largest state in Mexico, which has 31 states and one federal district. Mexicali is the capital of Baja California, and more than 75 percent of the population lives in that city or in Ensenada or Tijuana. Other large cities in Baja California include San Felipe, Playas de Rosarito, and Tecate. Baja, California Facts The following is a list of 10 geographic facts to know about Baja California: It is believed that people first settled on the Baja Peninsula around 1,000 years ago and that the region was dominated by a few Native American groups. Europeans did not reach the area until 1539.Control of Baja California shifted between various groups in its early history, and it was not admitted into Mexico as a state until 1952. In 1930, the Baja California peninsula was divided into northern and southern territories. However, in 1952, the northern region (everything above the 28th parallel) became the 29th state of Mexico, while southern areas remained as a territory.The dominant ethnic groups in the state are white/European and Mestizo, or mixed Native American and European. Native Americans and East Asians also make up a large percentage of the states population.Baja California is divided into five municipalities. They are Ensenada, Mexicali, Tecate, Tijuana, and Playas de Rosarito.As a peninsula, Baja California is surrounded by water on three sides with borders on the Pacif ic Ocean and the Gulf of California. The state also has diverse topography but it is divided in the middle by the Sierra de Baja California, the Peninsular Ranges. The largest of these ranges are the Sierra de Juarez and the Sierra de San Pedro Martir. The highest point of these ranges and of Baja California is Picacho del Diablo at 10,157 feet (3,096 m). Between the mountains of the Peninsular Ranges are various valley regions that  are rich in agriculture. However, the mountains also play a role in Baja Californias climate, as the western portion of the state is mild due to its presence near the Pacific Ocean, while the eastern portion lies on the leeward side of the ranges and is arid through much of its area. The Sonoran Desert, which also runs into the United States, is in this area.Baja California is extremely biodiverse along its coasts. The Gulf of California and Baja Californias shores are home to one-third of Earths marine mammal species. California sea lions live on the states islands, while various types of whales, including the blue whale, breed in the regions waters.The main sources of water for Baja California are  the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers. The Colorado River naturally empties into the Gulf of California, but because of upstream uses, it rarely reaches the area. The rest of the states water comes from wells a nd dams, but clean drinking water is a big issue in the region. Baja California  has 32 universities with 19 serving as research centers in fields such as physics, oceanography, and aerospace.Baja California also has a strong economy and is 3.3 percent  of Mexicos gross domestic product. This is mainly through manufacturing in the form of maquiladoras. Tourism and service industries are also large fields in the state.

The differences between xbox 360 and playstation 3 Essay

The differences between xbox 360 and playstation 3 - Essay Example PS3 has the ability to output a higher resolution signal than Xbox 360 as gaming has become a norm and a much favored option on PS3 than on the Microsoft model. PS3 offers two HD outputs as it helps enormously in multitasking. As far as the memory is concerned, Xbox 360 has around 20GB which is close to 5000 songs on an iPod. While PS3 users need to buy a hard drive at the pay point. When it comes to music, both PS3 and Xbox 360 offer surround sound with Dolby 5.1. Sony PS3 has the feature of supporting seven different controllers, being quite different from Xbox 360’s range. The other differences between Xbox 360 and PS3 include the fact that PS3 has the capacity to support far more players in the room than Xbox 360 which could support only four at a time. Both the machines support Internet access and playing online is a worthwhile option. The graphics of Xbox 360 are better when one compares them to PS3 since the lighting seems more realistic in Xbox 360. Also brightness within Xbox 360 gives a sense of realism more than the PS3 machine. The power differences between the two machines seem to suggest that PS3 has more power on paper than in essence. The technical differences between Xbox 360 and PS3 come down to the graphics and resolution differences, where the advanced one takes the lead over the other. However these differences have meant time and again that users from territorial locations have seemed to enjoy one over the other ever since these machines came into the respective

Approaches to Cinema - German Expressionism Essay

Approaches to Cinema - German Expressionism - Essay Example The essay "Approaches to Cinema - German Expressionism" investigates German expressionism and films of this style. To begin with, it may be particularly important to engage Metropolis in the discussion. Thus, the beginning of the previous century was a time in history when the human society grew more and more different and stratified. Revolution in the Russian Empire showed that there is a big group of people, the working class, who is in perpetual conflict with the wealthy class that oppresses them. All this was heavily influenced by the view of Karl Marx. The movie Metropolis takes the division between the two classes to a new extreme: on the one hand it, shows people living in paradise who know little about what lays under their city– the true hell on earth. The directors were able to show that the two worlds are dramatically different in every aspect: space, light, action and many others. This might be interpreted as a fear of the ultimate stratification of classes. Anothe r popular concern in Germany in the beginning of the twentieth century focused on the possibility that machines might take up the place of man. Metropolis highlights this theme very distinctly: it is shown that a man can invent a machine and cover it with human form and no one will be able to tell the difference. In spite of the fact that the process of copying the appearance is not properly explained in the money and looks to fantastic, the outcome is more than realistic: people listen to the robotic Maria and choose her as a leader.

Plato and the Concept of Knowledge Essay Example for Free

Plato and the Concept of Knowledge Essay Plato’s Theaetetus is a dialogue that discusses and attempts to find a definition of knowledge. The two characters, Socrates and Theaetetus, approach the argument with the initial idea that knowledge is the addition of a true judgment and an account. However, Socrates raises some concerns regarding the fundamental aspects that make the definition true. Ultimately, the two characters find that their original definition of knowledge is not as accurate, nor as simple as they once believed. The article opens with Theaetetus recalling a definition of knowledge he once heard, which stated â€Å"true judgment with an account is knowledge [and is therefore knowable], and the kind without an account falls outside the sphere of knowledge [and is therefore unknowable]† (126). Socrates begins to question one’s ability to determine whether something is or is not knowable, and he demonstrates the concept using the relationship between elements and complexes. In doing so, he explains a recent dream of his, which, in turn, is actually an explanation of Dream Theory. Dream Theory states that â€Å"the primary elements, of which we and everything else are composed, have no account. Each of them itself, by itself, can only be named† (126). In other words, as elements cannot be broken down further, elements cannot have an account because that would require the determining of whether or not the said elements exist. The addition of that information onto the original element itself results in something that is no longer in its simplest form. Therefore, no elements can have accounts, nor can they be knowable; elements can only be perceived. Consequently, this poses the question as to whether or not complexes are knowable given that their elements are not. When complexes are viewed as the sum of all their elements, it is safe to conclude that the complexes are unknowable, as their elements are unknowable. This idea allowed Socrates to then consider whether complexes were mere sums or if they should instead be viewed as wholes that cannot be dissected into parts. However, the problem with this idea is that, when viewed as a whole that cannot be separated, the complex is then no different than an element, and therefore cannot have an account. After failing to determine what does and does not have an account, Socrates decides to turn his attention to determining what constitutes an account. First, he defines it as stating one’s judgment through speech. Immediately, this manifests flaws in the sense that any true statement could then be considered an account. If this were the case, there would be no differentiation between an account and a true judgment. Next, he defines an account as listing the elements of the things known. Again, this must be incorrect because the possibility exists that one could simply memorize the elements without actually understanding them. Without understanding, one cannot have knowledge. Finally, he defines an account as differentiating the known thing from everything else. This would require knowledge of the differences, and ultimately would again be a reiteration of the true judgment. Additionally, one would be defining knowledge as true judgment plus knowledge, which would be considered a fallacy. This marks the final turning point in Socrates’s and Theaetetus’s overall definition of knowledge, where the two characters decide that their initial definition could not be considered correct. Through their attempts to dissect the supposed explanation of knowledge, Socrates and Theaetetus finally reach the conclusion that knowledge is â€Å"neither perception, nor true judgment, nor an account added to true judgment† (133).

Magnificent Minds Of The Renaissance in Europe Essay -- essays researc

The high renaissance of the 1500's was a time of scientific, philosophic, and artistic awe and inspiration. Many new discoveries were being made in the field of science, and philosophers expressed their assumptions on the world and universe around them. In addition, many individuals were gifted with artistic dexterity and skill. The amazing achievements of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci are considered significant to the Renaissance period. In this paper, the endeavors and achievements of these three Renaissance men will be examined and expressed. Born in 1475 in Italy, Michelangelo was raised in an era of artistic wonder. Not only an artist, but Michelangelo was also a poet, sculptor, and architect. Being gifted in these fields, Michelangelo wrote beautiful poetry and created magnificent sculptures, art, and architectural designs. By the time Michelangelo was sixteen, he produced two sculptures entitled Battle of the Centaurs and The Madonna of the Stairs, and in 1501, Michelangelo began working on his masterpiece "David." The marble statue of David astonished sculptors everywhere, and easily became Michelangelo's most famous sculpture. Michelangelo's painting talent was not so much applied in his canvas paintings, but rather in his gigantic frescoes. Some of his fresco works include The Last Judgment which is a large fresco behind the altar of the Sistine Chapel, and The Creation of Adam which decorates practically the entire ceiling of the Sistine C...

Jesse Owens †A Legend Essay

The legendary Track and Field athlete, known to the world as Jesse Owens, was born James Cleveland Owens on September 12, 1913. It’s claimed that the nine-year-old’s accent made it difficult for his schoolteacher in Ohio to understand Owens when he gave his name as â€Å"JC. † Instead the teacher wrote his name down as â€Å"Jesse† (Gentry, 1990, p. 34). Jesse’s first brush with running was to be in the hills of Alabama, his home state. At the time though, Jesse was a sickly child given to frequent attacks of Pneumonia and other medical issues including the appearance of boils. His training for the track and field events only began when he entered Fairmont Junior High School where he was noticed by Charles Riley, an Irishman who was quick to take into account Jesse’s â€Å"potential† despite his lack of a strong physique. Riley, took the time to coach Jesse before school began each day so that Jesse would be free after school to do the part time jobs he’d taken up to contribute towards his family’s financial betterment. There’s nothing to show that Jesse’s typical workouts weren’t anything but pretty basic in terms of the equipment available and the routines followed in those early years. Practicing the various techniques of starting and running as well as long jump is what Jesse engaged in. Making the most of this humble start, Jesse soon began to draw attention to his abilities, having by this time, enrolled in East Technical High School. Owens then went on to join the Ohio State University where he continued to break records and draw attention though still failing to get a scholarship on account of his race. Owens greatest contribution to American history came in Berlin where the 1936 Summer Olympics were held. Jesse Owens went on to win four gold medals for his country – 100m sprint, 200m sprint, 4 x100m relay and long jump – in the face of strong prejudices exhibited by Adolf Hitler who was intent on showing off the superiority of the Aryan race to the world. Americans greeted him with great enthusiasm on his return, and cheered his accomplishments heartily (Corrigan, 1990, p. 18). Track and Field events gained popularity in the United States. However, Jesse himself was not to benefit from all these events.

Social Inequality and Race

Running head: SOCIAL INEQUALITY & RACE Social Inequality and Race Markus Nehlsen ETH/125 Megan Burke April 21, 2012 Identified Group To choose an ethnic or racial group which I belong to can be easy for those who see my physical appearance but it can be difficult for me to decide. The racial group I have always claimed and identified with is White non-Hispanic or Caucasian. To determine my particular ethnic group is unclear because I was adopted; however, I was raised by a German mother and Caucasian father, so I can categorize myself in with German-American ethnic group.As I take look at the choices I can best associate with, I believe the best selection for me is White non-Hispanic or Caucasian racial group. Interactions It is difficult to pinpoint how races interact with each other. Historically in the past and present discrimination and prejudices have occurred against minority groups, like African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. According to Eitzen (2000), the cri tical feature of the minority group's status is its inferior social position, in which its interests are not effectively represented in the political, economic, and social institutions of the society.In this viewpoint Whiteness is the normal or a natural condition. Eitzen (2000) further explains that this is a false picture of race. In reality, the racial order shapes the lives of all people, even Whites who are advantaged by the system. Just as social classes exist in relation to each other, races are defined, compared, and judged in relation to other races. Social Inequalities There are some people that will argue that social inequalities do exist because of race. Eitzen (2000) stated that the United States now faces serious new racial problems.These problems include the increasing isolation of minorities in central cities, growing minority unemployment, and other forms of economic dislocation. The American Prospect (2007) stated that poor African Americans were depicted as especi ally dysfunctional and undeserving of assistance, with an emphasis on violence, poor choices, and dependency. It further explains that the black underclass appears as a menace and a source of social disorganization in news accounts of black urban crime, gang violence, drug use, teenage pregnancy, riots, homelessness, and general aimlessness.For instance, minorities are over-represented in prison cells compared to white people. Not necessarily in numbers, but proportionally. This is argued, that it's because the White race is more protected, they can afford better lawyers, receive preferential treatment by judges, and that that the minority groups are often targeted in drug busts and gang membership arrests more often than Whites. Schaefer (2012) points out that inner-city drive-by shootings have come to be seen as a race-specific problem worthy of local officials cleaning up troubled neighborhoods.Yet, schoolyard shootouts are viewed as a societal concern and placed on the national agenda Racial Prejudice Causes According to Schaefer (2012), racial prejudice is often used to justify keeping a group in a subordinate economic position. Conflict theorists, in particular, stress the role of racial and ethnic hostility as a way for the dominant group to keep its position of status and power intact. Competition is a huge factor in the causes of racial prejudices.Let’s say that one Black nurse and one White nurse are competing for a supervisor position, this competition could lead to racial hostility if one perceives the other being hired before them because of race. It could be that more education gives a broader outlook and makes a person less likely to endorse myths that sustain racial prejudice. If people are in competition, as already noted, contact may heighten tension.However, bringing people together to share a common task has been shown to reduce ill feelings when these people belong to different racial, ethnic, or religious groups. The key factor in reducing hostility, in addition to equal-status contact, is the presence of a common goal. (Schaefer, 2012) Conclusion According to Marti (n. d. ) the majority of White Americans will overlook the distinctive experiences of other racial and ethnic groups because they tend to believe discrimination is no longer an issue.They feel that America is a firmly established meritocracy because prominent African Americans are successful in sports and entertainment and because the outright denial of access to jobs, housing, and public accommodations is now illegal. Race is a social construction, and this process benefits the oppressor, who defines who is privileged and who is not. The acceptance of race in society as a genuine category allows the racial pecking order to emerge to the advantage of the dominant races. (Schaefer, 2012)References The American Prospect. (2007) Inequality, Race, and Remedy. Retrieved from http://prospect. org/article/inequality-race-and-remedy Eitzen, D. Stanley (20 00) Social Problems (8th Ed. ). : Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved from http://dmc122011. delmar. edu/socsci/rlong/problems/chap-08. htm Gerald Marti. (n. d. ) Racial and Ethnic Dynamics among Contemporary Young Adults. Retrieved from http://www. changingsea. net/essays/Marti. pdf Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Racial and Ethnic Groups (13th ed. ). : Prentice-Hall.

Shylock is an ambivalent portrait Essays

Shylock is an ambivalent portrait Essays Shylock is an ambivalent portrait Essay Shylock is an ambivalent portrait Essay Essay Topic: Play Throughout The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is a character with a strong impact on the audience. The response of the audience changes throughout the play, varying from pity to dislike. His Jewish background and persecution provide a case for the audience liking the character and giving him pity, whereas his obsessions with money and his desire to kill Antonio gives the audience a bad impression. The influence he has on the audience has varied over the years, from the Elizabethan times when he first appeared, who saw persecution of Jews everyday, to the modern audience who will dislike characters who are prejudiced. Shylock first appears in Act 1 Scene 1. For the audience, first impressions are vital. His first line when Bassanio offers him the bond is Three Thousand ducats well (Act 1 Scene 3 Line 1). To any audience this gives the impression that he is very concerned about money, especially when he repeats three thousand ducats throughout the scene. Throughout the scene, there is a repetition of the word three, e. g. three thousand ducats, three months, three thousand ducats for three months etc. This repletion not only emphasises Shylocks obsession with money (as he is still pondering over the bond) but also shows how numerically Shylock thinks. The obsession with money is a key part of his character and the first thing that the audience noticed. Shakespeare himself was interested in money and usances himself, he invested much of his money into his theatre, and his knowledge of that subject is reflected in Shylocks character We also learn from this scene the intelligence of Shylock. As soon as Bassanio propositions him, he considers the offer in his mind, and realises how he can get revenge on Antonio, e. . Antonio shall become bound well (line 5). Later on in the scene, Shylock shows his intelligence once again, when he tries to be friendly to Antonio to try and make him sign the bond, e. g. I would be friends with you, and have your love (Line 133). Shylock is a shrewd businessman. He is careful not to lend money out to people who he doesnt know, or people that he knows w ill not pay him back, e. g. My meaning in saying that he is a good man, is to have you understand that he is sufficient (Lines 13-14). He disguises his sinister bond as a joke in hoping to persuade Antonio to seal the bond, when he does he knows that he can kill Antonio if he does not repay him. Shylock stalls with Bassanio not giving him a definite answer until Antonio arrives, this is because he wants to see Antonio and talk to him about his sinister bond. His stalling also gives him time to think his plan through. Shylock, being an orthodox Jew has considerable knowledge of the Bible. In this scene he uses his knowledge to benefit himself. He tells Antonio the story of Uncle Labans sheep and Jacob to justify why he should collect Interest. His interpretation of the story is completely different from the Antonios. Antonio believes that he twists the story to benefit himself. Antonio detests Shylock, he considers him a dog, and he does not agree with Shylock charging interest, i. e. An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek, a goodly apple rotten at the heart. Also In the Rialto you have rated me about my moneys and my usances. Still I have borne it with a patient shrug (Shylock). Much of an Elizabethan audience would have agreed with Antonio on this, as the majority of them would have been Christians. I hate him for he is a Christian illustrates the point that Shylock does not like any Christians. He hates Antonio especially, owing to the persecution he has received from him, e. g. You call me misbeliever, cut throat dog, and spit upon my Jewish gaberdine. Fair sir, you spit on me Wednesday last, you spurned me such a day, another time you called me a dog, and for these courtesies Ill lend you thus much moneys? Shylock has obviously been persecuted due to his Jewish heritage, and this would make the modern audience feel sorry for him. Due to the amount of persecution he has received, Shylock often attracts our sympathies so much that the reader often thinks of how he suffers outside of the play. This shows how deep his suffering must be. Most of the Elizabethan audience would be accustomed to seeing this sort of persecution, but still may not feel that it is right. As a result of his persecution, Shylock hates all Christians, although he obviously has knowledge of the Christian bible, as the Old Testament is part of the Jewish scriptures, e. g. to smell pork, to eat of the habitation which your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into. Shylock also considers Antonio a fawning publican; he compares him to a Jewish tax collector. Antonio also lends out money, but does not charge interest, which annoys Shylock, e. g. If you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in which part of the body pleaseth me. This shows that Shylock seeks revenge, and in some ways gives the audience the impression that he is evil. In fact he is partially breaking the Ten Commandments, (Thou Shalt not Kill, which he would do if Antonio forfeits his bond. ) Antonio is one of the main persecutors of Shylock, but it may not be because of his Jewish heritage that Antonio persecutes him. In the opening scene, Antonio tells us that he is sad and does not know why. When his friend Bassanio asks him to get the bond from Shylock, he has no hesitance about risking his life for it. This, and his general actions to Bassanio might suggest that he is actually in love with Bassanio, but he cannot do anything about it, especially with Portia around. This would explain the intensity of their relationship, and why Antonio is depressed. As a result, Antonio takes it out on Shylock, someone he knows he can get away with persecuting. The Elizabethan audience would consider Shylock a typical Jew. Jews were expelled from the country in 1290, and when many returned in the fifteen hundreds, they only had a limited number of jobs that they could do. Many decided to lend money for interest, as they were allowed to, and Christians were not. As this was all they could do, many had to be very money-tight; to make sure they never lost any money. Jews were always persecuted; many of the Christians hated them for it was them who killed Jesus Christ. Therefore, so far Shylock would appear to be a typical Jewish moneylender, whom many of them would not particularly like due to his money lending and their hate of Christians. As The Merchant of Venice was written in 1596-1597, much of the first audiences would have been aware of the recent execution of another Jew, Rodrigo Lopez in 1594. For many years he was well respected as the Queens physician until the Earl of Essex ruined him. He was hanged for treason. Lopez may have had a strong influence on Shakespeares writing about Jews, e. g. how a prominent man can be ruined because of his Jewish heritage. In Act 2 Scene 1, Jessica, Shylocks daughter says our house is hell, showing the audience that she perhaps considers him a bad father and a bad man. His servant, Launcelot Gobbo also considers him a devil. The people that Shylock sees most often have said negative things about him, so the audience will judge that he is not that a nice person. In Act 2 Scene 5, Shylock is on his way to a supper with the Christians. He is only going to annoy them; this shows the audience that he is not considerate. Shylock says I did dream of money bags tonight which shows how much he cares about his money. He also ensures that his house and daughter are safe from those Christian Fools, before he leaves e. g. Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum and the vile squealing of the wry-necked fife, clamber not you up to the casements then, not thrust your head into the street to gaze on Christian fools. He is very concerned about his money, but even more he is worried about his daughter seeing Christians, as he considers the Jews a tribe, and they need to marry within the tribe to keep it going, so he feels that she should marry a Jew, not a Christian. At the end of Act 2 Scene 6, Jessica not only leaves her father, but also takes many of his ducats with her and Lorenzo. Any audience would now give pity to Shylock as he has lost a daughter and a considerable sum of money. Jessicas last line before leaving is Farewell, and if my fortune be not crossed, I have a father, you a daughter lost. The audience would not only give pity, but also perhaps see Shylock as a poor father, more concerned about the welfare of the Jewish culture than the happiness of his daughter. In Scene 8, Salerio and Solanio discuss Shylock. We yet again see the Christian persecution of Shylock, i. e. Villain Jew, which would influence the audience. Solanio also overheard Shylock earlier on, after he discovered the desertification of his daughter, e. g. My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter! Fled with a Christian! O my Christian Ducats! From this it appears that Shylock is just as upset about his daughters betrayal as he is of the loss of his money, which again emphasises his obsession with money, and makes the audience think that he is not that caring of his daughter. He is so angry with her, he says she is dammed for it, but he still persists that she is completely different from the Christians there is more difference between thy flesh and hers than Jet and ivory. He still considers her a Jew who should not see Christians. The audience might see that he has a right to seek revenge after what Jessica did to her. In Act 3 Scene 1, we see Shylock giving reasons for why he should collect the forfeit if it is required, e. g. If it feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge. He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million. To the audience it would appear that Shylock is just bloodthirsty and cruel. An audience from an Elizabethan era would no doubt think that Jews were cruel anyway, as this was the prejudice that was around at the time. There were untrue stories of Jews being cruel, and of course stories from the bible such as King Herod (a Jew) killing all the babies in Bethlehem under two years. Certainly Jews have been played as cruel villains in other plays, such as Barabas, in The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe, who was based upon Joseph, Duke of Naxos (who was not a Jew). So many of the audience would already assume that Shylock was cruel and bloodthirsty. The Jews are described as the cursed race in this story. Shakespeare was without a doubt influenced by Marlowes play; Barabas, the Jew has a daughter who turns Christian during the play, so it is obvious that Shylock and Jessica were adapted from this play. Shylocks speech about the forfeit in this scene begins with To bait Fish with, after Salerios question if he forfeit, thou wilt not take his flesh, whats that good for? Shylocks response to this question shows again that he is quick-witted and can retort to any comments he does not approve of. In Shylocks speech we hear again of his persecution, for example He hath disgraced me, and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies, and whats his reason? I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? An audience would feel sorry Shylock at this point and perhaps agree that it is fair for him to collect his forfeit. Shylock points out that If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian example? Why revenge. Shylock points out that if he were a Christian and Antonio were a Jew, no one would have a problem with him collecting his forfeit. He illustrates the division between the rights of the Christians and the rights of the Jews. After this influential speech, much of the audience might agree with Shylock about his view of equality among Christians and Jews. The majority of an Elizabethan audience would still probably consider him evil due to the prejudice of the time. Shylocks image of being bloodthirsty reappears later on in the scene when his friend Tubal informs him of Antonios loss, and Shylocks response is I thank God, I thank God. Is it true, is it true? I thank thee good Tubal, good news, good news! Ha, ha! These lines would suggest that Shylock is cruel as he is so desperate for a chance to take the forfeit of off Antonio. This scene is the first scene in which we see another Jew, and at the end of the scene there is a reference to the local Synagogue. This tells everyone that the Jewish community has been well established, so this might a reason for the audience to feel less sorry for Shylock. Also the Jews must also have quite a bit of money if they have built their own Synagogue. In Act Three, Scene Three, Antonio has been arrested for not repaying the bond and is making one last plea to Shylock. Shylock is obsessed with revenge on his Christian persecutor, and will not forgive him or even listen to what Antonio has to say. All he wants is his bond, e. g. (Antonio) I pray thee hear me speak. (Shylock) Ill have my bond. I will not hear thee speak. Ill have my bond, and therefore speak no more. This scene once again emphasises to the audience the amount of murderous hatred that Shylock has, and also how difficult it is to change the law. Act Four Scene 1 sees the Duke of Venices first appearance. A good friend of Antonios, he describes Shylock as an inhuman wretch. Once again, the audience will be influenced by the feelings of another character. The rest of the characters see Shylock as an evil devil as he enters the courtroom. Much of the audience would not approve of him wanting to kill Antonio. Shylock retaliates to the remarks that he should not collect his bond, with his quick wittedness in the forms of another speech, in which he compares Antonio to a pig. In Antonios speech, he is still being racist against Shylock, saying a Jewish Heart; he does not once call him a man, always a Jew. Bassanio offers him six thousand ducats for the bond, but Shylock refuses. From what we already know about how greedy Shylock is about money, this seems very strange, showing how desperate he is to kill Antonio. Shylock gets more and more aggravated waiting for his bond to become legal, again showing how deep his wounds are from Antonio. Shylock calls Portia Daniel, referring to the Old Testament, where Daniel was a wise Judge. This again illustrates this knowledge of the bible, and how he considers this justice. Shylock shows no mercy and no forgiveness, which are two basic elements of Christianity; many of Antonios Christian friends expected Shylock to forgive Antonio. Shylock makes several powerful speeches throughout the play, the only character other than Portia to do so. He wins battles of words against Antonio many times, e. g. Signior Antonio, many a time and oft in the Rialto you have rated me about my money and my usances. Still I have borne it with a patient shrug (Act One Scene Three). Also in Act Three Scene 1, To bait fish withal. If it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge. He hath disgraced me . These speeches show that Shylock is quick witted, able to retaliate with words and quite intelligent. The Merchant of Venice could be more described as a romantic comedy than a tragedy. Therefore you would perhaps not expect not to see an evil villain in it. The audience may not be expecting an evil character, so may not consider him a villain, but more of a victim. In many plays, especially ones which have Jews featured, there was an evil character (e. g. The Jew of Malta), so, the audience would be accustomed to this, so may picture Shylock as that evil character. Throughout the play, Shylock is compared to both Antonio and Portia. Whereas Antonio is seen simply as a typical example of mankind (who goes through different stages of emotions), and Portia as Wisdom, Shylock is seen for a lot of the time as the Devil. Throughout the play, there are numerous references to Shylock and the Devil, e. . The devil can cite scripture for his own purposes (Act One, Scene Three), The Jew is the very devil incarnation (Act Two Scene Two), lest the devil cross my prayer, for here he comes in the likeness of a Jew. (Act Three Scene One) Shylocks response to Portia turning the case against him in Act Four Scene One is My deeds upon my head. This recalls the time when the Jews called for the execution of Christ, so this line again shows that he is a Christian hater. All of these references indicate to the audience that Shylock is similar to the devil, so many of them will accept his persecution and consider him a villain. This would have been the case especially in the Elizabethan era when all Jews were considered cruel. Throughout the years, Shylock has changed, in the way the actor portrays him and in the way the audience sees him. Up until the eighteenth century, he would have been seen as a slightly comical character, whose purpose is to be mocked. He then changed into the villain of the play, in one portrayal he was so sinister, grotesque and so ferocious a villain that after King George II watched it, he is reported to have had a sleepless night. He then was more portrayed as an injured man, followed by an outrageous father. Today a modern audience sees him as a persecuted man, who seeks revenge on those who wrong him. We also see him as a typical Jew, wanting to preserve his culture. Some people even consider him an Old Testament Prophet. In conclusion, Shylock appears to the audience as a tragic villain, a man who is obsessed with money, revenge on people who wrong him. There is a lot of emphasis on comparing him to the devil, which much of the audience would agree with. His persecution by the Christians gives him some pity but his humbling end leaves the impression of a broken man.

Scope Ratio When Anchoring

Scope Ratio When Anchoring Scope is a ratio of the length of an  anchor rode from the bit to the anchor shackle and the depth of the water under the bow of the boat measured from deck height. The anchor, shackle, rode, and bit are a few components of Ground Tackle used in anchoring a  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Ã¢â‚¬â€¹vessel. Or, if you like formulas: SL/D where L is the length of the anchor rode and D is depth under the bow. What is the Correct Scope? The correct scope depends on several variables, but there is no need to compute this exactly. Getting close is good enough in this case. First, it might be best to explain why we want a certain ratio of scope and what will happen if the ratio is much too large or much too small. Too small is much worse than too large when it comes to scope. Different types of anchors bite into the bottom in different ways, but all have the same property of digging in when they have pulled along at a low angle in relation to the bottom structure. This dragging is what secures the anchor to the bottom. If the water is 60 feet (18 M) deep and the anchor rode is 120 feet (36 M) then the scope is 2:1 and far too small. You see, when the boat drifts and pulls the anchor with this ratio of scope it will not drag smoothly and bite in. The result is the anchor being pulled from the bottom with each small wave and bouncing along leaving the vessel far from the intended position. If the scope is too large, the anchor will bite or set into position but the vessel will most likely surge and drift as forces act on it. In this case, we will use the same water depth of 60 feet (18 M) but increase the length of the rode to 600 feet (180 M). This gives us a scope of 10:1 which is not inappropriate if winds or currents are very strong but is not the best ratio for general anchoring. The scope that is best for keeping the anchor set and keeping tension on the anchor rode is around 7:1. If we plug our numbers into the formula a water depth of 60 feet (18 M) will require a rode of 420 feet (126 M). A scope of 7:1 will not pull the anchor free but it will maintain tension for a safe and comfortable stay in the anchorage. Areas with Strong Tidal Runs If you do find yourself in an area with a strong tidal run, like you may find in some hurricane holes, it will be necessary to reset the anchor rode scope. Tides of less than three or four meters can come and go as long as the sailor takes this change into account when setting the anchor. In a big tidal run of ten or more meters, its best to lay out a fore and aft anchor and be generous with the scope. Adjustments should always be made to prevent slack and avoid collision with other vessels or obstacles. In areas of hard rock or coral, care should be taken with the first thirty feet of rode which should be abrasion resistant Kevlar jacketed line or chain. Chain provides the best protection but it can cause sharp jolts in rough conditions although, in light waves, the weight of the chain will buffer some of the movement. Jacketed anchor rode is generally better because it is lighter and easier to handle plus it offers some shock absorbing properties that could add years of life to the deck and tying fixtures of your boat.

Stereotypes in Gertrude Stein's Three Lives Essay

Stereotypes in Gertrude Stein's Three Lives - Essay Example Hejinian’s says that Stein’s â€Å"dependency on names (nouns) tends to obscure experience by replacing what we experience with a reestablished concept.† This concept has been seen through Stein’s repetition throughout the novel. It is through the repetition of these norms, prejudices, and racism that Stein brings forth the absurdity of what the lower class and women are expected to be. The columniation of all these women in death shows that they all lead a life of suffering and pain despite being good, and that maybe norms should be reconsidered. In Melanctha we see how Dr. Campbell continues to have the same conversation with Melanctha over and over and through his repetition we see a dependency on adjectives and how they are subjective. Dr. Campbell continually uses the term â€Å"excited† to show how he expects colored people to act. He doesn’t feel that colored people should be acting all excited. His expectation of how colored people an d the lower class should behave is seen when he says, â€Å"I certainly do like everything to be good and quiet, and I certainly do think that it is the best way for us colored people.† This stereotype can be generalized to how all the lower class and middle class should act. ... For example, Dr, Campbell originally thinks that Melanctha is not good but thinks that Rose is good even though she is an alcoholic. He relates being good with not being excited but Rose gets excited from drinking. Therefore, he doesn’t really understand these norms that he is trying to follow, and the repetition of this word â€Å"excited† that he is not really sure about coincides with the fact that the reader should question norms because they don’t make sense and people often contradict themselves just as Dr. Campbell does. Other than the use of repetition, another way that the novel challenges stereotypes is by representing them in a realist perspective. It’s not trying to paint an idealistic picture of how life is at the time. Rather it is painting a very real picture of everyday life for three women. This picture is of their mundane everyday life. A major stereotype during the times of this novel (and even now) is that women should be responsible fo r taking care of the home and stay in shape. In the story of The Good Anna we see this stereotype is represented and talked about in a very realist way. The stereotype is strengthened by the good Anna believing that this is how it must be done, â€Å"A girl was a girl and should act always like a girl, both as to give all respect and as to what she had to eat.† There is a repetition throughout this story of the â€Å"right way for a girl to do.† Here the author plays on our preconceived idea about what is right for a girl and makes us question this stereotype not by idealizing it or playing it down, but by showing it to us in the light of what is really is. One can see that Stein, in her novellas, reproduces the typical feminine roles which are assigned to them by the